A carer is a person who provides a substantial amount of care on a regular basis. Carers can be of any age, from young children looking after a disabled parent to an older adult in his/her 80’s caring for a son or daughter with disability, or a frailer partner. Carers look after family members, partners and friends because they are ill, they are frail or are in need. This includes people who have substance misuse problems, a physical or learning disability, mental health issues and mental or physical frailty.
Carers are not a homogenous group; they come from all backgrounds and have a range of needs. Most carers are committed to continuing to care and have significant dedication. However, caring places great emotional, physical and frequently financial demands on the carer, who may need support to continue.
This strategy represents the commitment on behalf of the Highland Council and NHS Highland to seek to provide better access and better support to carers, to value their contribution, recognise the importance of their role and help them continue to care.
The strategy has an action plan which aims to improve the way carers are:-
• Recognised and valued.
• Informed, included and involved.
• Supported and healthy.