Are You a Carer?

If you are please let us know - we may be able to help you.

You are an unpaid carer if you support a family member or friend who is ill, disabled, elderly, has poor mental health or misuses substances.  The support you offer may be emotional or include shopping, cooking, dealing with medication, or attend medical appointments with the person you care for.  The person you care for could live with you, in their own home, or even in residential care.

It is important that you let your medical practice know that you look after someone.  You can be added to the practice 'carer register' and gain to access to information and support, this includes access to a named Carer Champion.

A Carer Champion is a member of medical practice staff who supports with the identification of carers.  They will act as a voice for carers within the practice and be a key point of contact for carer information within the general practice which they work.

Gay Robinson is the Practice's Carer Champion at Castle Healthcare Practice.

As a carer, you are also entitled to an annual flu vaccine, health check and a Carers Assessment.  Ask in your medical practice for more information, or drop in to one of our Carer Clinics on the 1st Friday of every month.from 9.00am - 10.30am.

There is 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

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.

Additional Information from Rushcliffe CCG

Carers:

What To Do If You Look After Someone

Rushcliffe Carers Service 

Contacts For Rushcliffe Carers Service:
Margaret - Wednesday to Friday (07739 237 443)

There is a drop-in session held at the surgery on the 1st Friday of the month 9-10.30 am, when a representative from the Carers Federation will be available to discuss your caring needs.

Additional Information from Nottinghamshire Help Yourself

Welcome to Nottinghamshire Help Yourself

Council Carer's Hub

Message from Rushcliffe CCG:-

See attached the final copy of the new carers information pack created by Notts CC and local NHS Nottinghamshire (CCGs).

The booklet is generic and can be used in any area of Nottinghamshire.

You can use the E- version from now to print out the information and attach to your websites.

Information for Carers Leaflet