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ID card for carers to help them prove their role
20/11/2024
The card comes with a range of support for carers
A new photo identity card is being made available to Oxfordshire’s unpaid carers to make it easier for them to prove they are a carer. The card will also enable them to share their emergency contact details quickly and will give access to support and useful information.
The photo ID cards are being arranged through Carers Oxfordshire and are similar in size to a credit card. A QR code provides the phone number for the carer’s emergency contact and their GP surgery.
The cards can prove useful when a carer needs to accompany the person they support to medical appointments, when informing employers and teachers of an individual’s caring role, and when accessing social care support.
The ID cards can be particularly important if the person a carer supports is admitted to hospital. Once an unpaid carer is identified, where possible, hospital staff will make reasonable adjustments for the carer whilst the patient is on site, to allow them to maintain contact with the person they care for.
Juliet Cocks, Head of Service for Carers Oxfordshire, said: “Carer ID cards can help provide unpaid carers with that extra support that they are entitled to, often at a time when they need it most.
“While we have already provided a number of these cards to carers in Oxfordshire, we know there’s a significant amount of people who are undertaking a caring role but have not been formally identified.
“You are an unpaid carer if you have someone who relies on you to stay safe and well. They could be a neighbour, friend, family member or anyone else who cannot manage without your help.
“Unpaid carers don’t need to feel alone. These carers are doing something incredible, and we want them to feel noticed and supported. I’d urge anyone who thinks they may be an unpaid carer to reach out to us.”
Carer ID cards are available for free by applying through Carers Oxfordshire’s website.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam