G.P. CARERS' SUPPORT SERVICE - DO YOU CARE?
If you are providing support for someone who has a disability or illness and who could not manage without your help then YOU ARE A CARER
Let your G.P know you are caring for someone and to consider what may be of help to you like:
- Carer advice and support from an independent organisation such as the Belfast Carers Centre
- Asking your G.P for a health check for yourself
- Referral to a social worker for a Carer's Assessment. This will give you the opportunity to talk over your caring role and to find out what is available from your local social services such as the Carer Complementary Therapy Service or a Carer Grant.
- Talking to your G.P. or District Nurse about relaxation techniques and how to manage stress. Thinking about asking for support to assist you in caring or to have a break from your caring role.
Useful web link - Carers Information on Belfast Trust Site
http://www.belfasttrust.hscni.net/services/CarersInformation.htm
Carers Direct
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?
Carers support groups
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 may be 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