do you look after someone who is
ill, frail, disabled or mentally ill?
We are interested in identifying carers, especially those people who may be caring without help or support. We know that carers are often “hidden” looking after a family member or helping a friend or neighbour with day-to-day tasks and may not see themselves as a carer.
Caring for someone is an important and valuable role in the community, which is often a 24-hour job that can be very demanding and isolating for the carer.
Carers should receive appropriate support by way of access to accurate information on a range of topics such as entitlement to benefits and respite care and not least, a listening ear when things get too much.
If you are a carer, please ask at Reception for a “Carers Identification Form” or download here (PDF 13KB). The form should be completed to let us know about your caring responsibilities.
useful contacts
Help and Care Carerslink helpline number is: 0845 4500 418 or fax 01202 432299
other support available to carers
- Healthpoint - for information on specific health problems and local support groups. Tel: 01202 675377
- Citizen's Advice Bureau. There is also an independent welfare benefits advice service covering the County and based at the Bridport (01308 456594), Dorchester (01305 262220), Sherborne (0844 8487939), Gillingham (0870 1264095) or Wimborne (01202 884738) CAB offices.
- Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).
This is a free service, which has been set up to help users and carers sort out queries or concerns about any aspect of their care or treatment, and focuses on improving the service to NHS patients. Please contact your Dorset Primary Care Trust for more information on 01035 368900 or via their website at:
http://www.dorset-pct.nhs.uk/customer_service/pals/index.asp
Further information on Carer’s local support can be found at:
http://www.dorset-pct.nhs.uk/getting_involved/carers/index.asp
- The Education Service can provide support to young carers through education social workers. Phone 01305 224422 or 01202 870130.
- The Department for Work and Pensions give advice about benefit entitlements through office interview, telephone or personal visit. For general enquiries and information contact 0845 6060265.
- NHS Direct is a 24-hour confidential helpline providing advice and information on what to do if you have health concerns for you or your family, or want information on local health services, self-help or support organisations. Call local rate on 0845 4647.
