Carers: a definition
The debate surrounding carers rumbles on with what seems like an ever-expanding army of people looking after those who are not capable of looking after themselves, facing both financial and life challenges. Some look after others on a part-time basis, others on an almost full-time basis. Age is not a barrier to being a carer. So, how do you define someone who is considered a carer?
Who is considered a carer?
NHS England defines a carer in the following way: “A carer is anyone, including children and adults, who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction and cannot cope without their support. The care they give is unpaid.” and that carers include “both adult and young carers.”
They also say: “Many carers don’t see themselves as carers and it takes them an average of two years to acknowledge their role as a carer.”
Of course, there is also the legal definition of a carer
What is the legal definition of a carer?
The UK government issued a series of factsheets in April 2016 relating to the Care Act 2014 which deals, in the main, with adult care. Factsheet 8 defines a carer as “someone who helps another person, usually a relative or friend, in their day-to-day life. This is not the same as someone who provides care professionally, or through a voluntary organisation.”
The important element of the definition is that the care is not delivered through employment or through being involved in a voluntary organisation. In other words, carers are unpaid for the care they provide.
It is also important to note that the Care Act 2014 provides for adults or children transitioning to adulthood. Care provisions in relation to children can be found in the Children and Families Act 2014
Are there any allowances carers can claim?
If you meet the definition of being a carer, you may be entitled to a benefit called Carer’s Allowance. This benefit currently amounts to £81.90 per week. Certain conditions apply before the benefit is paid. These conditions are:
- You look after someone for at least 35 hours a week.
- You don’t earn more than £151 per week (after deductions including tax, national insurance and certain expenses).
- The person you care for receives a disability benefit
- You’re aged 16 or over.
- You meet UK residence and presence conditions and UK immigration conditions
You can find out more information on the Carer’s Allowance Factsheet published by Care UK.
Are there any discounts available to carers?
When you are caring for someone, every penny needs to go further. That means if you have access to discounts, your money can stretch, allowing you to buy more for what you have available.
You can find out more about the wide range of discounts for carers through the Discounts for carers page on the Carers First website. Here you will find discounts that range from cash-back on shopping with high street retailers through to discounts on holiday and travel arrangements and much in between!
Where can I get more information and support?
NHS England has produced a most helpful page on its website containing a wide range of information and support for carers. Through this page, you will find information on:
- Help from social services and charities
- Care services, equipment and care homes
- Money, work and benefits
- Care after a hospital stay
- Support and benefits for carers
- Practical tips if you care for someone
- Caring for children and young people
- Making decisions for someone else
As you will appreciate from this list, carers are involved in every element of the lives of the people they care for. That is why it is important that carers themselves be supported whenever possible.