Adult Social Care Glossary, v 0.6

The definition of a carer is taken from the Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000 [now repealed] which utilises the following description: "Carers (aged 16 and over) who provide or intend to provide a substantial amount of care on a regular basis for another individual aged 18 or over". Although the Act only refers to carers aged 16 and over, younger carers of adults should be included in this return. The Act excludes from the definition of a carer, paid care workers and volunteers from a voluntary organisation. It is possible for a client to have more than one carer, and for a carer to additionally be a client in his or her own right.