Carers

There is an estimated 19 million people in the UK who provide or have provided unpaid care who have not identified as a carer.

At Swan and Forest Surgeries we want to support carers in the best way we possibly can, this includes encouraging patients contacting us to let us know if they are providing unpaid care, we can add this to their medical records so we can try to offer better appointment flexibility and maximise their health needs by providing health checks, screenings and advice. We can also offer support through our Social Prescriber who can connect carers to activities, groups and services within our communities to help meet social and emotional needs affecting the carers wellbeing.

A carer is anyone, including children and adults who looks after a family member, friend, partner or neighbour who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, mental health problem or addiction and cannot cope without their support. The care they give is unpaid. Carer’s responsibilities can involve household help, physical care, providing companionship and emotional support. In some cases this can be helping with personal care.

Many people with a caring responsibility juggle this with work, study and other family commitments. Some, in particular, young carers are not known to be carers. They may not tell relatives, friends or health and care professionals about their responsibilities because of a fear of separation, guilt, pride or other reasons.

If you are looking after someone in a caring capacity you are entitled to a Carer’s Assessment from Suffolk County Council (linked below) – this is your chance to let Suffolk County Council know how your caring role affects you physically and emotionally, although the word “Assessment” can seem daunting this is not a test of your ability to care but is about you and your needs – not the person you’re caring for. It is an opportunity for you to explain what support you need, whether you’re willing and able to continue caring, what you want to achieve in your day to day life and whether you qualify for additional help. Young Carer Assessments are carried out by Suffolk Family Carers on behalf of Suffolk County Council.