Carers look after someone – a relative, friend or neighbour – who is ill, frail or disabled and cannot manage on their own or who is unable to manage without help because they are elderly, disabled by physical or mental ill health, learning disability, drug or alcohol problem or have a long-term illness.
Why do we think carers are important people?
Carers are unpaid (not to be confused with paid care assistants employed by Social Services and Care Agencies) and save the NHS in Wales over £7.4 billion each year.
The 2011 census showed that there are an estimated 370,000 carers in Wales, over 14% of the population (1 in 8.) This represents an 11% increase on the 2001 census figure.
What kind of help makes life easier for carers?
- Financial help – welfare benefits, carers allowance.
- Information – right to carers assessment, respite care, being involved if they want to.
- When the person they care for is in hospital, participating in arrangements for the person’s discharge.
- Looking after their own health. It is recognised that carers neglect their own well being.
Contact Us
Elizabeth Thomas is a dedicated staff member has been appointed to deal with carer-related enquiries, problems, requests for information etc.
Elizabeth can be contacted on 01269 592058 or e-mail Elizabeth.Thomas@wales.nhs.uk.
How to find out more information
The Practice has a dedicated Carers notice board in the waiting room with a lot of information and news of local events. Information can also be found at:
Carmarthenshire County Council
Carmarthenshire Carers Information Service
The Palms Unit 3
96 Queen Street
Llanelli
SA15 2TH
Tel: 0300 0200 002 or Email: info@camarthenshirecarers.org.uk.
Young Adult Carers (Aged 16-25)
Tel:0300 0200 002
Mob:07535449686
Email: melanie@carmarthenshire_carers.org.uk
Carmarthenshire Young Carers Service
Ty Elwyn
Town Hall Square
Llanelli
SA15 3AP
Tel:01554 742630
Young Carers
Hywel Dda University Health Board
Hywl Dda Health Board (English)
Hywl Dda Health Board (Welsh)
Some useful websites:
Carers direct helpline: 0808 802 0202 and website: Carers Direct
DirectGov. Website: DirectGov.
The Princess Trust for Carers website:The Princess Trust
Carers UK website: CarersUK
Crossroads care website: Crossroads
Citizens Advice website: Citizens Advice
