Options Northampton - A guide to care and independent living Winter 2018/2019

OPTIONS A guide to care and independent living

Leaving hospital

Northampton

Winter 2018/19

What’s next?

NHS continuing healthcare Who’s eligible?

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SOCIAL CARE

tips

Healthcare services Choosing the right one

FREE

guide CONTRIBUTORS: Age UK Northamptonshire Alzheimer’s Society Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust NHS Choices

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Contents Our discharge suite..............................................................................................................................4 Problems or queries.............................................................................................................................4 Our hospital team – the Integrated Discharge Team.........................................................................5 How am I referred to the Integrated Discharge Team?.....................................................................5 The assessment process by the Integrated Discharge Team..............................................................7 Discharge from Hospital......................................................................................................................7 Important Information before you leave – Self Checklist.................................................................8 Getting the most out of your assessment...........................................................................................8 More about the assessment.................................................................................................................9 Assessments and carers........................................................................................................................9 Intermediate care services.................................................................................................................10 Intermediate Care Team (ICT)............................................................................................................10 Avery Care Homes..............................................................................................................................11 Short Term Assessment and Re-ablement Service (START)..............................................................11 24 hour care homes............................................................................................................................11 Other sources of help for when you have left hospital..............................................................12-13 NHS continuing healthcare...........................................................................................................14-15 Personal budgets................................................................................................................................16 NHS-funded nursing care...................................................................................................................17 Paying for your own care (self-funding)......................................................................................18-19 Home help.....................................................................................................................................20-21 Driving and using public transport..............................................................................................22-23 The Care Quality Commission Social Care top tips...........................................................................24 Alzheimer’s Society Services in Northampton..................................................................................25 Age UK Northamptonshire...........................................................................................................26-27 NHS Hospitals and services in Northamptonshire............................................................................28 Useful contacts...................................................................................................................................29

Welcome and

introduction

This guide is intended to help you, your carer and your relatives understand how your local health services can help you after discharge from hospital. Also information to help you to live independently or access support and care services in your area.

OCTAGON DE S IG N & M ARKE TING LT D

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The majority of people are able to return home following a stay in hospital without any additional support. If you feel you or your family member will require support to return home, please speak with the ward team who will be able to discuss your options with you.

Where necessary the ward team will work with our Integrated Discharge Team to support you in developing a plan, to ensure that you can be discharged home as quickly and as smoothly as possible.

This guide explains some of these processes, and explains the role of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) approach in the hospital discharge process.

Our discharge suite NGH has a discharge suite, providing a comfortable area where patients who are ready to leave hospital can safely await their transport home. It is situated close to the Cheyne Walk entrance, near the eye department and optician’s shop.

The discharge suite offers a safe, warm, comfortable area for patients to wait for collection, medications to take home or a last dose of intravenous medication. The suite has four rooms with beds for patients who require this, plus 20 chairs in two lounge areas, TVs, magazines, newspapers, hot and cold drinks, snacks, and a hot meal if required.

Patients can expect a warm welcome and a chance to talk about their experiences in hospital, fears of going home or just a chat. Qualified nurses, healthcare assistants and admin staff are all on hand to support you and keep you updated.

We’re happy for relatives and patients to come and see our facilities at any time. You can contact us on extension 4082 from within the hospital (01604 544082 from outside).

We discharge around 80 patients each day from the hospital.

It is vital for us to ensure there are enough beds each day for patients who need emergency assessment or planned surgery.

One way we do this is to discharge patients from the ward before 10 o’clock in the morning when they are medically fit to leave.

All patients waiting for transport or collection by a family member or transfer to care homes etc will normally be transferred from a ward to the discharge suite at the Cheyne Walk entrance to the hospital.

Problems or queries If you have queries or are experiencing difficulties relating to your discharge you can either contact your Integrated Discharge Team care manager or speak to the nurse caring for you on the ward. They can also give further information and contact details you may find helpful.

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Our hospital team – the Integrated Discharge Team Our team, based in the hospital and comprising health and social care workers, enables a holistic approach to safe, effective and timely patient discharge.

Within this team of workers there are therapy representatives, social workers, assessment and enablement workers, intermediate care nurses, complex discharge nurses and discharge coordinators, all of whom help the ward staff to ensure patients are discharged safely to the appropriate destination.

How am I referred to the Integrated Discharge Team?

Planning for discharge normally begins at the point, or even before, you are admitted to hospital.

The discharge process is coordinated by a member of the nursing team on the ward. Following an initial assessment by nursing and medical staff, the Integrated Discharge Team will meet with you to discuss your discharge plan if it appears you have needs that require assessment for your discharge.

You can also give your consent to your carer who can ask for you to be referred to the discharge team. If you have any queries while an inpatient or want any general advice, please ask your nurse to contact the team.

Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA): If you are reading this on behalf of a relative or friend who is a patient with us, and there is a ‘Lasting Power of Attorney’ registered with the Office of the Public Guardian in place for that patient, please ensure that ward staff receive a copy of the document, or are provided with evidence of the LPA for our patient notes.

It is important that we have a certified copy of any existing LPA for ‘Person’s Health & Welfare’.

Please note that an LPA relating to property and affairs does not give anyone power to make decisions on behalf of the patient in regard to their treatment. However in the event that the patient’s circumstances have changed and they need to be considered for a placement such as a care home or nursing home, if you hold their LPA for property and affairs please confirm this to the nursing team.

They will ensure that the discharge team contact you to review the ongoing needs of the patient.

Please also note that we cannot act upon any LPA unless we have certified evidence that it exists.

We cannot act upon a verbal notification of its existence. Once we receive the copy or other evidence we will ensure that a care plan is put in place agreed with the person(s) holding the LPA. Please also remember that an LPA is not the same as an ‘advanced directive’ unless this has been included in the LPA.

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The assessment process by the Integrated Discharge Team A member of the discharge team allocated to your particular ward will contact you.

The assessment is not a test. It is simply finding out what help you may need at home that will reduce any risks to your safety or independence.

The assessment process will start with discussions with the ward staff, with you and your family/ carers. This process of information gathering and clarification of the situation will enable the Integrated Discharge Team to work alongside you to: â– identify your needs â– give you information about services that could immediately support you to be discharged from hospital or support you in the longer term.

Depending on how complex your needs are, other specialist assessments may also be required.

The referral process and time scales for assessments are outlined in the Delayed Discharge Act 2003. The length of time required to complete the process can vary depending on how complex your needs are.

In the Integrated Discharge Team, we aim to do what we can to help people to live independently and safely. We work within resources available to us, and therefore ensure that we prioritise those people who are in greatest need of help.

This guide tells you more about assessments and eligibility criteria. It also tells you about what will happen after you have an assessment.

This may be relevant to you if you are an older person (65+), have a physical or sensory disability, have mental health problems, or have a learning disability. Please see the information in the following section about our new assessment process.

Discharge from hospital Once all assessments are completed the integrated discharge team member will discuss with you what help may be available, and decide with you how your care needs can best be met.

