What makes a carer?
A carer is someone who regularly looks after a relative, partner, friend or neighbour who needs support because of illness, disability, frailty, a mental health problem or a dependency issue and who could not manage without their help. The care they provide is unpaid.
Carers can be of any age. A young carer is defined as a person under the age of 18 who provides or intends to provide care for another person. Some carers may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance, though this is subject to specific eligibility criteria. A carer is distinct from a care worker, who carries out this role as paid employment or as part of a voluntary organisation.
You can be a carer whether you live with the person you care for or at another address. Many people carry out all the duties of a carer but are not aware that they can be recognised in this role.
How the practice identifies carers
The practice identifies who is a carer in a few different ways, if you think your carer status has been missed or if it has changed please do flag it with us.
- With a question included on the registration form
- GPs and clinicians may flag a patient as a carer during appointments if it comes up in conversation
- Patients are encouraged to self-identify as a carer at any time by informing the practice
Once identified, carers are coded on their patient record so that the practice can ensure they receive the appropriate support and are signposted to relevant services
How we can help you?
Your health and welfare are important not only to yourself but also to the person you care for to enable them to continue living independently. There is a particular impact that caring has on a Carer’s health and well-being, employment, study and leisure interests. This is where the practice may be able to help “you”.
- Health check – we can offer you an appointment for a health check with one of our practice nurses.
- Influenza vaccination – you will be placed on our register of patients eligible for vaccination and receive a letter of invitation each year.
- Carers Gloucestershire – We can, if you wish, refer you to this independent, Carer led charitable organisation that seeks to empower Carers across the county to promote their rights and enable them to make positive choices to improve the quality of their lives. They offer information, support, advice and advocacy and are an excellent resource for Carers providing details of short breaks, counselling and listening services, benefits, equipment, aids and adaptations amongst other things.
- Social Prescribing – If you would like, we are able to refer you to our Social Prescribing Team, who can support you with a wide range of non-medical needs, including connecting you with local community groups, help with housing, benefits and financial concerns, mental health and emotional wellbeing support, and assistance with loneliness and social isolation.
- Social services – We can also arrange, if you wish, for Social Services to carry out an assessment and arrange assistance with such things as Home Care, Meals on Wheels, Occupational Therapy (handrails, wider doorways, stair lifts) and Benefits.
Carers group
The Practice has an active Carers’ Group which offers Carers the opportunity to get-together to share advice, have a chat and a cup of tea or coffee and speak to professionals able to give useful information regarding such things as benefits, respite care and specialist groups. The Group meets every other month in The Hutchison Room on the Ground Floor at The Devereux Centre in Barton Road from 10:00am to 12:00pm. All Carers welcome.
Upcoming dates for 2026:
- Thursday 19th March
- Thursday 13th May
- Thursday 16th July
- Thursday 17th September
- Thursday 19th November
Time: 10am – 12pm
Location: Hutchison Room, The Devereux Centre
Everyone is welcome – whether its your first time or you’re a regular. We look forward to seeing you!