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Lifestyle

Caring

Carers - family, partners and friends - provide the bulk of care in the community. It is important to distinguish between a ‘carer’ and a ‘Personal Assistant’ (PA).

  • A carer, usually a relative who could be a spouse, partner, parent or child, is unpaid
  • A Personal Assistant is someone who paid: this could also be a relative or friend

The term ‘carer’ also excludes those who already have a recognised title such as nurses, doctors and other health professionals. It also specifically excludes those who provide care in residential care homes or in domiciliary settings (i.e.; in the disabled person’s own home) and who are paid for the work they do as part of their employment. These people are often known as care-workers or care-assistants etc. but a more accurate description should be ‘support workers’.

The relationship between a disabled person and a ‘carer’ can be difficult. Depending on someone to help you, even if they are very close to you: you parent, your spouse or partner, may mean you feel a loss of control. It can mean that the carer decides what tasks need to be done and when they will do them.

For more information on Personal Assistants, see the section on Living Independently.

You may be looking after a disabled relative, partner or friend when you yourself become disabled. This could cause problems as even though you don’t want to be in this position, you maybe in a situation where no outside help is available.

It maybe you want to look after someone because you have a close relationship with them. As in any relationship, it is better, if possible, to negotiate this with the person you looking after. You need to take into account both of your needs.

To help you look at what options are available you may want to talk to a local disability organisation, or try and talk to people who are in a similar situation. You may want to checkout what practical help is available by contacting your local social services department.

Carers Wales is the voice of carers and is the only carer-led organisation working for all carers.

More information on Personal Assistance for the National Centre for Independent Living