Carers at Cwmaman Surgery
Are you a carer? Do you look after Someone?
Are You A Carer?
“A Carer is someone who provides unpaid help and support to a relative, friend, or neighbour who could not manage on their own due to illness, disability, frailty, physical impairment, mental ill health or substance misuse.”
Does this sound like you? If so, you are a Carer. 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.
We feel that 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. We further believe 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.
Why Are Unpaid Carers Vital?
Unpaid Carers provide around 97% of the Care in the community and save the NHS in Wales over £8.1 billion each year. St Thomas’ Surgery recognises 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, under the age of 18 may be particularly vulnerable due to their inexperience and lack of life-skills. Young Adult Carers, between the age of 18-25, can be the most hidden group of Carers in our society. Therefore we are committed to providing appropriate support and consideration to its patients who are Carers whatever their age.
Why Should You Register As A Carer?
Registering as a Carer may help your health care team to:
- understand your caring responsibilities.
- signpost you to information, help and support, either now or in the future.
- share information about the person you care for (with appropriate written consent)
- may provide more flexible appointments that reflect your caring role.
- offer you an annual flu jab (free).
- refer you to other services or organisations that might be able to help you.
We look forward to hearing from you.
What is A Carers Assessment?
As a Carer, you are entitled to have a Carers Needs Assessment by Social Services. It is a chance to talk about your needs as a Carer and the possible ways help could be given. It also looks at the needs of the person you care for. This could be done separately, or together, depending on the situation. There is no charge for an assessment. Every Carer is entitled to an assessment; however it is not an assessment of your ability to provide care. When you register with us as a Carer, the practice will offer you the chance of a referral.