We now operate a process called Discharge to Assess for those patients who might need support on arriving home from hospital. This involves arranging a support care package to ensure patient safety, with a full assessment being made in the home rather than in hospital. We also use the Discharge to Assess model, for patients who are medically fit to leave hospital, but require discharge to a community bed or other placement or requiring further discharge arrangements.

Patients and relatives will be given notice of a discharge date as soon as it is made known to the ward.

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Important Information before you leave – self checklist There are a number of important questions that you need to be clear on before you leave hospital. If you cannot answer ‘yes’ to one of the questions below please ask a member of the clinical team on your ward to help you gain the answer.

2. A re you aware of the reason you have been prescribed your medication?

1. Do you feel fully informed of who to contact if

4. D o you feel you have all the information you need before you leave hospital?

you feel unwell when you get home?

3. D o you know of the potential side effects you could face from your medication, and what to do in the event of one occurring?

Getting the most out of your assessment You might want to prepare for your assessment by jotting down anything you want to talk through with the person carrying out the assessment.

■ What are you able to do for yourself or with the support of your family/social network?

■ What kind of help are you having at the moment? OR did you have before coming into hospital?

■ Are some days much easier than others? If so, why do you think this is?

We know that there are some things which can be difficult or stressful to talk about, but please don't be embarrassed. We will listen to your

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concerns and respect how you are feeling about them.

If your first language is not English, or if you use sign language, we can arrange for an interpreter.

Please let us know what you need.

More about the assessment The ward will ensure completion of a referral in readiness for your discharge assessment.

This referral is completed by all members of the MDT involved in your care.

Once the ward has completed your referral, one of our staff may come and visit you on the ward.

You can have a friend or relative with you at the assessment if you wish. This assessment may however take place once you have left hospital, as we said above.

The assessment is free and will involve discussions about: ■ What are you able to do for yourself or with the support of your family/social network?

■W hat type of help you feel is needed

2. Your health and safety, including any risks to your mental health or wellbeing 3. Your daily routines, such as personal care and domestic chores, and how well you are able to manage them 4. How well you are able to involve yourself in family responsibilities, community life, and work or study.

We may want to get information from other people, such as family and - if in hospital, the ward staff and/or doctor etc. We might share some of the information you give us with other people, but only when it is necessary to help to plan your care, on a 'need to know' basis with your consent.

We look at four main areas of life:

On the assessment form we write down everything we discussed and agreed with you during the assessment, and also anything we might have disagreed about. You will get a copy of the completed assessment form to keep.

1. How much control you have over your own life, and how easy or difficult you find it to make decisions about the way you live

Following the assessment, we will give you information about support that may be available, and any charges involved.

■H ow stressful and urgent you feel your situation is.

Assessments and carers If you have a carer, a relative or friend who provides you with unpaid help – we may want to talk to them about what help they are able and willing to give.

Carers may also be entitled to support which helps them in their caring role. If you have an identified carer, this would also be an appropriate time for them to receive a carer's assessment from Adult Services. Please ask us for more information on this.

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Intermediate care services This is a tier of services which offers both bed-based and community-based services, ie community beds, specialist care centres and the intermediate care team.

You may not be able to return home immediately because of practical difficulties or important decisions that need to be made about your future.

Unfortunately the hospital is unable to accommodate you during this process, as we need to provide care for other patients in need of urgent treatment.

In some cases the daily multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting may recommend a period of rehabilitation in order to maximise your independence and enable you to live at home as independently as possible.

In this case you will be referred to a community bed. An assessor from the community hospital will ensure you fit the criteria if it is for a medical rehabilitation bed. You will be transferred to the first

available bed which may not necessarily be the one closest to home.

In the Discharge To Assess process all patients who are unable to go to their permanent place of discharge are transferred to a bed in the community, at centres that have been identified for this process. This will enable all patients who are ready to leave an acute hospital bed to be discharged sooner and therefore reduce the risk of a prolonged length of stay.

There are also intermediate beds for reablement in a social setting which are called specialist care centres.

These centres provide a period of reablement up to six weeks where medical needs are not required.

There are three centres in the county (as at October 2015) and you will be expected to go to the first available bed, wherever that may be. Other beds may be available in the community at a later date.

Intermediate Care Team (ICT) The ICT is a specialist community-based team of qualified nurses, therapists and doctors that provides comprehensive assessment, treatment and rehabilitation to enable you to return home and continue your recovery following your stay in hospital. (You can benefit from this service even if you live in a residential or nursing home.)

for a range of health conditions as well as improving your strength, stamina and confidence with a range of activities that will help you live independently. If you also require social care support, ICT will arrange for the short term and reablement team (START) or the crisis response team (CRT) to provide this for you, alongside your ICT treatment plan.

As your ‘hospital at home’, ICT provides high quality, intensive healthcare up to a maximum of two weeks following discharge from hospital, bridging the gap between the hospital team and your GP. In the event that you become unwell following discharge, ICT can access a range of other options to prevent you being re-admitted to hospital unnecessarily.

ICT also has a team of nurses in the accident and emergency department who can assist you to return home quickly. Ask a member of the hospital team to contact ICT for you.

ICT staff will work with you to design a personalised short-term treatment plan for your rehabilitation at home. This may include complex medical treatment

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For more information, please ask the NGH ward team for the ICT leaflet, which provides further details on what we are able to provide for you. More information is also available by telephoning 0300 777 0002 (option 1) or online at: www.nhft.nhs.uk/ intermediate-care-team

Avery Care Homes The hospital also use beds contracted from Avery Care Homes for when the patients have completed their acute phase of treatment and until they have their discharge services in place.

These beds are for short stay only, they are not permanent beds for patients and are not convalescence or reablement beds.

Short Term Assessment and Re-ablement Service (START) You may be assessed as benefitting from START for your return home. The START service provides re-enablement for adults aged 18 years and over within their own homes.

START helps people who have experienced a sudden change in health to help you regain your confidence and your ability to do things for yourself and to achieve optimum levels of independence, thereby remaining safely at home.

The service could be for a few days or a little longer (maximum six weeks) and in most cases is

a free service while we work with you to decide what help you may need in the future.

START can help if you need specialist equipment, and they work with you to encourage and support you.

If the need for continuing help is identified during this period you will be assessed under Northamptonshire County Council’s Fair Access to Care Services criteria and a financial assessment would be undertaken as there may be a charge for services.

24 hour care homes If it is felt that you can no longer manage at home even with support, it may be necessary to consider a move to a care home. You and your family will be involved in this decision.

The assessment will identify your care needs and will be carried out in the community as part of the Discharge To Assess process. This will help you and your family to select a registered care home which will be able to meet your needs.

There are three categories of care homes.

■ Residential care – provides accommodation, meals, care and support throughout the day and night.

qualified nurse.

■D ementia care which provides specialist extra care for people often due to dementia or other mental health diagnosis.

During the care planning process you should be supported to identify a suitable care home which is registered to meet your needs and has a vacancy. As we have already said, this process will take place in a community bed and not in hospital. Your social worker/care manager can help you with this process. However if the home of your choice has no vacancy, you may have to accept a place in an alternative care home until a place in your home of choice is available.

■ Nursing care – offers the same as residential care with the addition of 24 hour care by a

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Other sources of help for when you have left hospital Northamptonshire County Council Adult care services - 0300 126 1000 www.northamptonshire.gov.uk – search for help for adults and older people If you think that you may need help from the council you can ask for advice or a care assessment by contacting Adult Care.

To make things easier for you we have set up a first point of contact for all our services called Adult Care. You can speak to an officer who will listen to your enquiry, advise and assist you, and make sure you receive an assessment if required.

We can help you with: ■ Social care assessments ■ Safeguarding vulnerable adults ■ Disabled person parking permits (Blue Badge) ■ Adaptations within your home ■ Community alarm scheme - Call Care

■ Occupational therapy assessments ■ Any other aspect of your social care ■ Assistive technology

Age UK Northamptonshire – 01604 611200 Age UK Northamptonshire is an independent charity whose objectives are to make the lives of older people in Northamptonshire as fulfilling and rewarding as possible.

Age UK Northamptonshire can help you with a variety of day opportunities that are fun and offer companionship when used as part of a care plan can help older people remain healthy and well.

Access to community information about housing, benefits, products and services (home insurance, motor insurance etc) www.ageuk.org.uk/northamptonshire

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Physiotherapy Service – Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust at the Highfields Clinical Care Centre, Cliftonville – 03305 556789

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By talking to you, and finding out what you would like help with, our team will identify any adaptations you might need and pass the recommendations to yourself or your local council.

Physiotherapists help and treat people of all ages with physical problems caused by illness, accident or ageing.

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District Nursing Services – contactable via your GP surgery

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NHS continuing healthcare Some people with long-term complex health needs qualify for free social care arranged and funded solely by the NHS. This is known as NHS continuing healthcare.

Where can NHS continuing healthcare be provided?

NHS continuing healthcare can be provided in a variety of settings outside hospital, such as in your own home or in a care home.

Am I eligible for NHS continuing healthcare?

NHS continuing healthcare is for adults. Children and young people may receive a “continuing care package” if they have needs arising from disability, accident or illness that can’t be met by existing universal or specialist services alone.

To be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, you must be assessed by a team of healthcare professionals (a multidisciplinary team). The team will look at all your care needs and relate them to: • what help you need • how complex your needs are • how intense your needs can be • how unpredictable they are, including any risks to your health if the right care isn’t provided at the right time Your eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare depends on your assessed needs, and not on any particular diagnosis or condition. If your needs change then your eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare may change.

You should be fully involved in the assessment process and kept informed, and have your views about your needs and support taken into account. Carers and family members should also be consulted where appropriate.

A decision about eligibility for a full assessment for NHS continuing healthcare should usually be made within 28 days of an initial assessment or request for a full assessment.

If you aren’t eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, you can be referred to your local council who can discuss with you whether you may be eligible for support from them.

If you still have some health needs then the NHS may pay for part of the package of support. This is sometimes known as a “joint package” of care.

Information and advice The process involved in NHS continuing healthcare assessments can be complex. An organisation called Beacon gives free independent advice on NHS continuing healthcare.

Visit the Beacon website or call the free helpline on 0345 548 0300.

NHS continuing healthcare assessments Clinical commissioning groups, known as CCGs (the NHS organisations that commission local health services), must assess you for NHS continuing healthcare if it seems that you may need it.

For most people, there’s an initial checklist assessment, which is used to decide if you need a full assessment. However, if you need care urgently – for example, if you’re terminally ill – your assessment may be fast-tracked.

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Initial assessment for NHS continuing healthcare The initial checklist assessment can be completed by a nurse, doctor, other healthcare professional or social worker. You should be told that you’re being assessed, and be asked for your consent.

Depending on the outcome of the checklist, you’ll either be told that you don’t meet the criteria for a full assessment of NHS continuing healthcare and are therefore not eligible, or you’ll be referred for a full assessment of eligibility.

Being referred for a full assessment doesn’t necessarily mean

Full assessment for NHS continuing healthcare Full assessments for NHS continuing healthcare are undertaken by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) made up of a minimum of 2 professionals from different healthcare professions. The MDT should usually include both health and social care professionals who are already involved in your care.

You should be informed who is co-ordinating the NHS continuing healthcare assessment.

The team’s assessment will consider your needs under the following headings: • breathing • nutrition (food and drink) • continence • skin (including wounds and ulcers) • mobility • communication • psychological and emotional needs • cognition (understanding) • behaviour • drug therapies and medication • altered states of consciousness • other significant care needs These needs are given a weighting marked “priority”, “severe”, “high”, “moderate”, “low” or “no needs”.

If you have at least one priority need, or severe needs in at least 2 areas, you can usually expect to be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare.

You may also be eligible if you have a severe need in one area plus a number of other needs, or a number of high or moderate needs, depending on their nature, intensity, complexity or unpredictability.

In all cases, the overall need, and interactions between needs, will be taken into account, together with evidence from risk assessments, in deciding whether NHS continuing healthcare should be provided.

The assessment should take into account your views and the views of any carers you have. You should be given a copy of the decision documents, along with clear reasons for the decision.

You can download a blank copy of the NHS continuing healthcare decision support tool.

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you’ll be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare. The purpose of the checklist is to enable anyone who might be eligible to have the opportunity for a full assessment.

The professional(s) completing the checklist should record in writing the reasons for their decision, and sign and date it. You should be given a copy of the completed checklist.

You can download a blank copy of the NHS continuing healthcare checklist from GOV.UK.

Fast-track assessment for NHS continuing healthcare If your health is deteriorating quickly and you’re nearing the end of your life, you should be considered for the NHS continuing healthcare fast-track pathway, so that an appropriate care and support package can be put in place as soon as possible – usually within 48 hours.

Care and support planning If you’re eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, the next stage is to arrange a care and support package that meets your assessed needs.

Depending on your situation, different options could be suitable, including support in your own home and the option of a personal health budget.

If it’s agreed that a care home is the best option for you, there could be more than one local care home that’s suitable.

Your CCG should work collaboratively with you and consider your views when agreeing your care and support package and the setting where it will be provided. However, they can also take other factors into account, such as the cost and value for money of different options.

NHS continuing healthcare reviews If you’re eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, your needs and support package will normally be reviewed within 3 months and thereafter at least annually. This review will consider whether your existing care and support package meets your assessed needs. If your needs have changed, the review will also consider whether you’re still eligible for NHS continuing healthcare.

Q.

I have a local authority support package that works well. I’m now eligible for NHS continuing healthcare – will my support package change?

If you’re concerned about changes to your care package because of a move to NHS continuing healthcare, your CCG should talk to you about ways that it can give you as much choice and control as possible. This could include the use of a personal health budget, with one option being a “direct payment for healthcare”.

Q.

Can I refuse an assessment for NHS continuing healthcare? If I refuse, will I be able to get services from my local authority?

An assessment for NHS continuing healthcare can’t be carried out without your consent, so it’s possible to refuse.

However, if you refuse, although you’ll still be entitled to an assessment by the local authority there’s no guarantee that you’ll be provided with services. There’s a legal limit on the types of services that a local authority can provide.

If you refuse to be assessed for NHS continuing healthcare, the CCG should explore your reasons for refusing, and try to address your concerns. If someone lacks the mental capacity to consent to or refuse an assessment, the principles of the Mental Capacity Act will apply and in most circumstances an assessment will be provided in the person’s best interest.

Q.

Refunds for delays in NHS continuing healthcare funding

My relative is in a care home and has become eligible for NHS continuing healthcare. The CCG says the fees charged by this care home are more than they would usually pay, and has proposed a move to a different care home. I think a move will have a negative effect on my relative. What can we do?

CCGs will normally make a decision about eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare within 28 days of getting a completed checklist or request for a full assessment, unless there are circumstances beyond its control.

If there’s evidence that a move is likely to have a detrimental effect on your relative’s health or wellbeing, discuss this with the CCG. It will take your concerns into account when considering the most appropriate arrangements.

If the CCG decides you’re eligible, but takes longer than 28 days to decide this and the delay is unjustifiable, they should refund any care costs from the 29th day until the date of their decision.

If you’re not eligible for NHS continuing healthcare If you’re not eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, but you’re assessed as requiring nursing care in a care home (in other words, a care home that’s registered to provide nursing care) you’ll be eligible for NHS-funded nursing care.

This means that the NHS will pay a contribution towards the cost of your registered nursing care. NHS-funded nursing care is available irrespective of who is funding the rest of the care home fees.

If the CCG decides to arrange an alternative placement, they should provide a reasonable choice of homes.

Q.

Is it possible to pay top-up fees for NHS continuing healthcare?

No, it isn’t possible to top up NHS continuing healthcare packages, like you can with local authority care packages.

The only way that NHS continuing healthcare packages can be topped up privately is if you pay for additional private services on top of the services you’re assessed as needing from the NHS. These private services should be provided by different staff and preferably in a different setting.

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Personal budgets If your local council agrees to pay for some or all of your home help, it must offer you choice and control over how your needs are met.

You’ll be given a personal budget, and can choose to receive it as a direct payment.

Personal budgets

Alternatively, you may prefer your personal budget to be managed by the council or by someone else, such as:

A personal budget is the amount of money the local council allocates for your care, based on its assessment of your needs.

• a friend or family member (the local council must agree to this)

You can be put in charge of this budget either by telling the council how you would like it spent, or by the council giving you the money so you can directly pay for your own care (a direct payment).

• a broker, independent social worker or an advocate

It can also be given to a separate organisation (such as a usercontrolled trust) that will spend the money on your care as you see fit, if you prefer.

You can choose a combination of the above (for example, a direct payment with some council-arranged care and support), often called a mixed package.

Direct payments Direct payments give you the most control over your care.

If you’re unhappy with the care you’re getting, you can decide to change it without having to go through the local council.

But you have to be able to account for how you spend the budget. And you have responsibilities as an employer if you hire a personal assistant with your direct payment.

The Money Advice Service has a guide to using direct payments.

The pros and cons of taking charge of your personal budget Being in control of your own personal budget means you have to spend some time and effort thinking about your care and support needs and the outcomes you want.

There may be extra responsibilities. For example, if you decide to request a direct payment to cover the cost of homecare, you could use the payment to hire an individual, giving you the responsibilities of an employer.

Alternatively, you could hire care workers through an agency. This removes the legal obligations of being an employer, but may cost more and may remove some of the benefits of having the same person provide your care.

How to receive your personal budget Clarify how you want to receive your personal budget.

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If you choose to receive it as a direct payment, the local council may pay the money straight into a bank account that you control (you must set up a new bank account to do this) or they may give you a pre-paid card.

• your care manager or social worker Discuss these options with your social worker or carer to work out which option is best for you.

If someone else will be looking after your money, you may need to create a decision-making agreement. This should state how they’ll look after your money and what decisions they can and can’t make on your behalf.

Keep receipts The council may want to check what you do with your money to make sure you’re spending your budget appropriately, and your care and support needs are being met.

You may need to keep receipts (especially for large purchases) so you can show them you have spent your money responsibly.

If you choose a direct payment, the council will give you a direct payment agreement that sets out the terms and conditions.

If you’re struggling to manage your money, the council can advise you on how to make your money work best for you.

Disagreements about care plans and personal budgets If you have been told that you’re not eligible for services, or you don’t agree with the amount allocated to you in your personal budget, you have the right to complain.

Speak to your social worker about being re-assessed, or phone your local council social services department and request a complaints form.

Your council should have a formal complaints procedure on its website.

If you’re not happy with the way the council handles your complaint, you can take it to the local government and social care ombudsman. An ombudsman is an independent person who’s been appointed to look into complaints about organisations.

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NHS-funded nursing care NHS-funded nursing care is when the NHS pays for the nursing care component of nursing home fees. The NHS pays a flat rate directly to the care home towards the cost of this nursing care.

If you’re not eligible for NHS-funded nursing care and you don’t agree with the decision about your eligibility, ask your CCG to review the decision.

Who is eligible for NHS-funded nursing care?

NHS-funded nursing care is paid at the same rate across England. In April 2018, the rate was set at £158.16 a week (standard rate).

You may be eligible for NHS-funded nursing care if: • you’re not eligible for NHS continuing healthcare but have been assessed as needing care from a registered nurse • you live in a nursing home

How will my needs be assessed?

You should be assessed for NHS continuing healthcare before a decision is made about whether you are eligible for NHS-funded nursing care.

The cost of NHS-funded nursing care

Before October 1 2007, there were 3 different levels or bands of payment for NHS-funded nursing care – low, medium and high.

If you moved into a care home before October 1 2007, and you were on the low or medium bands, you would have been transferred to the standard rate from that date.

Most people don’t need a separate assessment for NHSfunded nursing care. However, if you do need an assessment or you haven’t already had one, your clinical commissioning group (CCG) can arrange an assessment for you.

If you moved into a care home before October 1 2007, and you were on the high band, NHS-funded nursing care is paid at a higher rate. In April 2018, the higher rate was set at £217.59 a week. You’re entitled to continue on this rate unless:

Outcome of the assessment

• you no longer have nursing needs

If you’re eligible for NHS-funded nursing care, the NHS will arrange and fund nursing care provided by registered nurses employed by the care home. Services provided by a registered nurse can include planning, supervising and monitoring nursing and healthcare tasks, as well as direct nursing care.

• you no longer live in a care home that provides nursing • your nursing needs have reduced and you’re no longer eligible for the high band, when you would change to the standard rate of £158.16 a week, or • you become entitled to NHS continuing healthcare instead.

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Paying for your own care (self-funding) You will not be entitled to help with the cost of care from your local council if: • you have savings worth more than £23,250 • you own your own property (this only applies if you’re moving into a care home)

You may be eligible for benefits, like Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which aren’t means-tested.

You can use them to pay towards the cost of your care.

You can ask your council for a financial assessment (means test) to check if you qualify for any help with costs.

Can I avoid selling my home?

