Carers - Southgate Medical Group

Are you looking after someone?

A carer is a person of any age (including children) who provides unpaid support to a partner, parent, relative, friend or neighbour who couldn’t get by without their help. This may be due to old age, frailty, disability, a serious health condition, mental illness or substance abuse.

Many carers do not see themselves as carers because they see themselves as a parent, a spouse or partner, a son or daughter, a relative, friend or neighbour.

BUT 1 in 10 of the population is a carer. And as a result many carers often miss out on services, support, advice and benefits which may be available and may help.

If you are a carer please let us know by using the online form below – we may be able to help you.

We can refer you to one of our Carer Coordinators who can provide you with local and national information on services available including benefits and financial information as well as local events and activities for carers. They can arrange emotional support which includes counselling sessions with specially trained counsellors, a telephone call back service as well as other support for emotional wellbeing and relaxation.

How We Can Help You

Free Annual Flu Jabs
Screening and health checks
Flexible appointments
Dedicated Care Support Worker
Referrals to other local services and partners

Further support

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 benefit.
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.
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.

NHS Website Carers’ Support

You might not think of yourself as a carer. But you probably are if you’re looking after someone regularly, including your spouse or a family member, because they’re ill or disabled. As a carer, you may be entitled to one or more state benefits to help you with the costs.

Carer’s Support guide: www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide

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?