Carers

Research shows that for every 1000 patients, 120 will be carers.  It has also been estimated that 1 in 5 households in the UK may contain a carer.

To help sign-post the services available, we have been approched by carers in Bedfordshire, a rigistered charity to help family carers and past carers cope with the mental and physical stress arising from caring.  Their website offers help and assitances to carers finding their way around the complexites of acquiring help and financial support.

www.carersinbeds.co.uk

Definition of a Carer

Individuals irrespective of age, who provide or supervise a substantial amount of care on a regular basis of a child, relative, partner or neighbour who is unable to manage on their own due to illness, disability, frailty, mental distress or impairment.

The term "carer" would not normally apply if the person is:

• a paid carer
• a volunteer from a voluntary agency
• anyone providing personal assistance for payment
  either in cash or kind

A carer can be a child looking after an older person or parent, or an older person looking after a disabled partner. The definition may be quite wide-ranging.