Support for unpaid carers- people who are looking after relatives or friends
People who look after someone, need to be looked after too.
Many people don’t choose to become a carer, they tell us, ‘it just happens.’
You may not even consider yourself to be a carer and just feel that you are looking after someone because that’s what family and friends do for each other. While this is often the case, it is widely recognised that caring for someone else can have a real impact on your own health and your own life and here at the practice we would like to make sure you can access the right help and support.
You may:
- Be starting to care for someone- a relative, friend, partner, or neighbour
- Have been a carer for a long time
- Have recently stopped caring for someone or your circumstances may have changed.
You may not think you need support, but ask yourself:
- Could the person who you look after manage day-to-day life on their own?
- Could they cope without your help and support?
- Do you have enough time to think about yourself properly?
- Do you get a break for yourself?
If you answered ‘no’ to any of these questions, or feel you would like help and support with someone you are caring for, then we would encourage you to let us know you are a carer, speak to a member of the team or contact the NHS Carer Support team by calling 536-3371.
You can also click on the links below which contain useful information for carers.
Useful Links:
Carers Direct
Are You a Carer?
If you are please let us know - we may be able to help you
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 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
Carers Information Scotland
Care Information Scotland is a telephone and website service providing information about care services for older people living in Scotland.
On the Care Information Scotland website you will find information about:
If you would prefer to talk to someone, please call the helpline on 08456 001 001 (calls charged at local rate).
If English is not your first language, there is a translation service called Language Line which can provide someone to translate between you and the helpline staff member.
Or send them an online enquiry.
You can also download information from our library of leaflets below:
Leaflet Library
Whatever your question about care, we will do our best to help you find the information you need.