Options Doncaster - A guide to care and independent living Spring 2019

OPTIONS A guide to care and independent living

Doncaster

Spring 2019

Leaving hospital What’s next?

NHS continuing healthcare Who’s eligible?

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SOCIAL CARE

tips

Healthcare services Choosing the right one

CONTRIBUTORS: Age UK Doncaster Alzheimer’s Society Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council NHS Choices Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust

Victoria Homecare Ltd is a family run business and we aim to lead the way in Elderly Care by providing a professional, quality service offering choice, reliability, and sensitivity to meet the needs of each service user. Our care and support is personally tailored to meet individual needs, putting the service user and their families at the centre of service delivery. The overall aim of all our services is to ensure that people of all ages can continue to live independently and safely in the environment of their choice. We believe that this promotes a quality of life based on privacy, dignity, independence, choice, rights and fulfilment.

Our care workers are trained to the highest standards thereby equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver the very best in care standards.

We aim to be both accessible and responsive to service users and staff alike as we believe open dialogue enhances and promotes good practice.

We provide the following services: • Personal Care & Support • Getting up or going to bed • Care following hospital discharge • Escorting to appointments/ social activities • Sitting services/Carer respite • Preparing meals of your choice

• Washing and ironing • Cleaning your home • Companionship • Leisure activities • Assisting with medication • 24 hour and overnight care

For further information, or to discuss your needs please contact us on 01302 733625 Email: enquiries@victoriahomecare.co.uk • Website: www.victoriahomecare.co.uk

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Contents Doncaster Council’s approach to adult social care is changing........................................... 4 What will this mean for you?................................................................................................ 4 Why are we doing this?...................................................................................................... 4-6 Stay well this winter with advice from our winter mascots............................................. 8-9 Welcoming carers................................................................................................................. 10 Keep norovirus out of hospital this winter........................................................................ 11 Wide range of support on offer from Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust.................................................................... 12-13 NHS continuing healthcare............................................................................................. 16-17 Personal budgets and direct payments.......................................................................... 18-19 NHS-funded nursing care..................................................................................................... 19 Paying for your own care (self-funding)........................................................................ 20-21 Help at home from a carer............................................................................................. 22-23 Age UK Doncaster Services............................................................................................. 24-25 Alzheimer’s Society Services in Doncaster..................................................................... 26-27 Useful contacts..................................................................................................................... 28 The Care Quality Commission Social Care top tips............................................................. 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.

Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber

NHS Foundation Trust

OCTAGON DESIGN & M A R K E T I NG LT D

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Introduction Doncaster Council’s approach to adult social care is changing. Responding to the growing pressures of rising demand and reduced financial resources, we have developed a new plan of how we will change the way we care and support adults by improving outcomes and choice.

Our plan means we will have a health and social care system that delivers value for money, improves access locally to a wider service offer, provides opportunities for people to improve their health, puts people in control of their care and support and protects those who are most vulnerable.

People tell us that they want to live independent, healthy and fulfilling lives based on choices that are important to them. People tell us that they want to stay in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Our new approach will make sure that people have the opportunity to do just that.

What will this mean for you?

Together with our partners and communities, we will work with people to help them identify what they can do for themselves, and build on this. Finding new ways for people to seek solutions wherever possible, rather than only with traditional council services, will be at the heart of everything we do.

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housing, and social care providers - to enable groups and people to help each other, providing opportunities for them to gain the skills they need to live independent lives including, where appropriate, help to find or keep work.

Supporting people to recover from illness or accidents will be important. Giving older people the tools and support to regain their confidence and physical skills after a fall, for example, is something we are working closely with our NHS colleagues on.

If people do need to access help from us directly we are still here for you, but we will provide you with that help in a way that maintains your independence where we can. For example, by accessing a direct payment from us people can have total control over the type of care and support they receive, or it might be we explore using technology to help people stay safe and independent at home.

Why are we doing this?

We will be making information and advice more accessible and relevant to individuals at a local level. A series of hubs will be opened in communities across the borough and will provide a local point of information and advice that will be specific and personal to that relevant area. These hubs will also offer a central point where you can easily access professionals when needed.

There are several reasons why we need to change how we work:

We know that when people feel part of a community they feel less lonely, more able to manage their own needs, and less likely to need social care and health support. We will work differently with partners - including the NHS,

• An increase of 11.2% people who have a limiting long term illness.

• People’s changing expectations about what they need and how they want to live their lives.

• The growing number of older people in Doncaster – by 2020, 60,650 residents will be over 65.

• The number of people predicted to have dementia will increase by more than 20% by 2020.

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â??I want to live an independent, healthy and fulfilling life based on choices that are important to me.â?ž

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• The availability of new technology that can help us to work more quickly and efficiently.

knowledgeable workforce that works flexibly with a range of partners to provide services.

• Changes in national social care policy, including the Care Act, the biggest change to social care law in over 60 years.

• Worked jointly with partners to integrate service delivery where appropriate.

By the end of the four year programme of change we will have: • Implemented and embedded requirements of the new Care Act. • Implemented a revised customer journey, with clear and accessible information to help people decide how they live their lives; with an embedded community led model to support people • Become more efficient in the way we work, making more use of technology to produce better results for people.

• Supported new and existing providers of public health and social care to increase the range and quality of services.

• Developed a confident, skilled and

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• Reviewed our approach to performance and quality management.

