Calderdale

Health & Social CareSignposting Directory

Issue 3

Your local spotlight on Health & Social Care services in Calderdale

ContentsContentS

Disclaimer

This Directory has been compiled to signpost primary health and social care providers throughout Calderdale.Whilst we have taken every care in compiling this publication, the publishers and promoters cannot accept responsibilityfor any inaccuracies.All listings are supplied via the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and NHS Choices. Neither Healthwatch Calderdale norHealthCare Publications can be held responsible for any errors or omissions.All signposting services are up to date as of December 2014.A note on advertising: We offer businesses the chance to reach potential customers via this publication. It is our intention to clearly indicate that anadvertisement is being displayed and no endorsement or approval by the promoters of any product, service or supplier should be implied.

Healthwatch Calderdale 1 – 2How can you get Involved? 3Keeping in Touch 4NHS - Know Your Rights! 5 – 6Free NHS Health Check 7 – 8Healthy Living 9Patient Choice of GP Practices 10GP Surgeries 11Pharmacies 12Dentists & Opticians 13 – 14Social Care & Independent Living 15 - 18Recognising Mental Health & Support 19Personal Health Budgets 20Motability Scheme 21 – 22Are you a Carer? 23Care in your Own Home 24 – 26Residential Care 27 Residential Care Costs 28Residential & Nursing Care 29 – 30Expressing Complaints & Concerns 31 - 32

Another quality publication by Healthcare PublicationsIf you require extra copies of this directory or are interested in advertising in future editions

please email Healthcare Publications on admin@healthcarepublications.org or visit www.hcpublications.org

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HeALtHWAtCH CALDeRDALe

What is Healthwatch?Set up in April 2013, Healthwatch is anindependent consumer champion, or watchdog, forhealth and social care in the district. Our aims areto give citizens and communities a stronger voiceto influence and challenge how health and socialcare services are provided locally.

What Power does Healthwatch Calderdale have?Healthwatch Calderdale can request informationfrom local organisations, commissioners andproviders. They then have 20 working days toreturn the information requested. The trainedmembers of Healthwatch (staff or volunteers) areauthorised to perform ‘Enter and View’. These arepowers to go to a service unannounced orannounced and have a look at the work/standardsin that practice.

Healthwatch Calderdale has worked very hard tocreate partnerships and collaborative relationshipswith local services and providers, in order todiscuss issues openly and effectively.

Once local people bring up an issue, it will beaddressed by Healthwatch and the serviceprovider/organisation together. It is importantthat we do this in partnership as this producesbetter outcomes. A report is then produced byHealthwatch and made public.

The report will include recommendations bothfrom the public involved in the Healthwatch andthe steps taken by the organisation concerned.Service providers as well as health and social careorganisations have a duty to the public to listen toissues that are brought forward and respond to/actupon them.

So what does that really mean?Healthwatch is here to listen to your complaints,compliments and general comments about thehealth and social care services you, your familyand friends use. We listen to lots of people fromright across Calderdale and this gives us a reallygood picture about what services are like on theground. Where there are problems or wheresomeone is doing really well, we let them know.

Healthwatch isindependent andtransparent - withthe authority todemand action

Calderdale

How do we do that?Over the past year or so we have visited localcommunities and attended events to listen topeople. We also have a phone line people call anda website where people leave us messages. Fromthis we have found out that lots of people areunhappy with access to GP surgeries and we wroteto GPs to tell them about this. As a result of thisGPs are now working with us to improve theiropening times, telephone systems and generalaccess. People also told us that when they got tosee their GP, they were really happy with thequality of the service they got – so we have toldGPs this too.

In January 2014 we all heard about the proposedchanges to our local hospital. Over 180 peoplewrote to us telling us how unhappy they wereabout this. Through this we also found out thatpeople were unhappy with the car parkingarrangements at Calderdale Royal Hospital. So wespoke to the managers at the hospital and thisautumn we spent a week asking people their viewson the car parking. We have just published areport and the hospital will be working on ourrecommendations and letting us know how theyhave changed things. This report can bedownloaded from our website and we will beposting more information about any changes arethey happen over the next few months.

As people are really concerned about potentialhospital changes we are also carrying out someresearch to see how other areas in the countryhave dealt with the issues when hospitals arechanged in their local area. When this report isready we will be sharing it with the people whomake the decisions about our hospitals to ensurethat the best possible outcome for Calderdaleresidents is achieved.

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HeALtHWAtCH CALDeRDALe

Other work that we have concentrated on this yearincludes looking at how outpatients services arebeing delivered across both Calderdale andHuddersfield hospitals. We heard that people somepeople were having trouble booking appointmentsso, along with colleagues from Healthwatch Kirklees,we have been attending outpatient clinics and willbe producing a report in early 2015. Again we hopethat recommendations from this report will help thehospital to improve services for patients and theirfamilies.

People have also told us that they want more controlof their social care. Big changes are happening fromApril next year and our local council will be workingmuch closer with our local NHS to deliver betterservices under the ‘Better Care Fund’. This work isdesigned to improve care for all ages, ensuring thatduplication of services is reduced and betteroutcomes are achieved for the service users.Healthwatch Calderdale is interested in ensuring anynew services under the Better Care Fund aredesigned to meet local needs. We have thereforeinvested in our local communities by asking sometrained Engagement Champions to speak to theirlocal residents about what they feel there futurecare needs are. We are planning to produce thisreport by the end of January 2015 and will besharing the results and recommendations with theBetter Care Fund commissioners. We will thenfollow the Better Care Fund activity to ensure that it meets the needs that our report highlights.

What you’re saying quality public

helping A&E ease support doctorsfriendly waiting health long-termimprovements good happy patient

Where can we really make a difference?Healthwatch Calderdale is asked for its views ona number of health and social care relatedbodies. One of these is the Calderdale Healthand Wellbeing Board. We are a voting memberof this Board and this is the place where we canchallenge local service providers andcommissioners about their strategies and plansfor the future health care of Calderdaleresidents. Using information that we gatherfrom the public we are able to ensure that localvoices are heard by the people making decisionsover our health and social care system.

Our Enter and View teams can also make a bigdifference as they send reports from their visitsto the local council and nationally to the CareQuality Commission (CQC). If there areconcerns about what Healthwatch Calderdalehas observed in a health or social care setting,then further action may be taken by either thecouncil or CQC.

Healthwatch CalderdaleVoluntary Action Calderdale,Resource Centre, Hall St,

Halifax HX1 5AY

Tel: 01422 431099Email: info@healthwatchcalderdale.co.uk

www.healthwatchcalderdale.co.uk

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HoW CAn You get InVoLVeD?

Healthwatch Calderdale involves localpeople in lots of different ways.Although the staff are employed by alocal organisation called VoluntaryAction Calderdale, it is local people whoguide their work. These peoplevolunteer their time to help makedecisions about which issuesHealthwatch Calderdale should pursue.They are known as the ‘ProgrammeBoard’ and they meet regularly indifferent parts of Calderdale. Theirmeetings are held in public venues andthey welcome members of the public toturn up to the meeting to provide inputand listen to what they are discussingabout the health and social careservices in our area.Other people have got involved by helping us tolisten to our local people. These volunteerssupport our series of engagement activities andare known as our Ambassadors; they go out intolocal areas and talk to local people about theirexperiences. This information is returned to theHealthwatch office where it is inputted into asystem that helps to identify the issues thatpeople are talking about. Volunteers help outhere too with data inputting and evaluation; it isan important role as this is what gives theProgramme Board the information they require toguide the work.

Volunteers also get involved with helping toproduce our reports. We had support from over 10volunteers this year in carrying out surveys at thehospital for car parking and outpatients clinics.They get to talk to people about a specific issueand record their experiences within aquestionnaire. Questionnaires are then analysedwith support from volunteers and the results helpshape reports and recommendations to serviceproviders.

If you are interested in volunteering with Healthwatch Calderdale then please contact:

Ann Marie Maguireannmarie.maguire@healthwatchcalderdale.co.ukor telephone 01422 431099 for more details.

What our volunteers say:

Calderdale

Volunteer and be a voice for improving communityhealth services

I am a volunteer at Healthwatch Calderdale. I am very greatly fond of my experience withHealthwatch Calderdale. You are able to learna lot of new skills by being able to interactwith young people to the elderly. Theproblems do exist with the health and socialcare in Calderdale, [though volunteering] youare able to have a better understanding andhopefully help change them for the better. Adris Healthwatch Ambassador Volunteer

I chose to volunteer for Healthwatch because

it seemed like an interesting and worthwhile

charity, and it gave me an opportunity to

develop my research skills in an area I was

interested in.

It has been good meeting different people,

and finding out what a difference an

organisation like this can make in giving

people a voice about how Health and Social

Care services are run. The staff I have met on

the project are also friendly and helpful.

Rachel Ambassador & Research Volunteer

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KeepIng In touCH

It is important for Healthwatch Calderdale to keepin touch with the public too. As well as producingreports for service providers and commissioners,we also provide regular information about healthand social care in the local area through ourCalderdale Voice newsletter. We send out over 500copies of our magazine every other month and theyare designed to raise awareness of certain healthissues and also let you know what HealthwatchCalderdale has been doing.

If you would like to receive a copy of our regularnewsletter then please contact Emma Worsleyemma.worsley@healthwatchcalderdale.co.uk ortelephone 01422 431099 to sign up to our mailinglist – we have both paper and electronic versions so please let us know which type you prefer.

Speaking to usIf you haven’t seen us out and about then don’tworry, there are a number of ways to contactHealthwatch Calderdale. For those who love social media and all things IT, you can strike up a conversation with us on:

TWITTER: @hwcalderdale FACEBOOK: Healthwatch CalderdaleEMAIL US ON: info@healthwatchcalderdale.co.uk

Explore our website: www.healthwatchcalderdale.co.uk where you will find a range of different services:

• Send us your feedback using the ‘Talk to Us’ page• Sign up to be a member of Healthwatch Calderdale• Find out about our volunteering opportunities• Search for local Health & Social Care services• Keep up to date with news from Healthwatch• Find out where your nearest Healthwatch drop in session is• Watch videos from Healthwatch England • See our Healthwatch Calderdale Twitter feed• Read the Healthwatch Calderdale Pledge• Find out about Healthwatch Calderdale local meetings

And for those who prefer a good old fashionedmethod you can either call us on 01422 431099 orwrite to us at Healthwatch Calderdale, ResourceCentre, Hall Street Halifax, HX1 5AY.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

This project runs until March 2016 and is funded bythe Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group(CCG). It is designed to provide a package ofsupport to the Voluntary/Community sector toenable them to become more sustainable and‘business ready’ for commissioning via the CCG.The project has a number of elements as follows:

Organisational Development Support: activities toprepare your organisation to deliver services onbehalf of the NHS.

Funding Advice: support to apply to the NHS CCGand to access complementary / additional fundingfrom other sources.

Safeguarding Support and Development: Ensuringthat your organisation meets the minimumstandards required to work on behalf of the NHS.

Network Development: specific support to enablenetworks across Calderdale to engage with andinform NHS commissioning.

Communications: providing information on health,messages from the CCG and helping local healthgroups promote their services. This is a specific service designed to support groupswho are already or are aiming to deliver local NHSCCG health priorities. We are also working inpartnership with Community Foundation forCalderdale on this project to provide a small grantsscheme and a development bursary offer.

Health Connections

For more information pleasecontact Tracy McWhire

(Team leader) on 01422 438729

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nHS - KnoW YouR RIgHtS!

You have the right to expect your NHS to assessthe health requirements of your community and to commission and put in place the services tomeet those needs as considered necessary, and inthe case of public health services commissioned bylocal authorities, to take steps to improve thehealth of the local community.

You have the right, in certain circumstances, to goto other European Economic Area countries orSwitzerland for treatment which would beavailable to you through your NHS commissioner.

You have the right not to be unlawfullydiscriminated against in the provision of NHSservices including on grounds of gender, race,disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, belief,gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity ormarital or civil partnership status.

You have the right to access certain servicescommissioned by NHS bodies within maximumwaiting times, or for the NHS to take allreasonable steps to offer you a range of suitablealternative providers if this is not possible.

You have the right to be treated with aprofessional standard of care, by appropriatelyqualified and experienced staff, in a properlyapproved or registered organisation that meetsrequired levels of safety and quality.

You have the right to expect NHS bodies tomonitor, and make efforts to improve continuously,the quality of healthcare they commission orprovide. This includes improvements to the safety,effectiveness and experience of services.

You have the right to be treated with dignity andrespect, in accordance with your human rights.

You have the right to have any complaint youmake about NHS services acknowledged withinthree working days and to have it properlyinvestigated.

You have the right to discuss the manner in whichthe complaint is to be handled, and to know theperiod within which the investigation is likely to becompleted and the response sent.

You have the right to accept or refuse treatmentthat is offered to you, and not to be given anyphysical examination or treatment unless you havegiven valid consent. If you do not have thecapacity to do so, consent must be obtained from aperson legally able to act on your behalf, or thetreatment must be in your best interests.

Everyone has the right to information andeducation about how to take care of themselvesand what they are entitled to within the healthand social care system.

Healthwatch Calderdale helps individuals to gainaccess to, understand, and use information topromote and maintain good health and make thebest use of local services and care support.

We can:• Explain your rights and what standards to expectfrom services

• Help you find out about funding for health & social care

• Help you to access services and find your way through care ‘pathways’ – find the right service for you

• Put you in touch with Support Groups, Voluntary and Community Organisations

• We can register your concerns and provide information on making complaints

• Pass on your reports of excellent services and care

• If you need advocacy we can refer you to the Independent Complaints Advocacy (ICA)

You have the right to receive NHS services free ofcharge, apart from certain limited exceptionssanctioned by Parliament.

You have the right to access NHS services. You willnot be refused access on unreasonable grounds.

tell us yourexperiences

We’relistening

together we can make a difference

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You have the right to be given information aboutthe test and treatment options available to you,what they involve and their risks and benefits. You have the right of access to your own healthrecords and to have any factual inaccuraciescorrected.

You have the right to privacy and confidentialityand to expect the NHS to keep your confidentialinformation safe and secure.

You have the right to be informed about how yourinformation is used.

You have the right to request that yourconfidential information is not used beyond yourown care and treatment and to have yourobjections considered, and where your wishescannot be followed, to be told the reasonsincluding the legal basis.

You have the right to choose your GP practice,and to be accepted by that practice unless thereare reasonable grounds to refuse, in which caseyou will be informed of those reasons.

You have the right to express a preference forusing a particular doctor within your GP practice,and for the practice to try to comply.

You have the right to make choices about theservices commissioned by NHS bodies and toinformation to support these choices.

You have the right to be involved in discussionsand decisions about your health and care, includingyour end of life care, and to be given informationto enable you to do this. Where appropriate thisright includes your family and carers.

You have the right to be kept informed of progressand to know the outcome of any investigation into your complaint, including an explanation of theconclusions and confirmation that any actionneeded in consequence of the complaint has beentaken or is proposed to be taken.

You have the right to take your complaint to theindependent Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman or Local Government Ombudsman, ifyou are not satisfied with the way your complainthas been dealt with by the NHS.

