Support for Carers
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. A carer is someone who, without payment, provides help and support to a partner, relative, child, friend or even a neighbour who just could not manage without their care. Carers can be very young to very old and from all walks of life and cultures, juggling jobs, children, school work and their own health needs. There is support out there and here is one way of accessing some of that support.
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.
We are interested in identifying more of our patients as carers, especially those people who may be caring without any help or support.
If you are a carer, please either ask at Reception for a CARERS IDENTIFICATION AND REFERRAL FORM Or click on ‘please let us know’ below and complete one now on line and let us know about your caring responsibilities.
Are You a Carer?
If you are please let us know - we may be able to help you
As a Carer, you are also entitled to have an annual health check as we know that your caring responsibilities could have an impact on your own health. Please book an appointment with one of our practice nurses.
Please also remember to book your appointment for your free flu vaccination at the beginning of September. Ensure you inform the reception team that you are a carer and we will find a suitable appointment to fit around your availability.
Your surgery Carers Champion in Emma Heaton – We realise, as a carer, things are never straight forward and we want to help wherever we can. Please ask to speak to Emma for help and advice at the surgery.
Support & Information
Contacts for county council and NHS support and information:
Adult Care Services
Tel: 0300 123 4042
Children, Schools and Families (for carers or those in need under 18 yrs)
Tel:0300 123 4043
In addition Carers in Herts, a local, independent organisation offers support and signposting for carers.
Website: www.carersinherts.org.uk/
Tel: 01992 586969
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?
Carers support groups
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
Free Course for Carers
Free CDL Carer Courses and Workshops