Caring for someone with arthritis can be a varied and demanding job. This is because of the broad range of medical, personal and emotional needs that a person with arthritis can have.
If you're caring for a family member, you may not consider yourself a carer because you're just doing what needs to be done. You might feel that you have no other options. This can be stressful and you may feel resentful towards the person you're caring for, which can also leave you feeling guilty. You may have been forced to leave your job, give up hobbies and stop socialising, which can be very isolating.
Being a carer means that you may be entitled to certain financial benefits, especially if you have to give up work.
Last updated: 04 October 2011
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