What is a carer?
If you are looking after someone, or helping to look after them, and they couldn’t manage without your support, then you are a carer.
The person you help could be:
- your husband, wife, civil partner or partner
- your child (if they have a disability or long-term illness)
- your parent
- a person who lives in your household (not tenants, lodgers or employees)
- a person who relies on you, such as an elderly neighbour.
If you are still unsure if you are a carer, have a look at this ‘Am I a Carer?’ leaflet.
Register as a carer
If you are an unpaid carer, please complete Elmwood Family Doctor’s Carer Registration form. Doing so will help us to:
- offer practical things (like health checks and flu jabs) to maintain good physical health.
- support you with any physical or mental health issues you may have, such as depression, high blood pressure, etc.
- refer you to other local services that you may find helpful.
Please note you need to be registered as a patient with the surgery before you complete this form.
Support for carers
In Kirklees, there is a dedicated carers support organisation called Carer’s Count, available for unpaid carers. They support you, so you can continue in your caring role, look after your health and well-being and enjoy a life of your own.
Anyone can refer themselves to Carers Count. Here’s how:
Telephone – 0300 012 0231
Website – carerscount.org.uk
Email – info@carerscount.org.uk
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/carerscountkirklees
Other support
Social Prescribers work closely with organisations in the local community that provide support to carers, and will help you to access these services. You can find out more about our Social Prescribers here and if you would like an appointment to see a Social Prescriber, please call the practice to book an appointment.
There is a wealth of information on the NHS website about carers and caring.
Carers Trust provide support for carers and the people that they care for.
Sidekick by Action for Children is a text message and email support service for young carers.
Citizens Advice has information on money, benefits and your rights.
Carers Direct helpline provides advice and support with caring issues over the phone on 0300 123 1053.
Kirklees Carers Lanyard Scheme
Healthwatch Kirklees is working with carers to introduce lanyards as a way to help organisations identify and support carers.
If you are a carer in Kirklees and would like a carers lanyard, please contact Healthwatch Kirklees on 01924 450379 or email info@healthwatchkirklees.co.uk.