My Care Guide by Champion Media Group

Care MY

GUIDE

Your guide to local care facilities and services including day care, respite care and residential care

��

MY CARE GUIDE

��

�� MY CARE GUIDE

��

Contents

��

06 08 14 16 22 25 26 29 32 36 38 43 50 56 57 58

Introduction Residential Care Local Authority Care Going into Care Mobility Aids Day Centres Health Care Equity Release Days Out Shopmobility Community Care Respite Care Motability Planning Retirement Age Concern Useful Contacts

Editorial .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Natasha Robson Advertising .. .. .. .. .. .. Kate Hartley & Karen Simms Design .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Mike Rose & Ian McCabe

My Care Guide

��

Champion Media Group

��

Clare House, 166 Lord Street, Southport, PR9 0QA Telephone : 01704 392 392

��

PUBLISHED BY

www.champnews.com MY CARE GUIDE

��

MY CARE GUIDE

��

Welcome to your personal copy of

My Care Guide which has been carefully designed to help you make sense of the myriad of care services available in the area

For some, care can be a confusing and difficult subject - but it neednâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be. There are certainly plenty of options, and once you have found the services or products right for you, you will wonder how you managed without them. From residential care to community care and respite care, this guide will answer all your questions and point you in the right direction if you need to find out more. It can be an emotional time when a loved one is in need of care, and the pressure of providing that care or finding a care-giver can be overwhelming. It is important to first determine the type and level of care that you or your loved one needs, before exploring the wealth of options open to you. 6

This guide will advise you on the types of care available and point you in the right direction when you decide which is the route for you. There are a variety of schemes and aids available that designed to make your life easier and this guide will highlight a number of these, including Shopmobility, Motability and helpful disability aids. Your guide covers a wide range of care avenues, including services available through your local authority and the NHS. We have also included some contacts who will be able to provide you with further information or answer specific queries. Whatever the type or level of care you require, your Care Guide contains details of all the experts in your area who you can rely on for a professional service to meet your needs. î Ž MY CARE GUIDE

��

MY CARE GUIDE

Residential Care Although residential care is generally associated with older people, there are also homes for younger adults with disabilities and children or adolescents with physical disabilities or emotional problems. Elderly residential care can be split into two basic types - care homes and care homes with nursing. Care homes offer personal assistance, such as prepared meal, help dressing and going to the toilet and taking medication. More independent residents will be able to take care of much of their own needs in many homes. Nursing homes are specially registered to provide medical care to residents. Some homes specialise on the type of patients they cater for, for example those with dementia. You will need a financial assessment before going into residential care, as the cost of a care home is means tested in England. Care homes for adults in England are regulated by Care Quality Commission or CQC and each care home is inspected at least every three years. There are three different types of inspection - key, random and thematic. Key inspections are the most thorough and care providers are not normally informed in advance of the inspections. MY CARE GUIDE

Random shorter inspections take place when there is a specific issue that needs to be followed up and thematic inspections follow a theme, for example how medication is managed. Care homes are given star ratings - three for excellent, two for good, one for adequate and zero for poor. Ratings and inspection results for individual care homes can be found at www.cqc.org.uk All residential homes must meet national minimum standards. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s care homes are regulated by Ofsted - www.ofsted.gov.uk Choosing a residential home can be a difficult task and it is important to do your own research on what is right for you or your loved one. Always visit homes personally rather than choosing one from a brochure or website. It is essential to get a feel for where you or your loved one will be living, meet the staff and find out its advantages and disadvantages compared with other homes in the area. It is a good idea to take a questionnaire along with you on each of your visits, so it is easier to make comparisons afterwards. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel embarrassed about asking questions. î&#x20AC;Ş 9

Residential Care

Care homes will offer varying facilities and activities and may have different rules on the amount of independence residents can have. For example, will they be allowed out into the gardens on their own? Also ensure the care home is able to fulfil required dietary specifications or religious or cultural needs. Visiting arrangements are also important. Is the care home easy to reach for family? Are visiting times convenient? Will you be able to take your loved one on outings and will you be able to contact them by telephone? Social services will be able to provide you with information about residential homes in your area. Websites are available that offer useful tools to quickly compare care homes by area and the facilities they offer. This may be a useful place to start your search. You could also contact a voluntary organisation that has expertise in the particular disability of your loved one. Useful organisations include Counsel and Care, for older people, Mencap, for people with a learning disability, the National Autistic Society, for people with autism, Leonard Cheshire Disability, for people with a physical disability and Mind, for people with a mental health problem. Bear in mind that it could be a fairly traumatic time for someone going into residential care. The fear of the unknown and thought of leaving familiar surroundings behind can be difficult until they settle in, so be understanding and try to make their transition as stress-free as possible. You may be upset yourself to see them move away from you, but try not to show it. î Ž 10

