Getting support from your GP practice

Being a carer can often have an effect on your own health, and it is a well-documented fact that carers often put the needs of the person they care for before their own health needs.

It is important that you inform your GP or another member of the practice staff that you are a carer. Ask them to make a note of this on your medical records. This will serve as a reminder that you are a carer when you attend the surgery yourself, and alert them to any health problems you may be developing as a result of your caring role. It may be that you are in need of more support with your caring role.

GP practices are being encouraged to improve the information and support they provide to carers, and to look at ways of identifying patients who are also carers. NEWCIS encourages carers to complete a registration form which can be passed on to a carer’s GP informing them of their patient’s caring role.

There is also a range of other health professionals who may be able to offer you support and help with your health needs. They are:

• community (district) nurses
• practice nurses
• health visitors
• community psychiatric nurses (CPNs)
• counsellors
• physiotherapists
• occupational therapists.

Caring for yourself

Looking after someone else is almost always hard work. You may find it a financial drain, physically or mentally exhausting, or all three. Coming to terms with your caring role may take time and constant readjustment.

However, you must not feel guilty about needing and asking for help. You will not be the only one who feels that the role is taking its toll on your own health – it is a comment made frequently by carers.

There is no right or wrong way to deal with the emotions and feelings you may experience; everybody’s situation is different. Here are a few tips you may find helpful.

• Try to cut down on the work you are doing; sort out what must be done and what can be left until later without harming anyone.
• Some exercise can help relieve mental and physical stress, like taking a walk, gardening, home exercises and so on.
• If you are feeling tense, a long soak in the bath can help. Try closing your eyes for a few minutes and breathing slowly and deeply, then as you breathe out let yourself relax and loosen your muscles. This is a very simple technique which can help you switch off for a few minutes.
• Try to go out sometimes, on a regular basis if possible.
• Take time out for just yourself everyday, even for just a few minutes. Be quite firm with yourself about taking these breaks.
• Speak to someone – like your GP, NEWCIS, your social worker, or another carer. Sharing your problems can make you feel better and less alone.

Suggested contacts

CALL                            0800 132737
Samaritans                  08457 909090
Denbighshire Mind        01745 336787
Relate                         01492 533920
Carers Wales Helpline  0808 808 7777
NEWCIS                      01745 331181