The Carer Support Dorset is the lead carer organisation for Dorset and gives advice and support to all age, unpaid carers across the county where the person cared for is over 18. Carer Support Dorset’s aim is to create carer friendly communities where carers are recognised, valued and supported.
Carer Support Dorset is a central point of contact, whether by phone or through the website. Carer Support Dorset will be able to signpost or refer onto a wide range of existing support available for carers. This could include issuing a carers discount card, local carers’ cafes, funding streams and referring to funded services from the local authority through a carers assessment.
Carer Support Dorset explain how they can help you with free advice and information
Other carers can provide moral support, advice and expertise. A list of carer support groups can be found in our service provider directory.
The Carer Support Dorset is the lead carer organisation for Dorset and gives advice and support to all age, unpaid carers across the county where the person cared for is over 18. Carer Support Dorset’s aim is to create carer friendly communities where carers are recognised, valued and supported.
If you're looking after someone who has been diagnosed with a long-term health condition or illness, you are likely to face many practical issues. It's important to get information about the condition and how it will affect the person you care for. This will help you to understand any changes they may go through and support them in retaining their independence, confidence and self-esteem.
NHS Choices has information about specific long-term health conditions.
See our page on memory loss and dementia for lots of information and advice.
It can be stressful looking after someone who is frail, especially if you are worried about them having an accident while you are not around. Technology can help by alerting you if something happens and give you peace of mind.
Equipment and technology can provide reassurance for carers and independence for those they look after. From simple aids to sensor systems, there are many products available to help make life easier.
Explore our equipment House or Technology House for ideas of how they can help you in your home.
We have a directory of equipment suppliers who you can buy equipment from directly.
Contact us if you would like to talk to someone about equipment and technology to help the person you care for.
Carers of people with serious/chronic health conditions or who are frail may also qualify for an annual flu vaccination. Ask your GP for more information.
| The issue you might be facing as a carer | How technology can help |
| Stress and anxiety, and the constant pressure to be there | Support is always there, 24 hours a day. For example, sensors will alert a monitoring centre if the gas or taps are left on |
| Not being able to take a break | Allows you freedom to visit friends or go out to the shops |
| Your health getting worse | Telecare and telehealth are preventative, and have been proven to reduce the level of hospital admissions |
| Worries about medication | Medication reminders, for example for people with memory loss |
| Not getting enough sleep | Bed sensors can alert you if you are worried about the person you care for getting out of bed and not returning |
| Feeling lonely and isolated | The response centre is there to support you 24 hours a day. Technology also lets you go out without having to worry about leaving the person you care for behind |
The Department of Work and Pensions need to know that you are no longer a carer if you have been receiving Carer's Allowance.
If you were getting a Council Tax discount because of your caring responsibilities, remember to let us know that your caring responsibilities have ended. If you're living alone, you may still be entitled to a single occupant's discount (25%) on your bill.
You may be entitled to welfare benefits if you are not in employment or unable to return to work.
The Carers Trust has free online courses about caring for someone with dementia.
The Recovery Education Centre provide free training courses if you are caring for someone with mental health issues. The courses are mainly held out in the community, so you should not have to travel too far to attend.
The Leonardo Trust is an independent charity to help people in Dorset who care for a sick or disabled relative or friend, full-time, at home. The Trust may be able to help you with:
Computers 4 Carers can provide you with a computer if you are a full-time unpaid carer and can train you how to use it. Having a computer can help you to stay in touch with family and friends, do your shopping online, book doctor's appointments and much more.
Some charities have helplines and online forums that can give you advice and support.
We have further information about help with managing your money including debt management.
We have a directory of equipment suppliers who you can buy equipment from directly.
Contact us if you would like to talk to someone about equipment and technology to help the person you care for.
Care Choices offer the Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and Dorset, Adult Care and Support Services Directory which includes: