It is important to let us know if you are a carer for one of our patients or if you are one of our patients who cares for somebody else.
Sometimes when people are looking after someone they can get tired or frustrated and would like to know that there is someone outside the family who might understand and can help them. If we know that you are a main carer, we can offer you that help.
Not only can we take greater care of you, but we also need to know who is supporting our patients. The information you give us will be added to the notes of the person you are caring for, so we can contact you quickly in an emergency or if we have any other concerns. Also if you have concerns we know we can talk to you, as the main carer, with their permission.
Do you look after someone who is ill, frail, disabled or mentally ill?
We are interested in identifying carers, especially those people who may be caring without help or support. We know that carers are often “hidden” looking after a family member or helping a friend or neighbour with day to day tasks and may not see themselves as a carer.
Caring for someone is an important and valuable role in the community, which is often a 24-hour job that can be very demanding and isolating for the carer. Carers should receive appropriate support by way of access to accurate information on a range of topics such as entitlement to benefits and respite care and not least, a listening ear when things get too much.
As a Carer, you are also entitled to have your needs assessed by Adult Care Services. A Carer’s Assessment is a chance to talk about your needs as a Carer and the possible ways help could be given. It also look at the needs of the person you care for. There is no charge for an assessment.
If you are a carer, please ask at Reception for a Carers Identification and Referral Form which you can complete to let us know about your caring responsibilities.