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Every day in the UK, millions of people receive support not only from professionals but also from family, friends, and neighbours. This type of help is known as informal care, and it plays a vital role in the health and social care system.
Informal care refers to unpaid support given to individuals who are elderly, ill, disabled, or living with mental health conditions. It can include help with daily tasks, personal care, emotional support, and companionship, all aimed at helping people live more safely and independently.
In this blog, we will explore what informal care is, who provides it, and why it is so important in supporting individuals, families, and the wider health and social care system in the UK.
Table of Contents
What Is Informal Care?
Informal care is simply unpaid support given to someone who needs help because of illness, disability, mental health issues, or old age. It’s usually provided by family, friends, or neighbours, and often becomes part of everyday life without people even thinking of it as “care”.
Unlike formal care services, informal care isn’t arranged through the NHS or local authorities. It can be small but important things like helping a parent with shopping, reminding someone to take their medication, or just being there for a neighbour who lives alone.
Importance of Informal Care in Health and Social Care
Informal care plays an important role in health and social care by supporting individuals with long-term illnesses, disabilities, or age-related needs, often within their own homes. It works alongside formal services to provide daily support, helping people stay safe, comfortable, and independent.
It also strengthens family relationships and offers emotional support while reducing pressure on professional care services. In many cases, informal care helps prevent unnecessary hospital admissions or the need for residential care.
In the UK, there are around 5.7 million informal carers according to Carers UK, highlighting just how vital they are to the health and social care system and the people who rely on it every day.
Who Is an Informal Carer?
An informal carer is someone who provides unpaid support to a family member, friend, or neighbour who needs help with daily life due to illness, disability, or ageing. No formal training is required—just a willingness to care and support.
Informal carers can include:
- Parents caring for a child with a disability
- Adult children supporting elderly parents
- Spouses or partners caring for someone with a long-term condition
- Young carers helping family members from an early age
- Friends or neighbours offering regular practical support
In the UK, informal carers may also be entitled to support such as Carer’s Allowance, carers’ assessments, and workplace rights, recognising the important role they play in supporting health and social care needs.
Types of Informal Care
Informal care can take many forms, often combining practical, emotional, and social support to meet the unique needs of the person receiving care. Most carers provide a mix of these types without even realising it.
- Physical Care – Helping with daily personal care tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, moving safely, and managing mobility.
- Emotional Care – Offering reassurance, companionship, encouragement, and support for mental and emotional wellbeing.
- Practical Care – Assisting with household chores, shopping, finances, transport, and attending appointments to keep daily life running smoothly.
- Social Care – Supporting social interaction, maintaining relationships, encouraging community involvement, and reducing loneliness.
Together, these types of informal care help individuals live with dignity, independence, and a better quality of life.
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The Role of Informal Caregivers
Informal caregivers play a wide-ranging role that often evolves over time as care needs change. Their involvement is central to day-to-day support.
- Daily Tasks – Helping with routines such as meals, personal hygiene, and household management.
- Health Support – Monitoring health changes, reminding about medication, and communicating with healthcare professionals.
- Emotional Care – Listening, motivating, offering reassurance, and reducing loneliness or isolation.
- Coordination – Organising appointments, managing paperwork, and linking with formal care services when needed.
This role requires commitment, flexibility, and emotional resilience, making informal caregivers essential partners in health and social care.
Informal vs Formal Care
| Aspect | Informal Care | Formal Care |
|---|---|---|
|
Provider |
Family, friends, neighbours |
Paid professionals |
|
Setting |
Home or community |
Care facilities or home visits |
|
Regulation |
Unregulated |
Regulated and licensed |
|
Payment |
Usually unpaid |
Paid service |
|
Scope |
Flexible and personal |
Structured and professional |
How Widespread Is Informal Care?
Informal care is more common than many people realise, affecting millions of lives across the UK. Most adults will either provide or receive informal care at some point, showing just how essential it is to our communities.
According to recent data, around 5.4 million people in the UK provided informal care in 2023/24, with women making up approximately 60% of carers. Adults aged 55–59 are the most active carers—nearly 20% of women and 13% of men in this age group provide unpaid support. Young carers are also significant, with about 120,000 under-18s (around 1.4% of that age group) offering care in England in 2021.
Many carers balance their duties with employment. In 2022/23, over half of adult carers were in paid work, slightly lower than the general adult employment rate (51% vs 60%). Informal carers, particularly those aged 16–34, are also twice as likely to report poor health, reflecting the challenges of unpaid caregiving.
Summary Table: Informal Care by Demographics
| Group | Share of Informal Carers |
|---|---|
|
Women vs Men |
~60% women, ~40% men |
|
Age 55–59 |
~20% of women, ~13% of men |
|
Young carers (<18) |
~1.4% (≈120,000 in UK) |
|
Employment (carers ≥16) |
~51% in work vs ~60% of all adults |
|
Health risks (16–34) |
~2× more likely to report poor health |
This data highlights the scale and diversity of informal care in the UK, emphasizing why recognition, support, and tailored services for carers are crucial.
Why Informal Care Matters in Health and Social Care
Informal care is a fundamental part of the wider health and social care framework. Without it, formal services would struggle to meet rising demand.
It complements professional care by providing continuity, emotional understanding, and personalised support that cannot always be delivered through structured services alone.
Most importantly, informal care emphasises human connection. It ensures care is not just about treatment, but about compassion, relationships, and dignity.
Advantages of Informal Care in Health and Social Care
You might wonder why informal care is so important. The truth is, it provides benefits that professional care can’t always match. Here’s how it makes a difference:
For Care Receivers:
- Familiar comfort: Being cared for at home reduces stress and confusion.
