A carer is someone who provides unpaid care for someone who would not be able to manage on their own due to a physical or mental illness or disability.

What we can do to help

We are interested in identifying carers, especially those people who, whatever their age, may be caring without help or support. We know that carers are often 'hidden' looking after a family member or helping a friend or neighbour with day to day tasks and may not see themselves a Carer.

Caring for someone is an important and vaulable role in the community.It can be very demanding and isolating for the carer so it is important that carers receive appropriate help and support. This may be by way of access to information regarding benefit entiltlements, respite care or even who to contact when they just need a listening ear.

We are aiming to compile a comprehensive register of our patients who are carers and who have agreed to go on the register. This will enable us to send out relavant information on available support and arrange referral to Social Services and other voluntary care services and agencies if wanted.

If all our staff can recognise you as a carer we can ensure that you receive appropriate consideration and support. We can offer a flexible approach to consultations if leaving the dependant person is difficult for you.

Are you a Carer?

If you are a Carer please let us know - we may be able to help you

Carer registration forms and information leaflets are available in the dedicated CARER'S AREA in the waiting room at the surgery.

You may also speak to one of our Carers Champions - Mary Sharland or Debra Morgan who will be happy to help with any queries or concerns you may have relating to either your caring responsibilities or to the Carers Scheme itself.

Free Carers Assessments

If you are a carer you are entiltled to a free Carer's Assessment. This assessment is a an opportunity to talk about your caring responsibilities and needs. It looks at ways in which further help and support may be provided as well as offering advice on maintaining your own health and wellbeing.

It may also be possible to have prescriptions delivered to your door. You can ask your local pharmacy about this.

Pembrokeshire County Council - Social Services

You can request a free Carers Assessment by calling 01437 764551 on visiting http://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/content.asp?parent_directory_id=646 

Pembrokeshires Association of Voluntary Services  

Can provide information on local voluntary supports services as well as providing regular newsletters and information on future events for Carers; Tel: 01437 769422

https://carers.org/partner/crossroads-care-mid-west-wales

Some other useful links

www.carers.org www.youngcarers.netwww.crossroads.org.uk

www.direct.gov.ukwww.carersuk.org

http://www.carerswales.org/

There is also 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?

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