Helping or supporting a family member, friend or neighbour who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, mental health problem or addiction is a difficult and, often, under-recognised role. Many people who do this do not identify themselves as carers. We recognise it is important that carers stay as fit and healthy as possible, therefore we want to give additional support to our patients who are undertaking caring roles. We can only do this if you let us know you are a carer and register yourself as a carer using the Carer Registration Form (see below) or advising our reception team.
Register with us as a carer
We may be able to help you and ensure that your own health needs are met in the most appropriate way. To do this please register with us as a carer:
- Pick up the form at reception and complete it there.
As well as offering you a carer’s assessment, if we know you are a carer we can make you aware of additional care or services you may not otherwise be eligible for – for example, some vaccinations are offered to carers.
If you have caring responsibilities we can offer different appointment types to accommodate any restrictions that may come along with this. Please speak to our reception team to find out how we can best meet your needs.
Government support for carers
The government provides support for carers in a number of ways (https://www.gov.uk/browse/disabilities/carers):
- Carer’s Allowance provides financial support for carers (see website for eligibility (https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance)
- Carer’s Credit provides a National Insurance credit that helps with gaps in your National Insurance record if you are caring (see website for eligibility https://www.gov.uk/carers-credit)
Carer assessments and reviews
- Carer’s assessments are free and available to carers aged over 18 years
- At Wolstanton Medical Centre we offer an annual carer’s review to support the physical and mental health of our patients who are carers. Please speak to our reception team to organise a review.
Support for carers of all ages
Being a carer is physically and emotionally demanding. It is important that carers feel supported in fulfilling this crucial role. Please see below for sources of support for carers:
Local organisations
- The Care Services Directory outlines many local services to help with finding residential care, specialist care services and local care services including information about how to access adaptations for your home (https://www.carechoices.co.uk/publication/stoke-on-trent-care-services-directory/)
- North Staffs Carers (https://www.carersfirst.com/) provides support for adult and young carers
- Staffordshire Together for Carers Service (https://www.n-compass.org.uk/our-services/carers/staffordshire-together-for-carers-service) provides information, advice and support services for adult and young carers
National organisations
- Age UK (https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/care/helping-a-loved-one/)
- Care Choices (https://www.carechoices.co.uk/find-care-services-near-you/) for help with finding care homes, home care, live-in care, dementia care and palliative care
- Carers Trust (https://carers.org/) a UK-wide network of local carer organisations
- Carers UK (https://www.carersuk.org/) provides support for unpaid carers throughout the UK
- Citizens Advice Bureau (https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/looking-after-people/carers-help-and-support/)
- NHS social care and support guide (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/)
- The Carents Room provides support for adults caring for elderly parents/relatives (https://carents.co.uk/)
- Young carers information (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/support-and-benefits-for-carers/help-for-young-carers/)
Caring in specific circumstances
- Alzheimer’s Society advice on getting help and support as a carer for someone with dementia (https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/help-dementia-care/looking-after-yourself)
- Cancer Research UK (https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/family-friends-caregivers/taking-care-of-yourself)
- Macmillan Cancer Support (https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/supporting-someone/looking-after-someone-with-cancer)
- Marie Curie (https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/being-there/support-carers/your-needs) provide advice for carers who are supporting someone with a terminal illness
- Motor Neurone Disease Association (https://www.mndassociation.org/support-and-information/for-carers/support-for-carers)
- Parkinson’s Disease UK (https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/caring-someone-parkinsons)
- Sue Ryder (https://www.sueryder.org/end-of-life-care/supporting-someone-near-the-end-of-their-life/coping-as-a-carer/) provide advice for carers who are supporting someone nearing the end of their life