- Personalised attention: Loved ones understand preferences better than any professional.
- Emotional security: Trusted family and friends provide companionship and reassurance.
- Better wellbeing: Individuals often feel happier, safer, and more independent.
For Care Receivers:
- Cost savings: Avoids expensive care homes or constant professional care.
- Peace of mind: Knowing your loved one is being cared for by someone they trust.
- Stronger bonds: Caregiving strengthens relationships and family connections.
- Flexibility: Routines can be adjusted to fit everyone’s needs.
For Care Receivers:
- Reduces healthcare costs: Less strain on NHS and social care services.
- Frees up resources: Professional carers can focus on the most urgent cases.
- Community support: Neighbours and friends helping each other strengthens communities.
- Cultural continuity: Maintains family and community care traditions.
Of course, informal care comes with challenges too. Next, we’ll explore what makes this essential role demanding and complex.
Challenges Faced by Informal Carers
Being an informal carer can be very rewarding, but it also comes with significant challenges that can affect both physical and emotional wellbeing. Many carers often feel under pressure, with little time to rest or look after their own needs.
Common challenges include:
- Physical strain – Daily tasks like lifting or supporting someone can lead to fatigue or injury
- Emotional stress – Caring for a loved one can be emotionally draining, especially during illness or decline
- Lack of time – Balancing care with work, family, and personal life can feel overwhelming
- Financial pressure – Some carers reduce working hours or leave jobs, affecting income
- Isolation – Many carers feel alone without enough support or recognition
Despite these challenges, many carers continue their role with dedication. However, it is important to remember that seeking support, taking breaks, and accessing available services can make a significant difference.
Support for Informal Caregivers
Caring for someone can be rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Many informal carers often focus entirely on the person they support and forget to look after their own wellbeing. That’s why accessing the right support is so important.
In the UK, informal carers can access several forms of help, including:
- Carer’s Allowance – A financial benefit for those caring at least 35 hours per week
- Carer’s assessments – Provided by local councils to identify your needs and offer tailored support
- Respite care – Temporary care services that give carers a much-needed break
- Support groups – Opportunities to connect with other carers and share experiences
- Training and guidance – Free resources from charities and organisations to help you manage care more confidently
Seeking support is not selfish—it is essential. When carers are supported and well, they are better able to provide safe, consistent, and compassionate care to the person they look after.
Final Thoughts
Informal care is the unpaid, often unseen support that underpins health and social care in the UK. It plays a critical role in maintaining well-being, independence, and dignity for millions of people.
As demand for care continues to rise, informal care will become even more significant within the health and social care system. Recognising and valuing carers is essential for sustainable care delivery.
Greater awareness, education, and support can empower informal carers and those entering health and social care careers. Learning more about care roles or supporting carers helps strengthen communities and improve lives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is considered informal care?
Informal care is unpaid support provided to someone who cannot manage daily life independently, often due to illness, disability, mental health conditions, or ageing. It includes help with personal care, household tasks, emotional support, and social interaction.
Who can become an informal carer?
Anyone can be an informal carer—family members, partners, adult children, friends, neighbours, or young carers—who provide regular assistance without formal training or payment.
Is informal care recognised by the NHS?
Yes, the NHS recognises informal carers and offers support such as Carer’s Assessments, advice, and access to resources. Carers may also receive financial help like Carer’s Allowance.
How is informal care different from formal care?
Formal care is provided by trained professionals through health or social care services, often under a contract. Informal care is unpaid, usually given by someone with a personal connection, and focuses on flexible, personalised support.
Can informal carers get support or training?
Yes, carers can access local council support, NHS guidance, online training, workshops, and community programmes to develop skills and improve care delivery.
What types of support can informal carers provide?
Informal carers can provide physical care, emotional support, practical help with daily living, and social engagement to improve wellbeing and independence.
How does informal care affect carers’ mental health?
While rewarding, informal care can be stressful, leading to fatigue, anxiety, or social isolation. Support networks, respite breaks, and professional guidance can reduce these risks.
Are there legal rights for informal carers in the UK?
Yes, informal carers have legal rights including workplace protection, access to carers’ assessments, and eligibility for benefits like Carer’s Allowance.
Can informal care be included in care planning?
Absolutely. Informal carers are often considered part of a person’s care team, contributing to care plans, assessments, and decisions alongside professionals.
How is informal care measured or valued in the health system?
Informal care is measured through hours of support, type of tasks performed, and impact on wellbeing. Its value is recognised as a significant contribution to health and social care delivery.
What is the most common type of informal care?
Physical care, such as helping with bathing, dressing, medication, and mobility, is among the most common forms, though many carers combine it with emotional and practical support.
What are the effects of informal care?
Informal care improves independence, emotional wellbeing, and quality of life for care recipients while providing satisfaction and purpose for carers, though it can also create stress and time pressures.
What are the disadvantages of informal care?
Challenges include physical and emotional strain, limited financial support, lack of formal training, and the risk of caregiver burnout.
What are the problems with informal groups?
Informal caregiving groups may face coordination issues, inconsistent care standards, and limited access to professional guidance or resources.
What are the advantages of informal structure?
Informal care is flexible, personalised, cost-effective, and culturally sensitive. It strengthens family bonds, community ties, and provides care in a familiar and comfortable environment.
Robert Lawrence
Author | Specialises in Health and Social Care
Robert Lawrence is an e-learning specialist and tutor at Training Express, with experience creating practical resources and strategies to support learners and enhance their professional development.
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