Are you a carer?

Are you looking after someone who could not manage without your support? If yes, then you are a carer.

A carer is anyone, including children and adults, who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, and cannot cope without their support.

Being registered as a Carer with us at The Farmhouse Surgery means that your doctor will know that you are looking after someone and be aware of how this might impact your health and wellbeing.

It can also benefit you in the following ways:

  • Free flu vaccination
  • Higher priority for the Covid-19 vaccination
  • Longer or double appointments
  • Convenient appointment times that fit around your caring needs
  • Home visit appointments
  • Repeat prescriptions
  • Information Carers Clinics/ Carers Groups running within the surgery
  • Sharing of information regarding the person you care for (with their consent)
  • Involvement, as far as possible, in planning treatment, care and support for the cared-for person
  • Health checks
  • Annual welfare/review calls to check you as a carer are receiving the support needed to maintain your health and wellbeing
  • Local information and support groups
  • Support letters and information to enable both the carer and cared-for person to access benefits
  • Referrals to non-clinical health coach/social prescribers.

To register as a carer or to receive support, please contact us using the form linked below.

CARERS FORM

 

Support available

At The Farmhouse Surgery, we have a designated Carer’s Lead to support and listen to you. While carers can speak with any member of our practice staff, the Carer’s Lead specifically coordinates carer support services within our practice.

For a list of local and national resources to help support you visit our PCN’s Care Directory.

The responsibility for supporting carers lies with the local authority where the cared-for person resides. We understand how crucial it is for carers to receive the right support and resources.

If the person you care for lives in the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole Council area, BCP Carer Support is here to help you.

You can reach out to BCP Carer Support through the following:

Phone: 01202 128787 
Email: carersupport@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Website: BCP Carer Support

Has the person you care for been admitted to Bournemouth or Christchurch or Poole Hospital?  Would you like some help and support?

Please call 0300 019 8714 or email Carer Support.
For more information on support available please visit the University Hospital Dorset website.

 

Young Carers

A young carer is a child or young person under the age of 18 who provides care and support to a family member or friend who is ill, disabled, has a mental health condition, or is affected by substance misuse.

The responsibilities of a young carer can vary widely, but they often include tasks that are usually performed by adults, such as:

  • Practical Care: Helping with household chores, cooking, cleaning, and shopping.
  • Personal Care: Assisting with bathing, dressing, and mobility.
  • Emotional Support: Providing companionship, listening, and offering comfort to the person they care for.
  • Medical Care: Managing medications, attending medical appointments, and monitoring health conditions.
  •  Financial Management: Helping to manage household finances or paying bills.

Being a young carer can impact various aspects of a young person’s life, including their education, social life, and overall well-being.

If you are a young carer, and care for someone living in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council area, please contact the Children's First Response Hub:

Phone : 01202 123334
Email : childrensfirstresponse@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

 

Carer’s Assessment

A carer's assessment is a 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 free and open to any carer, regardless of their financial circumstances.

 

Emergency/crisis situations

If you find you need urgent support and they feel they cannot imminently continue to carry out their caring role. Carer Support Dorset and CRISP will signpost to Adult Social Care, but carers can contact Adult Social Care direct if they feel their needs are urgent:

If the person you care for lives in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole, contact the Adult Social Care Contact Centre:

Phone: 01202 123654
Email: asc.contactcentre@bcpcouncil.gov.uk