	CARERS of WEST LOTHIAN The Princess Royal Trust Carers of West Lothian Carers Centre

ARE YOU A CARER?

Carers are people who look after a partner, husband or wife, son or daughter, relative or friend with a disability or illness. Many carers live with the person they care for, but many look after someone who lives independently, in supported accommodation, in hospital, or in a residential or nursing home. Carers are family members or friends who look after someone without pay or financial reward. They are sometimes known as 'informal' carers.

Carers:

may be as young as 7 or 8 years, looking after a disabled parent or other siblings.
can be older people themselves, perhaps in their 80's looking after a partner or friend of similar age.
come from diverse cultural and religious communities, even when born in Scotland they may
live in diverse geographical areas, from urban towerblocks to remote rural areas.
have diverse relationships, they may be heterosexual, gay or lesbian.

Anyone looking after a person with an illness or disability, whatever their situation, is considered a carer with equal rights to help, support, information and services.