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Social Work vocabulary · Adults and Vulnerable Groups

Carer

Meaning in social work, with examples

/ˈkeərə/nounCore term

In social work, carer means: A person, often a family member or friend, who looks after someone who is ill, disabled, older or otherwise in need of support, usually without pay.

In Turkish: bakım veren, bakım veren yakın, bakıcı

How it is used

British English; American English usually says caregiver. Young carers are children who look after a parent or sibling. In official texts paid staff are normally called care workers or support workers rather than carers.

Example sentences

  1. As his main carer, his wife has a right to an assessment of her own needs.

  2. The school identified three young carers in Year 7.

Common collocations

  • unpaid carer
  • young carer
  • main carer
  • carer's assessment
  • carer's allowance
  • respite careShort-term care for a disabled, ill or older person that gives their usual carer a break, lasting from a few hours to a few weeks.
  • adult social carePractical and personal support for adults who need help because of age, illness or disability, such as home care, day centres and care homes.
  • allowanceA regular sum of money paid by the state or an organisation for a particular purpose, such as caring, disability or education.
  • needs assessmentAn assessment that identifies what support a person, family or community needs, and which of those needs are not being met.

More terms: Adults and Vulnerable Groups

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