Adult carers (over 25)

A carer is someone who looks after a friend, partner or family member who can't manage without help because of illness, disability, mental health issues, or addiction. This care is unpaid and different from professional or volunteer care.

Carers often find it hard to separate their caring duties from their relationship with the person they care for, whether they are a parent, child, sibling, partner, or friend.

Many of us will find ourselves in a caring role at some point in our lives. While caring for a loved one can be rewarding, it also comes with its challenges. Carers often juggle their responsibilities with work, school, and other family commitments. Some carers, especially younger ones, might not even realise they are carers or may not tell others about their role due to fear, guilt, pride, or other reasons.

There is support out there to assist them, but many carers don't know about it. 

Carers may help with:

• personal care (washing, bathing, dressing, feeding)
• medication
• cooking
• shopping
• housework
• emotional support

If you live in Kent you will have access to a Carers’ Support Organisation that has been commissioned by Kent County Council and the NHS to provide a Carers’ Assessment and Support Service.

These can be found on the community navigator pages

Kent Libraries, Registration and Archives offer a variety of services to support carers, including free book loans, home delivery of books, access to eBooks and online resources, and help with using computers.

Find out more about how Kent Libraries can help here.