“A carer is someone who provides unpaid help and support to a relative, friend, or neighbour who could not manage on their own due to illness, disability, frailty, physical impairment, mental ill health or substance misuse.”
Does this sound like you? If so, you are an unpaid carer. We are interested in identifying carers, especially those people who may be caring without help or support. We know that carers are often “hidden” looking after a family member or helping a friend or neighbour with day-to-day tasks and may not see themselves as a carer.
We feel that caring for someone is an important and valuable role in the community. It is often a 24-hour job that can be very demanding and isolating for the carer. We further believe carers should receive appropriate support by way of access to accurate information on a range of topics such as entitlement to benefits and respite care and not least, a listening ear when things get too much.
Why unpaid carers are vital?
Unpaid carers provide around 96% of the care in the community and save the NHS in Wales over £8.1 billion each year. Fishguard Health Centre recognises that carers contribute a significant saving to the NHS by looking after relatives, neighbours or friends who might otherwise have to go into long term care. Young carers, under the age of 18 may be particularly vulnerable due to their inexperience and lack of life-skills. Young adult carers, between the ages of 18-25, can be the most hidden group of carers in our society. Therefore, we at Fishguard Health Centre are committed to providing appropriate support and consideration to our service users who are carers whatever their age.
Registering as a carer - benefits
If you are a carer, please let your GP surgery know. A carers registration / referral form is available in the surgery or by speaking to any staff member.
Why should you register as a carer with your GP surgery?
Registering as a carer may help your health care team to:
What is a Carer's Needs Assessment?
As a carer, you are entitled to have a Carers Needs Assessment by Social Services. It is a chance to talk about your needs as a carer and the possible ways help could be given. It also looks at the needs of the person you care for. This could be done separately, or together, depending on the situation. There is no charge for an assessment. Every carer is entitled to an assessment; however it is not an assessment of your ability to provide care. When you register with us as a carer, the practice will offer you the chance to have a referral.
Additional information and support
We have a dedicated carers notice board in the waiting room with a lot of information and news of local events. Information can also be found at: