A person may also receive day care to give his or her carers a break from their caring responsibilities.

Dorset has a number of day centres in towns and villages throughout the county.  We also work in partnership with other local organisations to provide day services on our behalf.

Our aim is to provide care for people in their own communities where they can continue or develop new friendships close to home, taking advantage of other locally organised support.

Day care services are run by qualified and experienced staff who are trained to provide the care and support you need.

What is day care?

Day care at day centres is provided for people who need help and support to continue living at home. This may be support to retain or regain independence or short term care to give carers a break. The level of help needed and a plan of activities is discussed and agreed with each person before they come to the centre.

This plan will be recorded and a copy given to you which we will then check together on a regular basis to ensure it meets your needs. You will be encouraged to take an active part in this planning.

The planned programmes of care include practical help such as learning or relearning daily living skills such as cookery, gentle exercise groups and help with mobility, as well as activities such as craft and hobbies, games, outings and entertainment that help maintain skills you need to keep your independence.

Special equipment advice is also available.

Day services provided for people with disabilities may also offer the opportunity for training or work projects.

Some centres have special groups for people recovering from illness such as a stroke, where they can re-learn skills that may have become difficult.

Charges

There is no charge for attendance at a day centre.

Meals

Where there is a catering service you will be able to choose from a menu of reasonably priced meals and drinks.

Transport

Many people are assessed as able to make their own way to their day centre, but for people who can't get to the centre any other way we have a fleet of vehicles specially adapted to carry wheelchairs.  The vehicles collect people from home, take them to the centre and return them home at the end of the session.  You will be required to pay £2.50 per journey, unless you are assessed as not being eligible to pay the full cost.

For details of financial assessments and contributions, see our separate factsheet 'Paying for Non-Residential Care Services'.  This can be accessed by clicking on Request Factsheets - Adult and Community Services (Social Care) and choosing the relevant factsheet.

How do you apply for day care services?

If you think you or someone you know needs the support that day care can provide, you can ask for an assessment. 

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.

Alternatively your GP may suggest that we help you and may, with your permission, refer you to us.

We cannot guarantee attendance because we have many requests for day care and have to give priority to those most in need. We allocate day care places by balancing the needs of people and the resources available.

For further details, visit the Request a factsheet page and choose the factsheet 'Day Care Services (including charges)'.