You have the right to make a claim for judicialreview if you think you have been directly affectedby an unlawful act or decision of an NHS body orlocal authority.

You have the right to compensation where youhave been harmed by negligent treatment.

You have the right to choose the organisation thatprovides your NHS care.

With all the changes to health and care servicesit’s not always clear where you should go to reportan urgent issue, to make a complaint, or forfurther information.

Healthwatch Calderdale can help you find the rightservices to suit your needs through our Information& Signposting Service.

We cannot give you advice or make specificrecommendations but we can help you make aninformed decision in finding the right health andsocial care service whether it is provided by theNHS, the Council, a voluntary or communityorganisation.

Contact Us:Office telephone:01422 431099

Write to us at: Healthwatch CalderdaleVoluntary Action Calderdale,Resource Centre, Hall St, Halifax HX1 5AY

Email us at: info@healthwatchcalderdale.co.uk

Visit our website: www.healthwatchcalderdale.co.uk

nHS - KnoW YouR RIgHtS!

tell us yourexperiences

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together we can make a difference

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FRee nHS HeALtH CHeCK

Everyone is at risk of developing heartdisease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease,and some forms of dementia. The goodnews is that these conditions can oftenbe prevented – even if you have a historyof them in your family. Have your freeNHS Health Check and you will be betterprepared for the future and be able totake steps to maintain or improveyour health.Why do I need an NHS Health Check?We know that your risk of developing heartdisease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease,and dementia increases with age. There are alsocertain things that will put you at even greaterrisk.

These are:

• Being overweight

• Being physically inactive

• Not eating healthily

• Smoking

• Drinking too much alcohol

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

Both men and women can develop theseconditions, and having one could increase your risk of developing another in the future.

• In the brain a blocked artery or a bleed can cause a stroke

• In the heart a blocked artery can cause a heart attack or angina

• The kidneys can be damaged by high blood pressure or diabetes, causing chronic kidney disease and increasing your risk of having a heartattack

• Being overweight and physically inactive can lead to type 2 diabetes

• If unrecognised or unmanaged, type 2 diabetes could increase your risk of further healthproblems, including heart disease, kidney disease and stroke

Who is it for?

The NHS Health Check scheme isavailable across Calderdale.If a person is aged between 40 and 74 and hasn’talready been diagnosed with heart disease,diabetes, kidney disease, or had a stroke, theymay be invited by their GP for the NHS HealthCheck by letter, text or they may be offered theNHS Health Check when they are at their GP foranother reason.

Helping you prevent heart disease, stroke,diabetes, kidney disease and dementia

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FRee nHS HeALtH CHeCK

Even if you’re feeling well, it’s worthhaving your NHS Health Check now.We can then work with you to lower yourchances of developing these healthproblems in the future.

What happens at the check?This check is to assess your risk of developing heartdisease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease,and stroke.

• The check will take about 20-30 minutes

• You’ll be asked some simple questions. For example, about your family history and choices which may put your health at risk

• We’ll record your height, weight, age, sex and ethnicity

• We’ll take your blood pressure

• We’ll do a simple blood test to check your cholesterol level

What happens after the check?We will discuss how you can reduce your risk andstay healthy.

• You’ll be taken through your results and told what they mean. Some people may be asked to return at a later date for their results

• You’ll be given personalised advice on how to lower your risk and maintain a healthy lifestyle

• Some people with raised blood pressure will have their kidneys checked through a blood test

• Some people may need to have another blood test to check for type 2 diabetes. Your healthprofessional will be able to tell you more

• Treatment or medication may be prescribed to help you maintain your health

Questions you may have

Why do I need this check? I feel fine!The NHS Health Check helps to identify potentialrisks early. By having this check and followingthe advice of your health professional, youimprove your chances of living a healthier life.

But don’t these conditions run in the family?If you have a history of heart disease, stroke, type2 diabetes, or kidney disease in your familythen you may be more at risk. Taking action nowcan help you to prevent the onset of theseconditions.

I know what I’m doing wrong. How can the doctor help me?If you would like help, we will work with you tofind ways to eat healthily, reach your healthyweight, be more active, cut down your drinking, orstop smoking.

If I am assessed as being at ‘low risk’,does this mean I won’t develop theseconditions?It is impossible to say that someone will or won’tgo on to develop one of these conditions.But takingaction now can help you lower your potential risk.

Will everyone have this check?This check is part of a national scheme to helpprevent the onset of these health problems.Everyone between the ages of 40 and 74 who hasnot been diagnosed with the conditions mentionedwill be invited for a check once every fiveyears. If you are outside the age range andconcerned about your health, you should contactyour GP.

Helping you prevent heart disease, stroke,diabetes, kidney disease and dementia

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HeALtHY LIVIng

The choices we make about how we livecan have a significant effect on ourhealth. Eating a healthy diet, doingregular exercise, not smoking and notdrinking too much alcohol can help youstay well and enjoy a long life. Keeping fit and healthy can be a challenge if youare living with a long-term condition, but it willmake a big difference to your wellbeing. If you’vebeen thinking about making changes to yourlifestyle, such as stopping smoking, losing weight,eating healthily, drinking a little less alcohol, ordoing more exercise, there’s plenty of help andsupport available.