We are confident the plan we have in place will deliver all of this. We have already seen some great progress over the last few months, with a significant reduction in the number of people in long term care in favour of more suitable options such as supported living or extra care housing schemes.

A good example is Spring Lodge, a purpose built supported living accommodation in Askern, where four adults with a range of disabilities are supported by a team of staff who provide flexible care and support to meet each individual’s needs and promote independence.

We want to help you to live ‘YOUR LIFE, YOUR WAY’.

in all area’s

Wyndthorpe Hall and Gardens Care Home Situated in the quaint and historic town of Dunsville, in generous private grounds sits Wyndthorpe Hall and Gardens Care Home. Comprising of two buildings, one being a grade two listed 18th century mansion which houses a dome ceiling and has been converted sympathetically.

The second being a beautiful red brick purpose-built building with an idyllic walled garden. Both providing a high standard of person centred care in a home from home setting for our clients.

✔ We offer long term residential, dementia and nursing care. ✔ We also provide day care and short term/respite stays to give home carers a well-earned break. ✔ All meals are home cooked and freshly prepared by our cooks in our 5-star rated kitchen. Daily menu choices are available, and all special diets are catered for. ✔ There is a hair salon on site which is visited regularly by a professional hairdresser. ✔ Chiropody, eye testing service and other complementary therapies are also available by arrangement. ✔ We have a full time personal activities leader who provides a varied programme of activities for our clients varying from one to one, group activities, regular outings and frequent fundraising events throughout the year.

Wyndthorpe Hall and Gardens Care Home, High Street, Dunsville, Doncaster, DN7 4DB 01302 884650 01302 881801 wyndthorpehall.office@gmail.com 7

Stay well this winter with advi #SnugShazza It’s getting dark early, it’s cold outside and all I can I think of is my fluffy dressing gown, lashings of hot chocolate and curling up in front of the TV. It can only mean one thing: Winter is here!

And with it comes the constant snuggly challenge of keeping warm.

Luckily, the shops are more than happy to oblige by filling their windows with reindeer onesies, Christmas jumpers and the latest craze – mermaid blankets! But what do we really need to keep warm… and when?

Well, I’m a bit of a wimp when it comes to cold weather and to be fair, we get plenty of it in Doncaster, so I’ve pulled together a bit of a survival guide on keeping warm and well – without having to send your thermostat into overdrive or spending an arm and a leg on the latest all singing and dancing miracle blanket!

So here are my top toasty tips: Room temperature: You’ll find that keeping your home at the right temperature will not only be good for your health but for your pocket too. So, if you have reduced 8

mobility, are 65 or over, or have a health condition such as heart or lung disease, you should heat your home to at least 18C. It’s a good idea to keep your bedroom at this temperature all night if you can. During the day you may prefer your living room to be slightly warmer.

If you’re under 65, healthy and active, you can safely have your house cooler than 18C, if you’re comfortable.

Hot meals and drinks: Have regular hot meals and drinks to keep your body fuelled up ready to fight the cold weather.

Flu Jabs: Don’t forget to take

advantage of free flu jabs if you are in an at risk group, pregnant or over 65. Speak to your GP or pharmacist for more information. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are stocked up with prescribed medications, there’s nothing worse than running out over the bank holiday!

Warm clothes: Layer up! Wearing plenty of thin layers does the trick. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes with plenty of grip too – save yourself from those embarrassing (and often painful – I know too well) icy pavements.

Keep active: Keeping on the move will help you to keep warm; no need to start running marathons, just moderate exercise will have plenty of benefits.

So, wrap up warm, get the kettle on and enquire about that flu jab – let’s not let the cold weather get the better of us!

ice from our winter mascots #JackandJoeFrost Watch out, watch out, Jack Frost is about; he’s after your fingers and toes!

Again! Again! My little grandson Joe’s voice was reaching fever pitch now, he was getting so excited. I repeated the rhyme again (for about the tenth time) but faster this time and wiggled my fingers again and pulled another face, which he tried to copy.

It was hard for him, trying to wiggle fingers, toes and pull a face all at the same time.

Such co-ordination for a two year old is quite difficult however he was giving it his best and I had to laugh. A few seconds later, funny face successfully pulled, he was back. Again! Again!

Watch out, watch out, Jack Frost is about; he’s after your fingers and toes I wished I could remember the rest of the rhyme, but was stuck with just the first line, so to keep things interesting I decided to take Joe out into the garden for a proper explore. Come on Joe let’s go out and find Jack Frost shall we?

at him, and I followed Joe, walking tentatively so as not to slip (I had my dodgy hip in mind and didn’t want to end up in the Emergency Department).

It was chilly out so I helped Joe put his wellies on the right feet and his favourite blue bobble hat and mitts on and he helped me with mine (it’s funny how helpful two year olds want to be!) and off we went.

It was really cold outside, we’d had a dusting of snow and I realised that Jack Frost was everywhere! He got to my fingers and toes straight away, me being older and more susceptible, but Joe loved the white, glistening ice that covered everything from plant pots to the clothes prop. After a few minutes he got down to the serious business of looking around for Jack Frost himself.

I think he expected a small being with wiggly hands and feet (a bit like an ice leprechaun) to jump out

We looked up into the trees, behind the shed and under the plant pots but we couldn’t find Jack anywhere, so we decided to build a snow man instead. Looking at Joe’s glowing cheeks and nose, (and not being able to feel mine) I decided it was time to go back inside and thaw out with a warm drink.

