Support for Carers

Many patients and family members provide unpaid care for a relative, friend or neighbour. Caring can be rewarding but it can also affect your own health, work and social life. The practice is here to support you and help make sure both you and the person you care for get the care you need.

A person of any age (including children) who provides unpaid support to a partner, relative, friend or neighbour who could not cope without their help. This could be due to old age, frailty, disability, a serious health condition, mental ill health or substance misuse. Parents of children who are disabled or who have a serious health condition are also considered to be carers.

There is a difference between a carer and care professionals who are paid to provide care. Some carers receive statutory payments or a direct payment for their caring role. Even when carers do not receive such payments, they are still considered to be carers.

Many carers may not identify themselves as a carer. Instead, they see themselves as someone's partner, relative or friend who is simply 'doing their best' to help someone they care about.

How the practice can help

• Register you as a carer on the practice list so staff are aware of your role.
• Offer longer appointments if you need to attend with the person you care for.
• Help coordinate care and referrals to community services, community nursing, or social care when needed.

Support available outside the practice

• Carers assessments from your local authority to identify needs and access services such as respite, equipment or personal budgets.
• Information and practical support from specialist organisations (for example national carers charities and local carer support groups).
• Advice about benefits, employment rights and flexible working options for carers.

Practical steps for carers

• Keep a note of medications, allergies, appointments and important contacts.
• Agree how and when you can share medical information with the practice; consider a simple care plan or consent for information sharing.
• Plan for emergencies: have an emergency contact and a short written plan about daily routines and essential needs.

We are here to help if your own physical or mental health is being affected by caring responsibilities. Please contact the practice if you would like to discuss your needs further.

Tell us that you are a carer

If you are a carer and would like to be registered as such with the practice, please complete the carers self-declaration form.