Carers

We are delighted to advise that we have achieved Silver Award Accreditation for Carers (DOCX, 456KB)

What is a carer?

"I’m not a Carer - it's just what I do!"

Do you look after someone?

If you provide regular, unpaid help for a family member, partner or a friend who has additional needs as a result of illness, disability, physical or mental illness, frailty or substance misuse then you are a Carer, and we would like to support you.

You don’t have to be getting Carers Allowance to be a ‘Carer’ and you don’t have to be doing a certain number of hours or performing personal care.

Caring roles can include administering medication, lifting and handling, personal or emotional care. Carers should not be confused with paid care workers, care assistants or with volunteer care workers.

We recognise that caring for a friend or relative can be a rewarding experience, but it can also leave you feeling mentally and physically exhausted, isolated and unable to partake in activities that many of us take for granted. Caring may also affect your own health. Many people struggle alone, unaware of services available.

Young Carers

A young Carer is defined as someone aged between 5 years -17 years who carries out significant caring tasks, which is inappropriate for their age and by so doing, shoulders a level of responsibility for another person (usually a family member) who has a long-term illness or disability. This could include a physical disability, learning disability, mental health problem or substance misuse issue.

This situation often arises when parents who have long-term conditions are not offered appropriate help and support, although it is a fact that most children of disabled or sick parents do not have to take on such responsible caring roles.

Young Adult Carers

Young Adult Carers are people aged between 18 years- 25 years who take responsibility for the care of another person (usually a relative) who has either an ongoing serious health condition or mental health problem, alcohol or drug addiction, a physical or learning disability, HIV or AIDs or is elderly or frail. As a young adult carer, they might be involved in personal care or emotional support for the person they care for, domestic tasks or general care.

Parent Carers

A Parent Carer is someone aged over 18 years who has parental responsibility to provide care to a child with a special educational need or disability (SEND) or a long term physical or mental health condition.

Please let us know if you are a Carer

Many of our patients are Carers but still need to let us know.

Telling us about your situation will help us to support you better:

You will be offered an annual flu vaccination
A note will be added to your record so practice staff are aware someone depends on you.
This can help us better understand the condition of the person you care for and protect them if you became unwell.
It will help us to look out for the warning signs of illnesses that are common among Carers, such as back pain, depression, high blood pressure etc.
We aim to be flexible to fit appointments around your caring duties or provide joint appointments for you and the person you look after.

Please download the carers registration form (PDF, 669KB)

Northamptonshire Carers

With your agreement we can put you in touch with the local charity Northamptonshire Carers who support the needs of Adult and Young Carers including Parent Carers. Northamptonshire Carers offer a wide range of advice, support and free services such as: