Are you a carer or a care worker? 

In recent years we have had legislation which has clearly differentiated between a carer and a care worker. 

For the purposes of the Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000. the term "carer" includes people (age 16 and over) who may or may not be a relative and who may or may not be living with the person for whom they are caring. The Act excludes from the definition of a carer paid care workers and volunteers from a voluntary organisation. The exclusion extends to anyone who is providing personal assistance for payment, either in cash or kind. 

So if you are paid to look after someone or you are unpaid but asked by a voluntary organisation to visit, you are a care worker.

If you are unpaid and supporting someone who is not able to do things for themselves, a relative or friend, but not been directed to do so by any organisation, you are a carer.

The information on this portal is mainly aimed at care workers but it will be of interest to carers and carers may be able to access some of the training available. Links to carer organisations are included: 

• http://www.carersuk.org

• http://www.crossroads.org.uk

• http://www.rethink.org