Carers Direct

So, ask yourself am I a Carer?

Many people don’t consider themselves to be in a caring role. Some people may only see themselves as a Husband, Mum, Brother, Son or Daughter!

So, do you do any of the following for a friend, member of the family or even a neighbour who couldn’t manage without your help?

• Housework or shopping
• Handling money matters
• Hospital and surgery
• Personal care, such as washing and dressing

if you do, then YOU ARE A CARER!

So what sort of support do West Cumbria Carers provide?

Our service is FREE and is given in many different ways, we:

• Support Groups – meet people in similar situations
• Carers Assessment –This is an opportunity for you to meet with a support worker to discuss your role and identify any support we may be able to offer
• Emergency Card (called contingency planning) – To give reassurance of support for the person you care for if you become ill or have an emergency.
• Activities – Various activities to support carers health and understanding
• Quarterly newsletters – information sharing of topics that affect Carers generally
• Benefits support
• Trips, outings and social events – an opportunity for time out of you caring role
• Counselling & Volunteer Support Services

You can ask any member of staff within the practice to refer you to our organisation, so please ask for more information in the surgery. Alternatively you can call myself or one of my colleagues at West Cumbria Carers on 01900 821976

Register with us as a Carer

We would like to encourage all patients who:

might help someone with:

• housework & shopping
• money matters
• hospital and surgery visits
• personal care such as washing and dressing

or need support because the help you provide:

• is affecting your health
• is affecting your job
• means you are constantly tired and stressed

or the person you care for is:

• getting too ill or frail for you to manage on your own

to let us know, either when on the telephone to the surgery, at your next appointment, or via the online contact form. With your permission, we can also ask Caroline, who is the practice Support Worker to get in touch to tell you a bit more about how she can help.

There is a wealth of information on NHS Choices about carers and caring. Below are some links into the site that we hope you will find useful.

• Caring for a parent – Watch this video on: caring for a parent at home
• Telling people – Caring responsibilities can make it difficult to maintain friendships or develop new ones. Telling your friends you’re a carer is important so they understand and can support you.
• Taking a break – Caring for someone can be a full-time job, but it’s essential that you take time out for yourself too. Read our guide to accessing breaks and respite.
• Housing and carers – Do you know your tenancy rights as a carer? Are you aware of all your care at home options? Do you need tips on moving someone around the home?

Finance and Law

Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.

• Benefits for carers Directing carers to the benefits that can help them in their caring role.
• Benefits for the person you care for Advice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they are entitled to.
• Death and benefits How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits.
• Managing someone’s legal affairs Advice for when carers find they have to take over the legal affairs of the person they are looking after.
• Other benefits Advice for carers and the people they are looking after on claiming a whole host of other benefits unrelated to their disability or caring.
• Personal and household finance Advice on keeping a tight rein on household and personal finance for carers.
• Social fund
• Tax credits Information on claiming tax credits and whether you might be eligible.