Gloucestershire Help to Live at Home Guide 2014/15

Gloucestershire

Help to Live at Home Guide 2014/15

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

Contents Welcome to the Help to Live at Home Guide Essential advice and information Help at home Home care agencies Paying for care in your own home Do I have to pay for social care?

Advocacy Eligibility for state benefits Attendance Allowance Meal providers Equipment and adaptations at home How can an occupational therapist help me?

4 4 8 8 9 9 9 10 10 11 11 12

Supporting people to stay independent 12 Reablement support provided by Health & Adult Social Care 12 Rehabilitation in a day centre 13 Short stay residential rehabilitation 13 Making life easier in your home In the living room In the bedroom In the kitchen In the bathroom Day centres Stay safe and independent at home with Gloucestershire Telecare

14 14 15 16 17 18

Carers Support for carers A Carer’s Assessment Short breaks for carers Sitting service

19 19 19 20 20

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

The Blue Badge Scheme Accessibility services

20 20 21 21 21 21 22

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Keeping well Keeping active Keep well Keep warm

22 22 23 23

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

24 24 24 24 24 24 25 25

Money matters Benefit assessment Money management Legal advice

26 26 26 27

Keeping safe Protecting vulnerable adults What is adult abuse?

27 27 27

Staying safe in your home Are you safe from fire?

Keeping safe at home - intruders and unwanted visitors

28 28

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

29 29 29

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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 Social Care Helpdesk on 01452 426868 or email: socialcare.enq@gloucestershire. gov.uk.

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 Gloucestershire County Council, working in partnership with a range of organisations and services, provide support and advice to help people stay safe and independent in their own homes.

Over the past year people have told us in surveys, workshops and interviews that they want more choice, control, and help to stay living independently in their own homes wherever possible.

Everyone here at Gloucestershire County Council is committed to providing good quality support to help people to achieve that.

We are passionate about making a real difference to people’s wellbeing and their ability to continue to live safely and independently at home, and this guide has been produced to help people in Gloucestershire find out about the services available here that could help them.

In this guide 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 when you need a little extra support and help.

We’re keen to tell you and your family and friends about the great 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.

Whatever your own personal circumstances and whether you are required to pay for own care or not we can provide information and advice on a range of options or put you in touch with local organisations and service providers through our website, www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/socialcare or by calling the Adult Social Care Helpdesk on: 01452 426868.

I hope this guide helps you and your family make informed decisions about the choices available to you in Gloucestershire.

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.

With best wishes,

Councillor Andrew Gravells Cabinet member for Older People, Gloucestershire County Council

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

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of options, as well as information and advice.

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

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

Village and Community Agents: • provide high quality information; • put people in direct contact with organisations that can provide the service they need;

The

In Touch Project

• carry out practical checks; and • help develop community activities.

Thirty eight agents work countywide, 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 Social Care 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 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

Care & Support Services Directory contains Gloucestershire Care & Support Services Directory useful editorial and comprehensive lists of home care providers, care homes and care homes with nursing in Gloucestershire.

Available from Ask for a copy from the Adult Social Care Gloucestershire County Helpdesk on 01452 426868.

Council and published by The Directory is also available on the Care Choices (who also produced this guide), the Gloucestershire website: www.carechoices.co.uk Visit www.carechoices.co.uk for further assistance with your search for care

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Essential advice and information continued Looking for care or support?

This guide’s free helpline provides an independent information and help service encompassing care and accommodation.

A personalised report can be generated for you providing details of home care providers, care homes and care homes with nursing.

One call to the freephone number 0800 389 2077 will enable the service to build a profile of exactly what type of

care you’re looking for, while taking into account your personal needs and interests.

The website: www.carechoices.co.uk allows you to search by postcode or region for care homes, care homes with nursing and home care providers across the country. Your search can then be saved and emailed to others. You can also view an electronic version of this guide on the site and have it read to you by using the ‘Browsealoud’ function.

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: 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 £10 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) and offers 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 either new and 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

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

Essential advice and information continued around the county.

For more information please contact Holly Mills, Connect project co-ordinator at GRCC, on 01452 528 491 or email on connect@grcc.org.uk Magic Mouse is run by Age UK Gloucestershire at locations in

Cheltenham and Gloucester. Sessions are taught by volunteers, so there is a small charge to cover their costs and can be held in your own home if required.

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

• 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

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

l l l l

With so many providers to choose from, where do you start? www.carechoices.co.uk can help.

developed by the publisher of this Directory

• • • • • • •

search care providers quickly and easily search by postcode/town and care type Information on standards of care links to the latest inspection reports extra information, photos and direct website links for hundreds of providers request a brochure checklists to take with you when you visit

Alternatively, call our friendly helpline team on 0800 389 2077 to talk to someone directly.

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 one-toone support to help people get out and about. This is sometimes referred to as ‘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 supply 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 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 carers 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 carers have a Disclosure and Barring Service 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 carers before deciding whether to go ahead?

• How many carers would be caring for you?

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

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

• Will the carers 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, some 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 providing 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.

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

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.

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

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Eligibility for state benefits If you are under 65, you may be eligible for Disability Living Allowance (now Personal Independence Payment).

You may be eligible for Attendance Allowance if you are over 65.

If you have reached the pensionable age for a woman, irrespective of whether you are male or female, you are eligible for an age-related concessionary bus pass entitling you to free travel on most local bus services throughout England

between 9.30am and 11pm Mondays to Fridays and all day at weekends. Certain exceptions apply, for example bus passes cannot be used on night buses.

If you have not yet reached the pensionable age and you have a disability, you may still be eligible for a concessionary bus pass.

For more information please visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/buspass or call 01452 426265.

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 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, or if you are terminally ill and claiming under special rules (see below).

• 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.

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 quicker and easier. 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 your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

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,

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

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 Social Care 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, visit 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, 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 by a health or social care worker.

You can also contact the Adult Social Care 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 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 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.

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

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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 Social Care Helpdesk on 01452 426868 and ask for an OT assessment.

Some reputable equipment suppliers have qualified OTs linked to them or you could find your own qualified OT by calling 0800 389 4873 or by visiting www.yourcircle.org.uk Do not buy expensive equipment, especially from doorstep 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 www.asksara.org.uk and get plenty of ideas about care and support needs, visit: www.asksara.org.uk

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.

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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;

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

Reablement support provided by Health & Adult Social Care continued • look at ways to manage your worries or concerns; or • 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 daycare provided by independent organisations, visit 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 providing 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 Social Care 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 HAVE TO DO

WHAT IS DIFFICULT FOR YOU

• Get in and out • Standing up from of chairs sitting is difficult

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

MORE COMPLEX SOLUTIONS

• Ready made chair • Block of foam in chair base raisers if your chair • Buy a new chair – get is low professional help to make sure the height is right • Regular gentle exercise • Get up regularly, to keep mobile

COMPLEX SOLUTIONS • Buy electric riser chair

• Open and • Can’t reach windows • Move furniture out of the way close windows • Not secure to leave • Gadget to open/ close window windows open

• Remove window opener • Install extractor fan • Install new windows

• Environmental controls

• Control heating

• Can’t reach controls • Change switches for fire or heating • Fit timer switch

• Move heating controls

• Install new or additional heating system

• Switch lights on and off

• Can’t reach switch • Switch is difficult to use

• Light switch toggle • Socket extension • Handi-plugs

• Move light switches • Replace light switches

• Environmental controls

• Keep warm

• Affording the fuel • Carrying the fuel • Control heating

• Insulate your home • Ask for a winter fuel payment • Use a trolley – if you can safely lift the fuel into the trolley

• Replace the fire

• Get a grant • Change to a cheaper heating system

• Watch TV

• Hear the sound of the TV

• Use subtitles

• See GP

• Get a room loop • Request an assessment for a hearing aid

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

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0800 032 3139; GIS Healthcare on 01452 520438 to buy equipment; Warm and 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 Easy grip scissors

M T W T F S S

Pill dispenser Bed raisers

WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO

WHAT IS DIFFICULT FOR YOU

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

MORE COMPLEX SOLUTIONS

COMPLEX SOLUTIONS

• Get in and out of bed

• Standing up from sitting on the bed • Difficult to move from wheelchair to bed • Bed is hard to reach

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

• Fit grab rails • Buy a new bed mattress • Transfer board

• 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

• Checking the safety of your electric blanket

• Contact 01452 550575 to make an appointment for a safety check with Gloucestershire Home Safety Check Scheme

• Getting dressed

• Difficult to reach all of your body

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

• Buy simple gadgets: long handled shoe horn; elastic shoe laces; dressing stick; button hook; stocking aids

• Consider care in your own home

• Cut your nails

• Can’t reach feet • Hard to hold scissors

• Easy grip scissors

• See a podiatrist

• Take your tablets

• Opening bottles • Remembering to take tablets

• Ask pharmacist for an easy to open bottle • Keep a note when you have taken a tablet

• Get a pill dispenser with days and times marked

• Read the time

• See the clock to tell the time

• Buy a clock with larger numbers

• Buy a clock that ‘speaks’

Organisations that can help: the Adult Social Care Helpdesk on 01452 426868 for referrals to occupational therapy and social care services and for

• Ask someone to prompt you

advice on learning 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

Liquid level indicator

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

Large handled cutlery

WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO

WHAT IS DIFFICULT FOR YOU

• Reach cupboards

• Cupboards are too high or low • Cupboards are too deep • Cupboard doors are too heavy

• Re-arrange things in • Alter spring in door cupboards/on surfaces closers • Buy Easi-Reacher or HandiReacher

• Lower or raise cupboards

• Use taps and switches

• Taps or switches are too awkward • Can’t reach taps or switches

• Fit tap turners

Alter kitchen

• 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

• Food processor • Sit at a table • Range of kitchen gadgets • Perching/ high stool • Buy a trolley available: knife with a thick handle; chopping board with spikes; pan handle holder; teapot tipper; lid gripper.

• Moving around the kitchen

• Not enough space

• Re-organise furniture

• Eating and drinking

• Cutlery is hard to grip • Food/ plate keeps slipping • Can’t carry food to table • Can’t lift cup

• Buy a trolley • Contact Adult Helpdesk on 01452 426868 • Large handled cutlery • Non-slip mat • Lightweight insulated cup • Use a cup with two handles

• Laundry and ironing

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

• Wall-fixed ironing board

Organisations that can help: the Adult Social Care Helpdesk on 01452 426868 for referrals to occupational therapy and social care services; Mears

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MORE COMPLEX SOLUTIONS

• Change switches • Raise or reposition taps • Fit lever taps or new taps

COMPLEX SOLUTIONS

• Change height of work surface • Make space under work surface for knees when sitting

• Review mobility equipment • Adaptation to used kitchen

• Raise/ lower washing machine

• Change washing machine or iron

Safe at Home 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

WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO

WHAT IS DIFFICULT FOR YOU

• Wash hands, face and body

• Turning the taps • Standing at the basin • Basin is too low or too high • Can’t reach all parts of the body

• Contact Adult Helpdesk on 01452 426868 • Tap turners • Long-handled sponge • Flannel strap

• Lever taps or new taps • Stool

• Raise or lower basin • Showers

• 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

• Strip wash • Non-slip mat in bath • Tap turners • Buy a long-handled sponge • Half-step

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

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

• Dry yourself

• Floor is slippery • Room is too cold • Difficulty in drying body

• Heat bathroom • Non-slip mat • Towelling gown

• Change floor covering

• Hot air body dryer

• Use the toilet • Toilet is too high or too low • Difficult to clean yourself • Flush lever is awkward • Toilet is hard to get to

• Contact Adult Helpdesk on 01452 426868 • Raised toilet seat • Combined toilet seat and support frame • Flush lever extension

• Buy a commode • Specialist toilet • Buy a portable urinal • Alter position of • Grab rails toilet • Request short-term loan of commode

• Clean teeth

• Toothbrush gripper

• Electric toothbrush • Stool

• Gripping the toothbrush • Standing at the basin

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

Toilet seat and support frame

• Strip wash • Have a shower • Difficult to stand for long • Non-slip mats shower • Half-step • Shower too high • Shower controls are awkward • Shower is slippery • Not enough room to move

Organisations that can help: the Adult Social Care Helpdesk on 01452 426868 for referrals to occupational therapy and social care services; Mears

MORE COMPLEX SOLUTIONS

COMPLEX SOLUTIONS

• Shower board • Shower chair or stool • Replace shower controls

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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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

Stay safe and independent at home with Gloucestershire Telecare What is Telecare?

Telecare is a service to help you, or your relatives, stay at home safely and independently. Telecare can help people with physical disabilities, memory problems, learning disabilities, mental health conditions and older people.

It can help reduce the risk of hospital admission, delay going into a care home, reduce the need for domiciliary care and help you maintain your independence with daily tasks while giving reassurance to carers or family too.

How does Telecare work?

Discreet, simple sensors detect potential emergencies at home like: • falls; • wandering; • taking medication incorrectly; • fire; • flooding; or • carbon monoxide and gas leaks.

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The special equipment is linked to a 24/7 monitoring service. When an alarm is raised a trained operator will help you manage the situation and get you help if needed. A responder could be a friend, family member, neighbour or someone else in a position to help.

Telecare equipment is simple and easy to use. It can include: • fall detectors; • bed and chair sensors; • movement sensors; • smoke and heat detectors; and • medication prompting devices.

It is so discreet once installed you often forget it is there.

Find out more Call: 01452 426868 Visit: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/ telecare Linked to this website is a new self-help

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

Stay safe and independent at home with Gloucestershire Telecare continued option offering free online professional advice. This gives the opportunity to assess whether Telecare would work for you. It then gives you the option of purchasing Telecare equipment privately, whether you are eligible for social services support or not, offering

greater choice and flexibility over care options. You can also refer yourself to Gloucestershire Telecare to see whether you are eligible for a free service.

Gloucestershire Telecare is delivered by Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust on behalf of Gloucestershire County Council.

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 386 283 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.

A Carer’s Assessment A Carer’s Assessment can help you support the person you care for. 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; or • see if those needs can be met by social care or other services.

You can have a Carer’s Assessment even

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A Carer’s Assessment continued 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 Social Care Helpdesk on 01452 426868.

Short breaks for carers Short breaks for carers services are aimed at providing short breaks for carers of people with long-term 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 on their own at home.

For further information contact the Adult Social Care Helpdesk on 01452 426868, or visit 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 further information contact the Adult

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

Travel and transport Concessionary Bus Passes If you have reached the pensionable age for a woman, irrespective of whether you are male or female, you are eligible for an age-related concessionary bus pass that will entitle you to free travel on most local bus services throughout England between 9.30am and 11pm on Mondays to Fridays and all day at weekends. Certain exceptions apply, for example bus passes cannot be used on night buses.

If you have not yet reached the pensionable age and you have a disability, you may still be eligible for a

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concessionary bus pass. Under current regulations you will be entitled to a concessionary bus pass if you: • receive the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or score eight Personal Independence Payment (PIP) points or more; • registered severely sight impaired; • registered profoundly deaf; or • receive a War Pensioners Mobility Supplement.

Other people may be issued a pass

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

Concessionary Bus Passes continued if their disability is permanent and substantial and makes them unable or virtually unable to walk.

For more information please visit

www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/ CommunityTransport or call 01452 426265.

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

and are 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.

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

from a landline. Or try one of these websites: www.easytraveling.org.uk/gcc/ www.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.roadsafetygloucestershire.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); • score eight points or more under the ‘moving around’ activity of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP); • are registered severely sight impaired; • receive a War Pensioners Mobility Supplement; or

• receive an Armed Forces Compensation Award.

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

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

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The Blue Badge Scheme continued 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 the Adult Social Care 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

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; or • improved sleep and increased vitality.

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

There are many activities that can help

If you are concerned about falling, talk to

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

Keeping active continued 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

Keep well Read how to stay healthy, heat your home and get financial help in the leaflet ‘Keep Warm Keep Well’ by visiting www. gloucestershire.gov.uk/warmandwell If you are in need of urgent but not life-threatening medical help and advice contact NHS 111, a service available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and calls are free from landlines and mobiles or Choose Well (www.choosewellglos.nhs.uk).

It’s especially important over the winter months that you seek help early if you are feeling under the weather. To prevent

a minor illness like colds, coughs and sore throats developing into something more serious get advice from your local pharmacist or at NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk) Protect yourself and others around you by getting the flu jab.

Keep warm Call the free Warm and Well advice line on 0800 500 30 76 or text WARM to 83010 for free, impartial advice on how to heat your home and access grants for home improvements.

Older people can also get energy efficiency advice from Mears Safe at Home, telephone 0800 032 3139.

To find out if you are eligible for the tax free Winter Fuel Payment call 08459 151515 or visit www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment Mears Safe at Home has also teamed up with British Red Cross to offer free home safety checks to help older people maintain independence through its Positive Steps programme.

Contact 0117 941 5041.

It is free of charge and tailored to meet your needs but could include a Home Safety Check or British Red Cross staff or volunteers visiting you once a week for up to six weeks to support you by: helping with shopping; providing companionship; collecting prescriptions; contacting other support agencies; or accessing local activities or appointments.

The Big Community Switch is joining residents together to help make savings on fuel costs too. The Gloucestershire Big Community Switch Helpline is open between 8.30am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday, contact 01452 425757 if you have an enquiry.

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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 touch with Independence Trust community If you are concerned about your drinking, health trainers or refer you to another contact your GP. Your GP may offer you advice or support in the practice, put you in 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 a relation or attending a day centre regularly.

The In Touch project may be able to advise you about activities in your area, contact 01452 528491.

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

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

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

Foot care Looking after your feet can help prevent falls. For more information go to There are many specialist advisers locally. www.yourcircle.org.uk

Hearing and sight problems It is estimated 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 Royal National Institute for the Deaf (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 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 like 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 GCAB (Gloucestershire County Association for the Blind) can provide you with information and advice. They support all people who have sight difficulties, not just blind people.

Contact 01242 221170 or www.glos-blind.co.uk The Sensory Services Team at Gloucestershire County Council can give advice, support, skills training and information to visually impaired people, their families and carers. To access their support call the Adult Social Care 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 Forget Centre, Cinderford can give advice and support. Contact 01594 827711 or email forestsensoryservices@btconnect.com

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

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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, care for someone, are ill or have a disability.

Disability Living Allowance is a taxfree benefit for disabled children under 16 and adults aged over 65 on 8th April 2013 who were already receiving it. It helps with extra costs they may have because they are disabled. It began being replaced by Personal Independence Payments (PIPs) in 2013.

PIPs are tax-free, non-means tested benefits that help towards some of the extra costs arising from a long term illhealth condition or disability and is based on how a person’s condition affects

them, not the condition they have.

The DirectGov website has links to useful benefits calculators. They 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.

Age UK 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: • Personal Independence Payments Helpline: 0345 850 3322 • Attendance Allowance Helpline: 0345 605 6055 • Employment and Support Allowance Contact Centre: 0800 055 6688 Or you can visit: www.gov.uk

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

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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 Citizens Advice Bureau Advice Guide can give advice and you can get support from the local Citizens Advice Bureau 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.gov.uk

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

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

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 for example, from WHSmith.

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.gov.uk www.ageuk.org.uk

Keeping safe Protecting vulnerable adults Far too many vulnerable adults suffer abuse, neglect and worse, often at the hands of relatives and carers, 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 condition; • a disability; • a sensory impairment; • some form of illness; and • 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 paid carer or volunteer; • a health worker, social care or other worker; • a relative, friend or neighbour; • another resident or service user;

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What is adult abuse? continued • 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 the Adult Social Care 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.

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 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; or

• 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 www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk to find an accredited trader.

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 and Rescue Service has two dedicated community safety advisers as well as the firefighters from 22 fire stations who visit older and vulnerable

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adults at home, fitting smoke alarms and giving advice on fire safety in the home.

They can also access many other safety items to improve safety from fire in the home.

These visits, smoke alarms and safety items are free of charge.

To arrange a home safety check call 0800 180 4140 or go to www.glosfire.gov.uk

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

l l l l

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

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

Please visit: www.ageuk.org.uk or www.housingcare.org for further information.

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

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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 • Group activities, social events and outings • 24/7 services • Personal care & support • Assistance with medication • Dementia care • Learning disability support • Palliative care • Shopping service • Meal preparation • Support with accessing appointments • Night service • Light household duties • Holiday cover

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

01453 768836

Cirencester

Gloucester

Tel: 01285 650168

Tel: 01452 302542

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

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

We are a registered charity. Charity Number: 1111055

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

CARE VISITS AT HOME We care passionately 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

www.bluebirdcare.co.uk

Bluebird Care (Stroud & Cirencester) 3b Nelson Street, Stroud GL5 2HL Tel: 01453 757937 Email: stroudandcirencester@bluebirdcare.co.uk

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

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

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Supporting Carers and those they care for throughout the West of Gloucestershire 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 • Carers respite – regular or one off • Palliative support • Supported social events for Carers and Cared for • Day Centre activities through our ‘Active Living Programme’ • 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