Talking to your GP and other healthcare workers,including pharmacists, is the first step. They’llhelp you look at your lifestyle and suggest changesthat are suitable for your condition and anytreatment you’re having. Your health or careworker can also let you know about local servicesthat can help you.

For example, if you want to start exercising butyou're unsure how to, your GP can put you on theExercise on Referral scheme. These schemes arerun with local gyms and fitness centres and caninclude swimming. Ask at your GP practice formore information.

Your GP can also help you if you want to stopsmoking, for instance by enrolling you in a clinicwhere you’ll get support from other people whoare also trying to stop. Nicotine replacementtherapy and other stop smoking treatmentsprovided by your GP can also help you resistcravings and boost your chances of quittingsuccessfully.

You're never too young or too old to switch to ahealthier lifestyle. Children who learn healthyhabits at a young age will benefit from themthroughout their life. And giving up bad habits canimprove your health at any age.

Stop Smoking for goodGiving up smoking is probably the best thing youcan do to improve your health. Research showsthat smoking is responsible for almost one in fiveof all deaths in the UK. This means that smokingcauses an estimated 110,000 deaths a year.

Smokers are almost twice as likely to have a heartattack as people who have never smoked. Smokingalso increases your risk of developing many cancersand lung disease.

Rethink your drinkingDrinking too much alcohol could increase your riskof getting 14 major diseases, including mouth andthroat cancers, liver cirrhosis, strokes and mentalhealth problems.

Alcohol is believed to be responsible for as many as22,000 premature deaths in England and Walesevery year. But it’s not just binge drinkers who areat risk: regularly drinking more than therecommended limit can cause significant healthproblems.

Get active, feel fitter, live longerWhatever your age, there's strong scientificevidence that being physically active can help youlead a healthier and even happier life.

Adults should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activityeach week. Young people (5-18) should do 60minutes every day.

If you do this, it can reduce your risk of heartdisease and stroke by up to 50% and lower your riskof early death by up to 30%.

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pAtIent CHoICe oF gp pRACtICeS

During 2012 and 2013, the Departmentof Health ran a pilot scheme to explorehow patient choice of GP practice couldbe expanded. The Patient Choice Schemepilot was available in different parts ofEngland and offered patients new ways of accessing GP services outside their GPpractice's boundary area.As a result of this scheme, and following changesto GP contracts, all GP practices in England willbe free to register new patients who live outsidetheir practice boundary area from January 2015.

This means that you are able to join practices inmore convenient locations, such as a practice nearyour work.

The idea is to provide you with greater choice andto improve the quality of GP services over time, asGPs providing a good service are naturally morepopular.

These new arrangements are voluntary for GPpractices. If the practice has no capacity at thetime or feels it is not clinically appropriate orpractical for you to be registered so far away fromhome then they can still refuse registration. Thepractice should explain their reason to you indetail.

What to consider when registering with a GP practice further awayYou may wish to join a GP near work or remainregistered with your old GP following a move. Thenew arrangements make this possible; however,there are a few things to consider.

Because of the greater distance to your home, theGP you register with is under no obligation to offeryou a home visit. If you are not well enough to goto the practice yourself then other arrangementswill have to be made. NHS England (the bodyresponsible for buying GP services) has to ensurethat you are able to access a service either nearyour home or at home. When you register with apractice away from home you will be giveninformation about what you should do in thosecircumstances.

What to expect from your GPGPs look after the health of people in their localcommunity and deal with a whole range of healthproblems. They also provide health education,offer advice on smoking and diet, run clinics, givevaccinations and carry out simple surgicaloperations.

GPs usually work in practices as part of a team,which includes nurses, healthcare assistants,practice managers, receptionists and other staff.Practices also work closely with other healthcareprofessionals, such as health visitors, midwives,and social services. You would normally see GPs orother healthcare professionals at their premises(surgery). Some operate from more than onebuilding. If your GP cannot deal with a problemthen you’ll usually be referred to a hospital fortests, treatment, or to see a consultant withspecialist knowledge. GP practices should makeinformation about their services easily available to their patients. Most practices have a practiceleaflet available, otherwise please ask your GP orsurgery for one.

Surgery Address Telephone

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gp SuRgeRIeS

PostcodeArea

What do I do if I need urgent care out of hours?There are a whole range of services available to people across Calderdale if they need access to NHS careout of hours. NHS 111 is the gateway to all out of hours services when it is not life threatening.

Data correct with NHS Choices - December 2014

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pHARmACIeS

Data correct with NHS Choices - December 2014

Pharmacy Address TelephonePostcodeArea

Make sure you have repeat prescriptions If you or someone you care for requires medicinesregularly, make sure you order and collect repeat prescriptions in good time to ensure you or your familyhave enough medicine to last i.e. weekends, Bank holidays and breaks away.

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DentIStS & optICIAnS

Dentist Address TelephonePostcodeArea

Optician Address TelephonePostcodeArea

Data correct with NHS Choices - December 2014

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NHS DENTAL CHARGESBand 1 course of treatment

£18.50 This covers an examination, diagnosis

(eg X-rays), advice on how to prevent futureproblems, a scale and polish if needed, andapplication of fluoride varnish or fissuresealant. If you require urgent care, even ifyour urgent treatment needs more than oneappointment to complete, you will only need

to pay one Band 1 charge.

