Are you a Carer?

You may first be someone’s:

• • husband, wife or partner
  • mum, dad, son or daughter
  • friend, neighbour or loved one

But if you help to look after them because they couldn’t manage on their own you are also a carer. Telling your GP that you are a carer will help the practice be better able to support you and the person you care for.

If you think you might be a carer for a patient at Newton Drive, or you are a patient at Newton Drive and care for a friend or family member who is not a patient here, please contact our care coordinator Sara directly, on 01253 955725 or via the Admin email at [email protected]

Carers Leaflet (Practice) Aug 2017

Carers Information

Support and Services

There are several services which may be able to offer help and assistance if you are a carer:

• • • Blackpool Carers
    • Carers Direct

Below are some other links to the NHS Choices website that we hope you will find useful.

• • • Your guide to care and support:
      This guide is for people who have care and support needs, their carers and people who are planning for their future care needs.
    • Assessing your care and support needs:
      If you have care and support needs and find it difficult to look after yourself, your local authority may be able to advise you and provide you with some help.
    • 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?

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

Tips and Suggestions from other Carers

“Don’t forget to check your council tax payments, you may be eligible for a discount – check with your local council for details – carers and people with mental impairment may be eligible for a reduction”

“Apply for direct payments – If you or someone you care for get help from social services, you can apply for direct payments. These let you choose and buy the services you need yourself, instead of getting them from your council.” More info here

“Many local services may offer free tickets or discounts for carer’s accompanying someone e.g. winter gardens/zoo.”