Socially Disadvantaged?

I spent the day with Melanie, We began our day visiting her dietician. Mel has lost six kilos since she joined Weight Watchers 5 months ago.  Its been a yo-yo of a journey but she going so well now and we are all rejoicing in her loss.  We shopped and cleaned together, we chatted and shared jokes only stopping to share lunch together. Six hours later it was time for me to return home and I slid into the car and drove home to put my feet up.  I was tired and knew a little rest would perk me up.

While I rested I thought about yesterday and some of the questions the Supervisor had asked us.  Her first questions to me was, "Do you feel financially or socially disadvantaged?"  It wasn't so much of a general question, it was a question referring to my role as a carer.  It was a question I would have liked to have some time to chew over, to weigh up the pros and cons.  I was taken off-guard and simply answered, "no."
I reconsider the question and there is no doubt about it the answer should have been, 'yes.'  It would not necessarily be for the expected reasons for a survey, but it is simply for the obvious.
We do not have a mortgage and we do not owe anyone money but yes I am financially disadvantaged.  I am unable to pursue a career and earn a living.   I had a very good job which I resigned from to care for Merv and Melanie.  Not a suitable answer for her survey but it's the reality of my caring role.
I spend time with Mel and other family members, some friends, attend a creative writing group and join in two carer's support groups each month.  I have some social interaction which possibly means I am not socially disadvantaged. 
I am unable to book a night out with the girls without arranging a family member or carer to look after Merv,  I am unable to shop for clothes unless Merv has a carer present or is attending one of his groups.  We go to the shops together to buy a few groceries or to purchase a few items from other shops.  I am not free to choose.  The argument by others may simply be they aren't available to socialise either as they work and have their own family commitments. 
The question reverberates in my mind; am I or am I not financially and socially disadvantaged?  There is no straight answer.  A carer's life is a mixed bag.