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Many people don't really think of themselves as 'Carers' because they see looking after someone as their responsibility through marriage, family or friendship - nevertheless, if you look after a family member, a friend or a neighbour who is ill, frail, disabled or just unable to cope at home without your help then you are a 'Carer'; no matter how little or often you help.
'Carers' need help too and the Centre has established links with the Fife Carers Centre (FCC) to whom any staff member can refer you for assistance should you need it.
We need to know who the Carers are, it is useful for us to contact carers about those cared for; also we need to encourage those doing the caring to think about their own health. So we would ask you to tell us if you are a carer or if cared for. Complete the form below or print off a copy by clicking on this link carers register form.doc or complete a form next time you visit the Medical Centre.
Carers can't afford to be ill so you should seek advice about healthy lifestyle and keeping fit; always take up the chance of your annual flu jab each autumn. Ask to speak to one of our health visitors or nurses if you would like advice. The stresses of caring should not be under-estimated and there is useful advice about coping with stress in the FCC Information Pack available from Reception or by download (see below).
Fife Carers Centre
The FCC is a charity organisation, which is jointly funded by Fife Council and Fife NHS Board and is a member of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers. The Centre aims to be a One Stop Shop for Carers, to provide support, advice and information for those who are caring and for former carers whose caring role has ended but who often need support to adjust.
FCC will provide individual support to Carers, particularly those who do not have a chance to talk to someone about their own problems and difficulties. Carers can visit the Centre in Kirkcaldy, be seen in their own homes or, by arrangement, can be seen here at the Medical Centre.
The FCC has a register of Carers who are sent a copy of a quarterly newsletter and are kept up to date on any developments that affect Carers.
Cindy Gow is a Carers Support Worker at Fife Carers Centre who liaises with the practice to provide support to carers registered with us.
The FCC is open
Monday 9.30 - 1.00, Tuesday 9.30 - 4.30, Thursday 9.30 - 6.30, Friday 9.30 - 4.00
157 Commercial Street, Kirkcaldy, Fife KY1 2NS
You can contact them yourself. Ask at Reception, or click on the link here for the Information Pack Carers Information Pack.doc
The FCC have also produced a very useful listing of organsiations that can assist carers and others. Click here to download Directory of Useful Organisations..doc | 
