Carers

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Important information for carers 

We are interested in identifying carers, especially those people who may be caring without help or support.  We know that carers are often “hidden” looking after a family member or helping a friend or neighbour with day to day tasks and may not see themselves as a carer.

We feel that caring for someone is an important and valuable role in the community, which is often a 24-hour job that can be very demanding and isolating for the carer.  We further believe carers should receive appropriate support by way of access to accurate information on a range of topics such as entitlement to benefits and respite care and not least, a listening ear when things get too much. 

As a carer, you are also entitled to have your needs assessed by Adult Care Services.  A Carer’s Assessment is a chance to talk about your needs as a carer and the possible ways help could be given. It also looks at the needs of the person you care for. This could be done separately, or together, depending on the situation. There is no charge for an assessment.

If you are a carer, this is an opportunity to let the Practice now so that we can update our records and pass on your details to the Carers’ Service who can provide relevant information and advice, local support services, newsletter and telephone link line.  We can also refer you to Adult Care Services for a carer’s assessment.

Please complete the section in the New Patient Questionnaire if you are a carer and return it to the surgery. Our Carers’ Lead is Jane Weir, Nurse Practitioner. Jane will be happy to see any carers needing advice or support. 

Stour Surgery Carers Group 

Stour Carers group has joined Christchurch Connect and currently meet at their venue in Loring Road, Christchurch BH23 2GZ.

They meet every 2nd Thursday of the month at 1.30-3pm. 

Come along for coffee, cake and a chance to meet other carers and find out about local resources and support. Anji will be on hand for meditation, hand massage, reflexology and Indian head massage! No need to book, just come along! 

This is open to all carers in the community.

For more information speak to Kevin on 01202 486114

Additional Services

The Phoenix Group - Stoke Support
Based at Christchurch Hospital, Fairmile Road BH23 2JX. Please contact to find out when the next support group is being held. Tel: 01202 486361

The Bournemouth Carers Team 
Tel: 01202 458204 (Carers Operational Support Officer) or via their website.

Oakley Friends - Volunteer based group of Carers and ex Carers caring for someone with Dementia
The Leonardo Trust, 5 Dunyeats Road, Broadstone, BH18 8AA Tel: 01202 698325 or via their website.

The Richmond Fellowship - Carers Support For Adults With Severe Mental Illness 
Bailey's Project, Barrack Road, Christchurch BH23 2AW. Tel: 01202 496267

Highcliffe Dementia Social Group For Those Affected by Memory Loss and Their Carers Carewell
Takes place on Wednesdays, first week of the month, third week of the month- 2:00 to 4:00pm at St Mark's Church Hall, Hinton Wood Avenue, Christchurch. Tel. 07541 331881 

Concerns about your relatives/close friends

Many of the patients registered with Stour Surgery are cared for by relatives or close friends. These carers see them very frequently and often have a much clearer picture of the symptoms and problems from which a person might suffer than do the doctors and nurses at the practice. All too often a person will put a ‘brave face’ on their condition when they come to see the doctors or nurses and this means that the clinicians are less likely to be able to help them as much as they could, and also that diagnoses might be missed.

If you care for a person registered at Stour Surgery, please do feel free to contact the doctors or nurses at the surgery if you have concerns about them. Often we can only listen to what you have to say and are unable to discuss a person’s situation without the written permission form that person. However, even a ‘one-way’ conversation can do a great deal to provide further information for a patient and we welcome this information.

So, if you want to tell us something about your loved one, please telephone the surgery and ask to speak to the doctor with whom they are registered or, if you prefer, to a nurse. It can only improve the care that we can provide and thus benefit those you care for.