Please see our new information for carers in COVID19 here.
We recognise that Carers contribute a significant saving to the NHS by looking after relatives, neighbours or friends who might otherwise have to go into long term care. Young Carers may be particularly vulnerable due to their inexperience and lack of life-skills. This practice is committed to providing appropriate support and consideration to its patients who are carers.
Who is a carer?
Carers provide unpaid care by looking after an ill, frail or disabled family member, friend or partner. A Young Carer is under 18.
What we can do to help?
The Practice holds a comprehensive list of patients who are carers who agree to be on the register. This enables the practice to provide information on local and national support and help. We can also arrange a referral to Social Services for a Carers Needs Assessment and other voluntary service agencies if required. We aim to raise the awareness of the needs of Carers and to support them with practical help and information. We know that Carers often have limited time to look after their own health needs and we encourage Carers to make an appointment with the Health Care Assistant for a health check. If we are able to recognise you as a Carer we can ensure that you receive the appropriate consideration and support.
How can you register as a Carer?
Registration forms are available in the surgery or speak to any staff member. Forms are also available from other voluntary organisations and on the County Council’s website. Wendy James our Health Care Assistant, is our Practice Carer Lead. You can ask to speak to her by telephone or make an appointment to see her.
What is a Carer’s Needs Assessment?
A Carer’s Needs Assessment is your opportunity to tell Social Services about the things that could make caring easier for you. It is an assessment of your needs, not those of the person you are caring for. Every carer is entitled to an assessment. When you register with us as a Carer, the practice will offer you the chance of a referral. The Contact Centre can be contacted on 01545 574000.
How to find out more information
The practice has a dedicated Carers notice board in the waiting room with a lot of information and news of local events.The Carers Emergency Card scheme is another way a carer can plan for emergencies. This is now available from Social Services, call the Contact centre on 01545 573000.
Some useful websites:
Carers Wales is an organisation working for a better deal for Carers in Wales. They have a web site with useful details of financial and practical help and events.
ACE National Action for Carers and Employment is working to support the inclusion of carers in training and work.
CareAware is a helpful website for advice about funding care for an older person.
Ceredigion_County_Council The health and social care section has comprehensive information for carers locally. The interesting Carers newsletter, JIGSAW, can be downloaded from this site.
The Princess Royal trust for Carers – the largest provider of comprehensive carers support in the UK. The interactive website has very useful information and a discussion board for carers.
