The author presents a fairly academic article which explores the situation of women with learning difficulties in the seemingly contradictory roles of both dependent and carer. Walmsley, however, argues convincingly that these two roles are not contradictory but rather the two roles should be seen as being on a continuum. Following on from this the needs of the carer and the dependent need to be seen in conjunction with each other rather than as opposed. Walmsley also calls for a re-evaluation of the role of the carer for women with disabilities. Keyword: Women