Band 2 course of treatment£50.50

This covers everything listed in Band 1above, plus any further treatment such asfillings, root canal work or if your dentist

needs to take out one or more of your teeth.

Band 3 course of treatment£219.00

This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2above, plus crowns, dentures and bridges.

Regular eye tests are important because youreyes don't usually hurt when something iswrong. A sight test is a vital health check foryour eyes that can pick up early signs ofeye|conditions before you're aware of anysymptoms – many of which can be treated iffound early enough.

What your eye test will showA sight test will show if you need to get glassesfor the first time or change your current glasses.

A sight test will also include a generalhealth check that can pick up earlysigns of eye disease before you’reaware of any symptoms. Some healthconditions can affect the eyes such as:Diabetes, Macular Degeneration or Glaucoma

Your Sight TestIt’s recommended that adults have their eyestested every two years, unless their ophthalmicpractitioner advises them to have a sight testmore often than that.Your employer may payfor this test for you so ask for advice on this,and if you are over 60 your test is free ofcharge.

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SoCIAL CARe & InDepenDent LIVIng

How do I get Social care?If you have decided that you need social caresupport, you may want to think about the type ofsupport you require, be it homecare workers,equipment or respite breaks.

Your first step should be to ask your local authoritysocial services department for an assessment ofyou needs.

Local authorities have a duty to assess anyone whoappears to need the community care services theyoffer.

Your local authority should:

• assess your needs and give you advice, whatever your financial circumstances• tell you about local services and who to contact locally for advice• be able to provide information about services and support options available to you in your area• give you relevant information if you are an unpaid/family carer

The assessment by the local authority is importantbecause it helps them work out what yourdifficulties are and what services will help youmost. Each local authority has its own way ofworking out who is eligible for social care supportand what services it can offer.

If your local authority thinks you are eligible forsocial care support, you have a specific level ofneed and meet financial rules, you should beinvolved in the decision-making process thatfollows. If appropriate, the next step will be forsocial services or an independent adviser to workwith you to create a care plan.

Often only minor assistance is needed – such asmeals on wheels and help with washing ordressing. Yet these services could make a bigdifference to your life.

If you feel that your needs have changed overtime, you will have to be re-assessed. Contact thesocial care team at your local authority to discussit with them.

Your rights and entitlementsIn most cases, you shouldn’t have to actively exertyour rights in regards to the care that you receive.However, if you feel you are being unjustly treatedin breach of your rights, you may want to takeaction.

You can do this by telling someone you trust,seeking help from Healthwatch Calderdale orcontacting the local authority team in charge of‘safeguarding’. Under UK law, you should be lookedafter and treated fairly and with dignity wheneveryou are given social care services. This applies toeveryone, regardless of where they are given careand who does the caring.

Other laws may also protect you fromdiscrimination because of who you are, includingsome protection for carers under the rulesdesigned to protect disabled people. For example,if you are an older person, this should not stop youfrom having treatment similar to that which ayounger person would be given.

Family SupportFamilies with disabled children may be eligible forFamily Support to help you look after your child.This can include day care for children under five,help with parenting such as parenting classes,courses or family support workers, practical homehelp, and access to a Children’s Centre. Some ofthese services are available to all families.

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SoCIAL CARe & InDepenDent LIVIng

What social care support can I get?Many people’s first impression or thoughts of socialcare might be a residential care home. In fact,there’s a wide variety of social care servicesavailable and most who need social care supportwill be able to have care provided in their home.The kind of social care support that you can getdepends largely on your needs. This means thetype of condition you have, or the severity of yourdisability. For example, if you have a neurologicalproblem that causes you to have trouble walkingyou may simply require some equipment to helpyou remain mobile and independent. However, ifyou have a significant neurological problem thatseriously affects your mental capacity or ability tomove and look after yourself, you are likely toneed a much wider range of social care services.Itis worth taking time to think about your specificneeds and what you think you might need to helpyou achieve the best quality of life you can.

Care and support services might typically include:• equipment• help in your home or in a care home• community support and activities• day centres• home adaptations• residential care• financial support• information and advisory services, and advocacy• support for carers• other support for care

EquipmentGetting the right equipment can revolutionise yourlife. The ability for you to remain independentsometimes hinges on small factors and tools, suchas a jar gripper (to help you remove lids) or waysto raise your seat (so that you can get up moreeasily), which can make all the difference.However, equipment can also help with weightierissues, for example, hoists to help people withmobility problems get on and off chairs or toilets,or in and out of the bath or bed. The equipmentyou may be able to access could includemonitoring devices that check whether you haveleft the house if you have a condition, such asdementia, that causes confusion and wandering.

Help in your home or in a care homeYou may want to have someone who can come toyour home and give you the support you need tolive your life. This can include help with tasks suchas getting dressed, help with using the toilet,washing, preparing and eating food, cleaning andlaundry, getting out and about, and taking part inleisure and social activities.

Healthwatch Calderdale or your local authority willbe able to provide you with information and adviceon what services are available in your local area.

