Are You a Carer?
If you are an unpaid carer please print this form and bring the completed copy to reception or post to the Church Avenue Surgery. These forms and pre-paid envelopes are also available at reception.
A Carer is someone, who, without payment, provides help and support to a relative, child, partner, friend or neighbour who could not manage without that help. This could be due to age, physical or mental illness, addiction or disability.
The term carer should not be confused with a care worker, or care assistant, who receives payment for looking after someone.
Carers often suffer poor health as a result of their caring role. For example, they may suffer from back ache, stress or depression. Some Carers do not visit their GPs due to the pressures of caring. Not everyone will have noticeable health problems but it is important to ensure Carers look after themselves.
If you haven’t already let us know that you are a carer please complete the above mentioned form so you can be added to our carers’ register.
Once added, Carers will be entitled to a free flu jab in the surgery and, if you have given permission on the form, we will pass your details to Carers’ Support (Bexley) who can give advice and support.
There is also 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
Carers’ Support (Bexley)
The Manor House,
Grassington Road,
Sidcup,
Kent
DA14 6BY
Tel: 020 8302 8011
http://www.carerssupport.org/home.htm
Carers Direct
Telephone 0300 123 1053
http://www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/carerslives/updates/pages/carersdirecthelpline.aspx
Email CarersDirect@nhschoices.nhs.uk
Office Hours: Lines are open 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm at weekends. Calls are free from UK landlines.
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