GP surgeries across west Wales have a simple form on their website to help you register as an unpaid carer.
Why should you register as an unpaid Carer with your GP surgery?
- Your GP can better understand your caring responsibilities.
- Access to a ‘Carer Lead’ at most GP practices; this is a designated member of the practice staff who is assigned to helping carers.
- Provide more flexible appointments that reflect your caring role.
- Offer you an annual flu jab (free).
- Conversations about your mental health and the impact of your caring role.
- Information about how to access a carers assessment and benefits checks,
- Involvement in the care planning of the person diagnosed.
- Signpost you to information, help and support, either now or in the future.
- Possibility to arrange ‘double’ appointments at convenient times for both you and the person you care for to avoid having to visit the surgery twice.
- Share information about the person you care for (with appropriate written consent).
Please note that surgeries may differ in the support they are able to offer unpaid carers.
It is important that the unpaid carer completes the form relevant to the county they live in. The forms can be accessed via this link:
Carers information – Hywel Dda University Health Board (nhs.wales)
The form also gives the carer the opportunity to be referred to their local Carers Information Service. Feedback from unpaid carers on the benefits of this include:
Before a referral: I looked after my husband who has Alzheimer’s and I felt isolated# depressed and lonely” I was struggling to care for him on my own”
After: I am now in receipt of three hours replacement care a week” My husband spends time each week at a day centre” The Carers Service also helped me to apply for Attendance Allowance which I can use to employ a cleaner”
Before a referral: I care for my daughter with learning disabilities and had to ask my teenage son to help because I couldn’t manage on my own” I was really anxious about what would happen if I became ill”
After: Talking about my situation really helped” I feel less isolated, and I have joined a local Carers Group who are really supportive” This has also helped me to put emergency plans in place” My son is now recognised as a Young Carer at school and receives support for himself”
