I’m not his carer, I’m his wife and this is what I promised to do

Carer.  

Such a short word but one that is often not recognised as a word to describe someone who is one by the person themselves.  The word ‘carer’ can paint a picture of clinical involvement, getting paid for looking after someone or a person that isn’t related to the person they are supporting.

A carer is actually someone who supports a person who might be a relative, friend or child regularly with everyday activities that they would struggle to complete on their own due to their disability, illness or frailty. These activities might include, amongst other things:

-       Washing

-       Dressing

-       Medication

-       Bills

-       Shopping 

-       Cooking

Although some people would fall into the category of a carer they find that label is not the defining feature of their relationship and would rather they were called a friend, wife, son etc.  

This is totally understandable but can mean that the person goes unsupported.  

This is because the support for the additional role can often be linked to the person identifying as a carer.  It is therefore important that you share your additional responsibilities with your health care professional and seek out support before you think you need it with your local carers centre.

Support can be someone to talk to, help with benefits, access to a carers assessment and many other benefits.