Are You a Carer?

Do you look after an adult or child who is ill, frail, disabled, has mental health problems, or misuses drugs or alcohol?

We are currently working in partnership with Carers in Hertfordshire to offer support to patients of any age who have caring responsibilities. 

We want to identify people registered at this practice who are carers.  Sometimes ‘hidden’ carers are looking after a family member or helping a friend or neighbour with day to day tasks and may not see themselves as a carer.

We recognise that caring for someone is an important and valuable role in the community.  We also know it can be a 24 hour a day job that can be very demanding and isolating.  In addition, we believe carers should receive appropriate support by way of access to:

• accurate information, e.g. benefits and grants
• practical help, e.g. equipment and taking a break
• a listening ear when things get too much 

If you are a carer this is an opportunity to let the practice know so that we can update our records and, if you are agreeable, pass your name on to Carers in Hertfordshire.  They will be in touch with you to provide details of their free services and add your name to their mailing list so you receive regular useful information.

We understand that some people may not wish their name to be passed on and we would respect this but we would still like to hear from you if you are a carer.  If you are able to get up to the surgery there is a Carer Identification and Referral Form which we would invite you to complete.  However, if you are unable to attend the surgery, please click on this link,  please let us know and we will help you.

Our Carers Champion is Rebecca who is one of our Reception team. Rebecca works part-time so to contact Rebecca, please ask at Reception or telephone 01923 262363 and speak to a receptionist.

As Carer Champion she is able to act as the main contact person for carers, other staff members and local carer organisations. In order to successfully support carers, all staff are aware of her role and are involved in the identification of new carers for adding to the carers register.  Self-identification is encouraged by having material on our Carers Board, items in our newsletter and on the website which also provide information about the benefits of being registered as a carer. 

Rebecca or another member of staff attends Carer Champion Network meetings where best practice can be shared. There is access to timely information, up to date resources and publications for carers, an update from Carers in Herts and training opportunities. 

Rebecca will act as a voice for carers within the practice and be a key point of contact for carer information.

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

Care Choices

Care Choices has just relaunched their new designed website (March 2019) to support people who are looking for care and support.  The Care Choices website provides a central place for you to find the guidance and knowledge you need, whether you’re looking for care, supporting people to find services, or planning for the future.  Visit  www.carechoices.co.uk

Carers In Herts | Supporting Carers in Hertfordshire