Carers Support

You might not think of yourself as a carer and think what you do is just part of being a parent, spouse, friend or sibling.

“A carer is someone, who without payment, regularly helps a disabled, mentally or physically ill or frail relative, friend or neighbour.” (Help and Care)"

We know that carers can be any age, including young carers aged under 18 who helps to look after a relative who has a disability, illness, mental health condition or drug or alcohol problem.

Carers are at a much higher risk of becoming ill and it is important that you look after your own health and accept any treatment that you need as, ultimately, you cannot look after someone else without first looking after yourself we may be able to help you.

If you care for someone else, please let us know so we may update our medical records. Complete and submit the form below or contact us to let us know.

The Practice keeps a record of all known carers, as well as those being cared for. It is important that the Practice team recognises the role that carers play in co-coordinating the care and support required by dependant patients. Carers should be actively involved in discussions of treatment and expected outcomes; together with the recognition of the impact caring has on them as an individual.

The Practice Carer Lead is Brenna Martin-Lewis.

On this page you will find a wealth of information about carers, caring and carer support that we hope you will find useful.

Bridgit - the quick and easy online support tool

People who regularly look after a family member or friend can now explore resources to support them using an online tool known as Bridgit. It's quick and easy way for carers or cared for people to learn about health conditions, get personal advice and find local events and services.

Brought to you by Dorset Council, Bridgit allows people to explore free well-being, employment, finance and care advice and events, local and national support services and training opportunities. People can also build their own ‘self-care plan’. It’s all available any time of day and without registering first.

While registering as a carer unlocks more support, a listening ear, offers and discounts, we recognise people can be worried about requesting outside help. With Bridgit, people can discover the resources first, then sign up for more support if they choose to, and this can include an online carer’s assessment.

Designed by carers and care experts, Bridgit resources are tailored to the busy and often stressful lives of people who regularly care for others. It is also designed to be user-friendly, with simple navigation and a clean layout so people can explore comfortably, even with limited digital skills.

Visit www.bridgit.care/support/dorset to access the Bridgit tool. People who prefer not to, or cannot go online, can call contact the Carer Support Dorset team on the phone to discover the free support and help available. Please scroll down for their contact details.

Carer Support Dorset

Carers Support Dorset holds the carers register for Dorset Council. They have a range of services that can be tailored to fit your needs as a carer including a phone line, regular training opportunities, events, a befriending service, and specific support for young carers.

They offer:

Phoneline
Here to talk
Regular newsletters
Training
Dorset Carers card
Events
Information Hub
Young carers support

For more information, phone 0800 368 8349 or email admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk

Follow this link to the Carer Support Dorset website for more information>>

Are you a young carer?

A young carer is someone aged 18 or under who looks after or helps to look after someone. It might be your mum or dad, grandparent, brother or sister or a close relative. This often means doing things like cooking, cleaning, shopping, giving medication or just talking and helping when the person you care about is feeling sad. School, friends and doing things you enjoy can sometimes be hard to fit in.

Young people living in Dorset Council area aged under 18 years who are caring for an adult should contact Dorset Direct. Phone 01305 221000 or email customerservices@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk. The team will support young people to find the right help for them.

If you look after or help to look after someone, follow this link for Help and Advice for Young Carers>>>

Carer Friendly ID card

A Carer Friendly ID card is available to carers within the Dorset and BCP Council areas. If you a resident in the Dorset Council area, o receive the new card, you must be registered with Carer Support Dorset. If you already have a carers card this remains valid until its expiry date, so there's no need to switch unless you'd like to.

This new photo ID card proves you are a carer when you are out and about, provides access to hundreds of local and national discounts on goods and services, records your In Case of Emergency (ICE) contact details, and comes as a physical card and digital download for your phone.

To register for your new card follow this link to the Dorset Carer Friendly Registration page>> You will need your Carer Support Dorset assigned carer ID number. If you're not sure what this is, please call Carer Support Dorset on 0800 368 8349.

You will also need to upload a head and shoulders photo of yourself. If you need help with completing the form online, your local Digital Champion can help. Call the Digital Hotline on 01305 221048 to book a session at your nearest library.

Dementia Coordinator Service

Many people living with Dementia feel that having support along their journey will maximise independent living and prevent a crisis.

The Dementia Coordinator Service, delivered by Help & Care, is committed to supporting people to live well with Dementia.

The service is available to everyone across Dorset, age 18 and over, including support for immediate carers and loved ones.

Once a diagnosis has been confirmed, the Memory Assessment Service will make a referral to a Dementia Coordinator at Dorset Healthcare. However, Help and Care will accept self-referrals and referrals from GPs and other stakeholders as long as a diagnosis of Dementia is confirmed.

Help and Care work in partnership with Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Dorset and Age UK, as an integral part of the Dementia Services Pathway for Dorset.

For more information, download and view this Help and Care leaflet or visit their website by following this link>> www.helpandcare.org.uk/services/dementia-coordinator-service

The Dementia Coordinator Service support and advice includes:

Information relating to the diagnosis and its prognosis
Advice and guidance for a carer or family
Coping with memory loss
Information on driving with Dementia and legal requirements
Benefits entitlement and how to claim
Information on care options and how to access these
Referral to Age UK for Cognitive Stimulation Therapy if applicable
Liaising with agencies, groups, clubs and other community-based support resources on behalf of the service user, if required
A dedicated Early Onset Dementia Coordinator for those diagnosed aged 65 or under.

This list is not exhaustive but does highlight the expertise, experience, and knowledge available. The service is non-clinical, so any questions relating to clinical issues or medication should be addressed to your GP.

Information about Social Prescribing

Social prescribing is when patients are referred to support in the community, in order to improve their health and wellbeing. Patients are connected to community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support.

Carers in particular need to look after themselves so they can look after others.

More information about the service can be found on the Jurassic Coast Primary Care Network Social Prescribing page by following this link:>>

Carers Support

Do you look after someone?

Are you a Carer?

Let us know by completing and submitting the form below.

Register a Carer

Further information for Carers