You can choose to pay for care yourself if you don’t want a financial assessment.

You won’t have to sell your home to pay for help in your own home.

How to arrange your care as a self-funder

But you may have to sell your home to pay for a care home, unless your partner carries on living in it.

You can: • arrange and pay for care yourself without involving the council • ask the council to arrange and pay for your care (the council will then bill you, but not all councils offer this service and they may charge a fee)

Sometimes selling your home to pay care home fees is the best option.

But there may be other ways to pay care home fees if you don’t want to sell your home straight away.

Find out what care you need

Releasing money from your home (equity release)

Even if you choose to pay for your care, your council can do an assessment to check what care you might need. This is called a needs assessment.

Equity release lets you take money that’s tied up in your home without selling it. It’s available if you’re over 55.

For example, it’ll tell you whether you need home help from a paid carer for 2 hours a day or 2 hours a week and precisely what they should help you with.

But you have to pay interest on the money you take out, which can be expensive.

The needs assessment is free and anyone can ask for one.

How much will care cost?

Social care can be expensive. Knowing how much you’ll have to pay will help you budget.

Paying for carers at home A typical hourly rate for a carer to come to your home is around £20, but this will vary depending on where you live.

Having a carer who lives with you costs from around £650 a week. But it can cost as much as £1,600 a week if you need a lot of care.

Paying for a care home There are 2 types of care home: • residential homes have staff that help with everyday tasks such as getting dressed and supply all your meals • nursing homes also offer 24-hour nursing care A room in a care home costs: • £600 a week in a residential home • £840 a week in a nursing home The price will vary according to where you live and the type of care you need.

For example, serious health problems like dementia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can increase the cost.

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Benefits can help with care costs

The Money Advice Service has more information on equity release.

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Renting out your home

Telephone help

You can rent out your home and use the income to help pay your care home fees.

Get advice on paying for care from:

A deferred payment scheme

• Independent Age on freephone 0800 319 6789

A deferred payment scheme can be useful if you have savings less than £23,250 and all your money is tied up in your property.

• the Money Advice Service on freephone 0800 138 7777

The council pays for your care home and you repay it later when you choose to sell your home, or after your death.

If your savings fall below £23,250, your council might be able to help with the cost of care.

Ask your council if you’re eligible for a deferred payment scheme.

Contact your local council about 3 months before you think your savings will drop to below £23,250 and ask them to reassess your finances.

You can get more information from: • the Money Advice Service: deferred payment schemes • Independent Age: guide to care home fees and your property

• Age UK on freephone 0800 169 6565

If your savings run out

Councils provide funding from the date you contact them.

You won’t be reimbursed if your savings are less than £23,250 before you contact them.

Get expert financial help

What you can get for free

You can get unbiased expert advice from a specialist care fees adviser.

You might be able to get some free help regardless of your income or if you’re paying for your care.

They’ll help you compare all your options before you decide what’s right for you.

This can include:

Find a specialist care fees adviser in your area with: • PayingForCare, a free information service for older people • the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) on 0333 2020 454

• small bits of equipment or home adaptations that each cost less than £1,000 • NHS care, such as NHS continuing healthcare, NHSfunded nursing care and care after you have been discharged from hospital 19

Home help If you need help around the home, a good option is to have a care worker come into your home to help you.

Home help from a paid carer costs around £20 an hour, but it varies according to where you live.

Depending on your circumstances, home help may be funded by your local council or you may have to pay yourself.

Types of home help Help around the home comes in many forms and there are many names used to describe it, including home help, homecare, care attendants, and “carers” (not to be confused with unpaid family or friends who care for you).

• a place to live with a family who will care for you – this is known as shared lives services or adult placement services

Home help agencies If you use a homecare agency, you or the person looking after you has to find the care agency and pay them.

Home help can suit you if you need:

The agency will provide a service through a trained team of care workers, which means you may not always have the same person visiting your home, although the agency will do its best to take your choices into account.

• personal care, such as help with getting washed and dressed

Homecare agencies can also:

• housekeeping or domestic work, such as vacuuming, cleaning and doing laundry

• take over the burden of being an employer – for example, payroll, training, disciplinary issues and insurance

• help with cooking or preparing meals or “meals on wheels” • nursing and healthcare • companionship Home help can be very flexible. The same person or agency may be able to provide some or all of these options for the duration of your care: • long-term 24-hour care • short breaks for an unpaid family carer • emergency care • day care • sessions ranging from 15-minute visits to 24-hour assistance and everything in between If you already know what you want, you can search the NHS website for: • local homecare services and agencies • a list of national homecare organisations

Funding homecare If you believe you might benefit from some help at home, contact your local council’s social services department to ask for a needs assessment.

If you’re eligible for help at home funded by your local council, your local council may provide or arrange the help themselves.

Alternatively, you can arrange your own care, funded by the council, through direct payments or a personal budget.

If you choose direct payments or a personal budget, or you aren’t eligible for council funding and want to get care privately, you can arrange it in several different ways: • using a homecare agency • hiring a personal assistant • getting homecare from a charity, such as Age UK 20

• supported living services – these are services that can help you stay safe and well in your home on a long-term basis, including financial help, help with medicines, advocacy, social support and practical support

• train their homecare workers through national qualifications and service-specific training

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• replace workers when they’re ill, on holiday or resign • put things right when they go wrong An agency will want to see you and the person looking after you so they can assess your needs.

This also means you can make a joint decision about the right type of care and support.

How much does a homecare agency cost?

Using a homecare agency can be expensive. The agency will charge a fee on top of the payment made to the care worker to cover their running costs and profits.

You normally have to make a regular payment to the agency, which includes both the worker’s earnings and the agency’s fee.

Questions to ask when using a homecare agency Before deciding to go ahead with an agency, you should ask questions about the fee and what it covers.

These include: • does the agency check references?

• what training and supervision do they provide?

• what’s their complaints policy?

• who’s responsible for insurance?

• is there any out-of-hours or emergency contact if needed?

• will they be able to provide staff if your own care worker is ill or away? If an agency is contracted to provide care every day, it must do that

Hiring a personal assistant Instead of using an agency, you can hire a personal assistant to act as a homecare worker for you.

Personal assistants can offer you all that you’ll get from an agency worker, but you’ll also get continuity, familiarity and an ongoing relationship with an assistant.

But if you employ a personal assistant, you have the legal responsibility of an employer. This includes arranging cover for their illness and holidays.

Which? Elderly Care has advice on employing private individuals.

Home help from charities Charities such as Age UK and Carers Trust can provide home help.

Carers Trust also supports carers by giving them a break from their caring responsibilities through homecare services.

Marie Curie Nurses can provide practical and emotional support for people near the end of their lives in their own homes.

Complaining about homecare You have the right to make a complaint about any aspect of homecare.

It’s a good idea to ask a homecare agency or charity about their complaints policy before you start to use their carers.

If you are finding it difficult to make a complaint, find out how an advocate can help you.

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Driving and using public transport Although mobility problems make it harder to get around, transport has become more accessible for disabled and elderly people.

You can get help: • using public transport • getting discounts on public transport • from the NHS with travel costs • finding community transport schemes If you have mobility problems and you need a car to get around, you may be able to get help with costs through: • discounted or free road tax • a Blue Badge parking permit • help with the cost of leasing a vehicle through the Motability scheme

Using public transport with a disability All public transport vehicles have to be “accessible” so disabled passengers can use them. Public transport also has to accept guide dogs or assistance dogs.

But if you’re using public transport, it’s worth contacting the transport operator before you travel to make sure they’re able to offer the assistance you require.

Buses and trains usually have priority seating for older people and people with disabilities. They also usually have space and wide doors for wheelchairs. Some buses, trains and trams are fitted with automatic ramps.

London Underground is being upgraded to improve step-free access.

Staff at Underground stations are also trained to help people move around the underground system – for example, by helping you avoid escalators and calling ahead to arrange for assistance at your destination.

Discounts on public transport for older people and disabled people Older people and people with disabilities can travel free on local buses anywhere in England between 9.30am and 11pm Monday to Friday, and at any time during the weekend and on bank holidays.

Some authorities offer free travel for longer, and some allow a companion to travel with the pass holder for free.

You may have to apply through your local authority, but in most areas you can apply online for an older person’s bus pass or for a disabled person’s bus pass.

If you often travel by train, it’s probably worth getting a Disabled Railcard Card. This gives you a third off the price of rail tickets.

Check the criteria to see if you’re eligible.

Children aged 5 to 16 with disabilities are eligible for a Disabled Person’s Railcard. This lets an adult to travel with them for a third of the cost of an adult fare, while the child pays the normal child fare.

Taxi and private hire companies can provide wheelchairaccessible vehicles if you ask for one when you book a vehicle.

Some councils also give free taxi vouchers to people who find it difficult to use public transport because they’re frail or disabled.

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Cars and parking Road tax reductions If you’re disabled or have a serious long-term condition, you might be eligible for a reduction in your road tax, or even be exempt from it altogether.

Find out more on GOV.UK about vehicle tax exemption and vehicle tax reduction.

Blue Badge disabled parking scheme If you have severe mobility problems that make using public transport difficult, you may be able to get a Blue Badge parking permit for your car.

This lets you park closer to places you wish to visit, such as in marked disabled parking bays.

You may also be able to: • park for free within certain time limits in some places • park on single and double yellow lines • stay longer in on-street time-limited parking bays Blue Badge schemes are run by councils. Most councils will let you apply for a Blue Badge online.

Central London is exempt from the national Blue Badge regulations and the central London boroughs of Kensington and Chelsea, Camden, Westminster and City of London don’t fully operate the Blue Badge scheme.

But if you’re exempt from road tax or have a Blue Badge permit, you may be able to get an exemption from paying the central London congestion charge.

NHS help with travel and transport costs If you pay to travel to a hospital or other NHS premises for NHS-funded treatment or diagnostic tests, you may be able to claim a refund of reasonable travel costs.

Community transport schemes These schemes provide transport to and from hospitals, doctors’ and dentists’ surgeries, and opticians and chiropodists.

Many areas offer a free “Dial-a-Ride” service, offering door-to-door transport for people unable to use normal buses.

Motability scheme The Motability scheme allows disabled people to use their mobility benefits to lease a car, powered wheelchair or scooter.

You can also pay an extra amount of money if you want a more expensive vehicle.

The Motability Scheme is open to anyone who gets: • the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Some schemes require you to register and may charge a fee. Carers may be able to travel with you for an additional charge.

• the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)

Check with your local council whether your area has a community transport scheme.

• the enhanced rate mobility component of Armed Forces Independence Payment

The British Red Cross runs a similar transport service in some areas.

Contact your local Red Cross branch for information.

NHS Choices have not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser.

Nor does NHS Choices endorse any of the products or services. All information and figures correct at the time of going to print.

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The Care Quality Commission is here to make sure health and adult social care services including hospitals, home and residential care as well as GPs in England provide people with safe, effective, high-quality care.

We publish independent inspection reports and ratings about services – information you can use when you’re choosing care for yourself, or a loved one.

You can use our website to search for services you might be interested in by geographical area, or by specialism. For example, a care home that might offer specialist care for someone who has dementia.

We also welcome your feedback on the care you have received – good or bad. We use this information to help inform our inspections and can alert authorities including local social services, if there are safeguarding concerns about care being provided.

You can visit our website at www.cqc.org.uk to find our inspection reports, or share an experience of care.

You can also call us to share an experience of care on 03000 61 61 61.

Here are some tips to help you choose your care.

Social care Top tips 1

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The Care Quality Commission (CQC) registers all care homes and home care agencies. You can find out which ones support specific groups of people, such as people with a learning disability or those living with dementia.

CQC’s Chief Inspector for Adult Social Care, Andrea Sutcliffe always uses ‘The Mum Test’: is a care home safe, caring, effective, responsive to people’s needs and well-led? In other words, is it good enough for my Mum (or anyone else I love and care for)?

Look for care homes and home care agencies where the staff involve people who use services and their families and carers, and treat individuals with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.

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Whether you are being cared for in your own home or in a residential setting, the staff looking after you need to be skilled, kind and supportive.

They should also be capable and confident in dealing with your particular needs. You should always feel that their support is helping you to live the life you want to.

A care home will be a home for you or your loved one. Residents should be treated as individuals with their likes and dislikes taken into account.

Think about whether a home is close enough to family, friends, and community facilities.

Look at how well-led and managed a home is. What does it have in place to ensure that it delivers high quality care? Does it promote meaningful activity and connect the home with the community?

If you or a loved one needs help with day-today care, you can contact your local council’s social services department. They will ‘make an assessment of your needs’ and depending on circumstances, may be able to help you access financial help. For more advice visit Age UK’s website www.ageuk.org.uk /home-and-care.

If you would like to organise your care yourself, you can find a care worker or personal assistant through an agency. Your local social services department should be able to provide details of approved agencies.

CQC’s ratings will identify services as:

Outstanding Good ● Requires improvement ● Inadequate ● This will help you make informed choices around your care. There’s also useful advice on the Social Care Institute for Excellence’s Find me good care website www.scie.org.uk/findmegoodcare/

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Safeguarding adults who receive social care is everybody’s business. If you are concerned about the safety of a loved one receiving care, contact the service provider in the first instance. You can also contact social services at your local council. If you feel a crime has been committed, contact the police.

You can share your safeguarding concerns with us on our website or contact our National Customer Services on 03000 616161.

The Care Quality Commission has not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does the Care Quality Commission endorse any of the products or services.

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Services in Northampton ■ From diagnosis through to future planning, we have many services which will be invaluable to you ■ Alzheimer’s Society has a host of factsheets, a helpline and an online forum where you can talk to people in a similar situation to yourself ■ These resources can also be useful for carers ■ Support for Carers ■ Peer Support Group ■ Activity Group For information about our services or if you are interested in getting involved by volunteering or fundraising, please contact our local office:

■ Singing for the Brain ■ Side by Side Befriending

Telephone: 01832 736670 Email: northamptonshire@ alzheimers.org.uk

✆ National Dementia Helpline

0300 222 11 22 Our helpline advisors are here for you.

