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A carer is someone who, without payment, provides help and support to a friend, neighbour or relative who could not manage otherwise because of frailty, illness or disability.
Most carers don’t recognise themselves under the term ‘carer’. They are just ordinary people who, typically may be looking after:-
- a mother with Alzheimer’s Disease,
- a partner with Multiple Sclerosis or
- a child with Asperger’s syndrome
Children or young people between the ages of 5 and 25 who care for at least one family member are classed as Young Carers.
Locally
We are very lucky in this area to
have an excellent support agency
entitled 'Carer Support Wiltshire'
(based at Semington) who offer free
and confidential information, advice
and emotional support. They can be
reached by telephone on 01380
871690. Their new website address is
www.carersinwiltshire.co.uk. A
freephone number for carers is also
available 0800 181 4118.
They provide:-
- Information Packs
- A listening ear
- Opportunities to take breaks from the caring role eg. outings, therapeutic breaks, pampering, meals out (sorry, these are not free), craft activities etc.
- Regular Carers Groups (with speakers)
- A magazine produced 3 times a year
- Opportunities for training
- Stress management
- Relaxation techniques etc.
No distinction is made between ‘live-in’ carers and those who live apart from the cared-for person and help when needed.
At the Surgery
Since 2004, Lovemead has had a dedicated member of staff responsible for identifying and supporting Carers within the Practice – Barbara Draper. The Practice won the Silver award in the national Simplyhealth Caring Surgery Awards, supported by the Princess Royal Trust for Carers for our work on behalf of Carers.
The Practice offers:-
- Carer Health Checks with a trained Nurse/Counsellor
- Repeat prescriptions over the phone for the Cared For or the Carer.
- Access to appointments at a time to suit you (via a password system)
We also offer what we call a Carer Health Check Plus which is an hour long appointment comprising 3 x 20 minute appointments with
- The Nurse for a medical check-up,
- A Carer Support Worker from Carers Support, West Wilts and
- A representative from FAB, the Financial Assessment & Benefits Team.
Please ring Barbara at the Surgery if you have any queries about any of the above.
Carer Questionnaires can be found in the surgery waiting-room if you wish to identify yourself as a Carer.
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