Carers information and advice

Create an emergency plan

We would advise all carers to create an emergency plan – for you and all those you look after. Having a plan in place can help ease your worries if you are not able to care for those you look after at any point in the future.

In order to create an emergency plan that fits your needs, you will need to consider:

Think about whether there are alternative ways of getting shopping to the person/people you care for –speak to neighbours, family or friends.

We would advise you to access medical assistance remotely, wherever possible. However, if you have a scheduled hospital or other medical appointment during this period, talk to your GP or clinician to ensure you continue to receive the care you need and consider whether appointments can be postponed.

Families may want to think about spending time together in a different way – you may find it valuable to explore Facetime or Skype, for example, as a way to talk face-to-face at a distance. If online communication isn't possible, never underestimate the value of a regular phone call to offer social contact and support.

Make sure your GP or medical professional knows that you are a carer

Please be aware that most GPs are now offering only telephone appointments.

Some GPs may be able to arrange for repeat prescriptions to be delivered to you or your local pharmacy.

If you receive support from health and social care organisations, have care provided for you through the local council or health care system, this will continue as normal. Your care provider will be asked to take additional precautions to make sure you are protected.

Find time for yourself no matter how small

Here are some ideas of things to help you with your wellbeing:

• get out into the fresh air each day
• call friends or family
• learn something new
• ask for help if you need it (remember, this does not mean you cannot manage).

Click here for further advice.

Carer’s assessment

Carers are entitled to a carer’s assessment under the Carer Act 2014. This is an assessment to look at what support you might need to help continue in your caring role at this time. And if you've already been assessed, it is always worth double checking you are receiving everything you're entitled to. Please be aware that, due to COVID-19, all carers assessments are currently being undertaken via a telephone call –or you can complete one on line. Find out more about assessments here.

Dorset energy advice during COVID-19

Looking after your physical and mental health

Managing stress and worry

Free COVID-19 masks for carers.

Dorset HealthCare main carers' page

Connection 24/7 mental health helpline 0300 123 5440

Carer Support Dorset / 0800 3688349

Dorset Council / 01305 221016

Carers’ Resource Information and Support (CRISP) for Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch / 01202 458204

Carers UK / 0207 3784999

Leonardo Trust / 01202 698325

Citizens Advice

Support from our local councils - Dorset and BCP councils have set up special helplines for people that need help accessing vital food and household items during COVID-19. The helplines are intended for vulnerable people requiring vital items during the lockdown. Contact BCP Council by calling 0300 123 7052. Find more details here. And Dorset Council area by calling 01305 221 000 or email communityresponse@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk. Find out more details here.

Welcome to our carers podcasts, organised by our carers team and the Recovery Education Centre.

In these podcasts, staff will be talking about why they don’t see themselves as carers and outline the five steps to wellbeing.

This episode focuses on the challenges for caring for a loved one during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Listen to ‘Am I A Carer, Or Am I Just A Mum, A Daughter, A Son, A Wife, A Husband, A Friend?’ above.

You can also listen to this podcast on your mobile phone or tablet. Find out how here.