If you are a patient of Roman Way Medical Centre and you look after a frail, sick or disabled relative or friend, then please let us know so we can record this on our
Carers Database – we will be able to send you information on local carers support groups and you will also be eligible for a free flu vaccination.
A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support.
Anyone could be a carer – a 15-year-old girl looking after a parent with an alcohol problem, a 40-year-old man caring for his partner who has terminal cancer, or an 80-year-old woman looking after her husband who has Alzheimer’s disease.
Islington Carers Hub | Supporting Unpaid Carers in Islington
Social care and support guide – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Carers Direct
There is a wealth of information on NHS Choices about carers and caring. Below are some links into the site that we hope you will find useful.
- Caring for a parent – Watch this video on: caring for a parent at home
- Telling people – Caring responsibilities can make it difficult to maintain friendships or develop new ones. Telling your friends you’re a carer is important so they understand and can support you.
- Taking a break – Caring for someone can be a full-time job, but it’s essential that you take time out for yourself too. Read our guide to accessing breaks and respite.
- Housing and carers – Do you know your tenancy rights as a carer? Are you aware of all your care at home options? Do you need tips on moving someone around the home?
Contact Carers Direct
Telephone 0808 802 0202
Helpline Information
http://www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/carerslives/updates/pages/carersdirecthelpline.aspx
Office Hours
Lines are open 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm at weekends. Calls are free from UK landlines.
Online Enquiry Form
http://www.carersdirectenquiry.nhs.uk/
Finance and Law
Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.
- Benefits for carers – Directing carers to the benefits that can help them in their caring role
- Benefits for the person you care for – Advice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they are entitled to
- Death and benefits – How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits
- Managing someone’s legal affairs – Advice for when carers find they have to take over the legal affairs of the person they are looking after
- 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
- Personal and household finance – Advice on keeping a tight rein on household and personal finance for carers
- Social fund
- Tax credits – Information on claiming tax credits and whether you might be eligible