“Ok Joe shall we go inside and have a lovely drink and a biscuit? We can look for Jack later.” And so in we went, to warm up and keep old Jack Frost at bay.

As the weather turns chilly, either young or old, remember to stay warm, dress appropriately and take care if you’re venturing out.

And remember to watch out, Jack Frost is out and about! www.nhs.uk/livewell/ winterhealth/pages/ verycoldweather

Please note Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust does not endorse any of the companies advertised in this guide.

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Welcoming carers We are encouraging carers of frail older patients to visit at a time that suits them, in a bid to improve their wellbeing.

As frailty is commonly linked with old age, and as people are now living longer than ever, related hospital admissions are increasing every year. Frail older adults are usually weak and have many complex medical conditions which can often require a stay in hospital. They may also be confused and need assistance in dressing, eating and with their general mobility.

The Trust is creating a friendlier hospital experience for its older patients and their carers and have introduced ‘Carer’s Cards’, part of a national initiative called John’s Campaign, which allows carers of those living with dementia to access wards at all times.

Extended to frail older patients who need to spend time in Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Bassetlaw Hospital and Montagu Hospital, the Trust is encouraging their carers to visit outside of normal visiting times.

Cindy Storer, Head of Nursing and Quality within the Frailty Care Group, said: “Carers help us to gain a better understanding of our patients’ lives and provide valuable insight into their specific needs. Carers play a crucial role in the wellbeing of some of our patients and this is why we have introduced ‘open visiting’ on our wards, so that they can spend time with their frail older relative or friend at a time that suits them. ”As the population ages, we estimate that around 70 per cent of older people will be affected by dementia at some point in their life. Having carers around often helps calm distressed older patients, reduces the risk of falls and helps us to provide better patientcentred care.”

Cindy Storer, Frailty Care Group Head of Nursing

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In Doncaster alone, around 33,000 people give their time to help others stay well and independent by being their carer.

Keep norovirus out of hospital this winter Staff at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals are saying ‘no’ to norovirus this winter by urging patients and visitors to stay away if they have symptoms of the illness.

Nicknamed the ‘winter vomiting bug’, norovirus becomes more active during the colder months, making its unfortunate victims feel particularly unwell. Spread via contact with contaminated items, it can rapidly infect close-knit areas such as hospitals, schools and nursing homes.

That is why hospital staff are reminding anyone who has nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea not to visit hospital until they have been completely symptom-free for at least 48 hours. If they visit before then, it could mean that they unwittingly pass the tricky bug onto hospital patients and staff.

protecting against the virus especially before meals and after visiting the toilet.

Following these simple yet very effective steps, can help keep patients safe and norovirus out of hospitals: • Don’t come to hospital if you have signs of a stomach upset • Always wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before handling food • Wait at least 48 hours after being symptom free before visiting hospital.

Dr Kenneth Agwuh, Director of Infection, Prevention & Control at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The winter months are here again and with them an increase in norovirus. This infection is a very contagious and can infect anyone, and can have extremely worrying consequences for patients already ill in hospital. That’s why it is so important not to visit until you have been symptom-free for at least a couple of days. An outbreak may mean we have to restrict admissions and visitors to wards to contain the virus.”

Although very unpleasant, norovirus usually clears up in one or two days and most people can care for themselves with paracetamol and plenty of fluids.

Symptoms include the sudden onset of projectile vomiting, watery diarrhoea, and some people may also experience headaches, mild temperature and stomach cramps.

Norovirus is very contagious and can be spread through contact with an infected person, by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.

Washing your hands regularly is very successful in

Dr Kenneth Agwuh, Director of Infection, Prevention & Control

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Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber

NHS Foundation Trust

Wide range of support on offer A Doncaster based health trust may be one of the agencies you are put in touch with for the help and support you need to help you live as independently as possible.

Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust – known as RDaSH for short – provides a diverse range of services across Doncaster.

Its head office is based in Balby and services range from memory services, Older People’s Mental Health services, a range of community services, to the hospice, based just off Weston Road.

RDaSH has a range of community services to help Doncaster residents to live as independently as possible. These include specialist nurses, ranging from Hepatitis C, Diabetes, Parkinson’s Disease, Respiratory, Multiple Sclerosis and Epilepsy Nurses who you may be put in touch with for support if you have one of those conditions. RDaSH also runs the tissue viability and lymphoedema services in the borough.

Other services run by RDaSH include the Doncaster Community Nursing Services, as well as the intermediate care services – which include rehabilitation services – and a specialist falls service, cardiac services and neuro services. Again, you will be put in touch with staff in these services if you need them.

Our Community Nursing staff are easy to contact as they

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have one phone number (01302) 566999. This number has been set up to receive requests for nursing services for patients who are not able to get to their GP surgery and for consultations that are deemed to be needed to be completed in the patient’s home. The service provides access to community nursing services clinical triage, clinical advice and also offers support for professionals wanting to refer patients to our Community Nursing services. It can also be used for selfreferral for patients that are currently on the community nurses caseload and can be used by their families/carers. This service is accessible 24 hours, 365 days per year.

Meanwhile, St John’s hospice provides day care for residents living with a life limiting condition, as well as an in-patients facility, for those who need care around the clock.

Other support on offer includes care in patients’ homes and a day service.

There is a Specialist Palliative Care Team on hand seven days a week. The hospice can be contacted for information by ringing the Specialist Palliative Care Team on 01302 566666 Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 6pm, while they can be contacted on Saturdays and Sundays between 8.30am and 4.30pm.

Photos courtesy of RDaSH communications

The Living Well Information & Support Service aims to empower and support the people of Doncaster, by providing quality information and support about cancer to enable residents to make positive changes to their lives to help them live well. Staff can be contacted by emailing stjohnsinfo@rdash.nhs.uk or calling 01302 796853. The team can also be found in their ‘pod’ at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

RDaSH also offers mental health support for people aged over 18 and patients can contact the Trust on (01302) 566999 to talk to them about their mental health needs. Alternatively anyone needing mental health support or advice can call into the Talking Shop at 63 Hall Gate, Doncaster. The staff allow visitors to browse the full range of information on mental health issues and gain knowledge about the therapies offered by the Trust. Information at the shop includes prevention and self-help literature, the very latest computer-based intervention programmes, as well as an opportunity for a short initial consultation with a health professional if necessary. However, if you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis you should

always ring RDaSH staff immediately on 01302 566999 where someone from the Crisis Team will be on hand to offer support.

The Doncaster Older People’s Community Mental Health Services run by RDaSH offer a wide range of services based on the site in Balby. Here RDaSH provides assessment and treatment to older people aged 65 and over with mental health problems, and aged under 65 with a diagnosis of dementia.

If you are a patient and need to contact RDaSH please note that the older people’s services work Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8.30am and 5pm. Outside of these hours please contact the Crisis Team on (01302) 798400.

The majority of our phone lines are manned 9am5pm Monday to Friday, other than our hospice Specialist Palliative Care Team and our Mental Health Crisis Team, as outlined above.

The full range of services on offer by RDaSH can be accessed via this website: www.rdash.nhs.uk or call the health trust’s reception on 01302 796000.

For those of you on social media, you can follow RDaSH on Twitter @rdash_nhs or on Facebook by searching RDaSH NHS.

Please note RDaSH does not endorse any of the companies advertised in this guide.

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give a helping hand We offer a wide range of services from personal care and support, meal prep and cleaning services DIY and more.

We provide a friendly and compassionate approach to your domiciliary needs, tailoring services to suit each individual and allowing adults to make the most of homely comforts.

Telephone: 01302 788203

Email: info@balbycare.com • Web: www.balbycare.co.uk

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Telephone: 01709 770011 79 Bawtry Road, Bramley, Rotherham S66 2SA (Corner of Cross Street)

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DESIGN PRINT SUPPORT

Options Doncaster is published by Octagon Design and Marketing Ltd with editorial contributions from Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust, the CQC, Age UK Doncaster, the Alzheimer’s Society 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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Every possible care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this publication is correct at the time of going to print. 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. 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. ©2019. Hawks Nest Cottage, Great North Road, Bawtry, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN10 6AB. Telephone: 01302 714528

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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 and direct payments You’ll be given a personal budget to spend if your local council decide you’re eligible for help with any social care and support you need. You can request an assessment from the council to establish your needs.

The money in your personal budget can be paid to you, to help you make more decisions about how it’s spent. This is known as a direct payment.

What is a personal budget?

Your personal budget is the amount of money your local council will pay towards any social care and support you need.

The amount of money in your personal budget is decided by your local council after a needs assessment to work out: • what kind of care and support you need • how much it will cost • how much you’re able to afford yourself Carers and personal budgets If you’re a carer, you may be entitled to receive a personal budget after having a carer’s assessment to see what might help make your life easier.

A carer’s assessment is free and anyone over 18 can ask for one.

How to apply for direct payments You should be offered direct payments as an option after your needs assessment.

You can also ask your local council’s social services department about direct payments.

Choosing how to receive your personal budget

How direct payments work

You can ask the council to either: • manage your personal budget for you • pay the money to another organisation – such as a care provider • pay the money directly to you or someone you choose – this is known as a direct payment You can also choose a combination of these options. For example, the council could arrange some of your care but send you the rest of the money. This is often called a mixed package or “mix and match”.

If the council manages your money The money in your personal budget will be spent for you by the council. They will arrange all your care and support based on your agreed care plan.

They still need to check you’re happy with the care they’re arranging for you.

If your money is paid to another organisation The organisation you choose, such as your care provider, will speak to the council and arrange the payments.

Sometimes other organisations charge you extra money to arrange payments from the council.

If you choose direct payments, the council will send you the money in your personal budget by either: • paying it directly into a bank, Post Office, building society or National Savings and Investments account • sending you a pre-paid card You can then choose how you spend the money on your own care and support, as long as it matches the care plan you’ve agreed with the council.

Signing a direct payment agreement The council might ask you to sign a document called a direct payment agreement. This says: • how the council want you to record your spending – for example, keeping receipts • your responsibilities as an employer - if you’re paying for a care worker If you spend direct payments on something that isn’t agreed in your care plan, the council could take the money back or end the direct payments.

If you’re struggling to manage your money Ask your local council for advice or call the Money Advice Service on 0800 138 7777.

If you want someone else to receive the direct payment You could speak to the council and agree for the money to be sent to someone who will spend it for you. For example: • a carer • a friend or family member • someone else who speaks up for you (an advocate) You may need to write down how they will spend the money and which decisions they can make for you. This is known as a decision-making agreement.

The benefits of direct payments Direct payments give you more flexibility over how your care and support is arranged and provided.

For example, you could choose to hire care workers or personal assistants who: • are always the same people and available when you need them • speak the same language as you • have experience working with your care needs • are a specific person that has been recommended to you • can help you get to shops or social events There are many ways you could choose to use the money. It’s your choice as long as you’re spending your personal budget on things that meet your agreed care plan.

Most councils will ask for evidence of how you’ve spent your 18

money every 3 months.

When to consider other options You may decide direct payments are not helpful if: • you’re worried about managing money or the people you employ • you spend a lot of time in hospital • you would rather the council arranged your care If you’re not confident about keeping records or managing the people who care for you, your local council should be able to provide support.

You could also consider having someone else manage your direct payments, for example a friend or family member. You’ll need to set up a trust for payments that are managed by someone else.

The Money Advice Service has information about setting up a trust.

Employing your own carer or personal assistant If you decide to hire a carer or personal assistant yourself, it’s important to know the responsibilities you’ll have as an employer.

Although support from the council should be available, you may

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need to arrange: • background checks or references • tax • National Insurance • pension contributions Read more about employing someone to work in your home on GOV.UK. Disability Rights UK also have more information on getting a personal assistant.

If you don’t want to become an employer You could choose to hire care workers through an agency instead.

This removes the legal obligations of being an employer, but could: • cost you more money • remove some of the benefits - such as having the same person provide your care

How to research a care agency When choosing an agency, decide what sort of service you’re looking for and the tasks you need help with. It’s a good idea to contact more than one agency, as they may offer different types of services.

You can find out about local home care agencies by: • speaking to your local council’s social services department • contacting the UK Homecare Association There are also organisations that inspect care agencies to see how well they are doing. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates all health and adult social care in England.

You might see a CQC inspection rating when you search online for care home agencies. Their 4 ratings are: • Outstanding • Good • Requires improvement • Inadequate You could also search for care home agencies on the CQC website to see their full reports.

Telephone helplines If you would like support to help you manage your personal budget or direct payments, speak to your council or call: • the Disability Rights UK personal budgets helpline on 0330 995 0404 • the Age UK advice line on 0800 055 6112 (for older people)

How to complain about personal budgets It’s worth speaking to your council’s social services before making an official complaint to see if they can help.

You still have the right to complain if you: • have been told you’re not eligible to receive money towards your care and support • don’t agree with the amount of money in your personal budget You could either: • speak to your social worker about being re-assessed • call your local council social services and request a complaints form Your council should also have a formal complaints procedure on its website.

If you’re not happy with the council’s response Contact your Local Government Ombudsman. They investigate all

adult social care complaints.

More information about personal budgets and direct payments • Age UK have a detailed fact sheet on personal budgets and direct payments in social care • The Money Advice Service has a guide to direct payments

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.

Who is eligible for NHS-funded nursing care?

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.

Most people don’t need a separate assessment for NHS-funded 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.

Outcome of the assessment 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.

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.

The cost of 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).

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.

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: • you no longer have nursing needs • 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

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

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

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

• 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.

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

This can include: • 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.

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Help at home from a carer Having a carer come to visit you in your home can make a huge difference to your life, especially if you have difficulty walking or getting around. It can help you stay living independently in your own home.

This type of care is known as homecare or domiciliary care or sometimes home help.

Help at home from a paid carer costs around £20 an hour, but it varies according to where you live. Sometimes, the council will contribute to the cost.

Homecare is very flexible. You might need a carer for only an hour a week or for several hours a day. You might need a livein carer.

It can be temporary – for example for a few weeks while you recover from an illness. Or it can be long term.

You might also consider home adaptations or household gadgets or equipment to make life easier.

When should I consider help at home from a paid carer?

You might want to consider care at home if: • you’re finding it difficult to cope with daily routines, such as washing, dressing and getting out and about • you don’t want to move into a care home • you can still get about your home and it’s safe for you to live in – or it can be adapted to make it safe

How can homecare help me?

A carer can visit you at home to help you with all kinds of things including: • getting out of bed in the morning • washing and dressing • brushing your hair • using the toilet • preparing meals and drinks • taking your medicines • doing your shopping • collecting prescriptions or your pension • getting out, for example to a lunch club • getting settled in the evening and ready for bed

Home help This is slightly different to homecare and means day-to-day domestic tasks that you may need a helping hand with such as: • cleaning (including putting on clean bed sheets) • doing the washing up • doing the laundry • gardening You might want some home help instead of or as well as homecare.

Most councils don’t provide home help. Contact a charity such as the Royal Voluntary Service, the British Red Cross or your local Age UK to see whether they can help (they may not be free).

How to get help at home from a paid carer Your local council can arrange homecare for you if you qualify for it.

You can arrange your own homecare.

How your council can help If you want the council to help with homecare for you, start by asking them for a needs assessment.

Your needs assessment will help the council to decide whether you qualify for care.

If you qualify, the council may recommend help at home from a paid carer. They will arrange the homecare for you.

If you don’t qualify for care, the council must still give you free advice about where you can get help in your community.

Even if you’re intending to make arrangements yourself with an agency or private carer, it’s still a good idea to have a needs assessment as it will help you to explain to the agency or carer what kind of help you need.

Paying for homecare Depending on your circumstances, your local council may contribute to the cost of homecare or you may have to pay for it yourself.

If your needs assessment recommends home care, you may get help with the cost from the council.

What you will contribute depends on your income and savings.

The council will work this out in a financial assessment.

If the council is paying for some or all of your homecare, they must give you a care and support plan.

This sets out what your needs are, how they will be met and your personal budget (the amount the council thinks your care should cost).

You can choose to receive your personal budget as a direct payment each month. This gives you the control to employ someone you know to care for you at home rather than using a homecare agency, though you’ll then have responsibilities as an employer.

If you don’t qualify for the council to contribute to your homecare costs, you will have to pay for it yourself.

Benefits that can help you with homecare Check if you’re eligible for benefits. Some, such as Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payments, aren’t means tested and they can help you meet the costs of homecare.

Find out how to apply for: • benefits for under-65s • benefits for over-65s

How to choose a paid carer If you’re arranging your own homecare, there are 2 main ways to do this: • use a homecare agency • employ your own carer

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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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Homecare agencies

What to expect from agency carers

Homecare agencies employ trained carers and arrange for them to visit you in your home. You may not always have the same carer visiting your home, though the agency will try to match you with someone suitable.

Homecare agency carers should treat you in a respectful and dignified way. For example, they should always:

How much do they cost?

It costs around £20 an hour for a carer to come to your home, but this will vary depending on where you live.

If you’re paying for yourself, the agency should be able to give you a clear price list. They’ll send you a monthly bill for your homecare.

• knock and ring the front door bell and announce their arrival before coming into your home • bring an identity card • know where your keys are kept if they’re not in your home • keep any entry codes to your house confidential • know what to do if they can’t get into your home • know what to do if you’ve had an accident

How to find a local agency

Employing your own carer

There are 4 main ways to do this:

Instead of using an agency, you can hire your own carer, sometimes called a private carer or personal assistant.

• search the NHS website for local homecare services and agencies and a list of national homecare organisations and then contact the ones that interest you.

• ask your council’s social services department for information on the homecare agencies in your area. They may have a directory of homecare agencies on their website.

• contact the Care Quality Commission (CQC). All homecare agencies must register with the CQC. It can give you the latest inspection report on an agency.

• ask the United Kingdom Homecare Association (UKHMA) for a list of approved homecare agencies in your area.

If you employ a carer, you have the legal responsibility of an employer. This includes arranging cover for their illness and holidays.

Which? Elderly Care has advice on employing a private carer.

How to complain about homecare You have the right to complain if you’re not happy about the help at home you’re receiving. This might be because carers: • arrive late and leave early • don’t give your medicines to you properly • leave your home untidy after visits • give you poor care like dressing you wrongly First complain to your local council or, if you’re paying for yourself, the agency. The council or agency should have a formal complaints procedure on their website. Try to be specific about what happened and include staff names and dates if you can.

Questions to ask the agency

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

Here are some questions you may want to ask an agency before employing them:

You can also tell the Care Quality Commission (CQC) which checks social care services in England.

• what charges, if any, will I be expected to pay?

Your local council must provide you with an independent advocate (someone to speak up for you) to help you make a complaint.

• what services are charged as extras?

• have your carers looked after someone with similar needs to mine?

• how will you choose the most suitable carer for me?

• what sort of training do your carers get?

• if I’m paying for my own care, do you have a standard contract I can read before signing my own?

• if the council is contributing to my care can I see a copy of the contract they’ve signed with the agency?

• how can I contact your agency during the day, in an emergency or outside office hours?

Further help • The charity, Independent Age, has a good factsheet on homecare • The CQC has a good booklet on what to expect from a good homecare agency.

• Read how to organise homecare from Which? Later Life Care.

• Age UK has information on all aspects of homecare • If you need help with one-off jobs like changing a light bulb or moving furniture, the charity GoodGym has volunteers who will come round to help.

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Age UK Doncaster is the leading charity dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of older people living in the Doncaster area. Since we began in as Age Concern Doncaster it has been our mission to improve the quality of life of older people across the borough and ensuring their voices are heard in all decisions that affect their lives. An important part of our work has been to develop a range of high quality services responding to the needs of older people. Here are some of the services we currently offer.

Help and Support to live at home

or mental disabilities.

Our Home Care service provides personal care to some of Doncaster’s most vulnerable older people.

Operating since the early 1980s the service has gained a reputation for providing a reliable, high standard of care. The main areas covered by our Home Care service include Central Doncaster; Town Centre, Balby, Hexthorpe, Cantley, Bessacarr, and reach as far south as Bawtry, Tickhill and Stainton.

This service is available to anyone over 50 in the Doncaster area, however we are also able to take on people aged 18 and over who require Home Care and are willing to access the service privately.

Cleaning Services This private Cleaning Service offers domestic cleaning to anyone over the age of 50 living in the Doncaster area.

Operating week days (Monday – Friday) this service can undertake a wide range of domestic cleaning tasks from a simple hoover and dust, to a full “Spring-blitz”.

All the cleaners employed by Age UK Doncaster have completed an enhanced DBS Check and have been fully trained by Age UK Doncaster regarding confidentiality.

Home and Garden Services

The Home and Garden Service is available to anyone over 50, living in the Doncaster area. This service is able Day Services to undertake domestic DIY jobs and gardening. One Age UK Doncaster’s Day Service has been providing of the main services offered is the supply and fitting of a friendly and safe place for Doncaster’s over 50s to Key Safes. Our Handypersons are also able to undertake meet up and socialise since 1996. Currently there are 11 jobs such as building ramps for mobility scooters and centres running 1 day a week across the Doncaster area. repair loose steps. Most jobs are considered and quoted Each of these centres runs from a community venue, individually, however the service is not able to undertake be it a church hall or community centre, and offers any work that involves electrics or plumbing. transport to and from the centre along with a 2 course Volunteering meal freshly cooked at the centre.