MY CARE GUIDE

��

MY CARE GUIDE

��

� ��

��

�� 12

��

MY CARE GUIDE

��

‘�

��

’

��

MY CARE GUIDE

Adult social care, as provided by local authorities, is undergoing a national transformation initiated by the Department of Health. The aim is for the approach to become more personalised, and council social services departments now provide individuals with their own care budget to spend how they think is best, after a thorough assessment. Those eligible will be given more freedom to choose the support they receive. They can choose to receive direct payment and employ carers of their choice, or have the council pay for their preferred care package directly.

MY CARE GUIDE

Local Authority Care Services A Lancashire County Council spokesman said: “People that are eligible for social services will be offered a personal budget that is allocated to help them live their life the way they wish. The person will decide how they will spend their money to best meet their care needs and personal outcomes, which may give more opportunities to pursue individual interests, education, employment and voluntary work in their local community. Following an assessment, an indicative budget will be allocated to the person. This will help them to plan what support they need to help live the life they choose. They can use this money flexibly and creatively, enabling them to have more control over who provides the support and the way it is organised.” Lancashire County Council provides a wide range of care services, including: care at home, for people who need assistance with daily living tasks; supported living for disabled people and adults with learning disabilities; short term re-enablement and rehabilitation services and telecare, offering specially adapted technologies to give people peace of mind in their own home. Day services are also available, as well as residential care for temporary or permanent accommodation. “We strongly recommend that everyone who is considering residential care, even if they can afford to fully meet the costs themselves, requests an assessment,” the spokesman added. MY CARE GUIDE

“The assessment will recommend what sort of home will best meet the person’s individual needs to help people and their carers choose the most appropriate care.” Carer breaks can also be arranged. Sefton Council also provides a variety of care services, including residential care, day care, care in the home, respite care and reenablement. The county council has a Help Direct service, to promote independence and improve wellbeing by providing people with information, advice and access to helpful, practical support and community services in their district. The main aim of Help Direct Gateways is to help people get the right practical support, individual guidance and information they need before a problem becomes a crisis. A directory of well-being services will be available through Help Direct and will contain information about a wide range of local practical support as well as links to home improvement agencies, care and repair agencies and safe traders. In West Lancashire, Age Concern Lancashire has been appointed to provide the community support service. For more information contact 0303 333 1000. Contact your local council for a care assessment. 

Going into Care It can be difficult and emotional to raise the subject of a loved one needing care. Children can often feel awkward taking an ‘adult’ role in deciding their parents’ future. Research by home care company Home Instead Senior Care, has revealed that almost one third of adults find it difficult to start conversations with their parents about certain life issues. They are hoping to promote the ‘40:70 rule’, sharing the idea that if you are 40+ and your parents are 70+, it is time to start talking before an emergency occurs. “With the UK’s rapidly ageing population, more and more adult children will find themselves tongue-tied when dealing with certain issues relating to their elderly parents,” Anthea Pilkington and Irene Godwin of Southport-based Home Instead said. “What does an adult son say to his mother when she’s reversed the car into a lamppost again? How does a grown daughter enquire about her widowed father’s new relationship without causing offence? How does an adult son ask his mother if she’s taking her medications like she should?” A guide to conversation starters and responses to awkward topics is available online at www.homeinstead.co.uk as well as an assessment tool for adult children to gauge the quality of their conversations with their parents.  16

MY CARE GUIDE

��

MY CARE GUIDE

��

�� 18

MY CARE GUIDE

��

MY CARE GUIDE

��

�� 20

��

�� MY CARE GUIDE

��

MY CARE GUIDE

��

MY CARE GUIDE

Mobility & Disability Aids Investing in some specialist aids to help you get about or perform everyday tasks can make a world of difference. For someone determined that their disability will not stop them enjoying their freedom, there is a gadget to help with almost every circumstance. Some basic aids may be available for loan through local healthcare providers or occupational therapist, depending on your individual circumstances, but there are many companies who specialise in all varieties of disability aids, for the home, on the move and for general use. In the kitchen, aids such as a kettlepouring frame, interchangeable ergonomic grips, bottle and jar openers and self-opening scissors can make cooking or making the tea much more manageable. For the bathroom, a raised toilet seat, shower handles, a bath or shower chair, tap-turners or bath steps can make your bathing experience much more stress-free and pain-free. An orthopaedic mattress, supportive pillows, a motorised bed, dressing aids or a bed table can provide extra comfort in the bedroom. For the living room, a riser-recliner chair, or a device that will turn a regular armchair into a riser-recliner, can make the world of difference. General helpful items include daily pill boxes, non-slip material to use around the MY CARE GUIDE

house, a reacher to avoid bending to pick things up, a seat-turner to help getting into the car and a walking frame or trolley will make daily chores a piece of cake. These are just a very small selection of the wide variety of helpful items available. Some items, for example wheelchairs or riser-recliner chairs, can be pricey but will be a worthwhile investment that you will wonder how you did without. Larger scale investments, such as a lift or stair lift, can help a person live longer in their own home. For many, an accident or long-term condition can make the stairs impossible and carrying a person up and down stairs can only ever be a short-term solution, and even then can make the person feel helpless. Stair lifts are suitable for most homes, but there are limitations depending on the design of your staircase. A simple straight stair lift is the most costeffective, but a lift for curved stairs can be designed, although it is more costly. Each lift should be made to measure. Do your homework when choosing a stair lift, as they will cost a lot and not be easy to change if you have a problem. Many varieties of lift are available, including for outdoor as well as indoor use. It is also possible to rent stair lifts by the month. î Ž 23

��

�� 24

MY CARE GUIDE

Day Centres

Day care is provided through numerous centres across Sefton and West Lancashire, through various agencies including local authorities, private care companies, health trusts and charities. Day centres can be handy as respite for a regular carer, or as a pleasant change to a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s regular routine. They will specialise in varieties of care, such as for the elderly, adults with learning disabilities, mental health or people with specific conditions such as dementia. Generally they provide a range of activities, which may include craft, gentle exercise, entertainers or speakers, games or quizzes or trips out. Meals are also provided so ensure you leave full instructions detailing any special dietary needs. Through Lancashire County Council, support for adults with a disability was historically provided in a traditional day centre MY CARE GUIDE

setting. Our emphasis now is to provide more support in a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own community enabling them to access housing, learning, employment and leisure opportunities. Day services are provided in various locations across the county, including resource centres, community settings or within a supported living service, amongst others to enable people to live as independently as possible. Sefton offers day care for the elderly at Chase Heys in Churchtown, run by New Directions. People using this service may live on their own, with family or a carer. Access to day centres is normally by referral from agencies such as a GP, social worker, mental health services or care co-ordinator. Charges for day care vary between each facility so it is best to contact the centres directly for up-to-date fees and details of how to pay. î Ž 25

MY CARE GUIDE

Health Care It is important to determine how to access healthcare local to you, what is available and what help with costs you are entitled to, if any. If you are not already registered with an NHS doctors’ or dental surgery, you can find your nearest by visiting www.nhs.uk or by contacting NHS Sefton or NHS Central Lancashire. It is vital to have regular eye tests so that any need for glasses or contact lenses can be spotted early before the problem worsens. Some eye diseases can only be diagnosed through an eye test. You are entitled to a free NHS sight test if you are under 16, or under 19 and in full-time education, aged 60 or over, registered blind or partially sighted, diagnosed as having diabetes or glaucoma, aged 40 or over and determined as being at risk of glaucoma or if you receive certain benefits. You can claim vouchers towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses if you are under 16, are 16, 17 or 18 in full-time education, need complex lenses or you or your partner receive certain benefits including Pension Credit Guarantee Credit or Income Support. Good oral hygiene is always important. Some people may scrimp on their dentist visits because of fear or unwillingness to pay for treatment - but you will always pay for poor tooth care when you are older and decay and gum disease will cost you dearly in the end. Our teeth are one of the first things other MY CARE GUIDE

people notice about us so it is vital to keep them clean and healthy. If you pay for NHS dental treatment, there are three standard charges depending on the treatment you need. You will only pay one charge for each course of treatment, even if you need to visit your dentist more than once to finish it. As from April 2009 the following charges apply: Band 1 (eg an examination, diagnosis or scale and polish) £16.50; Band 2 (everything in band 1 plus treatment such as a filling, root canal or tooth removal) £45.60; Band 3 (everything in bands 1 and 2 plus crowns, dentures or bridges) £198. You are entitled to free NHS dental care if you are under 18, 18 and in full time education, pregnant or have given birth in the past year, an NHS in-patient and the treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist, an NHS Hospital Dental Service out-patient or you are receiving certain benefits. You can get free NHS prescriptions if you are 60 or over, under 16, 16 to 18 and in full-time education, are pregnant, or have had a baby in the past year and have a valid exemption certificate, have a continuing physical disability which means you cannot go out without help from another person and have a valid exemption certificate, are an NHS in-patient, are on certain benefits or are a war pensioner, the prescription is for your accepted disablement and you have a valid war pension exemption certificate.  27

��

MY CARE GUIDE

Equity Release Equity release is becoming increasingly popular with home-owning senior citizens who want to enjoy their retirement in comfort and style. The scheme allows you to keep your house while acquiring a steady stream of income. The repayment comes later on - usually from your estate after you die, which makes equity release ideal for individuals who do not wish to leave large amounts to heirs. There are two basic types of equity release plan available in the UK. A lifetime mortgage, which is the most popular, is where the homeowner retains their property, but it is charged with the repayment of a loan which accrues interest over the homeownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifetime. Many companies provide an equity release calculator so you can work out how much cash can be released to you. A reversion plan is where the homeowner sells all or part of their property to the equity release provider in return for the right to remain living there rent-free. All equity release providers in the UK are regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Advantages of the scheme including being able to get your hands on a cash lump sum, tax free, or receiving a steady income, and being able to reduce the amount of inheritance tax paid by your estate. Also the borrower is protected from a fall in the housing market by the no negative equity guarantee (NNEG). Some disadvantages are that it may reduce the amount you can bequeath to charity and it may affect the amount of means-tested benefits you are entitled to. Discuss your circumstances with a financial advisor or financial service provider if you are considering equity release. î Ž MY CARE GUIDE

��

MY CARE GUIDE

��

1082447

��

MY CARE GUIDE

Days Out

and things to do If you’ve got a day to yourself, you’ll never be short of a way to spend it in the North West and beyond. Everything from the region’s colourful culture and history, the stunning landscapes of the great outdoors, an energetic sports session or hours of relaxation are just a short trip away to help you care for your body and mind. Southport and other towns across Sefton and the wider North West area have a diverse range of attractions to suit every taste, and almost every attraction, shop, restaurant and bar now have facilities designed to make life easier if you are elderly or disabled. Or - if you fancy a change of scenery - why not head for the hills or one of Britain’s bigger cities? A range of coach companies offer trips to some of the country’s best attractions and country tours of areas including North Wales, Scotland and the Lake District, and are designed to offer you the benefits of seeing Britain in complete care and comfort. Many of these operators can also take you to places where you can shop ‘til you drop, including the likes of London’s shopping streets, The Trafford Centre, and the historic centre of Chester. Wherever you choose to go, you know you’re in good hands. If you fancy letting the train take the strain, both Merseytravel and Northern Rail offer special deals for senior citizens and disabled travellers, or why not ask your local council what discounts they might be able to offer you? MY CARE GUIDE

Even if you don’t feel like heading so far away there’s no shortage of things to do, depending on what interests you and how energetic you’re feeling. Southport is renowned as being one of Britain’s best golfing centres for a good reason, and there really is an abundance of courses both in and around the town, and in surrounding towns such as Formby. With many fully accessible to the disabled and welcoming of senior citizens, the region’s golf courses offer you the chance to either sharpen up your skills or go for a full round on one of the many of the courses situated at locations across the region. If that sounds like too much effort, why not let some of the region’s most professional therapists and health workers pamper you? There is a wide range of spas, beauty treatments and therapy specialists based in the North West who are willing to help out, whether you’re trying to alleviate an ailment or just treating yourself for the day. After that, you could refresh yourself with a bite to eat at one of the area’s many restaurants and cafes, of which many run special deals for senior citizens and other customers who deserve a little extra care. Whatever you do, you’re sure to find friendly faces who are more than willing to make your day a wonderful one worth remembering, where professionals passionate about their work are waiting to look after you.  33

��

�� 34

��

MY CARE GUIDE

��

�� MY CARE GUIDE

��

MY CARE GUIDE

Shopmobility Shopmobility is a national scheme, run by local authorities, that lends wheelchairs and powered scooters to members of the public who have a permanent or temporary disability and need help getting around. It allows people to enjoy the retail and leisure facilities of a town more freely. In Sefton there is a Shopmobility centre in Southport, located in the car park on Tulketh Street. A new centre opened in July at the Eco Centre, in the Esplanade park and ride. Wheelchairs and power chairs can be hired for the day, overnight or for longer periods and scooters are normally used on a daily basis. All the vehicles can be delivered to or collected from a hotel, railway station or coach point, subject to volunteer availability. Users need to register before borrowing any equipment and you will need to provide ID and two passport photos to do this. There is an annual membership fee of £25, with each hire charged at £2 per day. Daily membership is available at £4 per day. Overnight hire costs extra. Advanced booking is recommended by calling 01704 546654. A free advocacy service is also available for disabled people or their carers who live in Sefton. In West Lancashire Shopmobility is available in Ormskirk - at Two Saints Place Retail Park, facing the park and in between Morrison’s and the swimming baths - and on ground floor of the Concourse Shopping Centre in MY CARE GUIDE

