Moreton Medical Centre: Carers

Letting your GP know that you are a Carer

(This does not include people employed to provide care)

Does someone at home or in the neighbourhood depend on you to help with everyday tasks and responsibilities?

Perhaps you care for someone in the family or for a friend?

If so, you are a carer and might like some support for yourself.

You may have been caring for the person for some time already, regularly helping them with everyday tasks or giving them support so that they can stay in the family home. You may see it as part of your duty to care for your parents, your partner, your child or friend, but there may be times when you need advice, information or some extra help.

When you are a carer it is often difficult to have a proper break because someone is depending on you to look after them. You can become tired, rundown and your own health may suffer. Letting your GP know that you are a carer can help him/her to make sure that you get the right sort of support and care.

YOU are important too!

Carers have felt that it is important that the value of the work they do as carers is recognised. The government has responded by encouraging GPs to make special arrangements to support carers.

This surgery is trying to trace all those patients who are carers so that we can set up a carers register. This means that carers will be known to everyone at the surgery and steps can be taken to support them.

If you would like your doctor to know that you are a carer, fill in the form at the surgery and hand it in to reception. Your name can then be added to the Carers Register.

Your local carers centre is:

Wirral Carers Centre
Tel: 0151 670 0777
You can contact them for advice, information & support.

Your local Patient Liaison & Advice Service (PALS) can also offer confidential advice & support to patients, families & their carers.
Tel: 0151 647 4251

Visit www.carersonline.org.uk for national & local information