Volunteers are central to the work of Age UK Doncaster.

The activities available at the centres vary depending We offer a range of opportunities for people looking to on the hobbies and interests of those who attend. volunteer in their local community. The services which The person centred approach means that all the need volunteers are; activities we offer are requested by the people who use the service.

• Day Service • Home from Hospital The Day Service is able to accommodate people living with mild dementia and many other physical • Information and Advice

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• Circles Project • Better Supported, Better Connected Project • Dementia Family Support Service We are always looking to recruit more volunteers and appreciate any amount of time people are willing to give. Just a couple of hours a week can make a positive difference and will enhance your life as well as the lives of the people you will be helping.

To find out more about how you can get involved please contact the volunteering team on 01302 812345. We look forward to hearing from you!

Training We offer free training to all unpaid and family carers from our main office. Training courses include; • (Basic) Moving and Handling • Health and Safety • Continence • Food Hygiene

This service is time limited to 8-10 weeks. During the 8-10 weeks the service will be reviewed and other appropriate services will be discussed and sign posted.

Home from Hospital The Home from Hospital service is run in partnership with Doncaster Council and Doncaster CCG. The service provides valuable, practical support to people over 18 leaving hospital. The support provided by the service involves shopping, preparing meals, washing pots and laundry, prescription pick up, and aid with compression stockings as well as signposting to other services and provisions available in the Doncaster area. However, this service does not provide personal care.

Since its launch in 2014 this volunteer led service has helped over 1000 people avoid readmission to hospital and recover more effectively.

Circles

What do Circles do?

Information and Advice Circles aim to reduce social isolation and loneliness among older people (50+) in Doncaster. Circles help The Information and Advice Centre is based on Priory Place in Doncaster Town Centre. This office specialises in people to be happier, healthier and more connected all monetary matters including welfare benefits checks. to their community. Everyone is different and there are many reasons why someone might be feeling lonely.

This office is open 9am – 4pm Monday to Friday.

That is why it is important for us to understand each Better Supported, Better Connected – person’s individual needs, passions and interests.

Re-engaging with the Community Do you want a Circle?

We are now offering a fantastic new service Circles is completely flexible and support is fully tailored focussing on supporting and empowering older to each person. We will work with you to decide the people in the Doncaster area to play a full and active purpose of your Circle; we’ve had people explore all role in their community. sorts of things from learning I.T skills, building up It is a Big Lottery funded project aiming to reduce confidence, keeping up with exercise, or simply getting social isolation, depression and loneliness in our older out and about more. Where possible we invite family, Doncaster Community, This will impact positively on friends and neighbours to be part of a Circle. If you their overall wellbeing, both mentally and physically, don’t have family and friends nearby we will work with building up resilience and increasing independence. you to grow your Circle, with the support of a trained We want to get people out of the house regularly by volunteer. Our aim is for you to reconnect or make connecting them with social groups or by re-visiting new connections in your community, which we know activities they once enjoyed. We are looking at improves health and wellbeing. matching people with volunteers where necessary for up to 4 weeks to give encouragement and support

Dementia Family Support Service The aim of this service is to help improve the Wellbeing and Independence of people living with Dementia and to prevent them and their Family Carers from becoming Socially Isolated Dementia Companions offer a companion service to assist service users and their carers to either access local amenities eg shopping trips, coffee in town or anything else that they would like to do or stay at home for a chat, bake, games, crafts, reminisce with photos etc.

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Alzheimer’s Society Services in Doncaster

If you think you may have a form of dementia, or are caring for a person who has dementia, there are many ways that Alzheimer’s Society in Doncaster can help.

Someone to talk to

You can phone at any time during our opening hours to talk in confidence with a member of our Dementia Support Team. Our team are here to listen when you just feel the need to talk, or to offer information on specific issues.

Support from Dementia Support Workers Our Dementia Support Workers give personalised practical and emotional support to people with dementia and their carers. We are in touch with a wide range of services and other organisations throughout Doncaster and can put you in touch with specialists who can help you if your concerns are outside of our expertise.

Home Visits

We can arrange for a Dementia Support Worker to visit you at home and provide information, guidance and support.

Information

We have a wide range of booklets and fact sheets which include specific information on different types of dementia, care issues and understanding the needs of the person with dementia.

Singing for the Brain

An innovative project providing structured musical stimulation for people with dementia and their carers. Singing is an enjoyable activity and provides a way for people with dementia to express themselves and socialise with others in a fun, supportive group. We have two singing for the brain sessions each month.

Memory Café

Anyone who has dementia or is caring for a person with dementia is welcome to attend the monthly Cafés. Each Café is staffed by Alzheimer’s Society workers and volunteers.

Staff from partnership agencies including Social Workers, Community Psychiatric Nurses and Occupational Therapists are invited to attend the groups. Please contact us for more information including dates and times.

Carer’s Information and Support Programme

The Carer’s Information Support Programme is a series of workshops for people caring for a family member or friend with dementia. The workshops aim to provide you with information and support

on topics such as: ■ what is dementia?

■ how you can support and care for someone with dementia ■ the support services that are available ■ planning for the future

Side by Side Service

The Side by Side Service is a new, innovative service that matches a volunteer with a person with dementia to retain hobbies and interests or to take up new ones and get out and about, making them feel part of their community and encouraging access to everyday places and universal services.

Alongside this, Side by Side will encourage people with dementia to identify their personal strengths and abilities and consider how they could use these within their community, with volunteers supporting them to realise these goals.

The service will support people with dementia to make informed choices on how they spend their time and encourage people with dementia to maintain independence, autonomy and cognitive abilities for a long as possible.

Volunteer for our Side by Side service and share your passion with someone with dementia.

Together you can do anything from play a round of golf to listen to music, or simply have a cup of tea and a chat.

Get in touch to find out more 01709 580534 sidebysidedoncaster@alzheimers.org.uk

Fundraising

As a charity we rely heavily on donations to maintain our levels of service. If you would like to help and are able to make a donation of any amount please contact us at the Mexborough office. All donations will be gratefully received.

Membership

All members of Alzheimer’s Society receive a monthly national magazine. The more members we have, the greater our lobbying power. Membership is free to carers and people with dementia.

Email: doncaster@alzheimers.org.uk

The Alzheimer’s Society have not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does the Alzheimer’s Society endorse any of the products or services.

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26

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Taking on dementia together

For information, guidance and support, please call us on 01709 580543. We are open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday Alternatively you could contact us at: Alzheimer’s Society Doncaster and Rotherham, Room G18, Mexborough Business Centre, College Road, Mexborough S64 9JP

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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

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

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@dementiauk.org Age UK Doncaster Unit 1 Ten Pound Walk, Doncaster, DN4 5HX I Admin@AgeUKDoncaster.org.uk I www.ageuk.org.uk/doncaster

01302 812345

Mind (National Association 0300 123 3393 for Mental Health) 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 Advice, information and support group for people with osteoporosis. I www.nos.org.uk

0808 800 0035

Alzheimer’s Society Doncaster 01709 580543 and Rotherham Room G18, Mexborough Business Centre, College Road, Mexborough S64 9JP I doncaster@alzheimers.org.uk I www.alzheimers.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

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NHS 111

Care Quality Commission (CQC) National Correspondence, Citygate, Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4PA I www.cqc.org.uk I enquiries@cqc.org.uk

03000 616161

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 Doncaster 01302 327800 Unit 9, Shaw Wood Business Park, Shaw Wood Way, Doncaster DN2 5TB I advice@dialdoncaster.co.uk I www.dialdoncaster.co.uk Disability Service Centre Get advice or information about a claim you’ve already made for Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment.

I www.gov.uk/disability-benefits-helpline Doncaster Community Equipment Service 0300 100 0243 – NRS Healthcare Unit 16 Delta Court, Sky Business Park, Doncaster DN9 3GN I enquiries@doncaster.nrs-uk.net Doncaster Partnership for Carers (DPfC) 01302 637566 The Carers House, 2 Regent Terrace, South Parade, Doncaster DN1 2EE I dpfc@doncastercarers.org.uk I www.doncastercarers.org.uk Every possible care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this publication is correct at the time of going to print. 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. 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. ©2019. Hawks Nest Cottage, Great North Road, Bawtry, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN10 6AB. Telephone: 01302 714528 Options Doncaster is published by Octagon Design and Marketing Ltd with editorial contributions from Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust, the CQC, Age UK Doncaster, the Alzheimer’s Society 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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North East Doncaster CAB 01302 846745 - Stainforth Methodist Church The Hope Centre Stainforth Methodist Church, Church Road, Stainforth, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN7 5NS North East Doncaster (Thorne) 0344 499 4137 Citizens Advice Bureau Thorne Office, Marriott House, 5a Browns Lane, Thorne, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN8 5AF I advicecabthorne@fsmail.net I www.citizensadvice.org.uk/northeastdoncastercab

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 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.gov.uk/contact-pension-service

V Voiceability Doncaster 01302 319052 VoiceAbility Doncaster Advocacy Services, Rear Of Carcroft Social Club, Chestnut Avenue, Carcroft, Doncaster, DN6 8AG I doncaster@voiceability.org I Twitter: @AdvocacyDonnie

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.

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?

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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.

Safeguarding adults who receive social care

10 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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ROSE FARM

CARE HOME

Styrrup

Albany House Residential Home for the Elderly including Specialist Dementia Unit Albany House is situated in the centre of Woodlands village, north of Doncaster, within a short walking distance of all amenities and bus route to Doncaster Town Centre.

Albany House provides a comfortable environment with 24 hour care from highly skilled and motivated staff.

The majority of accommodation is on the ground floor with easy access to secure well tended gardens at the rear.

Within Albany House we have a specialist facility: Albany Court, offering quality dementia care.

5 Woodlands Road, Woodlands, Doncaster DN6 7JX Tel: 01302 723203 www.albanycare.co.uk

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A Quality Care Home for the Elderly 24 Hour care by our trained staff in a friendly, homely atmosphere in which the resident truly feels “at home” At Rose Farm we offer Residential care in a truly outstanding location. In addition within our ‘Garden Wing’ we cater specifically for Dementia related illnesses, all within a purpose built unit.

15 minutes from Worksop, Retford or Doncaster

Tel: (01302) 744664 www.rosefarmhome.co.uk

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