It is understandable to not think of yourself as a carer when you are looking after a parent or elderly relative. You might just think of yourself as ‘doing what needs to be done’ – they are family after all! But if your relative is dependent on you, and relies for you for their care, that makes you a carer.
Accepting the label is a common problem that most carers face. Over half of carers take over a year to recognise their caring role, and almost one in four take over five years.
As a society with an ageing population, we are becoming increasingly dependant on unpaid carers. This is why it is important to recognise and support them. But not thinking of yourself as a carer can have an impact on the support you receive. According to Carer’s UK research, it leads to 91% of carers saying they had previously missed out on financial or practical support. And caring for an older parent is difficult enough as it is.
The articles and blogs on this page will signpost you to the practical and emotional support you can take advantage of.
