Getting NHS help as a carer

Are you a carer?

Many carents don’t see themselves as carers and find it difficult to see their caring role as separate from the relationship they have with the person for whom they care  eg parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, friend, etc

Eventually, most people taking on a caring role realise that they are acting as a carer but it can take a while. On average, it takes people around two years to acknowledge their role as a carer

You are a carer if you look after someone regularly because they’re ill, ageing or disabled but you are not paid to do so.

Anyone can be a carer  – including friends, relatives, spouses, parents – you don’t need to live with the person you are caring for and you do not need to provide full time care.

The following activities count as being a carer:

Helping with day to day activities such as:

• washing, dressing or taking medicines
• getting out and about and travelling to doctors’ appointments
• shopping, cleaning and laundry
• paying bills and organising finances

Providing emotional support by:

• sitting with someone to keep them company
• watching over someone if they can’t be left alone

Helping you – register with your GP as a carer

In the first instance you can ask your GP to register you as a carer.  If you are struggling emotionally or practically you can ask your GP to help you.  Your GP can also refer you for a local authority carers assessment and give you information about local support services and organisations which can help you or the person you care for.

As a registered carer you will be entitled to flu and covid vaccinations and enabled to get more involved in care planning for the person you care for.

This carers toolkit has been developed to help NHS organisations give carers the recognition and support they need to provide invaluable care for loved ones.

Helping you to support your loved ones

If you are caring for an ageing parent, relative or friend you will find it helpful for them to advise their GP surgery and (if appropriate hospital clinical teams)  that you are their carer and to provide all of your contact details.

If your loved one gives permission, then their GP and hospital medical team will feel able to share information about them and involve you in their care plans.  You can  be copied into relevant correspondence, and attend consultations and home visits.   With permission, and if appropriate,  some doctors and nurses will ring you to keep you updated.  This will not happen without permission (ubnless you are invoking legal powers of attorney) because patient confidentiality will always remain paramount.

Caring surgeries

GP surgeries vary but many are committed to supporting carers.  You will be able to find information on their websites and ask reception staff for help and advice.