Supporting Carers

Do you look after someone who is ill, frail, disabled or mentally ill? If so, you are a carer. We are interested in identifying carers, especially those people who 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 as a carer.

We feel that caring for someone is an important and valuable role in the community, which is often a 24-hour job that can be very demanding and isolating for the carer. We further believe carers should receive appropriate support by way of access to accurate information on a range of topics such as entitlement to benefits and respite care and not least, a listening ear when things get too much.

As a carer, you are entitled to have your needs assessed by Adult Care Services. A carer’s assessment is a chance to talk about your needs as a carer and the possible ways help could be given. It also looks at the needs of the person you care for. This could be done separately, or together, depending on the situation. There is no charge for an assessment.

If you are a carer, this is an opportunity to let the practice know so that we can update our records and pass on your details to the Carers Service (Compass Carers) who can provide relevant information and advice, local support services, newsletter and telephone link-line.

Please complete a Carers_Identification_and_Referral_Form.doc and pop it into the surgery.

Carers Information Packs

With the help of our Patient Participation Group we have recently put together a carers information pack which may be of interest to you. Copies of the information pack are available from Reception.

Furthermore we would like to maintain regular contact with our carers to be able to provide support and up-to-date information about services available in the local area.

If you are no longer a carer or do not want us to contact you at regular intervals, please do let us know so we can update our records accordingly.

Useful Links and Contacts

***** BRIDGWATER CARERS SUPPORT GROUP *****

Meet at Redgate Medical Centre on the first Friday morning of every month at 10.30 am. Pop along for a chat and a cuppa.

Carers Support Service provided by Community Council for Somerset (CCS)

Advice line number 0800 31 68 600

Text 'Carer' to 78070

Email carers@somersetrcc.org.uk

Website http://www.somersetcarers.org

https://www.somersetchoices.org.uk/

Adult Social Care

Tel: 0300 123 2224