Did you know?

In Devon there are approximately 74,000 carers providing unpaid care for relatives and friends.

A carer is someone who provides unpaid support to family, friends or neighbours who could not manage without their help on a regular basis. Anyone can become a carer at any time- It may happen gradually as a person’s health deteriorates or instantly, as a result of an accident or unexpected health condition. Quite often a person does not recognise themselves as a carer, even though they have a caring responsibility. No matter who a person is caring for and whether they have the same condition as somebody else, their situation is unique to them.

Carers often put the health of the person they care for before their own.  To be able to care for others, you must care for yourself!  You do not need to be claiming or receiving Carer’s Allowance to be considered a “carer”.

If you look after someone who couldn’t manage without your help, you may be an unpaid carer.

Our practice is working with Devon Carers to ensure all unpaid carers registered with our surgery receive the best information, advice and support available to them.

How do I know if I am an unpaid carer?

• Do you look after someone?
• Do they have a medical condition, mental health illness or drug/alcohol addiction?
• Would they struggle to cope without your support?

If yes – you are an unpaid carer!

How can our practice support you?

• Identify and keep a register of carers
• Actively support the mental and physical health and wellbeing of all carers registered with our surgery
• Provide our staff with carer awareness training to enable them to support carers
• Make our services accessible to all carers
• Actively inform, involve and communicate with carers
• Promote a carer friendly culture

How can I access support?

Firstly, tell our receptionist that you are an unpaid carer – they will note this on your patient record and can make a referral to Devon Carers on your behalf

We may be able to offer support such as:

• Longer appointment times for you to accompany the person you care for
• Offering you the opportunity to have a flu jab
• Signposting to local services to assist you
• Where appropriate, we will involve you in discussions around the persons care/treatment

We recommend that you register with Devon Carers. This is a service delivered by Devon-based charity Westbank and is commissioned jointly by Devon County Council and NHS Devon.

Devon Carers supports unpaid carers with the opportunity to access information, advice, and services such as:

• Peer Support groups
• Carers skills workshops
• Carers Break Fund
• Carers Assessment
• Carer Friendly Devon
• Quarterly magazine
• Helpline
• Help with planning for an emergency
• Carers Passport with Carers ID card

To register with Devon Carers:
Online: Register for support - Devon Carers
Helpline: 03456 434 435
Or ask a member of our staff, who will be able to make a referral on your behalf

Click the link to view the Devon Carers Magazine