There are 7 million carers in the UK, of whom 11% care for people with dementia. One in five people aged 50-64 are carers. This article explores the difficulties faced by informal carers, and highlights the need to support and care for them, as well as the person living with dementia. It suggests how nurses working in hospital settings can recognise and understand the physical and emotional health needs of informal carers through appropriate engagement, assessment and inclusion.