GP Practices
Who is a carer?
A carer is anyone who provides unpaid care for a family member or friend who cannot manage without them because they are ill or disabled, or frail due to old age. Approximately 10% of patients within your practice are likely to be carers.
How Carers MK can help you identify and support carers
Evidence shows that many carers overlook their own health needs, mainly because they are short of time and their focus is on the needs of the person they care for. GPs are often the first point of contact for carers and the person they care for so you can play a vital role in giving carers support and information.
Carers MK has a proven track record of working with GP practices to help them identify and support carers. We offer:
- Templates of a carers identification and referral form and the information sharing agreement between patient and carer form. You can download them and adapt the forms to your practice’s needs.
- Carers MK’s leaflets, posters and other information delivered to your practice on a regular basis.
- A link to our website and suggested text to add to your website.
- Image for your practice electronic notice board.
- Carer Awareness training during Protected Learning Time by arrangement.
Carers referred to Carers MK are able to make full use of our free services including information, advice, emotional support, training and support groups. Carers aged under 18 years can access our Young Carers service.
Fore more information, please contact us.
Additional information for GPs
See the NHS Framework of Quality Markers in General Practice developed to help GPs and their teams support carers.