Website: www.alzheimers.org. uk/northamptonshire

Talking Point

Online community

Visit our online community to get advice, share experiences, connect.

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Age UK Northamptonshire About Us Age UK Northamptonshire, is a local, independent, voluntary organisation, serving the needs of older people in our county and part of a national family which serves the needs of older people everywhere.

We recognise that you want a choice in how you are supported to continue to remain independent in your own home. The following services are designed to offer you support when and where needed to help you remain independent.

Our Services Age UK Northamptonshire offers services which are available to older people or their carers throughout the county.

Hospital Discharge and Community Team The team exists to provide short-term support to older people living with long-term health conditions.

We will also offer support following a stay in hospital, focussing our efforts on helping those

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who do not have other networks of support.

Our aim is to work with people to reduce the likelihood of hospital re-admission and to enable individuals to regain, in part or in full, independence as far as possible.

The team provides a countywide service for anyone who is registered with a GP within the county.

Home Care Age UK Northamptonshire provides a Home Care service for older people in Northamptonshire, offering help with domestic tasks.

General housework including: internal cleaning of windows, laundry, shopping, changing beds and ironing.

The scheme employs domestic care workers who are security checked and supervised by Age UK Northamptonshire.

Money Management Support Age UK Northamptonshire offers a Money Management support service to help older people

who are struggling with money matters.

■ Cash collections ■ Set up of Direct Debits ■ Signposting to other agencies ■ Help to regain independence with money matters Carers Service Our Carers Service supports people who care for other people who may be relatives, neighbours or friends. The service benefits carers by offering support and advice.

Carers who register with the service can benefit in a number of ways: P rovide a carer to sit with your loved one to enable you to take a break ■ The chance to talk to someone who understands and who will really listen to you, offering support in your caring role ■ Information on matters which may concern you as a carer, for example, benefits and allowances, aids and adaptations ■ Information and advice on what other services and support you could access locally and nationally, including the chance to benefit from the experiences of others and we can signpost you to carers groups across the county.

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Extra Help at the End of Life Age UK Northamptonshire provides care to people in the last weeks of their life, which enables them to remain at home with their loved ones.

This service is only available by referral from your GP surgery or hospital staff.

Handyperson The Handyperson Scheme helps older people to remain independent by assisting with a range of minor household repairs.

We can carry out jobs including: Fitting smoke detectors and hand rails, replacing light bulbs, fuses and plugs, small carpentry work, dealing with trip hazards such as loose carpets, moving heavy furniture and levelling paving slabs.

Although it is not an emergency service, if the job is urgent we will do all we can to visit as soon as possible.

Wellbeing Centres As time goes on, the interests of new generations of older people change.

Our Wellbeing Centres offer a range of activities to people who want to maintain a good quality of life, build new friendships and learn new skills.

If you need to get out of the house for the day or just for a few hours, a Wellbeing Centres is available for a cup of tea or a meal, the company of friends and much more.

Lifetime Activities Our Lifetime Activities can enable people to maintain a good quality of life, build new friendships and learn new skills. Activities and courses are designed to help people remain fit and active for longer.

Volunteering and Fundraising For more information about becoming a volunteer or fundraiser for Age UK Northamptonshire, call 01604 611 200.

Advice and Information: To find out more about our services and to learn about how we can help you, call our Access Team on 0300 3033 929. Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am – 12 noon or visit us at www.ageuk.org. uk/northamptonshire Age UK Northamptonshire 31 Billing Road, Northampton NN1 5DQ Tel: 01604 611 200 www.ageuk.org.uk/northamptonshire Age UK have not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does Age UK endorse any of the products or services.

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NHS Hospitals and services in Northamptonshire 3. St Mary's Hospital 77 London Road, Kettering NN15 7PW Tel: 01536 410141

1. Corby Community Hospital Cottingham Road, Corby NN17 2UN Tel: 01536 400070

5. Isebrook Hospital Irthlingborough Road, Wellingborough NN8 1LP Tel: 01933 440099

4. Danetre Hospital London Road, Daventry NN11 4DY Tel: 01327 708800

2. Kettering General Hospital Rothwell Rd, Kettering NN16 8UZ Tel: 01536 492 000

Kettering General Hospital

6. Northampton General Hospital (Acute) Cliftonville, Northampton NN1 5BD Tel: 01604 634700

Corby Community Hospital

CORBY 1

Sessions House, George Row, Northampton NN1 1DF Tel: 0300 126 1000

EAST NORTHANTS NORTH

WEST KETTERING

KETTERING 2 3

EAST KETTERING

St. Mary's Hospital

DAVENTRY & DISTRICT

WELLINGBOROUGH NORTH

EAST NORTHANTS SOUTH

WELLINGBOROUGH 5

NORTHAMPTON

NORTH EAST

WEST

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WELLINGBOROUGH SOUTH

Isebrook Hospital

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Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust

Danetre Hospital London Road, Daventry NN11 4DY Tel: 01327 708800

SOUTH

SOUTH NORTHANTS

Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust

BRACKLEY & DISTRICT

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Northampton General Hospital Cliftonville, Northampton NN1 5BD Tel: 01604 634700

Acorn House Acorn Industrial Estate, Islip, Northamptonshire NN14 3FD Tel: 01832 736670

Head Office 31 Billing Road, Northampton NN1 5DQ Tel: 01604 611200

Useful contacts A

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Action on Elder Abuse 080 880 88141 We work to protect, and prevent the abuse of, vulnerable older adults Action on Elder Abuse, PO Box 60001, Streatham SW16 9BY I www.elderabuse.org.uk I enquiries@elderabuse.org.uk

Integrated Care Council 01379 678243 The Integrated Care Council (ICC) is a body that brings together British health and social care, public and independent sector organisations that commission or directly provide support for people living at home.

I www.integratedcarecouncil.co.uk

Admiral Nurses 0800 888 6678 This helpline has been set up to provide people with an opportunity to talk through their worries and concerns about themselves, friends or relatives with dementia. The lines are open on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11am and 9pm. Callers can leave messages any time and request a call back I www.dementiauk.org I direct@fordementia.org.uk Age UK Northamptonshire 01604 611200 An independent charity whose objective is to make the lives of older people in Northamptonshire as fulfilling as possible. 31 Billing Road, Northampton NN1 5DQ I www.ageuk.org.uk/northamptonshire Alzheimers Society 01832 736670 Islip Office I 01604 879000 Blisworth Office The UK's leading support and research charity for people with dementia, their families and carers.

I www.alzheimers.org.uk/northamptonshire I Northamptonshire@alzheimers.org.uk

C CareAware 0161 707 1107 A one stop shop for free advice on care fee funding for older people.

I www.careaware.co.uk I enquiries@careaware.co.uk Care Quality Commission (CQC) 03000 616161 National Correspondence, Citygate, Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4PA I www.cqc.org.uk I enquiries@cqc.org.uk Carers Trust 01933 677837 Offers a comprehensive support service to the unpaid Carers of Northamptonshire.

123 Midland Road, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire NN8 1LU I www.northamptonshire-carers.org I carers@northamptonshire-carers.org Carers UK 0808 808 7777 Prevents carers from becoming emotionally drained, and from forgetting to take care of themselves. 20 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4LX I General enquiries: 0207 378 4999 I Advice line: 0808 808 7777 I www.carersuk.org I info@carersuk.org Centre for Independent Living (CIL) 01604 588501 Supporting Disabled People and Carers across Northamptonshire.

Gladstone Road Resource Centre, Gladstone Road, Northampton NN5 7EJ I www.northamptonshirecil.org.uk I information@northamptonshirecil.org.uk Cruse Bereavement Care 0808 808 1677 Cruse Bereavement Care is here to support you after the death of someone close. I www.cruse.org.uk I helpline@cruse.org.uk

D DIAL (Disability Information Advice Line) 01536 204 742 DIAL Northants provide information and advice to disabled people, their family and professionals on all aspects of living with a disability.

DIAL Northants (Corby), Resource Centre, Patrick Road, Corby, Northamptonshire NN17 1XB Disability Benefits Helpline – 0845 712 3456 for Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance I Textphone: 0845 722 4433 I www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories DG_10011169

E Elderly Accommodation Counsel 0800 377 7070 Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC) is a national charity that aims to help older people make informed choices about meeting their housing and care needs. I www.eac.org.uk I info@firststopadvice.org.uk

M Mind (National Association for Mental Health) 0300 123 3393 The leading mental health charity in England and Wales. We work to create a better life for everyone with experience of mental distress.

I www.mind.org.uk I contact@mind.org.uk

N National Osteoporosis Society 0845 450 0230 Advice, information and support group for people with osteoporosis.

I www.nos.org.uk National Rheumatoid 0800 298 7650 Arthritis Society (NRAS) or 0845 458 3969 Provide information, support and advice for people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis I www.nras.org.uk NHS 111

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Northampton and District Citizens Advice Bureau 0844 855 2122 Town Centre House, 7/8 Mercers Row, Northampton NN1 2QL I www.northamptoncab.org.uk

P Parkinson's Disease Society I www.parkinsons.org.uk

0800 800 0303

R Royal Voluntary Service 0845 608 0122 A volunteer organisation that enriches the lives of older people and their families across Britain. We support older people by giving time and practical help to help them get the best from life.

Royal Voluntary Service, Cardiff Gate, Beck Court, Cardiff Gate Business Park, Cardiff CF23 8RP I www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

S Serve 01933 315555 Serve was formed in 1981 as an information and resource agency providing support for older people in the Rushden area of Northamptonshire, East Northamptonshire and parts of Wellingborough.

19 Church Street, Rushden, Northants NN10 9YU I www.serve.org.uk I info@serve.org.uk Stroke Association 0845 3033 100 Advice and information for stroke patients and their families.

I www.stroke.org.uk

T The Department of Work and Pensions I www.dwp.gov.uk The Pension Service I www.dwp.gov.uk/about-dwp/customerdelivery/ the-pension-service

0845 606 0265

Every possible care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this publication is accurate. Whilst the publisher would be grateful to learn of any errors, it cannot accept any liability over and above the cost of the advertisement for loss there by caused. Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd have not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd endorse any of the products or services. No reproduction by any method whatsoever of any part of this publication is permitted without prior written consent of the copyright owners.

Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd. ©2018/2019. Hawks Nest Cottage, Great North Road, Bawtry, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN10 6AB. Tel: 01302 714528 Options Northampton is published by Octagon Design and Marketing Ltd with editorial contributions from Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust, Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, the CQC and NHS Choices. The editorial contributors have not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor do the editorial contributors endorse any of the products or services.

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Established care homes in Northampton from a trusted provider with over 40 years’ experience of care for older people.

• Long term living and short stay breaks • Fees from £850 per week • Specialist purpose built dementia environments • 24hr care and support from established care teams • Industry envied staff training programme • Spacious en-suite rooms • Fully inclusive ‘award winning’ dining • Extensive activities & entertainment programmes

St Anns Care Home

Kettering T: 01536 415637 E: stanns@bmcare.co.uk

MEMORY CAFÉ

2pm on first Tuesday of the month

Templemore Care Home

MEMORY CAFÉ

10.30am on first Friday of the month

Northampton T: 01604 751863 E: templemore@bmcare.co.uk Fully inclusive activities and lifestyle programmes including: Art Club, Cookery, coffee groups, Gardening, musical events, keeping fit, trips out, meaningful activity for people who live with dementia and much, much more.

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Proud to be in the “Top 3 Most Recommended” Care Home in Wellingborough Area Established over 30 years ago The Cottage Nursing Home is based in the beautiful picturesque grounds of Irchester in Wellingborough. The area benefits from a range of amenities including a health centre, a chemist, a school, a library, churches, shops, public houses and a country park.

We provide premium care for the elderly, to enable them to continue living an active and independent life, in warm, safe and comfortable surroundings. We deliver a comprehensive range of care under one roof. This includes nursing, respite and specialist dementia care and end of life care. We recognise each individual is unique. Our compassionate and experienced Nurses and Carers ensure that each person receives the care that is tailored to their individual needs, personality and wishes, to enable them to lead the life they like in a dignified way. No wonder The Cottage Nursing Home is in the ‘Top 3 Most Recommended’ Care Homes in Wellingborough!

The Cottage Nursing Home 80 High Street, Irchester, Northampton, NN29 7AB T: 01933 355 111 E: reception@thecottagenh.com W: www.thecottagenh.com

The Cottage Nursing Home Choice Dignity Care

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“Specialists in vehicle adaptations for people with disabilities”

 Hand controls  Drive from the wheelchair  Auto Adapt Platinum Dealer  On site service available  FREE advice  3 Year warranty on PBC products  20 years experience  Left foot accelerators  Radio remote systems  Annual service reminders

We have demonstration vehicles

More Than Mobility 25 Weston Favell Shopping Centre, Northampton NN3 8JZ

Call for friendly service and free advice on:

01525 850588 • www.pbconversions.co.uk PB Conversions, Unit 1&2 Clipstone Brook Ind Est, Cherrycourt Way, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 4GP t: 01525 850588 e: pbconversions@aol.com

HOLLY HOUSE RESIDENTIAL HOME Holly House provides care for the elderly and for persons with dementia.

Situated in the picturesque village of Milton Malsor, 10 mins from Hunsbury Tesco, Holly House provides 22 spacious single rooms with en-suites. Personalised care is designed to enhance each individual residents’ quality of life with a homely atmosphere. Respecting dignity, independence and privacy with 24/7 care and support.

36 Green Street, Milton Malsor, Northampton NN7 3AT For more information, please contact us on 01604 859 188 or email info@hollyhouseresidential.com www.hollyhouseresidential.com

Designed & Compiled by Octagon Design and Marketing Ltd., Hawks Nest Cottage, Great North Road, Bawtry, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN10 6AB Tel: 01302 714528