Carers

You are an unpaid carer if you support a family member or friend who is ill, disabled, elderly, has poor mental health or misuses substances. You are a Young Carer if you are under 18 in this role. The support you offer may be emotional or include shopping, cooking, dealing with medication, or attend medical appointments with the person you care for.  The person you care for could live with you, in their own home, or even in residential care.

It is important that you let your medical practice know that you look after someone.  You can be added to the practice ‘carer register’ and gain to access to information and support, this includes access to a named Carer Champion.

A Carer Champion is a staff member at your practice who support carers. They are the key point of contact and the ‘voice’ for carers.

As a carer, you are also entitled to an annual flu vaccine and a health check.

You are also entitled to a Carers Assessment, you would need to contact the Nottinghamshire Carers Hub for this (details below).

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Nottinghamshire Carers Association

Nottinghamshire Carers Association works with schools, health and social care professionals to raise awareness of Carers.

Nottinghamshire Carers Association works with health and social care professionals to raise awareness of Carers (nottinghamshirecarers.co.uk)

We are supporting organisations to identify Carers and Young Carers and offer the best support possible. Contact Nottinghamshire Carers Association on [email protected]

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Nottinghamshire Carers Hub

Carers Trust East Midlands provides timely, personalised information and support for Carers via the Nottinghamshire Carers Hub to make caring for a loved one easier.

Contact Nottinghamshire Carers Hub on:

0115 824 8824 Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm You can speak to an experienced support worker who will provide a personalised service that meets your individual needs.

email: [email protected] 

web: www.carerstrustem.org/hub 

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Nottinghamshire County Council support for Carers

Support for carers | Nottinghamshire County Council

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Apply for a Carers Emergency Card

This is a free card, administered by Nottinghamshire County Council, that you should carry with you at all times.  It identifies you as a carer and will alert anyone finding it, such as the Emergency Services, that someone you look after might need assistance.  In the event of an emergency you will have the peace of mind that there is a 24 hour system in place to ensure that the person you care for is looked after.  You don’t need to have a Carers Assessment to apply for one.

You can apply for a Carers Emergency Card online at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/care/adult-social-care/carers/caring-emergencies 

Or you can contact the Carers Support Service at Nottinghamshire County Council on 0300 500 80 80

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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?

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