carer

British  

/ ˈkɛərə /

noun

1. Usual US and Canadian term: caregiver.  social welfare a person who has accepted responsibility for looking after a vulnerable neighbour or relative See also caretaker

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Explanation

A carer is someone who tends to a patient or looks after a young child or elderly person. If your grandfather is very ill, he may need the help of a carer at home. A carer, also called a caregiver, is sometimes a paid helper whose job is caring for people, like a home health aide or a babysitter. Often family members act as carers, tending to elderly or ailing relatives. If your uncle helps your grandfather get into his wheelchair and take his medicine each day, he's a carer. This word is from care and its Old English root, which means both "feel concern" and "grieve."

Example Sentences

“I am in despair,” said Shekhova, the dog carer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

From 2004, she was the primary carer for her mother, who never learned English and towards the end of her life suffered from hallucinations and psychosis.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

A French toy spaniel named Lazare thought to have been "the world's oldest dog" has died aged 30, his carer said on Friday.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

"I'm a carer, my partner is an electrician. We're note hugely rich, so thank God I had that policy," she said.

From BBC • May 4, 2026

“She wouldn’t necessarily have wanted you to be my carer through this last bit.”

From "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro