Carer directory
We know that caring for an older loved one brings deep meaning and purpose, though it comes with its own set of demands and difficulties.
Our goal is to empower you with knowledge, connect you with valuable community resources, and remind you that you’re not alone in this vital role. We hope this directory can support better care—for both your loved one and yourself.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
- General services
- Online guides and education for carers
- Carer assessment
- Carer support groups
- Financial and legal aid
- Hiring carers
- Supplementary care services:
- Respite care
- Physiotherapy
- Domestic help
- Exercise
- Transport
- Admin and paperwork
- Oral and dental care
- Eyesight/hearing tests
- Befriending and companionship services
- Local services (Contact details)
General Services
One-stop-shops for carers
- Citizens Advice Hammersmith and Fulham Citizens’ Advice
- Free, practical and personalised advice on a range of issues affecting unpaid carers Carers Network Hammersmith & Fulham Hub
- By referral or self-referral Central and North West London Community Independence Service – Key Services include:
- Urgent Community Response
- Short-term support following a discharge from the hospital
- Rehabilitation
- AgeUK Hammersmith and Fulham offers lots of free services for older people and their carers.
- The Carents Room provides you with the information, community and support you need to do the very best you can confidently
- For another directory Living Independently service directory | London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
Online guides and education for carers
- A general NHS guide for navigating social care Social care and support guide – NHS
- A free online course on caring, as supported by Carers.org and Open University Free online courses for carers
Carer assessment
Speak to a professional about your circumstances and you may be referred for additional help
- Carer’s assessments – Social care and support guide – NHS
- Carers Network Hammersmith & Fulham Hub also do carers’ assessments
Carer support groups
Carers also need to be looked after sometimes. Below are some services that carers can reach out to, such as support groups.
- Action for Carers – Carers’ Support Groups has specialist support groups for carers in various circumstances
- Carers Network Mental Health Carers Support Groups | London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham has set up carer support groups
- The Carents Room provides you with the information, community and support you need to do the very best you can confidently
Financial and legal aid
- Benefits calculator to estimate how much you may be eligible for
- This guide explains benefits that are available to carers
- Maggie’s gives financial and legal advice to patients who are living with cancer
- Help and advice | Carers UK gives financial and practical advice to carers
- Action On Disability provides support to ill and disabled people of all ages with a free and independent benefits service.
Hiring carers
Formal carers can be hired and there is advice below
- Community Independence Service
- Adult and Social Care Referral
- Our services in London | Marie Curie provides free hospice care at home
- Paid – These services provide various types of care – Paid*
Supplementary care services
This section signposts services that make care easier, such as domestic help, transport and paperwork advice.
Respite care
Services are available if carers need a few days off, where healthcare professionals will act as temporary carers in their place.
- Carers’ breaks and respite care – Social care and support guide – NHS
- Rivercourt Project Short Breaks | London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can be prescribed and home visits are available, both via the NHS and private services. Find out more here: Physiotherapy – NHS
Domestic help
Help with household tasks, such as cooking and cleaning
Exercise
- DanceWest is a charity that leads free, accessible dance, health and wellbeing classes for adults aged 60 and older in Hammersmith & Fulham.
Transport
- Getting transport services, as well as how to arrange it.
- Do you need help travelling to NHS services? | Healthwatch an advice article
- How to organise transport to and from hospital – NHS
- Getting around | London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham shows various schemes and options for transport
- Dial-a-Ride – Transport for London TfL’s free door-to-door service for those with permanent or long-term disabilities.
Admin and paperwork
- Paperwork is often overlooked, though it is often a significant cause of carer burnout. Below are some guides on how to make it easier.
- Filling in forms | Carers UK
- Masbro Elders Project activities for over 55s in Hammersmith & Fulham also offer an Advice & Information service with individual casework support.
- Paid services*
Oral and dental care
Guides and advice for maintaining someone’s oral health.
- A guide to dental and mouth care | Alzheimer’s Society (Focuses on people living with dementia)
- Tips for oral health and physical disabilities
- Information on eligibility for home dental visits can be found here.
Eyesight/hearing tests
Specsavers offers home visits for both: (Free services are offered IF eligibility criteria is met)*
Befriending and companionship services
Need a companion for shopping, outings, or just someone to talk to?
- Age UK Hammersmith and Fulham | Shopping Service offers an escorted door-to-door shopping service for people over 50 who could not otherwise do their own shopping.
- Masbro Elders Project activities for over 55s in Hammersmith & Fulham offer a weekly Tea Club to get involved in a varied programme of activities, outings and creative courses.
- Homeline | The Creighton Centre offers long-term befriending services, outings and regular socials.
- We Are Listening offers telephone befriending services and pen pals.
- Our services in London | Marie Curie companions offer practical and emotional support at home, in the hospital and over the phone.
- Paid services
- Companion Care and Shopping Services offer bespoke support with getting out and about to visit friends or do some shopping.
- Explora Haven offers support with transportation to social & recreational activities
- Shopping Services for the Elderly – Errands for Seniors offers helps with going out for meals and attending social events
- Travelling Care And Support Services | Patricia White’s offers professional support from a travel companion
Local services (Contact details)
- Rivercourt Project Short Breaks –
- Offers short respite breaks and overnight stays for people with a learning disability to give their carers a break.
- 020 8563 8683
- 17 Rivercourt Road, London W6 9LD
- MiHomecare
- Provide a wide range of homecare services to people who need help and support (…) Meal preparation, medication support, companionship
- 0333 121 6801 (Hammersmith and Fulham branch), 0333 2209050
- Unit 2 Cambridge Court, 210 Shepherds Bush Road, W6 7NJ
- Honeypot Children’s Charity
- Respite breaks and outreach support to young carers and vulnerable children
- 0207 602 2631
- 19 Berghem Mews, Blythe Road, W14 0HN
- Kingsmith Care LTD (CQC registered)
- Supports you with daily household tasks such as cooking or cleaning
- 020 7871 9450
- Bishop Creighton House 374-380 Lillie Road, SW6 7PH
- Carers Network
- Specialist mental health carer support groups.
- The group meets on the 2nd and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 11-12:30PM
- 020 8960 3033
- The Ellerslie Centre, 50 Ellerslie Road, W12 7BW
Additional information and disclaimer
* This is a private service. The companies listed to not form an exhaustive list and other services are available online.
Disclaimer: This list was made by medical students. As mentioned above, the services mentioned are not exhaustive lists and the practice cannot vouch for their standard of care. Nonetheless, we hope this list has been helpful.
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