Carers Information

DO YOU LOOK AFTER SOMEONE?

If you are a carer we would be grateful if you could let us know so that we can record this on your notes and arrange for our Care Co-Ordinator, Natasha, to contact you to offer support.

The responsibility of looking after someone can sometimes be quite challenging and it is important to look after your own health. If you feel you need any support from the surgery please do not hesitate to contact us to arrange an appointment with your Doctor.

Alternatively, you may find useful information and support from the following charities:

Carers UK
www.carersuk.org

Age UK
www.ageuk.org.uk

Cornwall Carers Service
http://www.supportincornwall.org.uk/carers

Are You a Carer?

Please let us know If you are a carer as we may be able to help you

There is a wealth of information on the NHS Website about carers and caring. Below are some links to the sites 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

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