Are You a Carer?
A carer can be anyone of any age who provides regular unpaid support for a person who could not manage without this help due to illness, disability, frailty or mental ill health. Knowing that you are a carer will help our staff to give you information, support and advice if you need it. The doctor will also be able to take this into account when treating you and the person you care for. When you contact the surgery for appointments we will try to offer you a convenient time for you and the person you care for to fit in with your caring responsibilities. You will also have access to the flu vaccination, free of charge.
As a carer you may be entitled to:
A carer’s assessment from Social Services
If you are undertaking a substantial amount of care on a regular basis, this assessment is free and open to all carers regardless of financial circumstances. The assessment is not judging your ability to care. You will get information and advice and be able to find out about services including help with personal care, day care, short-term sitting and respite care, equipment and home adaptations, emergency schemes, Blue Badges for parking, carers groups events.
Please contact Carer Support Dorset (If the person you care for lives in Dorset) or BCP Carers Support (If the person you care for lives in BCP), who will refer you for an assessment if they believe it is required.
If you have urgent support needs or are in a crisis contact the Social Service Department where the cared for person lives to ask for an assessment:
If the person you care for lives in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole, contact the Adult Social Care Contact Centre:
- Tel: 01202 123654
- Email: [email protected]
If the person you care for lives in Dorset, contact Adult Access Team:
- Tel: 01305 221016
- Email: [email protected]
Benefits for Carers/Cared for person
Everyone’s situation is different, some benefits depend on your savings and income, others are unaffected by your financial position. We strongly recommend you contact the appropriate agency to see if you/the cared for are entitled to any financial assistance. More information can be found on the Gov website.
General carer’s information and someone to talk to
Help and Care is a local charity providing information on over 40 topics of interest to Carers. If you want to find out about how services work, where to get equipment, care/nursing home services, holidays for carers/cared for, wills/power of attorney/trust funds, transport, course or support groups etc you can talk to an advisor. The service is based locally and is confidential. If you just need someone to talk about your situation the advisor will try to help and reassure you.
Tel: 0845 500 418
Carers Newsletters
Latest Carers Newsletter
Carers Card – Recognising unpaid carers throughout Dorset:
The card can be used by Carers who are signed up with the Carers Information Services in Dorset to obtain discounts for goods and services. The scheme launched during Carers Week in June 2016. It has approximately 8,000 unpaid carers currently signed up who are receiving their free cards. They currently receive discounts from over 400 unique businesses who have already chosen to support this successful initiative.