OPTIONS A guide to care and independent living
Leaving hospital What’s next?
NHS continuing healthcare Who’s eligible?
10 SOCIAL CARE
tips
Healthcare services
Rotherham Winter 2026
Contents Alzheimer’s Society Services in Rotherham....................................................................... 4 How Rotherham is bringing hospital care into people’s homes.................................. 6-7 Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust – Supporting patients in Rotherham.............................................................................. 8-9 NHS continuing healthcare......................................................................................... 10-13 Personal budgets and direct payments...................................................................... 14-17 NHS-funded nursing care................................................................................................. 17 Driving and using public transport if you have mobility issues............................... 18-19 Age UK Rotherham - serving the older people of Rotherham................................ 20-21 The Care Quality Commission Social Care top tips......................................................... 22
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.
Read online
To view this guide online as an interactive ebook visit: www.octagon.org.uk/options/rotherham/winter2026
The Rotherham
NHS Foundation Trust
Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber
NHS Foundation Trust
OCTAGON DES IG N & M ARKE TING LTD
United Against Dementia Alzheimer’s Society wants everyone affected by dementia to know that whoever you are, whatever you are going through, you can turn to them for support, help and advice. Dementia Connect Dementia Connect, from Alzheimer’s Society, is a personalised support service for anyone with dementia, their carers, families and friends. We understand that dementia affects everyone differently. So whether you, a loved one, a friend or neighbour needs dementia support, we’re here for you. We’ll connect you to a whole range of dementia support, by phone, online and face to face. Our highlytrained dementia advisers can help people come to terms with their diagnosis and navigate the complicated maze of health and social care services. It’s free, easy to access, and offers you the support you need. Whether it’s advice on legal documents, help understanding dementia or someone to talk to when things get tough, we’re here to help. We can keep in touch with you to make sure you keep getting the support you need. And because we know it’s never easy to tell your story, you’ll only ever need to tell it to us once.
Phone support Our dementia advisers are available to talk to on the phone seven days a week. They will listen and give you the support and advice you need, including connecting you to help in your local area and online. We can offer you the option of regular calls so we can keep in touch, to find out how you are and help when things change.
Support line opening hours* Monday – Wednesday: 9:00am – 8:00pm Thursday – Friday: 9:00am – 5.00pm Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
*Calls charged at standard local rate.
Online support Dementia Connect online support is available round the clock through our website. Answer a few simple questions about yourself, or someone you know, to get personalised, relevant information and advice. From guides on dementia to advice on making your home dementia friendly, get the information about the things that matter to you.
‘The Dementia Adviser was lovely and full of information. Without Alzheimer’s Society and the Dementia Adviser we’d have nothing. She is a major networker and knows everything and everyone local. I feel in charge and empowered.’ Katherine, living with dementia
If you need further support, you can request a call from our dementia advisers, who should be in touch with you within a week. Our online support includes Talking Point, our online community where you can connect with others in a similar situation, and our Dementia Directory where you can search for local services.
Face to face support Where possible, our local dementia support workers can meet you in person to offer further support, advice and information. They will also connect you to other face to face services in your area, including local support groups. Notes: Dementia Connect phone and online support is available wherever you live. As the service is new, some parts of the service may not be available in your area just yet.
ADVERTORIAL
“Impressed would be an understatement” For anyone who struggles to leave their home without support, at-home health services can be a lifeline. This is something that Derek Brown, who cares for his wife Margaret, knows only too well. Specsavers is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to essential eye-health and hearing care – but also understands that it’s not always easy for people like Margaret, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, to attend in-store appointments. That’s why, for the past ten years, Specsavers Home Visits has provided comprehensive NHS-funded eye tests to anyone who’s unable to visit a store unaccompanied. It’s also started to provide free at-home hearing services in selected locations in the UK. Derek called on the Specsavers Home Visits service when Margaret needed a routine eye test and it was too challenging to get to a store. He was blown away by the expert care that was delivered during the visit and the difference the new glasses made to his wife. Although Margaret wasn’t able to respond to the questions of the optician and their assistant, during the visit, they adapted their approach so they could prescribe the reading glasses that have expanded her world. “If I was to say I was amazed, that would be an understatement,” says Derek. “What was so significant for me as a full-time carer was that the Specsavers experts were punctual, quiet-speaking and patient, reassuring Margaret with everything they did. The level of care expressed towards her was incredible.”
Alzheimer’s in early 2018. After she spent four weeks in hospital in 2022, Margaret’s condition deteriorated, and she has since been confined to a hospital bed in the couple’s living room, and a hoist to access a wheelchair. With multiple other health challenges, caring for Margaret is complex – but after 25 years of love and marriage Derek has risen to the challenge. As well as taking care of her everyday needs, he’s been able to improve her quality of life thanks to Specsavers at-home service. Following her at-home eye test, the optician suggested Margaret tried some reading glasses to help her enjoy looking at family photos.
Derek, from Northallerton in North Yorkshire, has been the primary carer for Margaret, since her diagnosis with
Derek was unsure how she would adapt to wearing glasses but seeing her smile while looking at old family pictures told him everything he needed to know.
Why Choose Specsavers Home Visits?
“If anyone is in any doubt about inviting Specsavers into their home, all I can say is: simply try it,” Derek says. “You won’t regret it for a second.”
• Convenience: Our experts come directly to you. • Personalised Care: Visits are tailored to the individual’s needs, with specialist equipment to ensure comfort and accuracy. • Peace of Mind: Your loved one will receive the same kind of highquality care as they would expect in-store.
Derek now fights for better support and recognition for carers nationwide, and has launched a website (www.dementiaguidance.co.uk) dedicated to helping carers like him across the UK. He’s keen to ensure they have all the information they need – including the option of getting a comprehensive at-home eye test from Specsavers.
Expert eye and hearing care tailored to your needs For those eligible, our mobile experts will provide a comprehensive NHSfunded eye test from the comfort of your own home, with all the same care and thoroughness as you would receive in-store. Specsavers has now also started to roll out free at-home hearing services across the UK. To find out what locations this service is available in visit our website. Our eye care and hearing services are tailored to each person and their needs. They are designed to provide eye care and hearing services that are as individual as they are and can be adapted to meet their changing circumstances and comfort levels.
To see if you or your loved one are eligible, call 0800 0890144 or visit specsavers.co.uk/home-visits
6
Editorial content supplied by: The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust
The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust
How Rotherham is bringing hospital care into people’s homes When you are recovering from illness, living with a long-term condition or getting ready to leave hospital, being at home can make a real difference. The Hospital at Home service, run by The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, gives patients hospital-level care in their own home or care residence. The service is safe, planned and led by qualified hospital clinicians. It helps adults across Rotherham recover in a place they know, with the people and things that matter to them nearby. Hospital at Home is an important Trust service. It means some patients can receive expert treatment without staying on a hospital ward when they do not need to. Hospital care is still there for anyone who needs it. But many checks, treatments and assessments can now be done safely at home. The team includes nurses, therapists and other healthcare professionals. They provide different types of specialist care, including:
Being able to avoid that journey and have treatment at home is a massive relief.
• Complex treatments: Providing specialist care such as intravenous (IV) iron and heart failure therapies at home, so patients do not have to make tiring trips to hospital. • Medication support: Helping patients safely change or reduce complex treatments, including breathing therapies and nebulisers, as they get better. • Mobile tests: Taking equipment such as mobile X-ray machines to care home residents, so they can be assessed in their own rooms instead of travelling to hospital.
• Support after a fall: Visiting people at home after a fall, checking for injuries, treating wounds and arranging follow-up care where needed. Being cared for at home does not mean being left on your own. Clinical staff check that care is safe, monitor progress and explain the care plan clearly. They also make sure patients and families know what is happening.
Editorial content supplied by: The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust
You’re in your own home. You can do what you like. You’re a lot happier.
7
Local resident Margaret received IV iron treatment at home. She said:
Helen Dobson, Chief Nurse at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, said:
"Going into hospital when you are already feeling poorly and breathless is hard work. Being able to avoid that journey and have treatment at home is a massive relief. The team lifts that worry right off your shoulders."
“This is about using our clinical skills in new ways, while keeping the personal care patients expect from the NHS. Every referral is carefully considered, and our teams work closely together to provide the right support in the right place.”
Leslie was supported to change his breathing medication after a hospital stay. For him, being at home helped his recovery:
Patients are offered Hospital at Home when a doctor, nurse or healthcare professional decides it is safe and right for them. Patients must live in Rotherham and be registered with a Rotherham GP.
"You’re in your own home. You can do what you like. You’re a lot happier. You get to sleep – that’s a huge thing for me. The nurses and staff who come out talk to you, have a laugh, and are really good at what they do." Terry had a mobile X-ray in his care home room. He said:
By bringing treatment closer to people, Hospital at Home helps patients regain independence sooner. It also supports hospital teams by reducing pressure on beds. Most importantly, it means more people can get the right support in the place they feel most comfortable.
"I don’t like waiting in hospitals. Two staff came to my room, set up the equipment by my chair, and took the X-rays. They make you feel comfortable."
To find out more about Hospital at Home, speak to the health or social care professional managing your care or discharge plan.
8
Editorial content supplied by: Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust
Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust
Supporting patients in Rotherham Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust – known as RDaSH for short – provides all age mental health and adult learning disability services for people aged over 18 living in the Rotherham area. Rotherham residents can access specialist mental health support in their local GP practice and through primary care based mental health hubs. Primary care staff can also help you to access services for mental health problems such as anxiety and depression through our Talking Therapies team or to access self-help online. Rotherham NHS Talking Therapies is a highly skilled team of psychological wellbeing practitioners, cognitive behavioural therapists and counsellors who see over 2,000 people every month across Rotherham and neighbouring Doncaster and North Lincolnshire. To self-refer or for more information about this service please visit talkingtherapies.rdash.nhs.uk
RDaSH also offers a number of Older Adult Community Services based at various community sites across the borough.
Our trust offers several specialist older adult community services across Rotherham. All referrals to these teams are usually made by a GP via a Single Point of Access team on 0800 8048999 or via NHS 111: • The Older People’s Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT) provide a comprehensive community based mental health service. North CMHT is based at Ferham Clinic in Kimberworth and the South CMHT at Swallownest Court, Aston. However, many patients will be seen in their own homes. The CMHTs take a multi-disciplinary approach and are made up of community mental health nurses, occupational therapists, community support workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists. An initial assessment is offered to identify mental health, psychological, social, physical, and functional needs. The needs of the person’s family or other carers are
also considered in the assessment and a care plan is developed if required in collaboration with the wishes of the person and where appropriate their family or carers. CMHT offers a range of interventions and treatments to support the person’s recovery, promote independence, health and wellbeing while maintaining safety. • The Older People’s Mental Health Care Home Liaison team, also based at Ferham Clinic, provides community-based services for people with mental health needs who reside permanently in a care home. The team provides assessment, advice on managing distressed behaviours, medication where required and training, advice and guidance to the care home staff, patients and families of patients. • The Memory Service, based at Centenary Clinic, provides services for people over 65 years of age who have mental health needs or are suspected of having needs arising from dementia. The service provides assessment, treatment, carer support, information and advice. • The Young Onset Dementia Service (YODS) is also based at Ferham Clinic and provides a comprehensive community-based mental health service for people aged under 65 with suspected dementia. Once a dementia diagnosis is confirmed YODS offers assessment of psychological, social, physical and functional problems, and advice and interventions for a range of mental health needs and for carer support.
Editorial content supplied by: Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust
All the older people’s mental health teams work alongside a wide range of partner agencies, including social care, the Carers Resilience service, Dementia Enabling team, The Alzheimer’s Society and Making Space. Our trust also manages The Woodlands, a modern, purpose-built older adults’ mental health inpatient unit. The unit has a ward called The Willows where staff care for people who are mostly aged over 65, who require acute care for functional and organic mental health problems. The Woodlands is based behind Rotherham General Hospital, on Oakwood Hall Drive, off Moorgate Road. To contact staff at The Woodlands phone 03000 215647. Patients are usually referred to this service via their GP, Rotherham Hospital or one of the older people’s community mental health teams. RDaSH offers adult mental health inpatient services and a psychiatric intensive care unit. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.rdash.nhs.uk/ services/our-services/ adult-mental-health services.
RDaSH can also support people in a mental health crisis.
Our trust also provides a mental health hospital liaison service for patients who attend Rotherham General Hospital. The team provides assessment, treatment, and management of mental health problems to adults aged over 18. RDaSH offers specialist services including an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder service, autism diagnostic
9
service, assertive outreach team, a home treatment team, early interventions, and a perinatal service. Please see our website www.rdash.nhs.uk for more information. We can also support people in a mental health crisis. If you, or someone you know has concerns about someone’s immediate mental health and they are already registered with an RDaSH service please use the following contact methods to get the help needed:
During office hours • Phone your GP • Phone your care coordinator, lead professional or other mental health worker. At any time of the day 24/7 anyone can contact the Rotherham Crisis team on 0800 804 8999 or via NHS 111. One of our trained call handlers will signpost the person needing support to the most appropriate service depending on their level of need. Alternatively, someone needing support can call The Samaritans free of charge on 116 123. In an emergency, and only if concerned about someone’s immediate safety please go to the nearest Accident and Emergency unit at hospital. In a lifethreatening situation please ring the emergency services on 999 immediately. To see the full range of services provided by our trust please visit: www.rdash. nhs.uk. To contact our services ring our switchboard on 03000 213000.
10
Editorial content supplied by: the NHS
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 cannot be met by existing universal or specialist services alone. Find out more about the children and young people’s continuing care national framework on GOV.UK
Your eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare depends on your assessed needs, and not on any particular diagnosis or condition.
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 are not 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.
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 is not 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.
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.
11
Editorial content supplied by: the NHS
NHS continuing healthcare assessments Integrated care boards, known as ICBs (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.
For most people, there’s an initial checklist assessment, which is used to decide if you need a full assessment.
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 what the assessment involves. Depending on the outcome of the checklist, you’ll either be told that you do not 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 does not necessarily mean 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
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.
12
Editorial content supplied by: the NHS
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 medicine
If you’re eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, the next stage is to arrange a care and support package that meets your assessed needs.
• 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 1 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 1 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 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 1 local care home that’s suitable. Your ICB 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.
13
Editorial content supplied by: the NHS
NHS continuing healthcare reviews
If your needs have changed, the review will also consider whether you’re still eligible for NHS continuing healthcare.
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.
Refunds for delays in NHS continuing healthcare funding
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.
ICBs 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.
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 ICB decides you’re eligible, but takes longer than 28 days to decide this and the delay is unjustifiable,
Find out more about NHS continuing healthcare from NHS England.
Frequently asked questions about
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 ICB 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 1 option being a “direct payment for healthcare”.
Q
FAQ’s
Can I refuse an assessment for NHS continuing healthcare? If I refuse, will I be able to get services from my local authority? Consent is not needed for completion of assessments (CHC Checklists, Decision Support Tools (inclusive of FNC by default) and Fast Track), or collation and sharing of information with: • Care Teams • Health and Social Care Staff But consent is needed to share personal information collected for, and as part of, assessments (Checklist, Decision Support Tool (inclusive of FNC by default) and Fast Track) with third parties, such as family, friends or representatives, at the beginning of the process. There is a legal limit to the types of services that a Local Authority can provide. If you have any concerns about being assessed for NHS continuing healthcare, the ICB should explore your reasons for this, and try to address your concerns.
If someone lacks the mental capacity to consent to sharing of information with third parties (other than Care Teams or Health and Social Care Staff), the principles of the Mental Capacity Act will apply and a best interests decision may be needed.
Q
My relative is in a care home and has become eligible for NHS continuing healthcare. The ICB 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? 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 ICB. It will take your concerns into account when considering the most appropriate arrangements. If the ICB 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 is not 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.
14
Editorial content supplied by: the NHS
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
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.
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.
Choosing how to receive your personal budget
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.
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:
You can ask the council to either:
• are always the same people and available when you need them
• manage your personal budget for you
• speak the same language as you
• pay the money to another organisation – such as a care provider
• have experience working with your care needs
• pay the money directly to you or someone you choose – this is known as a direct payment
• are a specific person that has been recommended to you • can help you get to shops or social events
Editorial content supplied by: the NHS
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 money every 3 months. When to consider other options You may decide direct payments are not helpful if:
You could also consider having someone else manage your direct payments, for example a friend or family member.
• 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.
15
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.
How direct payments work 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
16
Editorial content supplied by: the NHS
• 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
When choosing an agency, decide what sort of service you’re looking for and the tasks you need help with.
• 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.
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 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
17
Editorial content supplied by: the NHS
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
It’s worth speaking to your council’s social services before making an official complaint to see if they can help. You still have to 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 would like support to help you manage your personal budget or direct payments, speak to your council or call:
If you’re not happy with the council’s response
• the Disability Rights UK personal budgets helpline on 0330 995 0404
• Age UK have a detailed fact sheet on personal budgets and direct payments in social care
• the Age UK advice line on 0800 055 6112 (for older people)
• 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.
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.
How to complain about personal budgets
Contact your Local Government Ombudsman. They investigate all adult social care complaints.
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.
Who is eligible for NHS-funded 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 ICB to review the decision.
You may be eligible for NHS-funded nursing care if:
The cost of NHS-funded nursing care
• you’re not eligible for NHS continuing healthcare but have been assessed as needing care from a registered nurse
NHS-funded nursing care is paid at the same rate across England. In May 2022, the rate was set at £209.19 a week (standard rate) and will be backdated to 1 April 2022.
• 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 integrated care board (ICB) can arrange an assessment for you.
If you moved into a care home before 1 October 2007, and you were on the previous high band, NHS-funded nursing care is paid at a higher rate. In May 2022, the higher rate was set at £287.78 a week and will be backdated to 1 April 2022. 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
Outcome of the assessment
• your nursing needs have reduced and you’re no longer eligible for the high band, when you would change to the standard rate of £209.19 a week, or
If you’re eligible for NHS-funded nursing care, the NHS will arrange and fund nursing care provided
• you become entitled to NHS continuing healthcare instead
18
Editorial content supplied by: the NHS
Driving and using public transport if you have mobility issues If you’re older or disabled, there are ways to make it easier for you to use public transport or to drive. You can get help: • using public transport • getting discounts on public transport • from the NHS with travel costs • finding community transport schemes • using taxis If you have mobility problems and you need a car to get around, you may be able to get help with costs and parking by: • discounted or free road tax
If you’re using public transport, it’s worth contacting the transport operator before you travel to make sure they’re able to provide the help you need.
• a Blue Badge parking permit • leasing a vehicle through the Motability scheme You can also find out about walking aids, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Using public transport All public transport has to be “accessible” so disabled passengers can use it. Public transport also has to accept guide dogs or assistance dogs. If you’re using public transport, it’s worth contacting the transport operator before you travel to make sure they’re able to provide the help you need. 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 ramps.
Public transport in London London transport (trains, buses and river boats) is being upgraded to improve step-free access, to help with wheelchair access and avoiding stairs on Transport for London. Staff at underground stations are also trained to help people move around the underground system – for example, by helping you use lifts instead of escalators and steps, and calling ahead to arrange for help at your destination.
Discounts on public transport Older people and people with disabilities can usually 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 local councils offer free travel for longer, and some allow a companion to travel with you for free. Find your local council on GOV.UK. Apply for an older person’s bus pass on GOV.UK or apply for a disabled person’s bus pass on GOV.UK. If you often travel by train, it’s probably worth checking the Disabled Persons Railcard website to see if you are eligible for a disabled persons railcard. This gives you, and a companion travelling with you, a third off the price of rail tickets. Children aged 5 to 15 with disabilities are also eligible for a disabled persons railcard. This lets an adult travel with them for a third of the cost of most adult fares, while the child pays the normal child fare.
19
Editorial content supplied by: the NHS
Road tax reductions You may also be able to get a reduction in your road tax, or not have to pay it at all. Find out more on GOV.UK about financial help if you’re disabled, such as vehicle tax exemption and vehicle tax reduction.
Blue Badge disabled parking scheme You may be able to get a Blue Badge parking permit for your car. This lets you park in disabled parking bays. With a Blue Badge, you can: • park for free within certain times • park on single and double yellow lines • stay longer in on-street time-limited parking bays Blue Badge schemes are run by local councils. Most councils will let you apply for or renew a Blue Badge on GOV.UK.
NHS help with travel costs
Blue Badge holders can apply for a 100% Blue Badge discount for the London Congestion Charge, on the Transport for London website.
If you pay to travel to a hospital or other NHS setting for NHS-funded treatment or tests, you may be able to claim a refund of reasonable travel costs.
Community transport schemes These schemes provide transport to and from hospitals, GP surgeries, dentists, opticians and chiropodists and podiatrists.
Many areas offer a free “Dial-a-Ride” service, which gives you doorto-door transport if you can’t use normal buses.
Motability Scheme
Many areas offer a free “Dial-a-Ride” service, which gives you door-to-door transport if you can’t use normal buses.
The Motability Scheme lets you use your mobility allowance to lease a car, powered wheelchair or scooter. You can also pay extra for a more expensive vehicle.
You need to register for some schemes and you may have to pay. Carers may be able to travel with you for an extra charge.
You need to receive 1 of the allowances used on the scheme and have at least 12 months left on your award.
Check with your local council’s social services team whether there is a community transport scheme in your area.
The allowances used include:
Using taxis Taxi and private hire companies can provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles if you ask for one when you book. Some councils give free taxi vouchers to people who find it difficult to use public transport.
Driving with mobility problems If you have mobility problems and you need a car to get around, you may be able to get help with costs and parking.
• the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for adults on GOV.UK • the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) on GOV.UK • the War Pension Scheme: Mobility Supplement (WPMS) on GOV.UK • the enhanced rate mobility component of Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP), which you can claim on GOV.UK if you were injured while serving in the armed forces
20
Editorial content supplied by: Age UK Rotherham
Age UK Rotherham A local charity supporting Rotherham’s older people Age UK Rotherham is a well-established local charity working in the community to support older people, their families and carers. While we are part of the Age UK family, we are an independent Rotherham based charity, providing local services for people across the Rotherham borough. We have a long history of working with and campaigning for older people, in fact we’ve been doing this in Rotherham since the 1970s when we were called Age Concern. A lot has changed since then, including a name change to Age UK Rotherham in 2011, but we’re just as passionate about improving older people’s lives now as we were back then.
Older people often told us that they just needed ‘a little bit of help’ with everyday tasks so this service was set up to do just that.
Our aim is to help people to maintain their independence and quality of life as they get older. We do this through a range of services to enable people to live better, stay healthy and active and stay connected in their community. We want everyone to be able to love later life.
How we can help – our services Each year, hundreds of older people and their families trust us to support them or a loved one and we couldn’t do this without our dedicated team of well trained, caring staff and volunteers. If you or someone you know is looking for some help at home or perhaps needs some help checking their entitlement to benefits or some support to reconnect with others again, we may be able to help.
To find out more about any of our services please get in touch – call us on 01709 835 214.
A Little Bit of Help – a helping hand with everyday tasks Older people often told us that they just needed ‘a little bit of help’ with everyday tasks so this service was set up to do just that. We provide a helping hand so that people can stay independent for longer. We can support people to get out and about, help plan and prepare meals, assist with cleaning and laundry tasks, help with shopping and provide companionship. There is a charge for this service.
Befriending Our link line telephone support calls provide a reassuring call at an agreed time, usually in the morning, but different times can be arranged. This can be on a permanent or temporary basis, for example when someone’s carer is away.
Information and Advice Service This is a free service available to people who are approaching or over State Pension age. Our trained advisers can offer information and advice on a range of topics including benefits, housing, community care and general health and wellbeing.
Editorial content supplied by: Age UK Rotherham
We provide this service by telephone and can visit people at home, if needed.
We also provide help to complete applications for benefits and Blue Badge parking permits.
We also provide help to complete applications for benefits and Blue Badge parking permits and do benefit checks to ensure older people are in receipt of any benefits they are eligible for.
21
If you or someone you know or care for would like to find out more about Ways to wellbeing in later life or to volunteer as a Wellbeing Buddy, contact us for a chat about your situation and to make a plan for living longer better.
Ways to wellbeing in later life
More information
This service has been developed to help older people in Rotherham who want to improve their wellbeing but who need some support to get started. The 1-1 service and social gatherings will provide practical support to help people over 55 to feel less lonely and reduce social isolation, improve their physical and mental wellbeing, promote creativity and feel more connected within their communities.
Call us on 01709 835 214 Visit the Age UK Rotherham website www.ageuk.org.uk/rotherham Follow us on social media – search @AUKRotherham on Facebook and @AgeUKRotherham on Twitter
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
2
3
4
5
6
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, 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?
7
8
9
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.
OPTIONS A guide to care and independent living
Rotherham Winter 2026
Leaving hospital
At Happy Days we understand that everyone needs a break from time to time, Carers are no different, and it’s important that you are able to have rest - to run errands, meet up with friends or simply relax. Breaks are good for your physical and mental well-being and can enhance the relationship with the person you care for.
What’s next?
NHS continuing healthcare Who’s eligible?
The person with dementia will also benefit from a day spend with Happy Days as it will provide social interactions and opportunities to pursue hobbies and interests and remain involved and active.
10 SOCIAL CARE
tips
In an effort to make things as easy for you as possible we can provide: • Transportation • Disabled Toilet Facilities • Light Breakfast • Home Cooked Lunch
Healthcare services
DESIGN PRINT SUPPORT
FREE TRIAL VISIT
OCTAGON DESIG N & M ARK ET ING LT D
To advertise in this publication please call the sales team on 01302 714528 Rossington Hall, Great North Road, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN11 0HR 01302 714528 | www.octagon.org.uk | info@octagon.org.uk
Options Rotherham is published by Octagon Design and Marketing Ltd with editorial contributions from The Rotherham NHS FT, Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust, the CQC, Age UK Rotherham, the Alzheimer’s Society and the NHS. 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.
Places can be funded by the local authority via the Direct Payments team or privately funded. Should Happy Days be of interest to you then please do not hesitate to contact us directly. We would welcome the chance to show you around. Happy Days, Wetherby House, Park Hill, Swallownest S26 4UN
01142 697 532
email: happydaysdaycareservices@gmail.com www.happydaysdaycareservices.com
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. 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. Rossington Hall, Great North Road, Doncaster DN11 0HR. Tel: 01302 714528
Designed & Published by Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd, Hall, Great North Road, Doncaster, DN11 0HR Tel: 01302 714528