Call us carers: improving recognition of caring

Carers often contact Carers Scotland saying they are frustrated at the way the term ‘carer’ is used to describe a paid care worker or nurse – especially as the £5 billion worth of care provided by carers does not come with the benefit of a salary.

They point out that the confusion surrounding the term ‘carer’ adds to the difficulties faced by people in recognising themselves as carers – vital if they are to seek out help and get the benefits to which they are entitled to. Carers Scotland estimates that £60 million worth of Carers Allowance went unclaimed by carers in Scotland last year.

Call us carers

Carers Scotland wants to end the confusion surrounding the term "carer".  We are asking for people to take action to stop the term ‘carer’ being used to describe a paid worker. This might involve: contacting a local newspaper or radio show. contacting social services if the job title of a home care worker is described as a ‘carer’.

Resources

Carers Scotland has produced some helpful resources to get the message across.  Download below.

• Helping carers get recognition: a campaign guide explaining why recognition for carers is important
• An employer’s guide on what action they can take to improve carer recognition.
• A sample letter for challenging the misuse of the term ‘carer’

The campaign has been sponsored by Care and Health Magazine.