A carer is a person of any age (including children) who provides unpaid support to a partner, relative, friend or neighbour who couldn’t get help by themselves.
This could be due to:
- old age,
- frailty,
- disability,
- a serious health condition,
- mental health
- substance misuse.
- Parents of children who are disabled or who have a serious health condition are also considered carers
Many carers do not identify with the label ‘carer’. Instead you may see yourself as looking after someone you care about. Also if you receive statutory payments you are still considered a carer.
If you are a carer, please let your surgery know as there may be information and resources available to assist you.
We can refer you to the Carer Federation if you complete this form and bring it into reception.
There are also a number of useful resources you can access online:
- Carers Trust
- Information for Carers leaflet
- Nottinghamshire Carers Hub
- NHS Carers Direct
- NHS Choices hosts a huge amount of information to support carers:
- Caring for a patient at home: a helpful video on caring for a parent at home
- Telling people: Telling your friends you are a carer is important so they can understand and support you
- Taking a break: Caring for someone can be a full time job. It’s essential that you take time for yourself too. Read this 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.
All carers are entitled to a Free flu vaccination please book in from September . The surgery will contact all carers via telephone or letter to offer them a flu vaccination.
Carers Rights Day 21st November 2024
It is useful to use such an event to promote awareness, identification/registration of unpaid Carers, things to consider:
- A unpaid Carer registers with their own GP Surgery – all have Carer Registers and Carer Champions
- If a Carer of a Patient belongs to another Surgery offer the Patient a ‘consent to share form’ or ask for the Power of Attorney, you can then make a note of the name/contact details of the Carer on the Patients file and can communicate with them easily going forward.
- If in County area share the Carers emergency card scheme with them
- Share the Carers Hub Service and any other useful service information including Dementia Wellbeing Service /condition specific with them
Carers rights resources – https://www.carersuk.org/news-and-campaigns/our-campaigns/carers-rights-day/
