Are you looking after someone?
Caring for a loved one who is ill, disabled or older can be valuable and rewarding, but without the right support caring can have an impact on your health, your job, your finances and your social life. Click the button below to create an account using the free access code: DGTL2770 at carersdigital.org. This will give you access to all digital products and online resources, including:
- e-Learning: building resilience
- Jointly: care coordination app
- Free publications: carers UK guides
- More resources & info: links to workplace resources
Having the right information at the right time can make a huge difference for you as a carer and the person you look after. Carersdigital.org resources are designed to bring you the support you need.
Registering as a Carer
If you would like to register as a carer please click the button below to complete our online registration form. You will then be sent a Carer Pack which includes links and support information and start availing of a health & wellbeing annual carer review at the Practice.
An annual review appointment can be arranged with a member of our nursing team by contacting reception.
Creases for Carers
Are you an Older Carer aged 65+? – Do you live in the Mid& East Antrim area?
We know that caring for a loved one is a huge responsibility and you may often feel like you don’t have enough hours in the day. Our ‘Creases for Carers’ service can help take the pressure off, by collecting your ironing from your door, having it professionally ironed and returned to you by one of our wonderful volunteers!
For more information contact us on 02825 658 604 or email [email protected]
Who are Carers?
A carer is a person of any age (including children) who provides unpaid support to a partner, relative, friend or a neighbour who could not cope without their help. This could be due to old age, frailty, disability, a serious health condition, mental ill health or substance misuse. Parents of children who are disabled or who have a serious health condition are also considered to be carers.
There is a difference between a carer and care professionals who are paid to provide care. Some carers receive statutory payments or a direct payment for their caring role. Even when carers do not receive such payments, they are still considered to be carers.
Many carers may not identify themselves as a carer. Instead, they see themselves as someone’s partner, relative or friend who is simply ‘doing their best’ to help someone they care about. For this reason, asking ‘do you look after someone?’ can be a more effective question than ‘are you a carer?
Carer: NHS Services
Did you know there are many supports available to unpaid/informal carers through our Carer Hub?
Carers have told us of the importance of peer support when joining classes such as recognising your identity as a carer, being with likeminded people who understand your world and having the opportunity to connect with others.
If you are looking after someone in the Northern Trust area and would like to be kept up to date with what’s on contact our Carer Hub for more info on 028 2766 1210 or [email protected]
Carers NI Information
Please click the link below for Carers NI Information.
This information aims to help people with long term health conditions, or those caring for them, develop the skills and confidence needed to better manage their situation day to day and beyond. The information look at ways to help manage the effects of their long-term condition or caring situation such as:
- Dealing with pain and tiredness
- Dealing with feelings of frustration, depression and isolation
- Learning relaxation techniques and increasing physical activity
- Encouraging healthy eating
- Communicating with family and health professionals
- Reviewing appropriate use of medication
- Planning for the future
Coming out of Hospital Fact Sheet
It is helpful to know what to consider if you are looking to care for someone who is coming out of hospital, especially if their needs have changed. The factsheet explains that to expect, the steps that should be followed, your rights as a carer, and what to do if things go wrong.
Please download the factsheet below:
Working together to support Carers
Meadowbridge Surgery also offers annual carer reviews with the nursing team to promote the wellbeing of individual Carers, and adopts a whole family approach in their work to support local Carers of all ages, in order to:
- maintain the independence and physical and mental health of Carers and their families
- empower and support Carers to manage their caring roles and have a life outside of caring
- ensure that Carers receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place
- respect Carers’ decisions about how much care they will provide and respect Carers’ decisions about not providing care at all
For further information contact:
Lyn Campbell
Carers NI
Information Development Office
Northern Trust
Office Tel 028 9043 9843