Informal carer
Short definition
An informal carer is a person, usually a family member or someone close, who regularly cares for someone in a situation of dependency without being paid for that care.
In plain language
In Portugal, the Informal Carer Statute was approved by Law no. 100/2019 and distinguishes the main informal carer, who provides care on a permanent basis and lives with the person cared for, from the non-main carer, who provides care regularly but not permanently. Recognition is requested from Social Security and gives access to support measures. Caring can be demanding, and respite and support for the carer are part of care.