Looking after yourself is very important especially when someone else relies upon your support as their carer. Staying healthy, both emotionally and physically, will have a positive impact upon your ability to cope with your caring role.
It is important to tell your GP that you are a carer to enable them to identify the correct support for your needs. If all GP practice staff are made aware of your caring role you are more likely to be offered;
– A free annual health check and possibly a free annual flu vaccine;
– Flexible appointments e.g. arranging appointments for both you and the person you care for at the same time to avoid having to visit the surgery twice;
– Arranging for repeat prescriptions to be conveniently delivered to your nearest pharmacy;
– Individually targeted health care for yourself as a carer by signposting you to appropriate organisations where you can access specific information and support e.g. social care and local carer centres;
– The opportunity to get involved in the ‘Patient Participation Group’ at your practice to make sure your view is heard and listened to;
– SMS messaging keeping you up to date about relevant events;
– Supporting information to confirm your caring role;
To register as a carer with your GP, ask your practice’s receptionist for a Carer Registration Form which you should complete and return to them. The information you provide will be confidentially recorded on your medical records.
