Information for Carers

Anyone can become a carer at any age — children and young people, parents, daughters, sons, spouses, partners and friends. Many people don’t think of themselves as carers; they just look after someone close to them. Caring often just happens to you, as you find that someone close to you gradually needs more help. There are thousands of unpaid carers in Bristol.

You may be a carer whether or not you live in the same house as the person you care for. If you receive a Carers Allowance or a direct payment to enable you to buy a service or equipment to help you in your caring role you are still a carer. If the person you care for moves to live in a residential or nursing home you may still be a carer if you spend time managing their affairs and making sure that they are well cared for.

People employed to give care i.e. care assistants, care workers, nursing staff, etc. are not included in this definition of carers, nor are people who work for organisations on a voluntary basis.