Gloucestershire Help to Live at Home Guide 2013/14

Gloucestershire

Help to Live at Home Guide 2013/14

In partnership with Also available electronically at www.carechoices.co.uk and in spoken word through Browsealoud

When you need a little extra support

Telecare Services

Our phones are answered 24 hours a day

Tel: 01242 672 022 cleevelink.co.uk

You choose the care you need and how often you need it.

We provide care to the elderly and adults with complex needs across Gloucestershire.

Care programmes can be arranged from daily, weekly, 1 – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Our services ranges from meal preparation, domestic chores and help with washing, dressing and going to bed, to nursing, domiciliary and respite care.

Whatever suits you.

Cleeve Link Ltd | Cleeve Hill | Cheltenham | Gloucestershire | GL52 3PW

helps people, whose age, health or mobility make everyday life more of a challenge, to live their life their way. carer, you can get With a back to doing the things you enjoy such as attending social activities, hobbies and spending time with family with the support of around the clock care, support and companionship.

For more information call Freephone

0800 292 2424 Helping you live your life, your way helps people, whose age, health or mobility make everyday life more of a challenge, to live their life their way

We offer a RAPID RESPONSE service and can have a carer to you within hours

livein24.co.uk Live in 24 | Cleeve Hill | Cheltenham | Gloucestershire | GL52 3PW

Contents Welcome to the Help to Live at Home Guide Further advice and information

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8 Help at home Home care agencies 8 9 Paying for care in your own home 9 Do I have to pay for social care?

Gloucestershire County Council’s 10 self-funder initiative Advocacy 10 Eligibility for state benefits 11 Attendance Allowance 11 Meal providers 12 Equipment and adaptations at home 12 How can an occupational therapist help me? 13 Supporting people to stay independent 14 Reablement support provided by Health & Adult Social Care 14 Rehabilitation in a day centre 15 Short stay residential rehabilitation 15 Making life easier in your home In the living room In the bedroom In the kitchen In the bathroom Day centres Telecare

16 16 17 18 19 20 20

Carers Support for carers A Carer’s Assessment Respite for carers Sitting service

21 21 21 20 20

Travel and transport Community transport Public transport Am I still safe to drive?

The Blue Badge scheme Accessibility services

22 22 23 23 23 23

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Keeping well Keeping active

24 24

Healthy lifestyles Health trainers Alcohol Smoking Social activities Volunteering Foot care Hearing and sight problems

25 25 25 25 25 26 26 26

Money matters Benefit assessment Money management Legal advice

27 27 28 28

Keeping safe Protecting vulnerable adults What is adult abuse?

29 29 29

Staying safe in your home Are you safe from fire?

Keeping safe at home - intruders and unwanted visitors

30 30

Housing with care Extra care housing Sheltered (or retirement) housing

31 31 31

For more information Gloucestershire Care & Support Services Directory This guide’s helpline

32

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32 32

Gloucestershire County Council’s distribution of this publication does not constitute their support or recommendation of any of the products or services advertised or mentioned within.

For further copies of this guide, please contact In Touch Project, telephone: 01452 528491 or Village and Community Agents at GRCC or the Adult Helpdesk on 01452 426868.

T: 01452 426868 E: yourcircle@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Visit www.carechoices.co.uk for further assistance with your search for care

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Welcome to the Help to Live at Home Guide Most of us want to live independently at home for as long as we can, but some of us may need some support to help us to do that as we get older.

This guide has been produced to help people in Gloucestershire like you and I to find out about the services which are available in our area, and which could help us to live happily and safely at home for as long as possible.

Here you will find lots of options to look at, whatever your individual needs may be, along with information and advice which will help you to make the right decisions for you.

My colleagues at Gloucestershire County Council and I are keen to make a real difference to people’s lives and to make available a range of services which will help to achieve this.

We want to tell you about the choice of locally-based services for older

people so that you can stay living independently and safely in your own neighbourhood. This guide sets out what is currently available.

Please keep this guide handy and feel free to share it with friends and family, so that you can talk through your plans with them.

I really hope that our guide will help you to choose the right services which will help you to live safely and happily in your own home for as long as you can. After all, I’m sure that’s what most people in Gloucestershire really want.

Best wishes,

Cllr Andrew Gravells

Cabinet member for Gloucestershire County Council

Further advice and information Whatever your circumstances and whether you can pay for your own care or not, we can signpost you to a range

of options as well as information and advice through the following:

Village and Community Agents bridge the gap between communities and organisations that are able to offer help or support.

Gloucestershire Village and Community Agents provide older people in Gloucestershire with easier access to information and services. Agents

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are able to visit people in their own homes and make direct contact with organisations able to provide the service they need.

This Directory’s helpline 0800 389 2077 – information on choosing and paying for care

Further advice and information continued Village and Community Agents: • provide high quality information; • put people in direct contact with organisations that can provide the service they need; • carry out practical checks; and • help develop community activities.

Thirty eight agents work countywide,

The

In Touch Project

community agents work with BME groups and a team of specialist agents are able to offer support to people who have been affected by cancer.

Please contact Gloucestershire Rural Community Council (GRCC) for more information on 01452 528491 or contact the Adult Helpdesk on 01452 426868.

The In Touch Project aims to support older people to set up activities in their communities, which in time they can organise and run themselves.

There are currently over 230 older people’s social groups and lunch clubs in the county. The project provides advice, support and information to these groups to help keep them viable.

Support includes promotion, funding, volunteers and insurance.

The project also works with communities to set up new initiatives for older people, such as lunch clubs, keep

fit classes, IT classes, walking clubs and social groups.

Contacts for Village and Community Agents and the In Touch Project: Barbara Piranty – In Touch Project Manager Holly Mills - Project Worker Telephone: 01452 528491 Email: barbarap@grcc.org.uk

FirstStop Advice is an independent, free service offering advice and information for older people, their families and carers about housing and care options in later life. It is led by the charity Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC), working with other national and local organisations.

The service covers housing, care, finance and rights and is delivered through a website, telephone advice line and a network of local and specialist partner organisations.

Care and support - in your own home, in specialist housing or in a care home.

Housing - services to help you manage well at home and maintain independence and information about moving somewhere more suitable.

Finance - paying for care including benefits and allowances, council and NHS funding, insurances, financial continued on page 6

Visit www.carechoices.co.uk for further assistance with your search for care

5

Further advice and information continued planning and financial products.

Your rights - the law; standards you should expect; how to get what you are entitled to; advocacy services that can support you.

Contact FirstStop Advice on 0800 377 7070 or visit www.firststopadvice.org.uk

Your Circle aims to give individuals, families and carers much greater choice and control over the care and support services they receive and who provides them.

Your Circle may include statutory services, but people may also want to use local services like transport, leisure, education, health and housing. Support can also come from voluntary and community groups, neighbours, carers,

friends and family.

Much of the information in this guide can be found on Gloucestershire County Council’s Your Circle website.

Visit: www.yourcircle.org.uk

Using the internet There is lots of information available on the internet. If you have never used the internet, but would like to try, help is available.

First Click courses run in libraries across the county. They cost just £15 for three sessions of three hours spread across three weeks. Courses are available on demand for people who have never used the internet before. Sign up and a course can be organised in your local library! To book a place, contact 0845 230 5420.

Or if you just need a little bit of help, why not ask in your local library? Library staff help over 500 people a week make better use of the internet.

Connect is run by Gloucestershire

Rural Community Council (GRCC) to offer free help to older people in rural Gloucestershire to get started and feel more confident online, learning computer basics on their own terms.

GRCC provides help and advice with computers and the internet for those who are new, nervous users or those who want to further their knowledge.

Support can be through one-to-one training and support by volunteers in your own home, or group sessions around the county.

For more information please contact Holly Mills, Connect project co-ordinator at GRCC, on 01452 528491 or email on connect@grcc.org.uk Magic Mouse is run by Age UK Gloucestershire at locations in

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This Directory’s helpline 0800 389 2077 – information on choosing and paying for care

Further advice and information continued Cheltenham and Gloucester. Sessions can also be held in your own home.

Sessions are taught by volunteers and there is a small charge to cover costs.

For more information, contact 01452 422660 or enquiries@ ageukgloucestershire.org.uk

Your independent consumer champion for health and social care.

The aim of Healthwatch Gloucestershire is to give both citizens and local communities a stronger voice to influence and challenge how health and social care services are commissioned and provided.

We will do this by: • gathering local people’s views and experiences of health and social care, ensuring they have real influence with those who commission and provide services; • providing people with information and advice to help them make the right choices about their care; and

Gloucestershire

Care & Support Servic

es Directory 2013/14

Gloucestershire Care & Support Services Directory

Available from Gloucestershire County Council and published

by Care Choices (who also produced this guide), the Gloucestershire Care & Support Services Directory contains useful editorial

• providing access to Independent Health Complaints Advocacy when people need help to make a complaint about NHS services they have received.

Registering to become a member is really easy. Just complete the form online or call us and we’ll do the rest.

Your voice really does count and can change health and social care for the better. Join us and make a difference today.

Tel: 0800 652 5193 Email: info@ healthwatchgloucestershire.co.uk www.healthwatchgloucestershire.co.uk and comprehensive lists of home care providers, care homes and care homes with nursing in Gloucestershire. Ask for a copy from the Adult Helpdesk Tel: 01452 426868

Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham

The comprehensive guide to choosing and paying for care / support • Domiciliary care / support • Care homes • Specialis t care • Useful contacts

In partnership with

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The Directory is also available on the Care Choices website at www.carechoices.co.uk/region/ Gloucestershire

T: 01452 426868 E: yourcircle@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Visit www.carechoices.co.uk for further assistance with your search for care

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Help at home Home care agencies Home care agencies provide help in people’s homes and sometimes oneto-one support to help people get out and about. This is sometimes called ‘domiciliary care’.

These agencies provide a variety of services such as personal care, cleaning your home, shopping and sitting services. Not all agencies provide the same services and charges vary between agencies. Home care agencies provide a care worker, someone who can help you with everyday activities, such as getting out of bed, getting dressed and bathing.

For care packages which have been arranged by Gloucestershire County Council, contracts and care plans will have been completed by your care manager and the agencies used will be

appropriately registered with the Care Quality Commission. The Care Quality Commission is the national independent regulator for all care services.

If you are not eligible for care funded by the council and would like to organise your own care at home, you need to think about it carefully. Before you make any decisions, ask for a copy of the agency’s contract terms and read these with someone you trust. Get as much help as you can going over it and ask any questions you may have before signing anything. The Citizens Advice Bureau or Age UK could help with this.

You should expect the care agency and the individual care workers to respect your personal preferences, dignity and privacy.

Here are some other things you may want to think about: • What experience does the agency have in providing the service you need?

• Can they supply references for you to check?

• Do all care workers have a criminal records disclosure (usually called a CRB check)?

• Can you see a copy of the agency’s Care Quality Commission registration certificate?

• How long has the agency been operating?

• Can you meet with your care workers before deciding whether to go ahead?

• How many care workers would be caring for you?

• What happens if your care worker goes on holiday or is sick?

• Will you be notified in advance that a different care worker will be caring for you?

• Will the care workers be fully trained or receiving ongoing training?

• How much will the care cost?

• What exactly will the fees cover?

• How often will your care plan be reviewed?

• How can you contact the agency in an emergency or outside office hours?

• How hard or easy would it be to make a complaint and how are things then put right?

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This Directory’s helpline 0800 389 2077 – information on choosing and paying for care

Paying for care in your own home If you or your family feel you need extra support to stay living independently at home, you may be eligible for support from Gloucestershire County Council.

If you are assessed as being eligible for support from the county council to help you to live at home, you may be offered a personal budget. The council will assess your needs and you will receive a sum of money to buy the services you

need. You can decide how to use your personal budget, providing it meets the needs identified in your assessment, is legal, keeps you safe and offers value for money.

Some people will not have to pay towards the cost of their care service, but others may be asked to contribute towards the full cost, following a financial assessment.

Do I have to pay for social care?

Following a social care assessment, many people do not have to pay towards the cost of their social care support or service, but some may be asked to contribute.

You will have a Financial and Benefits Assessment and will be told of any contribution before you incur costs, so there are no unpleasant surprises. The amount you have to pay will depend on your income, savings and regular financial commitments.

A number of leaflets about this are available at www.yourcircle.org.uk to help you:

‘Guide to using direct payments’ - This guide is for people who have made the decision to use direct payments. It contains practical tips on recruitment and supervising staff, keeping safe and ensuring value for money. It also includes web addresses for various sites that provide helpful resources for people managing budgets and employing people.

‘Guide to direct payments’ - This guide explains what a direct payment is, who can have a direct payment, who is a ‘suitable person’ and what you can use the direct payment for.

Visit www.carechoices.co.uk for further assistance with your search for care

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Gloucestershire County Council’s self-funder initiative The self-funder initiative from Gloucestershire County Council aims to support older people who are responsible for the cost of their own long-term care to get access to specialist information and advice so that they can make informed choices about: • their own care and the options available (such as Extra Care, care at home etc); • how they fund the right care in the right place for the rest of their lives; • reducing the risk of their money running out; and • protecting their assets and wealth and inheritance legacies.

The initiative will support people and their families to understand the true cost of care in later life and help them plan for the future.

The council is working with a not for profit organisation called PayingForCare Limited to support people in Gloucestershire to access proper

specialist information and advice.

PayingForCare can provide information and advice on: • understanding social services assessments; • finding the right care services and support organisations; • checking entitlement to state benefits including Attendance Allowance, Pension Credit, NHS Continuing Healthcare and other valuable benefits; • ensuring that local authority support such as the 12 week property disregard and deferred payment agreement is considered; • paying for care fees, protecting assets, funding top-up payments, securing an inheritance and tax planning; and • ensuring the older person’s wishes are respected and using Enduring/Lasting Power of Attorney (or equivalent) to protect independence and integrity.

Council staff will directly refer people to PayingForCare, so they can receive independent advice and information on long term care planning. Care fees planning advice is not something that can be provided by the council. Only individuals regulated and authorised by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) can provide advice and recommendations on long term care funding solutions.

Advocacy Advocates can give advice, support and information to people of any age, helping them to voice their concerns and guiding them through difficult or challenging times. Consider using the services of an

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advocate if you feel unsure or concerned when you are faced with making an important decision about your care choices.

You can contact an independent advocacy service on 0800 644 6448.

This Directory’s helpline 0800 389 2077 – information on choosing and paying for care

Eligibility for state benefits If you are under 65, you may be eligible for Disability Living Allowance. You may

be eligible for Attendance Allowance if you are over 65.

Attendance Allowance You can get Attendance Allowance even if no one is actually giving you the care you need - even if you live alone.

Attendance Allowance is not usually affected by any savings or income you may have.

To get Attendance Allowance, your disability must be severe enough for you to need any of the following: • help with things such as washing, dressing, eating, getting to and using the toilet, or communicating your needs; • supervision to avoid putting yourself or others in substantial danger, for example, needing someone to keep an eye on your medical condition or diet, or because you cannot control the way you behave; or • someone with you when you are on dialysis.

There are two rates of Attendance Allowance depending on how your disability affects you: • the lower rate, if you need help with personal care frequently or supervision continually throughout the day only, help with personal care or someone to watch over you during the night only, or someone with you when you are on dialysis; or • the higher rate, if you meet both a day and a night condition for the middle rate, or if you are terminally ill and claiming under special rules (see below).

Special rules - if you are terminally ill If you have a progressive disease and are not reasonably expected to live for more than another six months, there are special rules to help you get Attendance Allowance more quickly and easily. You can get the higher rate immediately, whatever your care needs are, without waiting until you have needed help for six months.

You can make a claim for someone under the special rules without them knowing or without their permission. If they satisfy the relevant conditions, they will get a letter saying that they have been awarded Attendance Allowance, but special rules will not be mentioned.

For further advice contact FirstStop Advice on 0800 377 7070 or your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

Visit www.carechoices.co.uk for further assistance with your search for care

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Meal providers If you have difficulty shopping, carrying food home or cooking meals there are a number of alternatives.

Many supermarkets will now deliver food. The larger supermarkets usually offer an online facility and others will take shopping home for you once you have chosen it.

Community meals, which used to be called ‘meals on wheels’, are delivered to people who are living in their own

homes. Meals are available seven days a week. Special dietary needs can be catered for.

To organise community meals, get in touch with the Adult Helpdesk on 01452 426868. Community meals cost £3.50 per day. Frozen meals are also available and cost £2.50 per day. Freezers and microwaves can also be provided.

For more information, go to www.yourcircle.org.uk

Equipment and adaptations at home Some tasks at home can be difficult if your mobility is restricted. Fortunately, there is help available.

There are many types of equipment that can help you to live independently at home. Something as simple as fitting a grab rail in the right place to help you get up and down steps safely and easily, or equipment to help you get out of bed,

Looking

could be all you need.

Mears Safe at Home scheme can help with fitting this essential equipment.

The service helps people to live independently at home, with everything from kitchen and bathroom adaptations to a handyperson service.

You can contact Mears Safe at Home yourself on 0800 032 3139 or be referred

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Call 0800 389 2077 12

This Directory’s helpline 0800 389 2077 – information on choosing and paying for care

Equipment and adaptations at home continued by a health or social care worker.

You can also contact our Adult Helpdesk on 01452 426868, who can organise things like grab rails and banister rails to be fitted quickly and free of charge.

Gloucestershire County Council’s Independent Living Centre in Cheltenham has a variety of equipment on site you can try out and an occupational therapist is on hand for advice. Make an appointment to go along on 0845 659 8356.

Older people in particular are sometimes persuaded to buy costly equipment. It is important to get the right advice before you do this so that your money is well spent. Mears Safe at

Home can assist with this. Call them on 0800 032 3139.

Some equipment is also available from GIS Healthcare. A professional, such as a physiotherapist or occupational therapist (OT) may refer you to GIS, or you can buy equipment yourself directly from GIS Healthcare on 01452 520438.

How can an occupational therapist help me?

Social care occupational therapists (OTs) support people who have a permanent disability, promoting independent living in their own homes. They advise people of all ages, aiming to minimise the impact of the disability in all areas of their life.

If you are having difficulties at home with your daily routine, and especially if you are thinking of buying expensive equipment, an occupational therapy assessment may be able to help you.

OTs are focused on helping people get their independence back and can advise on different ways of doing things, as well as advising on appropriate equipment and adaptations to the home.

If you think an OT could make a difference to you, contact the Adult

Helpdesk on 01452 426868 and ask for an OT assessment.

Some reputable equipment suppliers also have qualified OTs linked to them or you could find your own qualified Occupational Therapist by calling 0800 389 4873 or go to www.yourcircle.org.uk Do not buy expensive equipment, especially from door step sellers, without checking it is the right equipment for you.

There are many ways you can make life easier, and places to go for help. You can quickly carry out a guided assessment on the AskSARA website and get plenty of ideas about care and support needs, visit: www.asksara.org.uk For further advice contact FirstStop Advice on tel: 0800 377 7070.

Visit www.carechoices.co.uk for further assistance with your search for care

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Supporting people to stay independent Reablement support provided by Health & Adult Social Care What is Reablement?

Reablement means help with the transition back to independence after a period of ill health, a hospital stay, a residential care stay, or simply a fall or accident.

Anyone over the age of 18 who meets the Reablement service criteria may have access to Reablement support services for up to six weeks. There will be no charge for the service.

Through the Reablement pathway, you will be encouraged and supported to rebuild your independence to a level which is safe and meaningful for your personal lifestyle.

Our main focus is to support you to remain in your own home. For example you may need opportunities to: • rebuild your confidence to carry out daily living tasks essential for your health and well being; • increase your strength, stamina and mobility and continue a therapy rehabilitation programme at home to maximise your recovery; • learn new ways of carrying out activities to increase independence and reduce risks, organise your day and prioritise tasks differently; • look at ways to manage your worries or concerns; or

If you are looking for information about care and support, our website can help you.

The publishers of this Directory have a new website which lets you search for the care you want in your local area.

• It provides a fully searchable facility for care homes, home care, supported living (learning disability only) and housing with care • Regularly updated data from CQC • Up to date information on important topics such as paying for care, care options and further help and information • Information on how to contact our helpline (see page 32) • You have the option to save your search results and return to them at a later date • View electronic versions of our Directories

Start your search today:

www.carechoices.co.uk 14

This Directory’s helpline 0800 389 2077 – information on choosing and paying for care

Reablement support provided by Health & Adult Social Care continued • try out equipment and ideas designed to support your independence.

The Reablement team will work with you by offering an assessment in order to identify outcomes and agree a plan of Reablement. You will be allocated a key worker who will review progress with you regularly.

Community health and social care teams working together will provide this service. The team includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, community

mental health nurses, community nurses, reablement support workers and other specialist services, for example speech and language therapists.

Rehabilitation in a day centre Rehabilitation in a day centre provides a programme of rehabilitation that may run as part of a package of support to enable you to live in your own home as

long as possible.

To find day care provided by independent organisations, go to www.yourcircle.org.uk

Short stay residential rehabilitation Short stay residential rehabilitation is available and will suit people who will benefit from a programme of rehabilitation, but who, in the short term, may not be safe to stay at home on their own. There are several residential units across the county that provide this service. You will have the opportunity to recover, rebuild your confidence, and to practice daily living skills, such as washing, dressing and preparing simple meals.

What if I still need help afterwards?

If ongoing support is required to maintain your independence, a care

manager will assist you to write a support plan and arrange a suitable long-term service provider. You will also have the option of buying your own support in a method that suits your lifestyle and gives you greater control of how your needs may be met. You will be offered a financial assessment to establish your contribution towards the cost of any future services.

More information For more information about reablement support contact the Adult Helpdesk on 01452 426868, or email: socialcare. enq@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Visit www.carechoices.co.uk for further assistance with your search for care

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Making life easier in your home In the living room

Plug with handle Chair raisers

Easi - reach BYRO N

What you What is difficult have to do for you Get in and Standing up from out of chairs sitting is difficult

More complex solutions Ready made chair raisers if your chair is low

Open and close windows

• Remove window Environmental opener controls • Install extractor fan • Install new windows • Move heating controls • Install new or additional heating system • Move light switches • Environmental • Replace light switches controls

Control heating

Simple solutions • Block of foam in chair base • Buy a new chair – get professional help to make sure the height is right • Regular gentle exercise • Get up regularly, to keep mobile • Can’t reach • Move furniture out of the windows way • Not secure to • Gadget to open/close leave windows open window Can’t reach controls • Change switches for fire or heating • Fit timer switch

Switch lights • Can’t reach switch on and off • Switch is difficult to use Keep warm

• Affording the fuel • Carrying the fuel • Control heating

Watch TV

Hear the sound of the TV

• Light switch toggle • Socket extension • Handi-plugs • Insulate your home Replace the fire • Ask for a winter fuel payment • Use a trolley – if you can safely lift the fuel into the trolley Use subtitles See GP

Organisations that can help: Adult Helpdesk 01452 426868 for referrals to occupational therapy and social care services; Mears Safe at Home for assistance with fitting equipment 0800

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Complex solutions Buy electric riser chair

• Get a grant • Change to a cheaper heating system • Get a room loop • Request an assessment for a hearing aid

032 3139; GIS Healthcare on 01452 520438 to buy equipment; Warm & Well 0800 500 3076 for assistance with insulating your home.

This Directory’s helpline 0800 389 2077 – information on choosing and paying for care

In the bedroom

Pillow raisers Pill dispenser

M T W T F S S

Easy grip scissors

Bed raisers

What you have to do Get in and out of bed

What is difficult for you • Standing up from sitting on the bed • Difficult to move from wheelchair to bed • Bed is hard to reach • Bed is too soft

Simple solutions • Move bed/furniture • Leg lifter • Raise bed • Learn new techniques for moving safely

More complex solutions • Fit grab rails • Buy a new bed mattress • Transfer board

Complex solutions • Hospital bed • Buy an electric adjustable bed • Mobile hoist • Ceiling track hoist

Sit up in bed, turn or roll over

• Bed is too soft • Bedding is too heavy • Nothing to lean on

• Change bedding • Learn new techniques for moving safely

• Buy a bed cradle • Buy a bed ladder • Bed lever • Pillow raiser • Change mattress

• Buy a specialised mattress • Drop-down rail • Monkey pole

Keeping warm in bed Getting dressed

Checking the safety of your electric blanket Difficult to reach all of your body

Cut your nails

• Can’t reach feet • Hard to hold scissors

• Call Adult Helpdesk on 01452 426868 • Call Adult Helpdesk on 01452 426868 • Learn new techniques for dressing • Buy clothes with different fastenings Easy grip scissors

Take your tablets

• Opening bottles • Remembering to take tablets

Read the time

• Ask pharmacist for an easy to open bottle • Keep a note when you have taken a tablet See the clock to tell the Buy a clock with larger time numbers

Organisations that can help: Adult Helpdesk 01452 426868 for referrals to occupational therapy and social care services and for advice on learning

Buy simple gadgets: long Consider care in handled shoe horn; elastic your own home shoe laces; dressing stick; button hook; stocking aids

See a podiatrist Get a pill dispenser with days and times marked

Ask someone to prompt you

Buy a clock that ‘speaks’

techniques; Mears Safe at Home for assistance with fitting equipment 0800 032 3139; GIS Healthcare on 01452 520438 to buy equipment.

Visit www.carechoices.co.uk for further assistance with your search for care

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In the kitchen

Teapot tipper

Pan handle holder

Chopping board with spikes

Perching stool

What you have to do Reach cupboards

Use taps and switches

Liquid level indicator

What is difficult for you • Cupboards are too high or low • Cupboards are too deep • Cupboard doors are too heavy • Taps or switches are too awkward • Can’t reach taps or switches

Cutting, chopping, preparing and cooking food

• Work surface too high or low • Hard to grip packets or jars • Hard to grip knife • Pans or kettles too heavy to lift Moving around Not enough space the kitchen Eating and • Cutlery is hard to grip drinking • Food/plate keeps slipping • Can’t carry food to table • Can’t lift cup Laundry and ironing

• Washing machine is too high or too low • Putting up ironing board

Simple solutions • Re-arrange things in cupboards/on surfaces • Buy Easi-Reacher or Handi-Reacher

More complex solutions Alter spring in door closers

Complex solutions Lower or raise cupboards

Fit tap turners

• Change switches Alter kitchen • Raise or reposition taps • Fit lever taps or new taps • Sit at a table • Change height of • Food processor • Range of kitchen gadgets • Perching/high stool work surface available: knife with a • Buy a trolley • Make space thick handle; chopping under work board with spikes; pan surface for knees handle holder; teapot when sitting tipper; lid gripper.

Re-organise furniture Review mobility Adaptation to equipment used kitchen • Call Adult Helpdesk Buy a trolley on 01452 426868 • Large handled cutlery • Non-slip mat • Lightweight insulated cup • Use a cup with two handles Wall-fixed ironing board Raise/lower washing Change washing machine machine or iron

Organisations that can help: Adult Helpdesk 01452 426868 for referrals to occupational therapy and social care services; Mears Safe at Home

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Large handled cutlery

for assistance with fitting equipment 0800 032 3139; GIS Healthcare on 01452 520438 to buy equipment.

This Directory’s helpline 0800 389 2077 – information on choosing and paying for care

In the bathroom

Shower board

Grab rail

Raised toilet seat Tap turners

Long-handled sponges

Toilet seat and support frame

What you What is difficult have to do for you Wash hands, • Turning the taps face and • Standing at the basin body • Basin is too low or too high • Can’t reach all parts of the body Have a bath • Turning the taps • Stepping into the bath • Risk of slipping in the bath • Getting up out of the bath • Difficulty washing your back

Simple solutions • Tap turners • Long-handled sponge • Flannel strap • Call Adult Helpdesk on 01452 426868 • Strip wash • Non-slip mat in bath • Tap turners • Buy a long-handled sponge • Half-step

More complex solutions • Lever taps or new taps • Stool

Complex solutions • Raise or lower basin • Showers

• Grab rails • Bath board • Bath seat • Lever taps or new taps

Dry yourself

• Heat bathroom • Non-slip mat • Towelling gown • Raised toilet seat • Combined toilet seat and support frame • Flush lever extension •C all Adult Helpdesk on 01452 426868 Toothbrush gripper

Change floor covering

• Bath lift • Mobile hoist • Ceiling track hoist • Replace bath with shower • Convert bathroom to a wet room • Consider care in your own home Hot air body dryer

• Floor is slippery • Room is too cold • Difficulty in drying body Use the toilet • Toilet is too high or too low • Difficult to clean yourself • Flush lever is awkward • Toilet is hard to get to

Clean teeth Have a shower

• Gripping the toothbrush • Standing at the basin • Difficult to stand for long shower • Strip wash • Shower too high • Non-slip mats • Shower controls are awkward • Half-step • Shower is slippery • Not enough room to move

Organisations that can help: Adult Helpdesk 01452 426868 for referrals to occupational therapy and social care services; Mears Safe at Home

• Buy a commode • Buy a portable urinal • Grab rails

• Specialist toilet • Alter position of toilet • Request shortterm loan of commode

• Electric toothbrush • Stool • Shower board • Shower chair or stool • Replace shower controls

for assistance with fitting equipment 0800 032 3139; GIS Healthcare on 01452 520438 to buy equipment.

Visit www.carechoices.co.uk for further assistance with your search for care

19

Making life easier in your home continued There are several small changes you can make to your home to make life easier, such as fitting lever taps or grab rails and you may need a handyperson to do this for you. You can often get

recommendations from friends and neighbours.

Or get in touch with Mears Safe at Home on 0800 032 3139 or through www.yourcircle.org.uk

Day centres A number of local organisations run day centres, providing activities, good company and a meal.

Age UK - Most people are referred to the centres through health and social care services, but there are private

places available. For more information or to make a referral contact 01452 616173 or email heather.woodward@ ageukgloucestershire.org.uk For details of independently-run day centres, go to www.yourcircle.org.uk

Telecare Gloucestershire County Council’s Telecare service is free for people who meet the council’s criteria. Telecare places sensors around the home that monitor for accidents and emergencies.

Telecare can support people with dementia, learning disabilities, physical disabilities and mental health problems.

It uses technology to communicate directly with a monitoring centre.

Sensors detect potential dangers, such as smoke or flooding, and alert the monitoring centre. Telecare can also provide support for people prone to wandering or with memory difficulties.

In the event of an emergency, a trained operator will respond immediately.

The monitoring centre is staffed by trained operators 24 hours a day.

Operators provide different responses depending on your requirements. These may include: • reassurance if it isn’t an emergency -

20

the operator can hear your voice and talk to you; • contacting a relative or friend to check that you are safe, healthy and happy; • contacting your housing manager or scheme manager; and • contacting an ambulance, the fire service or the police.

Telecare can help you live independently in your own home by giving peace of mind to you and your relatives. The equipment is simple to use and can be tailored to suit your needs, for example, it can alert a carer or a care worker in an emergency instead of a monitoring centre.

You can also purchase your own telecare system, including pendant and sensors, from a number of independent providers.

For more information go to www.yourcircle.org.uk

This Directory’s helpline 0800 389 2077 – information on choosing and paying for care

Carers A carer is any person who provides unpaid help regularly to a partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour who is frail, has physical or mental health illness, disability or issues with substance misuse.

One in eight or more of the adult population may become carers at some point in their lives and help and support is available. There are many organisations that can give you information, support and help.

Support for carers Carers Gloucestershire is an independent, countywide, carer-led organisation which offers information, support, advice and advocacy. Contact them on 01452 386283 or go to www.carersgloucestershire.org.uk Gloucestershire Young Carers has several groups across the county which provide help, support and social activities for young carers. For more information go to www.glosyoungcarers.org.uk The county council runs regular Positive Caring courses for carers around the county.

Weekly sessions over six weeks will focus on different aspects of the caring role such as how to access services, finances, how to look after yourself and juggling caring with other responsibilities.

Help is available with transport and alternative care For more information or to book a space, contact Chris Cam on 01452 500885 / 426254 or e-mail Christine.cam@gloucestershire.gov.uk Visit: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/ article/106051/Positive-CaringProgramme Carers’ Emergency Scheme Do you worry about what would happen to the person you look after if you were taken ill or caught in an emergency?

The Carers’ Emergency Scheme can give you peace of mind. For more information go to www.gloucestershire. gov.uk/emergencycare

A Carer’s Assessment A Carer’s Assessment gives you the opportunity to talk to a social care professional about your caring role and to find out what help and support is available to you. Anyone who provides a substantial amount of care on a regular basis can have a Carer’s Assessment. This does not test your ability to look after the person you care for but it will:

• recognise the crucial care you are providing; • look at how the care you provide affects other aspects of your life; • determine what might help you in your caring role and help maintain your own health and well-being; and • see if those needs can be met by social care or other services. continued on page 22

Visit www.carechoices.co.uk for further assistance with your search for care

21

A Carer’s Assessment continued You can have a Carer’s Assessment even if the person you are caring for has no involvement with social care.

For further information go to

www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/ article/105048/Request-a-carersneeds-assessment or contact the Adult Helpdesk on 01452 426868.

Respite for carers Respite schemes, or short breaks services, are aimed at providing short breaks for carers of people with longterm illnesses or disabilities. Care is provided for a specified period of time and may be within a residential home, a respite care service or within the person’s own home. Alternatively, it may take the form of a worker taking the cared-for person out to give the carer some time to themselves.

For further information contact the Adult Helpdesk on 01452 426868, go to www.yourcircle.org.uk or www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/ article/109565/Local-organisations

Sitting service If you care for someone you may need someone to stay with them while you go out. Home care agencies often provide this service as well as some charities.

For more information, call the Adult

Helpdesk on 01452 426868, go to www.yourcircle.org.uk or www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/ article/109565/Local-organisations

Travel and transport Community transport Community transport includes doorto-door transport. It varies by local area and has to be pre-booked. Dial-arides are wheelchair accessible and are

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generally for anyone who has difficulty with public transport. Services, fares, eligibility and the kind of journeys you can make vary from place to place.

This Directory’s helpline 0800 389 2077 – information on choosing and paying for care

Public transport Information about public transport can be found by calling Traveline on 0871 200 22 33. Calls cost 10p a minute from a land line.

Or try one of these websites: www.stagecoachbus.com www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/bustimetables http://traveline.info

Am I still safe to drive?

SAGE - Safer Driving with Age is a programme providing older drivers with support, guidance and coaching to enable them to drive for as long as it is

safe to do so.

Go to www.roadsafety-gloucestershire. org.uk for more information.

The Blue Badge scheme Under current regulations, badges may be automatically issued to disabled people (whether drivers or passengers) if they: • receive the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA); • are registered severely sight impaired; • use cars supplied by a government department or receive a government grant towards their own vehicles; or • receive a War Pensioners Mobility Supplement.

Other people may be issued a badge if their disability is permanent and

substantial and makes them unable or virtually unable to walk. For example, applicants should generally be physically incapable of visiting shops, public buildings and other places unless allowed to park close to their destination. Please remember, a badge will not be issued under this particular rule to a person who will just be travelling as a passenger.

The current cost of a Blue Badge is £10.

For further advice, visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk or contact the Blue Badge office at Gloucestershire County Council on 01242 532302 or Adult Helpdesk on 01452 426868.

Accessibility services Shopmobility schemes hire out or lend manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs and powered scooters to anyone who needs help with mobility to get around. In Gloucestershire, there are Shopmobility centres in Cheltenham and Gloucester.

Pre-booking is advised in both Cheltenham (contact 01242 255333) and Gloucester (contact 01452 302871) There are 8,000 locked toilets specifically for disabled people. You can get a key from most tourist offices or www.radar-shop.org.uk

Visit www.carechoices.co.uk for further assistance with your search for care

23

Keeping well To ensure people age well, and later years are accompanied by good health, it’s important to remain active, engage in regular exercise, maintain your social

contacts and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Chronic disease, disability and poor health don’t automatically come with old age.

Keeping active As people get older, keeping active can help them remain independent for as long as possible. Improving strength and balance can prevent falls and keep people from slowing down, so they can keep living the life they want.

Some of the benefits of keeping active include: • a reduced risk of developing a lifethreatening disease; • a greater likelihood of maintaining or reaching a healthy weight; • a greater sense of well-being; and • improved sleep and increased vitality.

If you are concerned about falling, talk to your GP about being referred to a suitable exercise group through the exercise on prescription scheme or to your local district council who can advise on suitable activities in your area.

Remember, before beginning a new exercise regime, it’s a good idea to talk to your GP. For more information go to www.yourcircle.org.uk

There are many activities that can help prevent falls and these include: • community exercise groups specifically developed for increasing strength and balance; • tai chi is a form of exercise that has many health benefits and can improve balance; • swimming improves muscle tone and strength while the body is supported; • walking in a group can benefit fitness as well as being a social activity; and • dancing can improve fitness and balance.

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T: 01452 426868 E: yourcircle@gloucestershire.gov.uk

This Directory’s helpline 0800 389 2077 – information on choosing and paying for care

Healthy lifestyles Health trainers Community health trainers are local people who have been trained with the skills to help you make a real difference to your health. They offer free and confidential one-to-one advice to support you in improving your health and wellbeing.

They can help with: • improving your wellbeing, reducing stress and feeling better about

• • • •

yourself; healthy eating and weight management; stopping smoking; sensible drinking; and becoming more physically active.

For more information on the community health trainers, contact 01452 554408 or email gloshealth.trainers@ independencetrust.co.uk

Alcohol If you are concerned about your drinking, contact your GP. Your GP may offer you advice or support in the practice, put you in touch with

Independence Trust community health trainers or refer you to another professional, such as a hospital consultant.

Smoking There is support to give up smoking in Gloucestershire. Gloucestershire NHS Stop Smoking Service is a free NHS service provided by NHS Gloucestershire, which offers support

and advice to people who are motivated to quit smoking.

If you are motivated to quit, contact 0300 421 0040.

Social activities Social activities play an important part in keeping you fit and healthy. This could be meeting a friend for lunch or a cup of tea, going to the theatre with your children or attending a day centre regularly.

The In Touch project may be able to advise you about activities in your area.

Contact 01452 528491.

Visit www.carechoices.co.uk for further assistance with your search for care

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Volunteering Volunteering is a great way to stay active, meet new people, learn new skills or use old skills!

Find out more at Volunteering Gloucestershire on 0845 310 5337 or www.volunteerglos.org.uk

Foot care Looking after your feet can help prevent falls. There are many specialist advisers locally.

For more information go to www.yourcircle.org.uk

Hearing and sight problems It is estimated that more than one in seven people have some degree of hearing loss – that’s over 9 million people in the UK alone. There are several reasons for hearing loss. The Action on Hearing Loss (formerly the RNID) website at www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk has lots of information, including some pointers that might indicate you are losing your hearing. If you are losing your hearing, you might find yourself struggling to communicate and realise that your quality of life is not as good as it could be. Hearing aids can help give you back confidence and independence.

If you have concerns about your hearing, visit your GP who can advise you on the options available to you before purchasing any equipment.

Gloucestershire Deaf Association (GDA) is the county’s frontline organisation supporting deaf and hard of hearing people. You can visit their centre in Gloucester on Wednesdays for advice and to purchase specialist listening aid equipment and visual alerters. Contact GDA on 01452 372999 or visit their website at www.glosdeaf.org.uk

26

The information at www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk will tell you all you need to know about hearing aids, whether you already have them or you are thinking about getting them.

Visit your optician or GP if you’re concerned with any aspect of your eyes or vision. Some general health conditions eg diabetes show themselves in the eye and an optometrist is trained to detect these. They will refer patients to other healthcare professionals as appropriate.

If appropriate, you may be referred to a consultant ophthalmologist who will assess whether you qualify for registration as either: • sight impaired (partially sighted); or • severely sight impaired (blind).

If they think you do qualify, the ophthalmologist will complete a certificate of vision impairment and send it to the sensory team at Gloucestershire County Council.

If loss of sight is making life difficult, Insight Gloucestershire (formerly GCAB) can provide you with information and advice. They support all people who have

This Directory’s helpline 0800 389 2077 – information on choosing and paying for care

Hearing and sight problems continued sight difficulties, not just blind people.

Contact 01242 221170 or www.insight-glos.org.uk The Sensory Services Team at Gloucestershire County Council can give advice, support, skills training and information to visually impaired people, their families and care workers. To access their support call the Adult Helpdesk on 01452 426868.

The RNIB also sells equipment to help you manage. Contact 0303 123 9999 or www.rnib.org.uk If you live in the Forest of Dean, the Forest Sensory Service at the Forge

Centre, Cinderford can give advice and support. Contact 01594 827711 or email forestsensoryservices@btconnect.com

Money matters Benefit assessment Benefits may help you manage your finances more easily.

There is a range of benefits, tax credits and other financial support that you may be able to receive if you are unemployed and looking for work. It also provides you with additional income when your earnings are low, if you are bringing up children, are retired, caring for someone, are ill or have a disability.

Disability Living Allowance is a taxfree benefit for disabled children and adults to help with extra costs they may have because they are disabled. It is not based on your disability but the needs arising from it, for example, if you need someone to help look after you.

The online tool - DirectGov Benefits Adviser can help you find out what is

available by visiting www.direct.gov. uk. The Citizens Advice Bureau also has online advice or you can contact your local office.

AgeUK will also help older people to access benefits. Call their national advice line: 0800 169 6565 or Age UK Gloucestershire on 01452 422660 or email enquiries@ageukgloucestershire. org.uk There are several other helplines that give general advice about benefit entitlement: • Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance Helpline: 08457 123 456 • Employment and Support Allowance and Incapacity Benefit: 0800 055 6688 Or you can visit: www.direct.gov.uk

Visit www.carechoices.co.uk for further assistance with your search for care

27

Money management Do you need advice on managing your money?

Keeping a regular eye on your personal finances will help you make the most of your money. Reviewing things like your bank accounts, mortgage, pension and savings will help make sure they’re still right for you. It will also alert you early to

potential financial problems.

If you’re in debt and finding it hard to cope, it’s important to deal with the problem straight away - the longer you ignore your debts, the worse the situation becomes.

Managing your money, especially on a low income, is not always easy. If you are struggling, it is important to get help and advice as soon as possible. The CAB Advice Guide can give advice and you can get support from the local CAB offices.

If you are on a low income and receive a pension you may be entitled to pension credit. See the websites: www. adviceguide.org.uk, www.direct.gov.uk and www.firststopcareadvice.org.uk

Legal advice A will sets out who will benefit from your property and possessions (your estate) after your death.

Although you do not have to make one by law, it is the best way to make sure your estate is passed on to family and friends exactly as you wish. If you die without a will, your assets may be distributed according to the law rather than your wishes.

There are many good reasons to make a will: • you can decide how your assets are shared - if you don’t have a will, the law says who gets what; • if you’re an unmarried couple (whether or not it’s a same-sex relationship), you

l l l l 28

can make sure your partner is provided for; and • you can make sure you don’t pay more Inheritance Tax than necessary.

You can draft a will yourself or use a solicitor. If you choose to write your own will you can buy a form in the high street eg from WH Smith. If you choose to use a solicitor you can find a local firm on the following website, www.lawsociety.org. uk/choosingandusing/findasolicitor.law Other useful websites: www.direct.gov.uk www.ageuk.org.uk.

T: 01452 426868 E: yourcircle@gloucestershire.gov.uk

This Directory’s helpline 0800 389 2077 – information on choosing and paying for care

Keeping safe Protecting vulnerable adults Far too many vulnerable adults suffer abuse, neglect and worse, often at the hands of relatives and care workers, those who you would least expect to treat them in that way. A vulnerable adult is a person aged 18 years or over who may be unable to take care of themselves, or protect themselves from

harm or from being exploited.

This may be because they have: • a mental health problem; • a disability; • a sensory impairment; • some form of illness; or • are old and frail.

What is adult abuse?

Abuse is mistreatment by any other person that violates a person’s human and civil rights. The abuse can vary from treating someone with disrespect to causing actual physical suffering.

It can happen anywhere - in a care home, a hospital, in the workplace, at a day centre, at home or in the street. Abuse could be physical, sexual, psychological, emotional or financial.

The person who is responsible for the abuse is very often well known to the person abused and could be: • a care worker or volunteer; • a health worker, social care or other worker; • a relative, friend or neighbour;

• another resident or service user; • an occasional visitor or someone who is providing a service; or • someone who deliberately exploits vulnerable people.

If you think someone is being abused call Gloucestershire County Council’s Adult Helpdesk on 01452 426868. Your concerns will be taken seriously and will receive prompt attention.

If the abuse is also a crime such as assault, racial harassment, rape or theft you should involve the police to prevent someone else from being abused.

If the police are involved, the Adult Social Care Team will work with them and with you to support you.

Visit www.carechoices.co.uk for further assistance with your search for care

29

Staying safe in your home Trading Standards regularly receive complaints from people who have had work carried out by rogue traders, especially doorstep sellers.

Sometimes traders will call at the door uninvited offering to carry out work on your house, such as repairs to driveways, guttering or your roof.

Do not feel that you have to open the door to any unknown caller. If you decide to have work done, do not agree until you have: • checked the trader’s name and address; • been given written notice of a right to cancel; • checked the price by getting other quotes; and

• a clear agreement in writing on the work to be done and how much it will cost.

Trading Standards has No cold callers door stickers available for you and your neighbours, which may act as a deterrent. These are available from Trading Standards on 01452 426201.

If you live in Gloucestershire and are unsure how to handle a trader cold calling at your door or wish to report a rogue trader, contact Gloucestershire County Council on 01452 426201, or email coldcallers@gloucestershire.gov.uk Look on the Buy With Confidence website to find an accredited trader: www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

Are you safe from fire?

Smoke from a house fire can kill. After just two or three breaths of toxic smoke, you’re unconscious. Your lungs fill up and you can’t breathe. That’s why it’s so important to have a home safety check.

Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service has three dedicated community safety advisers who visit older and vulnerable adults at home and fit smoke alarms and discuss escape routes in case of fire.

These checks and the smoke alarms are free of charge.

To arrange a home safety check call 0800 180 4140 or go to www.glosfire.gov.uk If you have an electric blanket, you can have it checked by Gloucestershire Home Safety Check Scheme. Contact 01452 550575.

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This Directory’s helpline 0800 389 2077 – information on choosing and paying for care

Keeping safe at home - intruders and unwanted visitors If you are concerned about keeping safe from intruders and unwanted visitors, visit the Gloucestershire Police website

for more information and advice: www.gloucestershire.police.uk

Housing with care Extra care housing New forms of sheltered housing and retirement housing have been pioneered in recent years, to cater for older people who are becoming frailer and less able to do everything for themselves. These are known as ‘extra care’, ‘very sheltered’ or ‘assisted living’ developments (or schemes).

These schemes provide self-contained wheelchair-friendly accommodation

that meet the requirements of people who need care and support. For example, the bathrooms are fitted with walk-in showers to make it easier for older people to maintain their independence. Schemes usually have their own care staff and provide one or more meals each day. Extra care housing provides a real alternative to residential care for older people.

Sheltered (or retirement) housing Sheltered housing for rent is owned and managed by councils and housing associations across the region.

Sheltered housing is a practical step if you would like more security and companionship or wish to downsize from a larger home that has become difficult to manage. Private providers have also developed retirement housing for sale within the county. In a sheltered (or retirement) housing scheme you would live independently in a flat or bungalow built especially for older people within a larger complex, sometimes around a garden or communal facility and linked to a central control centre for security.

Visit www.carechoices.co.uk for further assistance with your search for care

31

For more information Gloucestershire Care & Support Services Directory Gloucestershire

tory 2013/14

es Direc Care & Support Servic

Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham

to The comprehensive guide for care / support choosing and paying • Domiciliary care / support

t care • Useful contacts • Care homes • Specialis

In partnership with

Available from Gloucestershire County Council and published

by Care Choices (who also produced this guide), the Gloucestershire Care & Support Services

Directory contains useful editorial and comprehensive lists of home care providers, care homes and care homes with nursing in Gloucestershire. Ask for a copy from the Adult Helpdesk on 01452 426868.

The Directory is also available on the website: www.carechoices.co.uk

This guide’s helpline This guide’s free helpline provides an independent information and help service encompassing care, accommodation, funding and rights for older people. A personalised report can be generated for customers, providing details of all care homes or housing with

32

care schemes that meet their criteria, with supplementary information about choosing and funding.

Call 0800 389 2077 to build a profile of exactly what type of care you’re looking for, while taking into account your personal needs and interests.

This Directory’s helpline 0800 389 2077 – information on choosing and paying for care

Care Visits at Home We care passionately

This service is commissioned by NHS Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire County Council and the six Local Authorities.

We deliver the following services: • Handyperson Service Ramps, Grab Rails & Small Repairs • Free Personal Advisor Guide you through any grants process • Technical Service Plans Drawings and Design • Bathroom design Wet Rooms/Level Access Showers • Home from Hospital support

For more information please contact: FREEPHONE

0800 0323139

WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

EMAIL MHIGlos.enquiries@mearsgroup.co.uk

www.mearsgroup.co.uk

www.bluebirdcare.co.uk our staff Our staff are caring, trained to give medication and police checked. alternative Bluebird Care offers a realistic cost effective alternative to residential care. With familiar friends, relatives and possessions around, Bluebird Care ‘just happens’.

What we offer We offer everything from personal care to shopping, cleaning or social visits. In fact everything you need to stay in the comfort of your own home.

Call and talk to one of our friendly professional team Bluebird Care (North Gloucestershire) Suite 4, Westgate House, The Island, Gloucester GL1 2RU Tel: 01452 414952 Email: nglos@bluebirdcare.co.uk Bluebird Care (Stroud & Cirencester) 3b Nelson Street, Stroud GL5 2HL Tel: 01453 757 937 Email: stroudandcirencester@bluebirdcare.co.uk

Crossroads Care Forest of Dean, your local Carers Support charity (no:1086841) and not for profit CQC registered care agency provide practical help and personal support to families and individuals both at home and out and about in the community.

Supporting your independence and choice through: • Personal care or domestic support • Support to attend medical appointments & social events • Active living day opportunities • Carers respite – regular or one off • Chosen provider for carers breaks and social support for Gloucestershire county council

For an informal chat contact 01594 823414 or email admin@crossroadsfd.org.uk

Visit www.carechoices.co.uk for further assistance with your search for care

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DoCare believe that everyone has a right to support in their own home ✓ Do you or a relative need help with day to day tasks? ✓ Do you or a relative need support but want to keep your freedom and individuality? ✓ Would you like free help and advice to get the right support at home?

Whether for yourself or a loved one DoCare can offer you the support you need and help make every day a better day.

Call us on 0333 700 0333 to qualify for your complimentary consultation. We will be delighted to come and meet you to discuss your needs so that we can help make every day a better day for you and your loved ones.

DoCare operates in Bristol, Cirencester, Cheltenham, Dursley, Stroud, Gloucester, Yate, Witney and surrounding areas.

Email:

info@docare.co.uk Web: www.docare.co.uk

www.facebook.com/DoCareLtd

Head Office: Griffin Mill, London Road, Thrupp, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 2AZ DoCare is accredited with the local authorities of Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire, Bristol City and Oxfordshire and registered with the Care Quality Commission

Take control of your medication with a FREE weekly dosette tray.

•

Your medication is extremely visible and accessible with times clearly stated.

•

A dosette tray is safe, easy to use, compact, light-weight and bio-degradable.

•

You don’t need to worry about forgetting your medication as you can see at a glance which tablets you have taken.

•

Best of all we can pick up your script from the surgery, order your medication, manufacture the box and deliver to your home for free.

Please telephone or visit your nearest branch for more details

www.badhampharmacy.co.uk

Looking

for care or support?

For independent, impartial information on your care options, call this Directory’s helpline on freephone 0800 389 2077

34

This Directory’s helpline 0800 389 2077 – information on choosing and paying for care

We offer a quality home care service tailored to meet the individual needs of our clients ‘the service user’ We are a family run company with a wealth of care experience.

We understand peoples’ needs differ and are committed to supplying a service that is person centred; dedicated to meeting your specific needs.

We are able to help in all areas of care and support for example our services include: • Personal care (bath/shower/wash) • shopping • sitting service • Prepare and serve meals • light house work • hygienically clean kitchen and bathroom • changing bed linen • Put to bed • laundry • overnight stays We appreciate that when you have carers visiting it can often feel like you are losing control and your choices are being limited.

We believe it is very important that you feel in control and have as many choices as possible and work hard to meet these objectives.

tel: 01285 640420 email: info@carefulcareltd.co.uk www.carefulcareltd.co.uk 1a meadow road, cirencester, Gloucestershire Gl7 1ya

In all my dealings with Careful Care “I have found everyone friendly, highly competent and professional and couldn’t ask for better.

”

feel free to contact us for an informal chat to discuss whether we are able to meet your care needs or the care needs of a member of your family. carers are trained in all aspects of care including dementia training and end of life qcf (nvq) training is encouraged.

DO YOU LOOK AFTER SOMEONE? DO YOU NEED HELP? SUPPORTING CARERS AND PEOPLE WITH CARE NEEDS IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE We offer a high quality range of care services including the following: • Respite breaks for carers • 24/7 services • Personal care & support • Assistance with medication • Dementia care • Learning disability support • Palliative care • Shopping service • Meal preparation • Support with accessing appointments • Group activities, social events and outings • Night service • Light household duties • Holiday cover

If you’re interested in our services please call our referral service on

01453 768836

Cirencester

Stroud

Cheltenham

Tel: 01285 650168 Fax: 01285 885752

Tel: 01453 755999 Fax: 01453 756999

Tel: 01242 584844 Fax: 01242 262908

Email: infociren@ crossroadscandeg.org.uk Web: www.crossroadscandeg.org.uk

Email: infostroud@ crossroadscandeg.org.uk

Email: infochelt @crossroadscandeg.org.uk Web: www.crossroadscandeg.org.uk

Web: www.crossroadscandeg.org.uk

We are a registered charity. Charity Number: 1111055