Who is a Carer?

A family carer can be a relative, friend or neighbour.
A family carer can be of any age.
A family carer can come from any ethnic, religious or racial background.
1 in 7 people care for others.
43% are men.
One third of family carers are between 45 – 64 years of age.
12,000 children care for their parents.
Family carers are often overlooked and are certainly undervalued.

Family carers often take on great workloads, involving personal care, emotional support, company and practical support.

Many often care day and night seven days a week. The majority of family carers take on this role out of sense of love, commitment or duty.

How do people become family carers? – Through a person they care about:

Becoming ill
Being born with a disability or Getting old
Having an accident or having problems with their mental health
Having drug or alcohol addiction problems
This is usually Unexpected, Unpredictable, Stressful, Tiring, Time consuming, Expensive,

It may mean:
A change of role and relationships
Feelings of Isolation
A restricted lifestyle
The need to learn new skills
Losing sight of their own needs

Who are the Carers?

Husbands and Wives
Sons and Daughters
Neighbours
Mothers and Fathers
Friends
Professionals

Why do they Care?

Love
Duty
It’s their responsibility
Because they want to
Its there job

Medway Carers Centre

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