Many carers are not known by their GP Practice, as there can be confusion around how to define the term ‘carer’.
A carer is a person of any age (including children) who provides unpaid support to a partner, relative, friend or neighbour who couldn’t get by without their help.
This could be due to old age, frailty, disability, a serious health condition, mental ill health or substance misuse. Parents of children who are disabled or who have a serious health condition are also considered to be carers.
What we offer to improve healthcare for carers
- Flu vaccinations - most carers are eligible for a free flu vaccination to protect themselves
- Regular health check appointments to help you keep fit and well
- More flexible appointments
- Carer support groups
- Referrals to carers’ services for more specialised information, advice and support
Dedicated services for carers
If you care for someone and would like additional support, the following services may help:
Carers Leeds has been supporting unpaid carers in Leeds for many years and is available as follows:
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9.00am until 4.30pm
- Tuesday 9.00am until 6.30pm
- Drop-in: 6-8 The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 6PT: Monday to Friday 10.00am until 4.00pm
- Administration and general enquiries telephone number: 0113 246 8338
Click here for further information.
NHS Social Care and Support
NHS Social Care and Support is available as follows:
- Telephone helplines and forums are open every day 8.00am until 7.00pm
- Telephone number 0808 802 0202
Helpline Information can be accessed here.
Click here for further information.
There is a wealth of information on the NHS website about carers and caring. Below are some of the links into the site that we hope you find useful:
- Introduction to care and support information for carers and people who have care and support needs.
- Caring for someone advice on providing care, medicines etc.
- Care after hospital providing care for people who have been recently discharged from hospital.
- Taking a break caring for someone can be a full-time job. Find out about accessing breaks and respite care.
- Support and benefits for carers information about accessing breaks and respite care.
- Work and Disability Guidance including support and help with employment issues.
- Being a Young carer advice for carers 18 or under and their entitlement to support.
Email:
Finance and Law
Below are some links for helping to claim benefits and understanding the legal issues of caring:
- Benefits for those under state pension age Advice and information on helping the person you look after getting the benefits that they are entitled to.
- Benefits for those over state pension age Advice and information on financial support for older people with a disability or illness.
- Carer’s Assessment How your benefits may be affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits.
- Other benefits Advice for carers and the people they are looking after on claiming a whole host of other benefits unrelated to their disability or caring.