CARERS
Individuals irrespective of age, who provide or supervise a substantial amount of care on a regular basis of a child, relative, partner or neighbour who is unable to manage on their own due to illness, disability, frailty, mental distress or impairment.
The term “carer” would not normally apply if the person is:
- a paid carer
- a volunteer from a voluntary agency
- anyone providing personal assistance for payment either in cash or kind
Statistics and facts about carers (CARERS UK)
1 in 8 adults (around 6.5 million people) are carers.
- By 2037, it's anticipated that the number of carers will increase to 9 million
- Every day another 6,000 people take on a caring responsibility - that equals over 2 million people each year.
- 58% of carers are women and 42% are men
- Over 1 million people care for more than one person
Carers save the economy £119 billion per year, an average of £18,473 per carer
- Over 3 million people juggle care with work, however the significant demands of caring mean that 1 in 5 carers are forced to give up work altogether.
- The main carer's benefit is £64.60 for a minimum of 35 hours, equivalent to £1.85 per hour - the lowest benefit of its kind.
People providing high levels of care are twice as likely to be permanently sick or disabled
- 72% of carers responding to Carers UK's State of Caring Survey said they had suffered mental ill health as a result of caring.
- 61% said they had suffered physical ill health as a result of caring.
- Over 1.3 million people provide over 50 hours of care per week.
Surgery Protocol
The practice will seek to support carers by:
- Providing information and local authority resources and contact points.
- Supporting carers with suitable appointment flexibility and understanding.
- Care for the carer to enable them to maximise their own health and needs by providing health checks and advice.
You can help us by identifying yourself as a Carer, there are forms available at the reception for this purpose or you can also download this carer identification form.
Are You a Carer?
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.
Watch this video on: caring for a parent at home
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.
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.
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?
Contact Carers Direct
Telephone: 0808 802 0202
Helpline Information
Email: CarersDirect@nhschoices.nhs.uk
Office Hours: Lines are open 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm at weekends. Calls are free from UK landlines.
Finance and Law
Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.
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
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
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
Information on claiming tax credits and whether you might be eligible