Community support and activitiesSome social care services can be provided to helpyou continue to play an active role in yourcommunity and to get out and about and do thethings you want to do. For example, you may wantto work or to partake in religious or cultural eventssuch as a festival or a sports match. Social careservices may be able to support you in a widerange of ways to enable you to continue to dothese things, for example a community transportservice.

Day centresVisiting a day centre can be a good alternative tomoving into a care home. Day centres provide anopportunity to socialise and do activities thatmight not be available at home and may providerespite for family carers.

Adaptations to your homeA common way that social care can support ill ordisabled people to live independently at home issimple adaptations to the home. If you havedifficulty living at home because of your condition,it is often a better option to improve your homethan to move somewhere new.For example,depending on your condition, you might be able toget lowered kitchen surfaces and storage, widerdoorways to accommodate wheelchairs or walkingframes, or improved flooring to prevent trips andfalls.

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SoCIAL CARe & InDepenDent LIVIng

Residential careIf living at home is no longer a realistic or practicaloption, you may want to consider residential care.There are many different types of ‘residentialcare’ – it may mean a permanent move into a carehome for older people, or it could be a stay in ahome for younger adults with disabilities, or ahome for children. Residential care may beprivately owned, or run by a charity or the localauthority.

The main types of residential care are:• residential care homes• residential care homes with nursing care• extra care and sheltered housing• supported living• retirement villages

Deciding on a long-term stay in residential care is avery significant decision financially, practically andemotionally. You will need to think about your ownpreferences and decide what services will meetyour needs now, as well as being flexible enough totake account of your future care needs. It is notalways an easy decision. Independent advice canbe important in helping you make the rightdecision, taking into account all the important factors.Your local authority will be able to give you detailsof information services they commission locally.

Support for carersYou’re a carer if you’re looking after a person whois disabled, has a long-term health condition or iselderly and frail. Carers can get help with theircaring role, and by enabling the person they carefor to get the support they need, they can maketheir own life easier. For example, it’s importantthat carers have time for themselves, and one ofthe best ways to arrange breaks from caring is toensure that you have had a carer’s assessment.This will help identify how substantial anddemanding your caring is and how much supportyou are likely to need. If you are looking after achild with a learning disability or similar, youshould also consider the support that your childwill need with their education. Again, talk to yourlocal authority to discuss the types of support youmight be able to get.

Who to contact for an assessmentfor Adult Social CareGateway to Care is your first point of contact foradult social care. We are here to offer youpractical information and advice which will helpyou to continue to live independently at home.This may include, for example, help with mobilityand confidence after an accident, illness, injury ordeterioration in a condition.

Gateway to Care will be open between 8.45am to5.30pm Monday - Thursday and 8.45am to 5.00pmFridays. Outside these times, we will not be ableto answer your calls. If there is an emergency, youneed to call the Emergency Duty Team on 01422 288000.

Contact: Gateway to CareBy post: Adults, Health and Social Care1 Park Road, Halifax HX1 2TUEmail: Gatewaytocare@calderdale.gov.ukTel: 01422 393000Textphone: 01422 393398 (please note: the specialequipment on this number only works for peoplewith a hearing impairment calling into Gateway toCare using a Textphone)Web: www.calderdale.gov.uk/socialcare/social-services/gateway-to-care/

Calderdale has a number of services that supportchildren and young people who have specialeducational needs or disabilities (SEND).

How can we help?• Give independent information and advice• Give information or refer you to other sources• Explain jargon and help with letter writing• Go with you to reviews and meetings• Help make sure you have your say• Explain the assessment process and your rights• Offer counselling• Allocate you an impartial parental supporter.

By post: Calderdale SENDIASSCalderdale Council, Westgate House, Westgate, Halifax HX1 1PSTel: 01422 266141Web: www.calderdalesendiass.org.uk

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ReCognISIng mentAL HeALtH & SuppoRt

Mental health, emotional wellbeing and resilienceis all about how we cope with what life throws atus. It concerns the way we feel about ourselves,conduct relationships, handle stress or deal with loss.

Good mental health and resilience arefundamental to good physical health, relationships,education and work, as well as being key toachieving our potential.

Mental health factsAt least one in four people experience adiagnosable mental health problem in any oneyear, and one in six experiences this at any one time.

• More than half of those with a common mental health problem have both depression and anxiety.

• There are approximately 570,000 people with dementia in England, a figure that could double in the next 30 years.

• Nearly 850,000 children and young people aged five to 16 years have a mental health problem – about 10% of the population. Fewer than one in 10 accesses treatment.

Common mental health problems such as anxiety,depression, panic disorders, phobias and obsessivecompulsive disorder can cause great emotionaldistress, and can affect how you cope with day-to-day life and your ability to work.

Less common conditions, such as psychosis, canmake you experience changes in thinking andperception severe enough to significantly alteryour experience of reality. These conditionsinclude schizophrenia and affective psychosis, suchas bipolar disorder, and can have the same lifelongimpact as any long-term physical condition.

Admitting you are struggling does not mean youare "mentally ill", that doctors will automaticallyput you on medication, or you will have toimmediately tell your employer you are mentallyunwell. Many issues can be managed without thehelp of a GP by using the variety of sources of helpnow available, whether it's through books, localorganisations or online.

