The Wellbeing Team: Carers Support

 

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Are You a Carer?

You are a Carer if you look after a family member, friend or neighbour who could not manage normal day to day living without your help.

Carers provide support to people who need help with day-to-day living who may be suffering from illness, frailty, disability, mental health or substance misuse issues. At Gillingham Medical Practice, we are committed to supporting our patients who are carers. Speak to a member of our team to identify yourself as a carer.

If you are please let us know - we may be able to help you.

There is a wealth of information on the NHS Website about carers and caring. Below are some links into the site that we hope you will find useful.

 

Our Practice Carer's Leads

We have a Carer's Lead who is the focal point for all carer matters. Should you have any questions or would like to have a confidential discussion, please ask to speak to:

Claire
Claire

EmilyEmily

Contact us

CARERS NOTICEBOARD

 

Carer's Support Dorset

As a Practice, we highly recommend you registering as a carer with Carer's Support Dorset

This will:

  • Give you access to information and advice about multiple services across Dorset that can support you in your caring role.
  • Access to the Carers Card – helping you receive various discounts across the county.
  • Keep you up to date with news, what’s on and services available.
  • Enable you to be part of a social community of carers.

VISIT THEIR WEBSITE TO REGISTER

 

Bridgit

Bridgit is an online platform which you can access 24/7 when you want to.  It provides advice, guidance, and information about your caring role.  It also can connect you to key services to support and inform you about local events taking place in your community.

Bridgit will also provide access to the first part of a Carers Assessment online submitting your information to start the process which is then completed by an Adult Social Care Practitioner in person or over the phone.  We would recommend working through the self-help tools before starting an Assessment.

To access Bridgit follow this link: Dorset Carers' Support

 

Further Information

carers direct

 

carers direct

Finance and Law

Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.

  • Benefits for carers: Directing carers to the benefits that can help them in their caring role
  • Benefits for the under-65s: Advice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they are entitled to.
  • Benefits for the over-65s: Advice and information on financial support for older people with a disability or illness.
  • Carer's Assement: How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits
  • Other benefits: Advice for carers and the people they are looking after on claiming a whole host of other benefits unrelated to their disability or caring