Skelmersdale within the Scootermart shop. Membership costs are currently £10 per year plus £1 per use of the equipment during opening hours (10am - 4pm). Long-term hire is also available Before using the equipment you will have to provide proof of identity, and take a short ‘driving test’ of the scooters. Tuition is also available for people who have recently bought a mobility scooter or is thinking of buying one. For more details call Shopmobility Ormskirk on 01695 570055 or Shopmobility Skelmersdale on 01695 550066.  37

MY CARE GUIDE

Community Care Community care covers a broad range of care services, from companionship through to medical care, provided in a patient’s home. Aimed at people who require ongoing care for a long period, either full time or at regular intervals, community care is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to residential care. We all value our independence, and for many people the choice to be cared for in their own home can make a difference to their life and health. Different care companies often specialise in a certain type of care, so first of all you will need to decide the specific care needs you require. Some specialise in 24 - hour care, while others mainly provide regular shor t- term visits. Services vary greatly, from companionship and personal assistance, to household chores, accompaniment to hospital appointments and night-sits, in case the person is in need of help at night. Care may also be required for a patient with a specific condition, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. MY CARE GUIDE

Some companies can also provide care abroad, with a tailored holiday package. Whichever type of care you or your loved one needs, there are certain points you need to remember. Firstly, the best type of recommendation is word of mouth. Ask around friends and family to see if they have had any experience of community care companies and ask what they think. Companies’ websites also provide a wealth of information and are a good starting point to find out if they are right for you. It is important to meet your potential future carer before taking them on. If you or your loved one do not get on with them then don’t feel uneasy about asking for someone different. Carers and the person they care for need to get on well and feel at ease in each other’s company. If not this will only make life more difficult for the patient. “Continuity of care is very important people like to see the same faces calling at the same time,” Sara Mellor of Community Care Direct says. “We always send a smiley, friendly face to our clients.”  39

Sometimes people do not like to admit or accept that they are in need of care. They may not have any specific illness or condition, but as people get older, problems with mobility can make day-to-day tasks more taxing and time-consuming. Help with personal care such as bathing, dressing and eating can give people more time and energy to enjoy the rest of their day. Home help services such as prescription collections, housekeeping, preparing meals, shopping and caring for pets and houseplants can also prove invaluable. Companionship services can offer a person the chance to enjoy a walk or a friendly chat with someone who can soon feel more like a friend than a carer. This can be combined with other services to make a huge difference in a person’s life and really give them something to look forward to. Some community care providers are able to provide holiday services, where clients can enjoy a trip abroad that could normally prove a difficulty. Companies can arrange transport and accompany the client on their holiday to provide a reassuring helping hand and allow them a world of freedom. Your local council’s social services department may be able to help with some home care services, if you fulfil certain criteria. This is normally limited to provisions such as help with washing and dressing, preparing meals and domestic chores. The services and criteria can vary depending on which local authority area you live in so it will be necessary to clarify this with your council. It is generally provided to older people, disabled people, adults with learning disabilities and people with mental health problems and can be tailored to suit your specific needs. The care you are eligible for will be determined by an assessment. There is generally a very high demand for council care services, so priority will be determined by each individual’s needs. A financial assessment will also be carried out to determine how much you will need to pay for your council care. If you believe you or someone you love may be in need of community care, make the first steps into finding out more. If you are unsure, consult your GP for advice. Also make use of the contacts provided in this guide, or call your local council. Sefton Council: 08451 400845 Lancashire County Council: 0845 053 0009  40

MY CARE GUIDE

��

MY CARE GUIDE

��

� ��

�� 42

MY CARE GUIDE

Respite Care

Carers can often neglect their own health and needs when looking after a relative or loved one full-time. Respite care is a short-term alternative to a person’s normal care arrangements that gives carers a much-needed break to catch up with their own needs or day-to-day chores. With this type of care, cover can be provided for a few hours up to several weeks to allow the caregiver to have a holiday. Respite can be a lifeline to a care-giver and it is important for carers to take regular relaxing breaks rest is beneficial to health as well as self-esteem and mood. Carers can often feel guilty for taking a break from looking after their loved-one, but a carer who is stretched too thinly can become ill or depressed, making life more difficult for them and the person they care for. “I think sometimes it can become too much for a person, especially if you are an unpaid carer,” Irene Godwin, of Southport-based Home Instead Senior Care said. MY CARE GUIDE

“If you are looking after someone 24/7, it can be very, very tiring. People do need a little bit of a break and we can step into that role when needed.” When possible, the carer should aim to discuss the respite care arrangements with the person they look after to see what they would prefer. The person - especially if they suffer from a certain condition, dementia for example - may not want to leave their familiar surroundings or understand why they would have to go. There are numerous formats for respite care. It can take place in the home using professionals from a care agency; short-term care at a residential care home, nursing home or hospital or day care at a specialist centre. If a respite carer is coming to your home, make sure you leave full instructions, preferably in writing, along with emergency contact numbers.  43

MY CARE GUIDE

Respite Care

It will also involve lengthy discussion about the person’s individual needs and the type of care that is required. Meet the carer who will step into your role during your break, and make sure the person you care for is comfortable with them. Do not feel awkward about asking for a different carer who may be better suited to get along with the person you care for - it is their needs that are important. There are different types of care that can be provided. Help with personal care includes daily tasks such as dressing, feeding or help going to the toilet. Domestic help can involve meal preparation, shopping trips and light cleaning and household chores. Skilled health care, which requires the help of trained professionals, addresses medical needs. If you are going away on holiday, your loved one may enjoy a short break too at a specialist respite care residential home. The change of surroundings and the chance to meet some new friends and try out new activities could do them good. You will need to check with individual care homes as to whether they provide a respite service, and it is advisable to book well in advance. Take your loved one along to the centre before they go to stay. Make sure they are happy with it and let them get to know the staff and other residents. This will also help allay any nerves they may have about their stay away from home. MY CARE GUIDE

There are some specialist centres that provide short break facilities with 24-hour care. These can include day trips and outings as well as on-site leisure facilities. It is also worth checking for local day centres that specialise in catering for your loved one’s needs. This is another alternative to consider when looking for respite care. Remember that it is not selfish to want or need a rest. Southport resident Marie Robinson chose a private care company to give in-house respite care to her elderly mother when she needed a break. “My mother was adamant she wanted to stay at home so we respected her wishes,” Marie said. “At first she was unsure about having people she didn’t know come in and look after her, but at the same time she knew I had to have a break and have the chance to do dayto-day tasks like going to the bank or doing the washing. “As soon as she met her new carers she loved them and really looks forward to them coming. She loves chatting with them and they always shower her with compliments and make her feel like the most important person in the world.” For further information on respite care, contact some of the experts listed in this guide or call the Citizens’ Advice Bureau or a specialist charity, such as Carers UK who will advise on the rights of carers and how to access support.  45

��

1082254 ��

MY CARE GUIDE

��

MY CARE GUIDE

��

MY CARE GUIDE

��

�� MY CARE GUIDE

MY CARE GUIDE

Motability The simple Motability Scheme allows disabled people to exchange their government-funded mobility allowances for a car, a powered wheelchair or a scooter. National charity Motability oversees the scheme, which has supplied over 2million cars and powered wheelchairs to customers since it was launched by the Government in 1978. With over 4,000 cars available and 250 on offer at no more than the cost of the weekly mobility allowance, Motability’s Car Scheme includes a new car every three years, full insurance, road tax, tyres, breakdown cover, 60,000 miles over three years and servicing, maintenance and repairs. Adaptations and wheelchair accessible vehicles are also available. Customers can also choose to make an additional advanced payment and increase the choice of vehicles available to them. The payment may range from £50 to thousands of pounds depending on the vehicle chosen. Vehicles range from small run-arounds and 4x4s and automatic cars are available. Alternatively, the Powered Wheelchair and Scooter Scheme offers full insurance, breakdown cover, tyres and batteries, servicing maintenance and repairs and a free no obligation home demonstration with the wheelchair or scooter. The advance payment is payable in one lump sum to the Motability dealer at the start of the contract hire lease. MY CARE GUIDE

Anyone wishing to own the vehicle at the end of the agreement can also opt for a hire purchase plan. To be eligible to join the Motability Car Scheme, you must receive either the Higher Rate Mobility Component (HRMC) of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA), which is currently at £46.75 per week, or the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WMPS), currently at £52.25 per week. Plus, anyone who is eligible for the contract hire package doesn’t need to drive the car. Up to two friends or relatives may be nominated as drivers and parents or carers can apply on behalf of a child aged three years and above. Proposed drivers must not have any serious driving convictions, disqualifications or endorsements within the last five years, and some restrictions apply to under-25s and provisional licence holders. To choose the contract hire scheme you must have at least 12 months’ award length remaining and to choose the hire purchase agreement you must receive the allowance for the full length of the agreement. For more information on the Motability Scheme or to search for a dealer, log on to www.motability.co.uk. To check whether you are eligible to claim the DLA, call the Disability and Carers Service on 08457 123456 or visit www.direct.gov.uk. To enquire about the WPMS, call the Service Personnel & Veterans Agency on 0800 169 2277 or visit www.veterans-uk.info.  51

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Wills

Trusts & Tax

A will is one of the most important documents you can make, yet many people die without having made one. Without a will you will not have control over who your estate passes to and it could be that your estate has to pay taxes which could have been avoided.

Our clients include a wide range of people who require legal advice on a broad spectrum of legal issues. We advise on estate planning to minimise inheritance and capital gains tax, assist trustees with the administration of estates, which can often be large and complex. The private Client department at Dickinson Parker Hill can advise on all the issues which may affect private individuals and trustees including:

By having a will you can...

 Minimize inheritance tax  Pass your estate to those you want to benefit  Protect your children  Set up a trust on your death Making a will is one of the easiest things you can do to ensure that on your death your loved ones are provided for and ensures that they have peace of mind over what will happen to your estate. Constant changes to the law mean it is important to review your will on a regular basis. Often, the making or reviewing of a will can lead to reviews of other areas of your personal affairs and we have long standing relationships with a range of professional advisors who can assist you with these matters as well.

 Administration of estates  Agricultural estates  Asset Protection  Capital tax and estate planning  Post death tax planning  Trusteeship  Trust administration  Trusts for the disabled All of these issues can seem daunting and complex but we can guide you through these issues and provide you with straight forward advice.

Elderly Client Services • Managing affairs - we can assist in • Court of Protection - we can advise on applications for a Deputy to be appointed and also advise those already appointed. • Living Wills - we can advise on the preparation of living will so that your family and doctors are aware of your wishes regarding medical treatment. • Long term care - we can advise on the range of issues associated with long term care 52

management of your affairs to ensure that you have sufficient income and capital for your needs. • Powers of Attorney - we can advise on Enduring Powers of Attorney, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Ordinary Powers of Attorney and assist attorneys already appointed

MY CARE GUIDE

Our other services

 Accident Claims  Commercial Services

 Moving House  Family  Commercial and Residential Property

We at Dickinson Parker Hill are proud of our Firm and the contribution that it has made to the community and people of the West Lancashire area. We are probably the oldest firm of Solicitors in the area, and can trace our origins back to early 1800’s. We have been putting our clients’ interests first for many years, and it is our aim to continue to do that for many more. We offer a comprehensive range of legal service tailored to their own unique needs. Above all we are approachable and provide a friendly, efficient service. Please feel free to call for a confidential, no obligation discussion about your legal requirements.

Ormskirk

Large public car park at the rear Access available from Leyland Way

Tel. No: 01695-574201 Fax No: 01695-579986 info@dphlaw.co.uk www.dphlaw.co.uk

Contact our Private Client Department: Micheal Prendergast: mprendergast@dphlaw.co.uk Elizabeth Taylor: etaylor@dphlaw.co.uk 22 Derby St, Ormskirk L39 2BZ Tel: 01695-574201 • Fax 01695-579986

1082448

22 Derby Street Ormskirk L39 2BZ

Age Concern Here for you

Age Concern Southport has its headquarters near to the town centre in Tulketh Street and for the last 40 years we have been providing high quality services to local older people. Our core services are Information and Advice - where staff and volunteers handle telephone and face to face enquiries from almost 3,000 people a year across a broad spectrum of topics - Counselling, Bereavement and Loss Services and Active Ageing/Social Activity groups. In June this year, Age Concern Southport began a trading operation and we now offer a range of insurance services tailored to and designed with older people in mind. Many people living in and around Southport have an Age Concern insurance policy, whether it’s travel insurance, home contents insurance, motor insurance or a pre-paid funeral plan. A lot of people prefer to transact their business with a person rather than a call centre, so we now open our insurance office in Tulketh Street every Tuesday between 10 am and 2 pm. Every penny of profit we make from trading is paid back into the charity and this helps to fund existing work and develop new services for local older people. One of our newest services is Equity Release. In the centre pages of this Care Guide you will see an advert for Age Concern Liverpool’s Equity Release Service and would probably wonder what they are doing advertising in a Southport publication. Age Concern Liverpool and Age Concern Southport made the decision to join forces and 54

formally merged in 2008, providing additional security for both agencies and allowing us to enjoy some of the financial benefits of being a bigger organisation. Whilst our combined forces now mean that we cover all of Liverpool and most of Sefton’s area, we know how important local services are to the people who use them and we have committed to retaining this local focus for Southport residents. We can’t achieve all this without practical support from our team of Volunteers, and we’d like to take this opportunity to publicly thank them for their support, enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment without which we would not be able to provide anything like the range of services we do. We are always on the lookout for more help though, so if you have some time to spare then we’d be delighted to hear from you and let you know what opportunities are available. As an Age Concern Volunteer you’d not only be part of a great team, we’d support you with training and reimburse any expenses incurred. Finally, sincerest thanks to people and organisations who have chosen to make financial donations to us, helped us to raise funds or who have decided to leave us a legacy, their generosity is helping us to make real improvements to the quality of life of older people. To find out more about Age Concern Southport’s services call us on – (01704) 542993 or call into our Tulketh Street of fice between 10.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. Monday – Friday.  MY CARE GUIDE

��

MY CARE GUIDE

Planning for Retirement

Pensions can often be the last thing on younger people’s minds, but it is becoming increasingly important to plan and save for your retirement. There are various kinds of pension available, including State Pension, personal and stakeholder pensions, and company (occupational) pensions, so find out which you are entitled to. Details of the various pension schemes are 56

freely available from a range of organisations, but if you require advice tailored to your individual needs you should consider speaking to a financial adviser, who may charge for their services. You can get details of your employer’s pension scheme by speaking to your company’s human resources department. You can forecast your pension entitlement to find out how much you will have to live on when you retire and what action you will need to take now if you need to increase your future income. There are numerous pensions and saving schemes available so you will need to work out which will give you the best return on your hard-earned money and will work best for your circumstances. You are entitled to a State Pension if you have paid the necessary amount of National Insurance contributions. If there are any gaps in your contributions this may affect your pension, so it is a good idea to check this as it is possible to fill the gaps with extra payments. Since April 2006 new, simpler, rules have been applied to personal and company pension schemes. For most people, this will allow them to pay more into their pension schemes on more flexible terms. You can calculate your retirement age and basic pension entitlement at www.direct.gov.uk To find out more, contact a pensions adviser.  MY CARE GUIDE

��

�� MY CARE GUIDE

��

Useful Contacts SERVICE/ORGANISATION

TELEPHONE

WEBSITE

Carers UK .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. carersuk.org Care Quality Commission .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Citizensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Advice Bureaux

cqc.org.uk

.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. citizensadvice.org.uk

Counsel and Care .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 0845 3007585 .. .. .. .. counselandcare.org.uk Disability and Carers Service .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 08457 123456 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. direct.gov.uk. First Stop advice for older people

.. .. .. .. .. .. .. 0800 3777070

Lancashire County Council .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

0845 053 0009

Leonard Cheshire Disability .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 0203 2420200 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. lcdisability.org Mencap

.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 0207 4540454 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. mencap.org.uk

Merseyside and Cheshire Cancer Network .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. mccn.nhs.uk Mind .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 0845 7660163 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. mind.org.uk Motability .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. motability.co.uk. NHS Central Lancashire .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 01772 644400 .. .. .. centrallancashire.nhs.uk NHS Sefton .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 0151 247 7000 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. seftonpct.nhs.uk Ofsted .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ofsted.gov.uk Queenscourt Hospice .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 01704 544645 .. .. .. .. .. .. queenscourt.org.uk Sefton Council

.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 08451 400845

Sefton Helping Hands service .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 0151 4744924 Sefton welfare rights advice .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 0151 9343660 welfarerights.advice@hsc.sefton.gov.uk Shopmobility Southport .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 01704 546654

southportshopmobility.co.uk

Shopmobility Ormskirk .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 01695 570055

westlancsshopmobility.co.uk

Shopmobility Skelmersdale .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 01695 550066

westlancsshopmobility.co.uk

War Pensioners Mobility Supplement information: The Service Personnel & Veterans Agency .. .. 0800 169 2277 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. veterans-uk.info West Lancashire Help Direct

.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

0303 333 1000

West Lancashire welfare rights advice .. .. .. .. .. 01695 651300 westlancswrs@lancashire.gov.uk 58

MY CARE GUIDE

��

MY CARE GUIDE

��

� ��

��

� ��

��