Ray
There is no clear definition of what a care is, in part in depends on the benefit that your are trying to get.
You need to be providing substantial care, for Carers Allowance this means a minimum of 35 hours a week.
The person usually needs to be receiving one of the following
Disability Living Allowance care component at the middle or highest rate
Attendance Allowance
Constant Attendance Allowance
Personal Independence Payment - daily living component, at the standard or enhanced rate
Armed Forces Independence Payment
Care can range from physical support such as washing and dressing the person, help with chores such as cooking or it could be prompting them throughout the day, for example to take tablets or supervision to prevent harm.
As a general rule stick to things that are directly related to their bodily needs such as eating drinking and the other things mentioned above, things like shopping and cleaning may actually be really important to the persons well being, but tend to be seen as less important.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems