There are approximately 63,000 carers in Worcestershire, are you one of them? 

Do you provide support to a relative, friend or neighbour? It could be: emotional, physical, help with domestic tasks, personal care, or medical care. 

The person you care for could be any age and ill, frail, have physical disability, mental ill health or addiction.  

If you do, then you are a carer.  

Being a carer is an important and rewarding role, but it can be demanding and exhausting, and at times overwhelming. It is recognised that a caregiving role can affect employment, finances and relationships. It can also impact on physical health, mental health and well being.  

As your GP surgery, we would be keen to know if you are a carer. By noting it on your record we can ensure we recognise and support you in this caregiving role.  

It is also important that the person you are caring for informs us of your role in their care, so that where appropriate, we are able to recognise you as an expert partner when exploring your loved ones health needs.  

You can let us know by informing a member of reception or informing the doctor/nurse when you see them or alternatively via the online form below.

If you are a carer, there is free information and support available via Worcestershire Carers Association on 0300 012 4272 or www.carersworcs.org.uk 

If you would like to speak to a Carer Support Advisor who can discuss your personal circumstances and give tailored advise and support (including accessing benefits, respite, social isolation, legal issues, etc) you can self refer here: https://www.carersworcs.org.uk/forms/self-referral-form or speak to your GP/PA who can complete the referral for you.  

Worcestershire Association of Carers

Local information, advice and support for carers

Worcestershire Carers' Helpline 0300 012 4272

They’re here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone.

Telephone: 020 7378 4999

Website: www.carersuk.org

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?

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