Carers Support

Tell your GP

Although there isn’t a national register for carers, make sure that you tell your GP that you are a carer, and ask them to write the details on your notes. your GP will ensure that, as a carer, you receive a regular health check and, if necessary, a flu jab.

Did you know that here at the Surgery we have a Carers Lead, Kath Brewer who you can contact for help? Please feel free to get in touch with her by either phone 01829 751252 or by email kath.brewer@nhs.net

Tell Social Services

Social Services are part of your local council and provide a range of services to carers and people with disabilities. They should be one of your first contacts, as it is important they know about the person you’re caring for. As a carer, you are entitled to a carer’s assessment, which looks at your needs and how you, as a carer, can be supported.

Social Services can provide replacement care to give you a break, help with aids and adaptations to make life easier or simply be a back up in an emergency. They can also give you cash to sort things out yourself (this is called a Direct Payment).

You can call your local Social Services directly and speak to them about your role as a carer. Alternatively, your GP can refer you. Even if you choose not to have a carer’s assessment, it is advisable to let Social Services know that you are a carer, should a time arise when you need urgent assistance.

Information for Carers

Please see below for up to date information and assistance.

1.The Cheshire and Warrington Carers Trust helpline 0300 102 0008 is open Monday to Friday 09:00 until 17:00 and we would encourage carers to call this number with any queries (there is an answer machine out of hours on which you can leave a message).

2. They are still booking appointments to help with benefits etc but these are now being done over the telephone – please continue to signpost and refer any carers who need support with this.

3. Essentials fund – this is still in operation and may be needed even more at the moment. Please continue to refer carers to us who need support to buy an item such as a cooker/washer/fridge/freezer

4.Personal Budgets, whilst this is a changed service we are still offering breaks but thinking how we can do them differently e.g. gym equipment for home use and also extending the amount of time to spend the money awarded.

5. Emergency card – this continues as normal

Every day, another six thousand people take on a caring responsibility. Carers provide unpaid care by looking after an ill, frail or disabled family member, friend or partner.

Every year 2 million people become carers, so the first thing to remember is you are not alone! Becoming a carer can be bewildering, confusing and frightening. No one is super human and all carers need some support and back-up.

Look after yourself

It is easy to neglect yourself when you are busy caring for someone. However, as a carer it is important that you look after yourself. At the very least, you’re not much use to the person you care for if you make yourself ill through caring. Sadly, one in five carers report that their health suffers as a direct result of caring. For example, without proper training carers are especially prone to back problems.

Many of the most serious health problems carers suffer from, such as heart disease or mental breakdown, are a direct result of stress. Caring without a break, without proper sleep and without support is extremely stressful. It is important that you recognise this and take it seriously. Remember that a little can go a long way so when you can, try and take some time out to do something for yourself: read a magazine, visit a friend, watch a TV programme or go for a walk.

More information go to  www.carersuk.org

Remember you’re a carer!

Recognising yourself as a carer is the very first step to getting the support you need. Many of us do not see ourselves as carers straight away.

  • We are mums and dads, husbands, wives, partners, brothers, sisters, friends and neighbours.

We are simply doing what anyone would, caring unpaid for a loved one or friend, helping them through when they are unable to do things for themselves. The fact is that you are also a carer, and there are things that you need to know. No one likes to be labelled, but recognising yourself as a carer can be the gateway to getting a range of help and support.

Include your family and friends

Many carers turn to family and friends for support, and to help them to take a break from caring. It is important that you do not cope alone, as this can impact on your own health.

Speak to family and friends and make sure they know the extent of your caring role. Many family members or friends may not realise the level of care you are providing, they may be embarrased or don’t want you to think they are interfering.

Other people may be reluctant to ask if you need help in case you get the wrong end of the stick and think they are saying you can’t cope! Sadly, some people don’t know how to react to illness or disability and they find it awkward, so the onus might be on you to make the moves.

Claim Your entitlements

The benefit system is complex, and many people who are new to caring are unsure what they should be claiming. Many people are put off claiming by means testing or complicated forms, but remember that the benefits system is there to help and you are entitled to claim.

There are a number of benefits available to carers, and one of the most important things it to ensure that you have the relevant information. Benefits can also act as a gateway to other help, like Council Tax reductions or help with prescriptions.

Here is link to the councils section on carers:https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/health-and-social-care/adult-social-care/caring-for-someone/support-available-for-carers

Find your nearest carers group or centre

Carers groups, carers centres, branches of Carers UK – all give support to carers by providing information, arranging social events and giving carers time to speak to other carers about problems or experiences. Many of the carers that we speak to find carers groups a great source of support.

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