Abstract
The number of individuals who provide unpaid care across the UK is rising: it currently stands at approximately 8 800 000 people. Some carers can experience a cycle of financial difficulty, isolation, physical and mental ill health. Recommendations for support of this marginalised group have become enshrined in national health policy and GPs have a pivotal role in delivering this help. Involving carers in management plans and providing appropriate support can improve a carer’s wellbeing, and reduce avoidable hospital admissions and residential placements, thus, enabling people to live independent lives for longer. Every caring circumstance is different. In order to provide appropriate, tailored, timely support there needs to be individual identification, assessment and support of carers.
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