Carer Support

Are you supporting someone with a brain injury?

At Headway Dorset we can help and support you through our family/carer service.

Here at Headway Dorset we offer…

• Support to families and carers in their own home
• Brain injury education and information including books/ leaflets
• Advocacy and support including attending meetings
• Information about welfare benefits entitlement to services and other practical help including carers’ assessments
• Signposting to other agencies who may be to help you
• We offer advice about services for younger carers
• Groups to explore coping strategies and a chance to meet others in a similar situation
• Emotional and practical support when you need it
• A listening ear in a confidential setting

If you would like further details please contact Judi Thomson family/carer support at Headway Dorset.

 

Family Carer Support

A carer recently described our charity as ' Headway Dorset means we are not alone when things get too much, as they are always there for support. They are very informative and provide vital knowledge about brain injury and its effects'.

Our Family Carer Support Unit:

• Supports families and the carers of people who have suffered a brain injury
• Provides education and information programs about brain injury specifically for carers which is supported by a Psychology Service
• Researches and visits appropriate placements
• Facilitates meetings and liaises with other professionals
• Provides information about entitlements to services and benefits
• Affcilitates Support Groups exploring coping strategies
• Provides individual Community Rehabilitation
• Provides provision of information such as leaflets, books and the sharing of personal experiences
• Offers emotional and practical support to brain injury survivors and their carers
• Provides benefit advice on entitlement and how to claim, as well as advice on tribunals and appeals
• Gives education and advice to healthcare professionals on brain injury and care programs

If you would like to receive details about the Family Carer Support Group unit or if you have an enquiry, please contact Judi on 01202 606560.

 

Information and Support

A brain injury happens in a second - the effects last a lifetime. One million people a year in the UK alone attend hospital after suffering a brain injury. These people are children, parents and grandparents from all walks of life.

The number of brain injury survivors in Dorset grows each year. It is estimated that there are a further 2,115 head injury survivors each year. 60 people each year will require round the clock care for the rest of their lives.

The majority of head injury survivors are young people aged 16-28 with a normal life expectancy. The burden of care often falls upon the family with 1 in 300 families being affected by brain injury. A brain injury often affects more than just one person.