Support for unpaid carers through New ID cards
Unpaid carers in Oxfordshire can apply for an ID card that identifies them as carers and provides them with an emergency contract.
Unpaid carers in Oxfordshire can apply for an ID card that identifies them as carers, provides them with an emergency contract, and grants access to valuable resources and support.
These ID cards, arranged by Carers Oxfordshire and funded by Oxfordshire County Council, serve multiple purposes and can help in a range of situations, from collecting medication on someone else’s behalf to notifying the emergency services that someone depends on you.
Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, mentioned the importance of unpaid carers issues and said:“Unpaid carers are a crucial part of our health and social care system, and it’s only right that we look to support them wherever possible. Providing carers with a card, identifying their role in caring for another person, can significantly ease a person’s path to receiving the help they are entitled to, making everyday challenges less stressful.”
He continued: “They also offer carers some reassurance that, should they need to receive emergency care themselves and are unable to communicate their caring role, the blue light services will be able to quickly see that another person relies on them and can take immediate steps to provide that additional support.”
The credit card-sized IDs feature a QR code linking to emergency contact details and the carer’s GP surgery. They are also helpful during medical appointments, informing employers or schools about a carer’s role, and accessing social care services.
For carers accompanying dependents to the hospital, the cards enable staff to make accommodations, such as allowing out-of-hours visits or involving carers in care discussions and discharge planning. If a carer is hospitalised, the ID ensures healthcare providers can arrange immediate support for the person they care for.
Regarding this ID card, Juliet Cocks, Head of Service for Carers Oxfordshire, also highlighted the importance of identifying and supporting unpaid carers, noting that many people may not recognise their caregiving roles.
She said: “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.