Am I a Carer?
A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a family member or friend who due to illness, disability, a
mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without their support.
Many people do not consider themselves a ‘carer’. In their eyes, they may be simply fulfilling their
role as caring wife or husband, son or daughter, mother or father, partner, grandparent, child, friend
or neighbour.
However, more often than not, these people would be classed as Carers, and could be offered
additional support and recognition for their caring role. To be defined as a Carer you do not need to
be alone in supporting someone either – there can be several people who provide care as part of a
family or support network team.
At times, a Carer might not even be recognised by the one who they are providing care to. This is
often due to illness, and can be difficult to come to terms with.
Supporting you
Being a carer can have benefits, including strengthening your relationship with the person you care for. Caring for someone can mean giving up financial, social and wellbeing opportunities during your time as a carer. While caring for someone it's important to look after your own health and wellbeing.
Carers Support Centre, is a local organisation that can provide you with information and advice on any aspect of caring and services that might be useful such as the Carers Emergency Card. Carers_Emergency_Card_Form
They can also help with a carers assessment.
They can put you in touch with other organisation that offer specialist support, for example about dementia, mental health problems or recovering from a stroke.
They can also advise on any financial help you or the person you look after may be entitled to. There are also carers groups that meet regularly to share practical ideas and friendship.
Call LCC Carers service on 01522 782224
Make sure your GP knows about your caring role. Use the form below to get registered:
NHS England recommended good practice is for each GP surgery to have a Carers Register. If they haven’t got a register yet, ask them to set one up.
If a GP knows that you are a Carer, some of the ways they can support you include:
- Provide support with any physical health issues related to your caring role.
- Make you aware of the carer’s flu jab each year.
- Talk about your mental health and the impact of your caring role.
- Provide you with general information and advice.
- Refer you to helpful organisations and services that can improve your caring situation.
- Give you flexible appointments at times that suit you.
Key Contacts
LCC EMERGENCY DUTY TEAM (OUT OF HOURS) – 01522 782333
LCC Carers Service (SERCO) – 01522 782224
Email – CarersService@lincolnshire.gov.uk
Website – https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/support-carers
Lincolnshire Young Carers – 01522 553275
Email – youngcarers@lincolnshire.gcsx.gov.uk
Website – https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/support-carers
Carers First – 0300 303 1555
Email – info@carersfirst.org.uk
Website – www.carersfirst.org.uk
The Carers Emergency Response Card is free of charge and enables Carers to ensure a plan is in place for the person they care for should they suddenly become unwell or have an accident. A Carer does not have to have a Carers Assessment to request a Carers Emergency Response Card
The contact number for request of Carers Emergency Response card is the Lincolnshire Carers Service
Tel 01522 782224
United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust
Carers Badges
If you are an unpaid Carer and the person you care for is admitted into hospital (Pilgrim, Lincoln or Grantham), you can pop into the PALS office who will take some details from you and issue you with a Carers badge and lanyard. This will allow you to be clearly seen on the ward as a Carer and enable you free access during the day and not be restricted by visiting times.
Above is a picture of the badge and lanyard you will be given.