Why identify as a carer?
Many people who care for a friend or family member don’t identify as ‘carers’, they may see themselves as a partner, parent or friend, just doing what they can or what is expected to support someone close to them.
People don’t need to see or call themselves carers, they just need to recognise that they have extra responsibilities because of what they do for someone else, most people will be carers at some point in their lives. Identifying as a carer can help a person access help and support to make their caring role more sustainable and to live a life of their own alongside caring.
Individuals report that being a carer can have many positive rewards including strengthening the relationship between the carer and the person they care for and a sense of satisfaction in contributing to the life of this person. However it must be recognised that caring, especially when the role is more intensive, can have a huge impact on the life of the carer, their general health and well-being, their finances, their relationships and caring can increase social isolation.
