Do you, or does someone you know, need help with daily living? A new website has launched to give people in Dorset the help and support they need to live safe and independent lives.
The new Our Dorset, Adult Social Care website is easy to navigate and helps people find joined-up information from Dorset’s local NHS, council and community organisations.
Developed by Dorset Council, Our Dorset, Adult Social Care can help people find the information, advice and guidance they need to live as independently as possible.
The homepage provides at–a–glance information to answer some of the most common queries people have when contacting adult social care and health services, including:
- How to apply for or renew your Blue Badge
- How to report a concern about someone who is vulnerable
- Guidance on financing and paying for care
- Finding equipment that can help you live independently at home
Scroll down the homepage and you will find information organised into broader categories, such as:
- Help living at home
- Support and help for carers
- Living with a disability
- Financial help and advice
with options to click and explore these categories further.
Key features
A key feature of the website is the directory of local services which helps people looking for support to filter their search based on the area where they live or the type of help they need.
Equipment House is an interactive tool that can be used to explore the range of equipment available to help people stay independent at home. Click on a room that you need some help in to find details of products and how you can buy them.
You can also find information about Care Technology to help you at home, such as GPS location devices, panic alarms and sensor linked equipment.
The Community Map offers an alternative way to help people connect with their local community. It can help with finding a home, employment or volunteering opportunities, or joining a social group or local library.
All pages are printable using the useful ‘My Information Booklet’ feature found at the top right of the screen.
Cllr Laura Miller Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health said:
“This is a brilliant step forward towards our goal of joining up health and social care information and making it easier for people to find all of what they need in one place.
“The world of health and social care is complex but Our Dorset, Adult Social Care is easy to understand and navigate, and will help you to find support in your local community.
“We will continue to develop the website, adding new information and extra functions.
“I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped us get to this stage, particularly the residents involved in testing the site.
“We listened to what you wanted and needed to help you stay independent and will continue to take feedback so we can improve the site and meet your needs.”
Accessibility
We have tried our best to make Our Dorset, Adult Social Care site accessible to everyone and the site works on most mobile devices and browsers.
We’re listening to your feedback
The site is in its early days and will continue to be developed and improved. We would like people to share with us what they think of the site’s functionality and navigation, as well as the quality of the information on offer.
There is a feedback button at the bottom of every page so you can let us know your thoughts.
A note about Covid-19
Part of the purpose of Our Dorset, Adult Social Care is to help people to find help, support and information on voluntary and community sector websites. Please be aware some support services advertised by these parties on the site may be affected because of the current coronavirus pandemic.
We advise contacting them direct to check what help and support is available. You can find useful contact information about some of our partners, community and voluntary groups on the About Us page
