Who is a carer?
Many carers are not known by their GP practice as there is confusion around how to define the term ‘carer’.
A carer is a person of any age (including children) who provides unpaid support to a partner, relative, friend or neighbour who couldn’t get by without their help.
This could be due to old age, frailty, disability, a serious health condition, mental ill health or substance misuse. Parents of children who are disabled or who have a serious health condition are also considered to be carers.
What we offer to improve healthcare for carers
- Flu vaccination - most carers are eligible for a free flu vaccination to protect themselves and the person they care for
- Regular health check appointments to help you keep fit and well
- More flexible appointments
- Carer support groups
- Referrals to carers’ services for more specialised information, advice and support
Dedicated services for carers
If you care for someone and would like additional support then the following services may help:
Carers Leeds – Supporting unpaid carers
Monday to Thursday – 9am till 5pm | Friday – 9am till 4:30pm
Drop-in: 6-8 The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 6PT: Monday to Friday – 10:00am till 4:00pm
Administration and general enquiries telephone number: 0113 246 8338
Contact Carers Direct
Telephone 0808 802 0202
Helpline Information http://www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/carerslives/updates/pages/carersdirecthelpline.aspx
Email:
Office Hours Lines are open 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm at weekends. Calls are free from UK landlines.
Further help and advise can be found below:
There is a wealth of information on the NHS website about carers and caring. Below are some links into the site that we hope you will find useful.
- A guide to care and support Information for carers and people who have care & support needs.
- Caring for someone Advice on providing care, medicines etc.
- Care after hospital Providing care for people who have been recently discharged from hospital.
- Taking a break Caring for someone can be a full-time job – find out about accessing breaks and respite care.
- Support and benefits for carers
Caring for someone can be a full-time job – find out about accessing breaks and respite care. - Work and Disability Guidance, support and help with employment issues.
- Being a Young carer Advice for carers 18 or under and their entitlement to support
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 under-65s Advice and information on helping the person you look after getting the benefits that they are entitled to. Benefits for the over-65s Advice and information on financial support for older people with a disability or illness.
- Carer’s Assessment How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits.
- 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.