Carer Term Definition Essay Example for Free

Carer Term Definition Essay By firstly understanding what the term carer means I can look at the challenges both care givers, and care receivers face. According to a government website a â€Å"carer is someone who looks after a friend, relative, or neighbour who needs support because of their sickness, age or disability.† A 2001 census report noted that â€Å"6 million people said that they provide unpaid care to a family member.† This is 12% of the adult population in the United Kingdom. This is a great amount of families providing and receiving care. For a family carer to claim financial help as a carer, the carer must be caring for someone for at least 35 hours a week, be over 16 and not a student. They must also be caring for someone formally recognised as â€Å"disabled† or someone over the age of 65. the carer must also not earn more than  £95 a week. These are the guidelines for application from a government website. Many carers may not no this and may be suffering financially from providing care within families. I will answer the essay title by looking at giving care and receiving care and the challenges both person face. I will also introduce you to the story of Ann, Angus and their family. There are many challenges in been a carer of a family member. But firstly a advantage of been a recognised carer is you can claim to qualify for a carers allowance of  £45.70 per week, also from a government website. The carers equal oppourtunities act 2004, â€Å"it gives carers the right to a assessment of their needs, with regards not just to their caring role but also to their needs for leisure, training and work.† This benefits the care giver in social terms and educationally. There are many difficulties in being a carer. It is demanding and hard work. Both physically and emotionally.