Are you helping a family member or friend who is older, disabled or has a health problem? Get help now
If you provide unpaid help and support for a partner, friend or relative who cannot cope without your assistance due to their illness, disability, mental health difficulty or addiction, then you are a carer.
A carer is different to someone who is paid to provide care professionally or via a voluntary organisation because they have an emotional connection with the person they care for and are not paid for their time. This connection can make caring more rewarding, yet more difficult at the same time.
Register as an unpaid carer with your GP practice
Your GP (General Practitioner) and primary care team can provide you with support, advice and information including assistance from Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Continence Advisors and Dieticians.
A number of GP surgeries have a simple form on their website to help you register as a carer, but we have heard that this is not always the case.
Carers UK have provided some helpful letter templates to help you register with your GP.
Register as an unpaid carer with your GP - template letter - Carers UK
Understanding your role as a carer is important so that you can get the right help and support.
All carers are entitled to a free carers assessment
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