Introduction

The following protocol sets out the mechanisms the practice has in place for carer’s and identifying carers.

Definition of a Carer

Individuals irrespective of age, who provide or supervise a substantial amount of care on a regular basis to a relative, partner or neighbour who is unable to manage on their own due to factors including illness, disability, frailty, mental distress, impairment or substance misuse.

The term “carer” would not normally apply if the person is:

• a paid carer (employed) 
• a volunteer from a voluntary agency
• anyone providing personal assistance for payment either in cash or kind

A carer can be a child looking after an older person or parent, or an older person looking after a disabled partner. The definition may be quite wide-ranging.  

The person being cared for may, or may not be, registered at the carer’s practice. Where the person being cared for is registered elsewhere the practice will not be able to identify routinely where this relationship has ceased. Periodically, the carer may be asked to re-confirm his / her status. Where the person being cared for is a registered patient, the relationship can be re-affirmed more often, and major events just as death or de-registration may initiate a change of status from practice held information.

Protocol

Research shows that for every 1000 patients, 120 will be carers. It has also been estimated that 1 in 5 households in the UK may contain a carer. 

This protocol aims to ensure that all carers registered with the practice are identified. 

The practice will facilitate this process by actively identifying and supporting carers who are patients and / or a patient who has a carer. Patients with long-term conditions can be asked to identify their carer.

The Practice will seek to support carers by:

• Providing information and local authority resources and contact points (Appendix 4) 
• Carers will be supported with suitable appointment flexibility and understanding. Carer’s are coded to relate this information to the relevant persons.
• Care for the carer to enable them to maximise their own health and needs by providing health checks, screenings and advice.
• Asking for feedback from carers on the support and services offered to them, and acting on any suggested improvements that can be made
• Inviting carer’s for annual vaccinations where eligible i.e flu, COVID

Identifying Carers

There are two methods of identification – self identification and practice identification and the practice has put in place mechanisms for both of these.

Self Identification 

Notice boards

The practice displays a poster on existing notice boards asking carers to let the practice know about their caring responsibilities.  During seasonal times e.g. Flu clinics, higher profile is given to information for carers.

Self-Referral forms

Identification forms, are held in reception to allow carers to complete and return to Social Care Services. If you are a carer and we would like to support you. Please download and complete this form and hand it in to reception.  

Social Care Services are provided by two service divisions: Children’s Services for people under eighteen and Adult Services for people eighteen and over. If they require assistance from either of these, they can phone, write or visit Havering Direct, Scimitar House, 23 Eastern Road, Romford RM1 3NX tel: 01708 432000 or e-mail: adultsocialcare@havering.gov.uk or visit  www.havering.gov.uk. 

For children’s services, the carer may also contact Children’s Services Duty and Assessment Team, tel: 01708 433222, email them at duty-referral@havering.gov.uk, write or visit them at Scimitar House, 23 Eastern Road, Romford, Essex, RM1 3NX. 

The carer will be asked some details about themselves and the reason for their enquiry. If they are seeking advice or help on someone else’s behalf, they will be asked to give similar information about them. Then, if needed, the referral will be passed to the Social Work Team who will contact them. Any information given will be confidential.

New Patient Registration Forms

The practice’s new patient registration form asks the two questions ‘do you look after someone?’, ‘does someone look after you?’ . This information will be used when registering the patient and a leaflet is given to the carer/patient.

Practice Identification

Prescriptions

Anyone collecting a prescription on behalf of someone else may be passed a carers leaflet if required.

Carer’s Champion

The practice has a named carer’s champion Julie Bearman.

Process for subsequent referral

Leaflets are available at reception for patients.  

The following Read Codes will be used to identify patient 

• Carer
• Has a Carer
• No able carer in household
• Carer unable to cope

 CONTACT POINTS