Covid-19 putting Dorset carers under increasing pressure

Dorset's carers are under increased pressure due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

That's what a study by Carers UK has revealed on Carers Rights Day today.

Many carers are providing more care than they have before because of the pandemic, and many have been unable to take any breaks in the last six months as the needs of the person they care for have increased.

Tracy Rowland, Programme Lead from Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

“We have listened to local unpaid carers concerns and are responding to the needs of as many as possible. We also know that there are more carers in Dorset providing an increased level of care than before the first lockdown began and inevitably this impacts their physical and mental health, plus general wellbeing.

“All unpaid carers have rights and during these unprecedented times it’s more important than ever that they are aware of the support available to them. All health and care organisations, as part of Our Dorset, are here to provide services that can help with the increased challenges they are facing. Please do not hesitate to get the support needed.”

Know your rights as a carer

Unpaid carers can be people who look after a relative, partner, friend, or neighbour. All have the right to:

A break

Have a Care Act Carers Assessment to determine whether additional support is available

Register with their GP practice to enable them to access health checks and free flu jabs

Flexible working arrangements and additional support at work if they juggle their caring responsibilities with employment.

Mark Topp, a Dorset carer, said:

“The services and support provided by health and care organisations in Dorset has made a real difference to me, enabling me to enjoy other aspects of my life such as taking up hobbies when I’m not caring.”