Who is a carer?

A Carer can be defined as the person who is taking primary responsibility in the home of a person who because of physical or mental illness or disability requires constant care. This group also includes people who are frail and mentally infirm through ageing. The Carer’s life is restricted by the need to be on call for most of the day and night because the person they look after cannot be left safely alone for long periods. A Carer is often under a lot of physical and emotional strain through caring for a dependant person. They might also be trying to hold down a paid job, and cope with other family commitments. Carers are often elderly people themselves, looking after a spouse. They can also be, for example, young parents caring for a disabled child or young children caring for a disabled parent, middle aged adults caring for elderly parents, or others caring for partners or friends who may be disabled through accident or illness.

All of our carer support workers receive full training and regular updates in order to meet Crossroads' high standards of care and those of the Commission of Social Care.