Type ‘carers rights’ into Google and 1, 570,000 sites are noted; type in ‘rights for caregivers USA; and 877,000 are mentioned; Canada 1,780,000…  across the world millions of people are involved professionally in caring for others. 

And for each vulnerable or troubled person needing extra help and support informal carers, often family members, are also needed.   The conditions and illnesses associated with need for extra life support are widely varied, may affect young or old in the short or long term.  Not counting physical conditions, think of Alzheimers disease, think of mental health conditions and illnesses which may strike any family, anywhere.  Think of autism …compulsive/addictive illnesses and conditions such as alcoholism, drugs, gambling, eating disorders…think of special educational needs… and there are also many many people who provide much extra care and support to allow a loved one to continue living at home - yet do not know they may be recognised as ‘carers’ or ‘caregivers’.