Financial support for your healthcare appointments
- Jul 30, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 19
Making time for your own health appointments is not always easy when you support someone living with dementia or another long-term condition. Many people put off seeing their GP, dentist or hospital specialist because they do not have anyone to stay with the person they care for.
If that sounds familiar, there is local support available.
The Healthcare Appointment Respite Grant (HARG) can help cover the cost of replacement care so that you can attend essential appointments, training or support sessions without worry.
What is the Healthcare Appointment Respite Grant?
The Healthcare Appointment Respite Grant is available through Care For The Carers, with funding from East Sussex County Council. It is designed for carers who do not already have care provision in place and need short-term help so they can attend appointments or important activities linked to their health or caring role.
The grant can be used to pay for a carer or personal assistant to spend time with the person you support while you are away.
You can claim up to £500 per year.
What can the grant be used for?
The grant can help cover replacement care costs when you need to attend:
Healthcare appointments, such as GP visits, hospital appointments, optician or dental appointments
Health treatments prescribed by the NHS, including physiotherapy, falls prevention programmes, smoking cessation clinics or weight management support
Counselling sessions, where these are arranged by Care for the Carers or through your GP
Training related to your caring role, such as First Aid, manual handling, dementia training or condition-specific courses
Pre-employment activities, including job interviews, work trials or employment skills training
Complementary therapies are not usually covered unless they are provided by, or recommended through, the NHS. If this applies, supporting documentation will be needed.
Who can apply?
You do not need to describe yourself as a “carer” to apply. If you regularly support someone with memory, health or day-to-day life and need temporary care in place to attend your own appointment, you may be eligible.
Care for the Carers can talk this through with you and help you decide whether the grant is right for your situation.
How to apply
To apply or ask questions, contact Care For The Carers:
Phone: 01323 738390 and select option 1 for the Carers Hub
Email: info@cftc.org.uk
They will send you a simple expense form to complete and can arrange payment directly to your bank account.
A note of reassurance
Many people feel uncomfortable asking for help or feel guilty prioritising their own health. But keeping yourself well is not a luxury. It is essential, both for you and for the person you support.
Support like this exists so that you do not have to choose between your health and your caring role.
If you are unsure whether this grant applies to you, or want help thinking it through, our Concierge team is always here to listen and help.
