At Bourn Surgery we are looking to improve our identification and support of those of our patients who are also carers.
A carer is an individual, irrespective of age, who provides or supervises a substantial amount of care on a regular basis to someone (such as a relative, partner, friend or neighbour) who is unable to manage on their own. This can be due to a variety of factors such as illness, disability, frailty, mental distress, impairment or substance abuse. A carer can be a child looking after an older person or parent, or an older person looking after a disabled partner. The person being cared for may not be registered at Bourn Surgery.
A GP practice such as Bourn is likely to have a 10% carer rate; roughly 600 patients, and 2% of our practice population (about 120 patients) typically provide care for more than 50 hours per week. Carers have been shown to have higher rates of both physical and mental illness, as well as financial burdens.
If you feel that you are a carer, then we would really like to know. We are working with Caring Together, a charity (formally known as the Carer’s Trust) who provide services and help for carers and their families across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Norfolk. They offer a wealth of advice and information for people who are carers, and have an informative website at www.caringtogether.org or can be contacted by ‘phone on 0345 241 0954.
Caring Together can offer support in a variety of ways, including:
- Adult carers can access respite breaks tailored to their needs, such as an hour per week for an appointment, or a day or weekend break for a special occasion.
- Caring Together offer emergency ‘What If’ planning in case of carer illness or accident. The carer is given a key fob to carry with them, and their details are registered with Caring Together. In the event of the carer having an accident or illness, Caring Together will contact the carer’s next of kin, and offer 24hrs free care for the cared-for person while a longer-term solution can be found. This service runs 24hrs/day and aims for a quick response.
- Caring Together can offer advice on Carer’s Assessments. The Carer’s Assessment process is run through the County Council, but the process can be arranged through Caring Together.
- Caring Together offer an Information and Advice line which any carers can call directly.
- Listening Ear is a Caring Together service run by volunteers who are all ex-carers.
At the Surgery we also offer annual Health Checks for carers, in order to better support this group of patients. Please speak to Reception and ask to book a Carer’s Health Check with a GP.
Carers are also entitled to ‘flu vaccination for free on the NHS.
Information for Carers in Cambridgeshire
Caring Together
Range of local support and information for Carers of all ages including respite care and social groups with peer support. Self-referral or via health/social care professional
http://www.caringtogether.org/locations/south-cambridgeshire
0345 241 0954 or 01480 499090
Cambridgeshire County Council
Carer’s assessment to assess needs of carers and provide information and support. Self-referral or via health/social care professional
https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/adults/looking-after-someone/carers-assessments
0345 045 5202
DWP government department
Carer’s allowance. Benefit may be available if you work at least 35 hours a week as a Carer.
https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance
Carers Trust
National organisation providing information.
GP/Caring Together
Family Carers’ Prescription. Help for Carer’s health needs e.g temporary carer or transport.
Caring Together
What If? plan, for Carer emergencies can be registered with Caring Together
https://www.caringtogether.org/?s=What+If+plan
Caring Together
The new Carers ID card can help Carers to identify themselves to others e.g. for priority shopping
https://www.caringtogether.org/news/carers-card
Don’t Tone Alone/Caring Together
Gentle exercise and stress relief exercises. Free through the Caring Together website
https://caringtogether.org/news/online-excercise-classes-for-carers
Making Space
Support for Carers of people with mental health conditions aged 18-65.
https://makingspace.co.uk/services/centres/cambridgeshire-carer-support
01480 211006
Rethink
Support for Carers of people with mental health problems. Telephone support line.
https://www.rethink.org/help-in-your-area/groups-in-your-area/
07783 267013
Pinpoint
Support for parent Carers of children with additional needs and disabilities
https://www.pinpoint-cambs.org.uk/
01480 877333
Alzheimer’s Society (national and local)
Support for Carers of people with dementia.
Dementia Carers
National charity with information and online courses.
020 3096 7895
Centre 33
Support for young Carers up to the age of 18
0333 414 1809