Carers
Are you a carer?
A carer is defined as anyone who cares for a family member or friend who could not manage without their support for example, supporting someone with a physical disability or long-term health condition, by helping with their shopping, cleaning their home or providing emotional support. The care you provide should be unpaid.
Within Dorset there are 83,000 people providing unpaid care which is estimated from the 2011 Census, which is around 11% of our population. At some point in our lives 3 in 5 of us will become a carer and this can happen at any age regardless of life stage. There can be adult carers, parent carers, young adult carers (18-25 years) and young carers (up to the age of 17).
If so, please let us know. We may be able to give you important help and advice. It will be helpful for the doctor to know that you are a carer as it may affect your own health and treatment.
Please ask if you would like to talk to our Carers' Lead (Click for Information).
When you tell us that you are caring for someone we will place your details on our Carer’s Register so that practice staff are aware you are a carer. We will not share this knowledge with anyone else unless you tell us that we can. We may be able to offer you other services to help you care for your own health.
We will try to help you if your caring responsibilities mean that you have difficulties attending appointments.
We strongly encourage all our carers who care for someone in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council to register with Carers Resource Information and Support Programme (CRISP) which is the main support organisation and central point of information for all carers caring for someone in BCP Council.
Phone Number: 01202 128787
Email address: carersupport@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Website: www.crispweb.org
Online referral form: Join The Carers Information Service (crispweb.org)
CRISP have a team of trusted carer advisors at the end of their free phones and signing up with their service open you up to opportunities such as: Training to support you to carry out your caring role; personalised information, advice and signposting to support your needs as a carer; details on how to access carers respite breaks; carers support groups and activities for carers; support with helping you create an emergency plan and you will automatically receive the ‘Carers Card’ which can be used as ID and gives you access to multiple discounts such as cafes, shops, attractions and with professional services!
If you care for someone living in Dorset Council area, you will need to contact Carer Support Dorset, who offer a similar service.
Phone Number: 0800 368 8349
Email address: admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk
Website: www.carersupportdorset.co.uk
Online referral form: Webform (dizions.co.uk)
As a carer, you are legally entitled to a Carers Assessment as part of The Care Act (2014). A Carer’s Assessment is conversation with a professional social care worker about how being a carer affects you and the way you are able to live your life. It's an opportunity to make sure you have all the information you need and a chance to find out about the services and support that could help you in your caring role. It is not an assessment on your ability to care, which is a common misconception. It is free and open to any carer regardless of their financial circumstances. If you register with either CRISP or Carer Support Dorset they can signpost you, however if you have an urgent need please contact:
If the person you care for lives in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, contact the Adult Social Care Contact Centre on 01202 123654 or email asc.contactcentre@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
If the person you care for lives in Dorset, contact Adult Access Team on 01305 221016 or email adultaccess@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
The above are also the emergency numbers if you are experiencing a crisis situation with a breakdown in care arrangements and need urgent assistance, please keep these safe in case you ever need them.
There are also many charities that provide help and support to carers. Click here for more information
