What is a registered carer?

[NorthernDancer]

Signing in at the GP earlier, one of the questions I was asked on screen was "Are you a registered carer?" I answered "No" because, although I have caring responsibilities, I have never registered as such, just getting on with it.

Does anyone have any idea what they mean?

maybe someone who is claiming carers allowance?
or someone who works professionally as a carer?
Presumably if you had clicked yes the screen would then have asked details about the person you were caring for in a capacity of their ‘registered carer’. But I don’t know, I’m just guessing.

I would say it’s if you’re claiming Carer’s Allowance or if the person you have caring responsibility for significantly relies on you. If you were taken ill or hospitalised would SS need to step in, for example

Maybe you can register as someone's carer with the practice so it's known you can help them getting to the surgery, are a contact in case the practice is concerned for their welfare etc?

OTOH, people also talk about being 'registered disabled' as if there's an official list.

You can register at the gp as a carer - paid or unpaid - for another vulnerable person, and it may entitle you to some additional support and vaccinations.