Carers Information

Are You a Carer?

You are a carer if you provide help and support, unpaid, to a family member, friend or neighbour who would otherwise not be able to manage. The person you care for may have a physical or learning disability, dementia, mental health problems, may misuse drugs or alcohol or may be ill or frail. The person may live with you or elsewhere, may be an adult or a child but if they rely on you for support, then you are a carer.

If you have any health concerns or any issues in your capacity as a carer which you would like to discuss with our healthcare team please contact the surgery.  

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the above please contact the surgery to book an appointment via a member of our reception team on 01274 490409.  Further information can also be accessed via our website www.ashwellmedicalcentre.co.uk
 
We would be grateful if you could let us know you have become a carer. Let your clinician know that you are a carer. If you are no longer a carer then we would be grateful if could also contact the surgery to inform us so we can update your records.

 

a person wearing a suit and tie standing in front of a coat

Carer Rights

As a carer you have specific legal rights and entitlements. Knowing your rights can help you to get the support that you need.

These rights for carers include:

  • the right to have your needs assessed by your local authority
  • the right to receive direct payments so that you can chose what services to have
  • rights in the workplace.

Young Carers

Young Carers are children and young people who care for a member of their family who may be ill, have a physical or learning disability, or a mental health, drug or alcohol problem.

There is a wealth of information on NHS about carers and caring. Below are some links into the site that we hope you will find useful.

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.

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.

Finding appropriate housing, or adapting either your home or the home of the person you care for, can make your life as a carer a lot easier.

Finance and Law

Directing carers to the benefits that can help them in their caring

Advice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they are entitled to

How your benefits may be affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits

Advice for when carers find they have to take over the legal affairs of the person they are looking after

Advice for carers and the people they are looking after on claiming a whole host of other benefits unrelated to their disability or caring

Advice on keeping a tight rein on household and personal finance for carers

Support for Bereaved Carers

Carers of someone who has recently passed away can feel lonely, isolated and confused. It can help them if they know that they are not alone and that there are services available to support them.