Carers Advice

Are You a Carer?

Do you look after an adult or child who is ill, frail, disabled, has mental health problems, or misuses drugs or alcohol?

We are currently working in partnership with Carers in Hertfordshire to offer support to patients of any age who have caring responsibilities. 

We want to identify people registered at this practice who are carers.  Sometimes ‘hidden’ carers are 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 recognise that caring for someone is an important and valuable role in the community.  We also know it can be a 24 hour a day job that can be very demanding and isolating.  In addition, we believe carers should receive appropriate support by way of access to:

• accurate information, e.g. benefits and grants
• practical help, e.g. equipment and taking a break
• a listening ear when things get too much

If you are a carer this is an opportunity to let the practice know so that we can update our records and, if you are agreeable, pass your name on to Carers in Hertfordshire.  They will be in touch with you to provide details of their free services and add your name to their mailing list so you receive regular useful information.

Carers Champion

We understand that some people may not wish their name to be passed on and we would respect this but we would still like to hear from you if you are a carer.  If you are able to get up to the surgery there is a Carer Identification and Referral Form which we would invite you to complete.  However, if you are unable to attend the surgery, please let us know via the online form below and we will help you.

Our Carers Champion is Rebecca who is one of our Reception team.

As Carer Champion she is able to act as the main contact person for carers, other staff members and local carer organisations. In order to successfully support carers, all staff are aware of her role and are involved in the identification of new carers for adding to the carers register.  Self-identification is encouraged by having material on our Carers Board, items in our newsletter and on the website which also provide information about the benefits of being registered as a carer. 

Rebecca or another member of staff attends Carer Champion Network meetings where best practice can be shared. There is access to timely information, up to date resources and publications for carers, an update from Carers in Herts and training opportunities. 

Rebecca will act as a voice for carers within the practice and be a key point of contact for carer information.