We use cookies to help provide you with the best possible online experience.
By using this site, you agree that we may store and access cookies on your device. Cookie policy.
Cookie settings.
Functional Cookies
Functional Cookies are enabled by default at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings and ensure site works and delivers best experience.
3rd Party Cookies
This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.
Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.
The Wellbeing Team: Carers Support
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:
.webp)
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
- A guide to care and support: Information for carers and people who have care & support needs.
- Caring for someone: Advice on providing care, medicines etc.
- Care after hospital: Providing care for people who have been recently discharged from hospital.
- Taking a break: Caring for someone can be a full-time job - find out about accessing breaks and respite care.
- Support and benefits for carers: Caring for someone can be a full-time job - find out about accessing breaks and respite care.
- Work and Disability: Guidance, support and help with employment issues.
- Being a young carer: Advice for carers 18 or under and their entitlement to support
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