Adapting existings services for Carers needs

We may be able to adapt existing services to better account for carers’ needs. We hope these make a difference to the lives of carers and the people they care for. These include

1. Appointment Systems

Our appointment systems recognises the special circumstances experienced by carers and people they care for. Arranging alternative care may be difficult and we may be able to offer double appointments for carers and cared for patients. Please speak to a receptionist for special arrangements.

2. Repeat Prescription Services

Remember local chemists do make deliveries. Please speak to the chemist where you usually pick up your prescription or ask a receptionist.

3. Carer-allocated waiting room

It may be possible to offer a separate and quieter place to wait where carer and patient will not be affected so much by a busy waiting room.

4. Home Visits

It may be appropriate to consider a home visits for some patients who are unable to travel to the surgery. Please speak to a receptionist.

5. Flu Vaccinations

Many carers already fall into the ‘at risk’ group for flu vaccinations. Please check with reception as this may change from year to year.

Further help with social services

As a surgery we have a mechanism for Referral for Social Services assessment: Care for the Carers will arrange a Social Services assessment if this is appropriate and the patient consents to this action. If the situation is urgent, the practice will refer the patient directly to social services for a carer’s assessment.

Care for the Carers

Care for the Carers Ltd is a registered charity set up in 1989 to provide services for carers. They work throughout East Sussex. They work to support people in East Sussex who look after sick or disabled relatives, friends, neighbours, partners or children in their own homes.

They also provide

- A Back Protection Service to advise carers
- Training courses and taster sessions to learn new skills
- "CareLine", a bi-monthly magazine
- A Young Carers Service to support young people

For more information

(01323) 738390

Braemar House
28 St Leonards Road
Eastbourne
BN21 3UT