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You are a carer if you provide regular and substantial unpaid help to someone who is frail or disabled, or mentally or physically ill, and who cannot manage without your support. You may not live in the same house, and you do not have to be related to the person you look after.

The Carers Act (1995) gives carers rights in law and it is important that you are aware of these rights and how they can be used. It gives carers the right to request an assessment of their own abilities and needs when an assessment of the needs of the person they care for is being carried out.

The assessment applies to both adults and children who are carers. Your Social Worker or Occupational Therapist will take the results of this assessment into account when deciding what services you may be entitled to receive.

See the related information below for respite and carer support advice.