Care would be provided for more than 15 hours per week and be regular and substantial.  The carers input will be essential for the person cared for to remain in their home environment.

A carer may live with the person that they help, or they may be some distance away. Carers can be of any age but will provide the help voluntarily.

The person they help may be:

• A child or older son/daughter

• A spouse or partner

• A parent or other relative

• A brother or sister

• Someone who is not related to them.

Some facts about carers in Dorset

The 2001 census provided the following information:

• 42,000 people in Dorset say that they provide care on a regular basis

• More than one in five people, of those in the 50 to 59 age group, provide that care

• Carers can be any age, including young children

• Being a carer can have an effect on an individual's health

• Most of these carers work, either full or part-time

Who is eligible for help?

Carers are eligible for an assessment if it is considered that they meet the criteria to be registered as a carer.

An assessment will be undertaken by a member of the Community Care team or a specialised carers case worker and may lead to a support plan for the carer.

If the person the carer is looking after is known to Adult and Community Services then the carer should be consulted about the care plan for that person. However the person being cared for does not need to be known to Adult and Community Services for the carer to have an assessment.

Support to carers is available from several sources. If you, or the person you care for, are already in contact with Social Care and Health, you can contact your social worker or care manager for further information or advice. The NHS locally identifies and supports carers through GPs and the primary care services they provide.

How can you contact us?

If you are a new customer or have no current involvement with us, please contact the Adult Access Team.

If you currently receive a service from us, please contact your allocated worker at the social care local office.

Each Local Office has a specialist Carers Case Worker who is there to exclusively work with carers.

The 'User Experience Survey of Carers' report 2009-2010 (pdf, 463kb) (opens in a new window)  looks at how services and support received from Adult and Community Services help carers in their role

• What is an assessment

  An assessment is a way of getting a clear picture of the circumstances of a carer and the person they care for.

• Rights for carers

  Under the most recent legislation, the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004, local authorities are required to inform carers they may be entitled to an assessment of their needs.

• Dorset's Carers' Strategy 2010 -2013

  The carers' strategy has been developed by the Dorset Carers' Strategy Group which includes representatives of carers, Dorset County Council and NHS Dorset.

• Local Carers Caseworkers

  Each local office has a specialist Carers Caseworker who works exclusively with unpaid/family carers. Find out about carers support and groups in your local area.