Are you a carer looking for support?
Do you look after someone who couldn’t manage without your help?
It could be a friend, family member or neighbour who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction could not cope without you.
Care for the Carers is here for you!
We are excited to announce that The Station Practice is now working with Care for the Carers to make sure you are supported in your caring role.
We can help with:
- Talking to a support worker about your situation, any concerns you have and what might help to improve things for you.
- Providing information, guidance and putting you in touch with others that can help you.
- Getting support from other carers through carers groups.
- Taking part in free activities such as cookery classes and wellbeing sessions.
- Getting emotional support, such as counselling.
- Helping you to complete CRESS to ensure a plan is in place in case of an emergency and you are not able to be there for the person you care for.
- Registering you with Care for the Carers so that you can receive our free magazine, newsletter, carers card and ongoing support and advice.
What do you need to do next?
Þ Let your GP practice know that you are a carer so that you can be added to their Carers Register to help make sure you get support and information.
Þ You can ask your GP surgery to refer you to Care for the Carers or you can contact Care for the Carers directly by phone 01323 738390, text 07860 077300 , email info@cftc.org.uk, or via our website: www.cftc.org.uk.
You can also apply for a Carers Card if you live in or care for someone who lives in East Sussex.
It has three functions:-
- Identifies the holder as an unpaid carer
- It offers an emergency care plan CRESS (Carers Respite Emergency Support Service) which the holder, if they wish can set up and it provides short-term support, if they were to become ill or had an accident
- It offers discounts from various local businesses.
https://www.cftc.org.uk/help-and-advice/get-a-carers-card/carers-card-application-form/
Carer’s assessments
If you’re looking after someone who couldn’t manage without your help, you have a right to have your own needs assessed, even if the person you are looking after has had an assessment of their own or doesn’t want one.
The assessment will look at the care you provide and how this affects your life. It will consider the things you want to achieve in your own day-to-day life, such as work, training, social activities and wellbeing. It must also consider other important issues including whether you are able or willing to carry on caring, and it will inform you about what services and support are available to you.
Carers can complete an online assessment form or contact Adult Social Care. Care for the Carers can support you if you would like help with completing the assessment form.