Carers Information

It’s important that everyone who works here at Lightwater Surgery knows you are a carer so that we can offer you help and support if you need it. Anyone who looks after a friend or family member who cannot manage without them, and is unpaid, can register.

This includes carers under the age of 18.

If you are a carer, please complete this form below.

If you look after a family member, friend or neighbour who couldn’t manage without your support, you are a carer.  Please let us know by completing this online form, so we can record this on your medical record and ensure you receive appropriate support:

·        Add you to our carers’ register

·        Provide health checks and vaccinations to help you stay well       

·        Share information about local support services

·        Offer flexible appointments where possible

·        Signposting to carer assessments and financial advice

What support is available?

Carers may be able to access:

·        Carer assessments through the local council

·       Financial support, including Carer’s Allowance

·       Respite services

·       Local carers groups and peer support

·       Advice on employment, benefits and caring responsibilities

Visit www.actionforcarers.org.uk for more information

Website links to NHS Carers information

·         Social care and support guide - NHS

Young Carers

If you are under 18 and help care for someone at home, you are a young carer. We can help you access specialist support and ensure your school and healthcare team understand your needs.

If You Need Help

Caring can be rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Our practice wants to make sure you get the help, information and recognition you deserve. Please contact the surgery if you feel overwhelmed, need advice, or want to talk about your own health. Looking after yourself is just as important as looking after the person you care for.

Am I eligible as a carer?

A carer looks after a family member, friend, partner or neighbour who needs support due to illness, disability or old age. The help carers give is unpaid, though you may still receive Carer’s Allowance or other benefits. You do not have to care full time to receive Carer’s Allowance or live with the person you care for to be a carer.

I don’t live in the same borough/county as the person I care for – where do I go for help?

It is the duty of the local authority (council) where the person you care for lives to assess their care and support needs and your needs as a carer. For example, if the person you care for lives in Sutton, the London Borough of Sutton would be responsible for assessing their support needs and offering you a Carer’s Assessment.

What are the contact details of Carer’s Direct?

Telephone - 0808 802 0202

Email - CarersDirect@nhschoices.nhs.uk

Website - http://www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/carerslives/updates/pages/carersdirecthelpline.aspx

Lines are open 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm at weekends. Calls are free from UK landlines

Useful links

Carers support is available via Action for Carers, which is our jointly commissioned service with SCC via the BCF https://www.actionforcarers.org.uk/

Respite care from Crossroads Care https://crossroadscaresurrey.org.uk/

Carers break funding which GPs can refer carers to SILC for up to a £300 one off payment. SILC - GP Carer Prescription Service (surreyilc.org.uk)