We know family carers can often be at higher risk of becoming ill and ignore symptoms of their own ill health because their focus is always on the person they support.
For this and many other reasons, it’s important to make your GP surgery aware that you are a family carer as they will be able to support you. Although the support available can vary between GP surgeries it may include:
- Priority calls for annual flu and Covid-19 jabs
- Some flexibility with booking a doctor’s appointments for you and/or the person you support
- A referral for Respite On Prescription (if applicable in your location) can provide funds towards the cost of replacement care to enable you to have an elective medical procedure
- Understanding your individual needs as a family carer and how this affects your well-being
- Help with prescriptions – which may include arranging for them to be delivered to your home
- When attending an appointment for the person you support (with their permission), the GP should take your views as a family carer into consideration
- A Social Prescriber or GP Carers Champion who can provide general information and advice about other support services available to the family carer and the person they support
All GP practices will have a register of family carers so talk to a receptionist or practice manager to request they include you. They will then add this information to your patient record and help you get the support you need. Some GPs will have a separate register for young carers, so it is also a good idea to ask if this is available.
