Carers

Are you a Carer?

A carer is anyone who provides unpaid support for another person (family member or friend) who would otherwise not cope without your support.

Caring for a loved one can be an immensely rewarding experience, but is also comes with it’s own unique challenges. We understand the physical, emotional and mental demands that carers face on a daily basis. As a Practice we recognise the invaluable role that carers play in our community, and we want to ensure that your needs are met, and you receive the support and resources you deserve. If you are looking after someone, please let us know by completing the register as a carer form, so that we can ensure you receive all the support and information we can give.

It is estimated that around 10% of the population provide care for someone but only a small number of these register as a carer with their GP Practice.

Registering as a carer with your GP practice helps ensure that you are recognised and supported in your caring role. It allows the practice to offer more flexible appointments, consider your responsibilities when arranging care, and monitor your own physical and mental wellbeing. Registration can also help you access additional support such as health checks, signposting to local services, and practical advice, while ensuring clinicians understand the impact caring may have on your health. Most importantly, it helps prevent carers’ needs from being overlooked and promotes a more joined‑up, supportive approach to both you and the person you care for.

Young Carers

Young carers are classed as those aged 17 and a half years and under and may be providing care and support to family members who have a chronic illness, disability or mental health condition. they often undertake tasks such as assisting with personal care, administering medication, managing household chores and providing emotional support. These responsibilities can have a profound impact on their lives and it is important to acknowledge the unique needs and experiences of young carers and provide them with appropriate support.

Young carers often will not identify themselves as being a carer. There are lots of different and complex reasons for this including lack of awareness, fear of judgement or involvement from services, loyalty to family, or time pressures. To address this, we aim to make registration simple, confidential and supportive, while raising awareness and reassuring families that the purpose is to provide help, not criticism.

What is available for Carers?

• Signposting to local carers’ services, support groups, and respite care
• Carers Emergency Card – a free, credit-card-sized ID carried by unpaid carers to alert authorities, in a crisis, that someone relies on them
• Advice on benefits and practical support available to carers
• Flu vaccinations and preventative care (where eligible)
• Recognition of your role, ensuring clinicians consider your needs when treating both you and the person you care for
• Support with stress, anxiety, or burnout, including referrals to counselling

Carers Champion

The Practice has a Carers Champion who can provide advice on where to access the support you might need. If you would like to speak to our Carers Champion, please contact the practice to arrange this.

National and Local Support Services

• Carers UK

  They’re here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone.
  
  Phone
  0808 808 7777
  
  Website
  Carers UK
  
  Email
  info@carersuk.org

• Derbyshire All-Age Carers Support Service

  Derbyshire All Age Carers Support Service Carers Association recognise that the responsibility of caring for someone who cannot manage at home without help often places great physical and emotional strain upon the Carer. Whether you care for someone for a few hours a week or for 24 hours a day, they can offer you a wide range of confidential and independent services, helping you to care.
  
  Phone
  01773 833 833
  
  Website
  www.derbyshirecarers.co.uk/daacss
  
  Email
  highpeak@derbyshirecarers.co.uk

• Derbyshire County Council

  Find out about the range of support services available from Derbyshire County Council
  
  Website
  Carers in Derbyshire

• Benefits available for Carers

  Find out if there are any welfare benefits you are entitled to as a carer
  
  
  Website
  NHS benefits for carers
  
  Derbyshire council council welfare benefits

• Social care and support guide

  If you or someone you know needs help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability, this guide explains your options and where you can get support.
  
  Website
  NHS: Social care and support guide

• Caring for someone with Dementia

  If you or someone you know cares for someone with dementia, the Alzheimer’s Society website provides advice specific to this.
  
  Website
  Alzheimer’s Society

• Blythe House

  If you or someone you know cares for someone with any life limiting illness, or someone who is approaching end of life, Blythe House Hospice can provide advice and support.
  
  Website
  Blythe House

• Derbyshire Young Carers

  Derbyshire young carers poster (PDF)
  
  Derbyshire young carers booklet (PDF)