A carer is someone who looks after a relative, partner or a friend who cannot manage at home without help due to a disability or illness or because they are elderly or frail.
Around 3 in 5 people will be a carer at some point in their lives. According to the 2001 census, there are 39,886 carers in Wiltshire.
Carers fall broadly into 3 groups:
- Adult carers – an adult caring for another adult such as a spouse, partner, friend or relative
- Parent carers – an adult who cares for an ill or disabled child
- Young carers – a child or young person who is carrying out significant caring tasks and assuming a level of responsibility for another person which would usually be taken by an adult
SUPPORT FOR CARERS
At The Health Centre
The Health Centre runs an annual health check service for patients who are carers. Appointments are designed to give you a full health check and an opportunity to discuss your health. The appointment will last approximately 15 minutes. Representatives from The Carers’ Support Agency and the Financial Advice Bureau are also available to offer advice or answer any queries.
In the community
Carers Support West Wilts [1] provides a free information pack that contains all kinds of information to assist people who are caring for relatives, friends or neighbours.
It does not matter if you are caring for someone occasionally or for longer lengths of time, you may request the free pack. It contains loads of useful information plus contact details of other organisations to assist you in your caring role.
Some of information contained in the pack includes:
- Advice and information on services you may be able to receive
- Advice on benefits to which you may be entitled
- Information on how to take a break from caring and access a carers special grant
- Information on your entitlement to a 'carers assessment'
- News of special days out and therapies available for carers
- Information about our befriending service and other volunteering opportunities
- And lots more
You may also request the latest newsletter, which is printed twice a year and compliments the service the Carers Support presently provides to 1150 carers who live in West Wilts.
For further information, please visit the Carers Support West Wilts website [2] or telephone 01380 871690