Carers
We are interested in identifying carers, including young family members, who maybe caring without help or support. We know that carers are often “hidden” looking after a family member or helping a friend or neighbour with day to day tasks and may not see themselves as a carer.
Caring for someone is an important and valuable role in the community, which is often a 24 hour job that can be very demanding and isolating for the carer. Carers should receive appropriate support by way of access to accurate information on a range of topics such as entitlement to benefits and respite care and not least, a listening ear when things get too much.
As a Carer, you are also entitled to have your needs assessed by Adult Care Services. A Carer’s Assessment is a chance to talk about your needs as a carer and the possible ways help could be given. It also look at the needs of the person you care for. There is no charge for an assessment.
If you are a carer, please let us know or ask at Reception for a carers identification and referral form which you can complete to let us know about your caring responsibilities and to make an appointment. Please bring evidence of consent for whom you are caring. We want to ensure that you are getting all the support you need.
Well Person Checks for Carers
All carers are entitled to a well person check. Please see the receptionist for further information and to make an appointment with the Practice Nurse.
There is a wealth of information on NHS Choices about carers and caring. Below are some links into the site that we hope you will find useful.
- Caring for a parent
Watch this video on: caring for a parent at home.
- Telling People
Caring responsibilities can make it difficult to maintain friendships or develop new ones. Telling your friends you’re a carer is important so they understand and can support you.
- Taking a Break
Caring for someone can be a full-time job, but it’s essential that you take time out for yourself too. Read our guide to accessing breaks and respite.
- Housing and Carers
Do you know your tenancy rights as a carer? Are you aware of all your care at home options? Do you need tips on moving someone around the home?
Finance and Law
Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.
- Benefits for Carers
Directing carers to the benefits that can help them in their caring role
- Benefits for the person you care for
Advice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they are entitled to
- Death and Benefits
How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits
- Managing someone’s legal affairs
Advice for when carers find they have to take over the legal affairs of the person they are looking after
- Other benefits
Advice for carers and the people they are looking after on claiming a whole host of other benefits unrelated to their disability or caring
- Personal and Household finance
Advice on keeping a tight rein on household and personal finance for carers
- Social Fund
- Tax Credits
Information on claiming tax credits and whether you might be eligible