Carers Support on the Isle of Wight
At The Bay Medical Practice, we recognise and value the vital role that carers play in supporting family members, friends, and loved ones. Whether you are caring for someone with a long-term illness, disability, mental health condition, or age-related needs, we are here to support you in your caring role.
Caring for someone can be rewarding, but it can also be physically, emotionally, and financially demanding. It is important that carers receive the support, advice, and respite they need to look after both themselves and the person they care for.
Who is a Carer?
A carer is anyone who looks after a family member, friend, or neighbour who could not manage without their support due to illness, disability, a mental health condition, addiction, or age-related frailty. This includes:
- Parent carers looking after children with additional needs.
- Young carers under 18 supporting a relative at home.
- Unpaid carers who are not employed as professional care workers but provide essential help.
If you are a carer, it is important to let us know so we can offer you support and refer you to appropriate services.
How We Support Carers
At The Bay Medical Practice, we can help carers by:
- Identifying you as a carer on our medical records, so that you can access additional support.
- Offering flexible appointments to accommodate your caring responsibilities.
- Providing information and advice about looking after your health and wellbeing.
- Signposting you to local and national support services for practical, emotional, and financial assistance.
- Referring you for a Carer’s Assessment, which helps identify any extra help or respite care you may need.
If you are a carer and have not informed us yet, please speak to reception or your GP so we can record your status and provide support.
Emergency Carers Support & Contingency Planning
Caring for someone can be unpredictable, and it is essential to have an emergency plan in place in case you become unwell or unable to provide care.
- Carers Emergency Card Scheme (Isle of Wight) – This scheme ensures that if you cannot care for your loved one due to an emergency, an alternative plan is in place.
- How to Register: Contact Carers IW at 01983 533173 to create an emergency plan.
Hospital Stays & Discharge Planning for Carers
If the person you care for is admitted to hospital, you may need support with hospital visits, discharge planning, and aftercare.
- Hospital Carers Support Service – Many hospitals have dedicated carers teams to support you during hospital stays.
- Discharge Planning – Ensure that the hospital provides an aftercare plan when your loved one is discharged.
For support, contact St. Mary’s Hospital Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS):
Telephone: 01983 534850
Email: iownt.PALS@nhs.net
Support for Working Carers
If you are a carer and also working, you have rights under employment law, including:
- Requesting flexible working from your employer.
- Taking unpaid leave for dependents in emergencies.
- Eligibility for Carer’s Leave, allowing carers to take time off to care for a loved one.
For more information, visit Carers UK.
Carers and Mental Health Support
Caring for someone can be emotionally challenging. Mental health support for carers is available:
- Carers IW Counselling Service – Provides confidential support for carers struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression.
- Mind (Isle of Wight) – Offers mental health support, peer groups, and counselling.
Mind IOW Contact:
Telephone: 01983 523000
Website: www.iwmentalhealth.co.uk
Dementia & Alzheimer’s Carers Support
Caring for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can present specific challenges. The following services provide tailored support:
- Alzheimer’s Society Isle of Wight – Provides practical and emotional support for those caring for someone with dementia.
- Dementia UK Admiral Nurses – Specialist nurses offering guidance for dementia carers.
Alzheimer’s Society Contact:
Telephone: 0333 150 3456
Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk
Respite Care & Breaks for Carers
Taking a break from caring is important for maintaining your own health and wellbeing. Respite care options include:
- Short breaks at a local care home (funding may be available through social services).
- Day care centres for people with disabilities or dementia.
- Home care services to provide temporary support.
For respite care options, contact Isle of Wight Adult Social Care:
Telephone: 01983 823340
Website: www.iow.gov.uk
Carers’ Rights & Legal Support
Carers have legal rights regarding financial support, employment, and access to healthcare services.
- Carers UK Legal Advice – Provides guidance on carers’ rights.
- Citizens Advice Isle of Wight – Provides free, confidential, and impartial advice and support
Financial Support for Carers
Caring for someone can have a financial impact. You may be entitled to benefits such as:
- Carer’s Allowance – A financial benefit for those who care for someone at least 35 hours a week.
- Carer’s Credit – Helps protect your State Pension if you have reduced working hours due to caring.
- Council Tax Reduction – Some carers may qualify for a discount on council tax.
For more information and to check your eligibility, visit www.gov.uk/carers-allowance.
Let Us Know If You Are a Carer
If you are a carer, we encourage you to register your carer status with us so that we can provide tailored support. Simply speak to a member of the reception team, and we will update your medical records accordingly.
For further information or support, please contact a member of the practice team.
We are here to support you as well as the person you care for. Please do not hesitate to ask for help.
