What is the primary role of a carer?

The primary role of a carer is to provide unpaid personal care and support to individuals who may need assistance due to age, illness, or disability. This encompasses a range of activities such as helping with daily living tasks like bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and offering emotional support.

Carers often develop close relationships with the people they support, facilitating their day-to-day lives and helping them maintain their dignity and quality of life. This role is fundamentally centered on personal care and the establishment of a trusting and supportive relationship between the carer and the care recipient.

Other options, while important in different contexts, do not define the primary role of a carer. Managing financial affairs typically falls under financial advisors or guardianship, while serving as a legal guardian involves specific legal responsibilities that go beyond the general care and support offered by a carer. Offering professional medical assistance usually requires formal training and certification, which distinguishes healthcare professionals from carers whose focus is on personal and emotional support.