Carers information and advice
Carers and the Covid-19 vaccine
Boost your immunity with the COVID booster and flu vaccine, keeping yourself and others around you safe from these viruses this Winter.
How to book
Book your COVID-19 booster via the National Booking Service.
A number of pharmacies are offering flu vaccinations and your local GP may also contact you to receive yours if you are registered as a carer.
Visit our COVID-19 Vaccination Service webpages for details on local vaccination sites offering the booster.
Carers UK COVID-19 frequently asked questions
Caring for someone can be difficult at times and even more so during the current COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak.
Looking after yourself is even more crucial at the moment, which can feel quite strange to you as your priority has always been the person you care for.
Take on board the social distancing measures to help reduce the transmission of the virus to yourself and those that are vulnerable. Read more here.
If you are worried that you or someone you look after has symptoms or you’ve been in contact with someone with confirmed coronavirus, follow the guidance set out here. NHS 111 can offer online help if required, and you can call 111 if symptoms become severe. Ensure you let them know you are a carer.
Tips to help you prepare
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.
Further help and support
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
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.
Carers podcast
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.