Who is an unpaid carer?
“Someone, of any age, who provides support to or who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help/assistance due to frailty, physical or mental illness, addiction or disability and who cannot cope without this support.”
(Carers should not be confused with paid care workers, care assistants or with volunteer care workers).
If you’re a carer who helps and supports someone who can’t manage on their own, we want to ensure you get all the support you need. We would like to hold this information in your medical record, this will help us provide support as necessary and have a better understanding of your needs.
During your yearly carer’s health check, you will be offered the opportunity to be referred to the Gloucestershire Carers Hub. This is a countywide organisation providing relevant information and advice, local support services, newsletter, and telephone help for carers. They can give you the chance to discuss your role as a carer and what help you may need to:
- Support you as a carer.
- Maintain your own health.
- Balance caring with other aspects of your life, like work and family, looking at both your current and future needs.
- Offer contingency planning to address emergency situations that may arise.
Gloucestershire Carers Hub is part of the People Plus Group’s independence services, which empowers people with a range of support needs to lead independent lives. The Gloucestershire Carers Hub aims to support carers across the region to access a one-stop-shop for advice and support. They endeavour to be the listening ear and the supportive hand for carers seeking guidance.
Contact Gloucestershire Carers Hub on 0300 111 9000 or visit their website Gloucestershire Carers Hub.
There is also a wealth of information on NHS.UK about carers and caring.