ABSTRACT
This chapter begins by providing a brief historical context alongside a section on definitions of carers, followed by an overview of a range of terms used in the literature and types of care typically undertaken. It also covers several highlights from the UK census data in regard to numbers of carers with reference to ethnicity, age and hours dedicated to caregiving. Growing interest in carers and carer awareness is becoming a priority in the United Kingdom. K. Allen (2000) points out that following the 1959 Mental Health Act, a change in the division of labour between formal and informal carers emerged in the United Kingdom with the idea of community care. Over the years, with more knowledge and insights into the world of carers, distinct features have emerged about the nature of caring roles. The UK 2011 census found that the proportion of unpaid carers and the amount of care provided varied greatly amongst ethnic groups.
