Help and information for carers during the COVID-19 crisis
Many people are finding the COVID-19 crisis difficult. If you care for someone, it could be even more stressful. It is important to remember to keep yourself safe and healthy, as well as the person you care for.
Below we’ve collated some information and resources for carers that may be of help.
Edinburgh Carer Support Team
During lockdown, many people may have become a carer for the first time, or need to support someone more than before. You could be caring for a partner, relative, friend or neighbour. Our dedicated carer support team can offer you advice, information and support on:
- your rights as a carer
- local services
- medical conditions and medication
- looking after yourself
- how to access a short break from your caring role
- becoming more confident as a carer
- setting goals and priorities for your own life.
You can contact the team by phoning 0131 536 3371, or you can fill out a self referral form.
COVID-19 vaccine information for carers
You can find out more about the COVID vaccine on NHS Inform.
Information pack
The Edinburgh Carer Support Team sent out a resource pack to carers during the COVID-19 crisis. The pack includes:
PPE use for unpaid carers and PAs – sharing a living space
PPE use for unpaid carers and PAs – not sharing a living space
Carers emergency plan
You can plan for emergency care of an adult or child using the carers emergency plan. If you don’t already have one in place, it is important to talk with family and friends about who could take over your caring role if you become ill or need to self-isolate.
You can read more, and download all the documents on the Enable website. It includes Word versions of documents that you can edit and save on your computer.
Advice and practical tips
Care Information Scotland. This page helps you to find your local carer information centre. You can also call the Edinburgh Carer Support Team on 0131 536 3371.
Ready Scot. Advice and information on how you can stay safe, get help, and give help to others during the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Scottish Government advice for unpaid carers. This page includes information about the Short Breaks Fund and how to apply.
National Carer Organisations briefing. A briefing about what the Coronavirus Act 2020 means for unpaid carers in Scotland. Will be updated regularly.
Care for Carers COVID-19 update. Includes link to their newsletter which contains lots of information about support that’s currently available.
Carers Scotland. Contains information for carers about advice and help that is available in Scotland to support carers.
Short Breaks for Strange Times. An excellent list of online activities that you can do while short breaks can’t physically happen.
VOCAL. Service updates from VOCAL, plus a regularly updated list of resources for carers.
Coalition of Carers. Questions and answers about the Coronavirus Act and how it relates to carers.
Hospice services
Both hospices are now offering a new service to support COVID-19 cases.
The Access Team in St Columba’s can be reached on 0131 551 7751 (Monday to Friday, 9-4pm) or 07444 392415 (weekends, 9-4pm)
Marie Curie COVID-19 Rapid Response Team within the Marie Curie hospice catchment area can be reached 0845 830 0228 (seven day service 9-4.30pm)