Even if you need professional help, there arechoices you can make along the way. Mental illnessis treatable and, with appropriate support andtreatment, people do recover. Many move on withtheir lives and are able to care for their family,contribute to the local community, and get backinto employment or training.

How your GP can help You should make an appointment to see your GP ifyou've been feeling depressed for a few weeks oryour anxiety is having an impact on your daily life,such as stopping you from going to work orshopping.

Mental health services are free on the NHS, butyou will usually need a referral from your GP toaccess them.

Support and advice for people living with mental illness.

Tel: 0300 5000 927 (Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm)www.rethink.org

Information on child and adolescent mentalhealth. Services for parents and professionals.

Tel: Parents' helpline 0808 802 5544 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm)www.youngminds.org.uk

We are Calderdale's local mental health charity,led by people who have personal experience

of mental distress.Tel: 01422 345154

www.healthymindscalderdale.co.uk

Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.

Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm)www.mind.org.uk

Confidential support for people experiencingfeelings of distress or despair.

Tel: 08457 90 90 90 (24-hour helpline)

www.samaritans.org.uk

20

peRSonAL HeALtH BuDgetS

Personal Health BudgetsPersonal health budgets are being introduced bythe NHS to help people manage their care in a waythat suits them. They have been piloted in anumber of places across England and, from April2014, anyone receiving NHS continuing healthcare willhave a right to ask for a personal health budget.

What is a Personal Health Budget?A personal health budget is an amount of money tosupport your identified health and wellbeingneeds, planned and agreed between you and yourlocal NHS team. The aim is to give people withlong-term conditions and disabilities greater choiceand control over the healthcare and support theyreceive. Personal health budgets work in a similarway to the personal budgets that many people arealready using to manage and pay for their social care.Together with your NHS team (such as a GP) youwill develop a care plan. The plan sets out yourpersonal health and wellbeing needs, the healthoutcomes you want to achieve, the amount ofmoney in the budget and how you are going tospend it.

You can use a personal health budget to pay for awide range of items and services, includingtherapies, personal care and equipment. This willallow you more choice and control over the healthservices and care you receive.

You don’t have to change any healthcare orsupport that is working well for you just becauseyou get a personal health budget, but if somethingisn’t working, you can change it.

Who can have a personal health budget?The first group to be able to ask for a personalhealth budget, from April 2014, will be peoplegetting NHS continuing healthcare, which is NHS-funded long-term health and personal careprovided outside hospital. Local NHS organisationswill be free to offer personal health budgets toother people if they think an individual willbenefit. It is the Government’s long-term aim, tointroduce a right to a personal health budget forpeople who would benefit from it.

Can I have a personal health budget aswell as a personal budget for social careand support?Yes. If you already have a personal budget for careand support from social services and your NHSteam agrees, you can also have a personal healthbudget and ask for both to be combined.

Do I have to have a personal healthbudget?No. If having a personal health budget does notwork for you, your local NHS will provide the careyou need as it has always done.

What is the difference between apersonal health budget, a personalbudget, an individual budget and a direct payment?A personal health budget is for your NHShealthcare and support needs.

A personal budget is for your social care andsupport needs.

An individual budget includes your social care andsupport needs plus other funding, such asindependent living.

A direct payment is one way of managing thesebudgets, where you get the cash to buy the agreedcare and support you need.

Key points• Personal health budgets should help people get a better service from the NHS. They should not make things worse.

• You do not have to have a personal health budget if you do not want one.

• You should have as much control over decisions as you want.

• NHS and social care organisations should work in partnership with you and with each other.

• If you are not able to have a personal health budget, you can still speak to your NHS team about how your needs can be met in another way that is more personal to you.

21

motABILItY SCHeme

Looking after someone who is disabledcan mean both they and you find itdifficult to get of out of the house. TheMotability scheme, which is run by anational charity, can help get you mobileagain. It allows disabled people to obtaina car, powered wheelchair or scooter.Who is eligible to use the Motabilityscheme?The scheme is open to anyone who receives oneof the following qualifying benefits and has atleast 12 months' award length remaining whenthey apply:

• higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)• enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)• War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement.

You can also apply if you are the parent or carer ofa child over the age of three who gets one of thesebenefits.

How does the Motability scheme work?When you lease a car with the Motability scheme,the hire payments are met by your qualifyingbenefit. For most makes of car, the whole of yourqualifying benefit is paid direct to Motability.However, for some smaller, less expensive cars youdon’t need to pay the whole of your qualifyingbenefit.

Advance payments You may have to make anadvance payment, depending on the car you arehiring. If you cannot afford the payment,Motability’s charitable fund or another specialistorganisation may be able to help you. You thenlease the car for a three-year period.

Using your Motability car for business Youcan only use the car for your benefit, including theday to day running of your household. If you needto use the car for business, other than regulartravel to and from your normal workplace, thismust be approved in advance.

If you don't drive If you don't drive or prefernot to, you can still get a vehicle and name up totwo other people as your drivers. They must livewithin five miles of your home. Only one driverunder 21 is allowed and they must live at your address.

What's included in the cost?The cost includes:• a choice of cars• insurance, servicing and repairs• full RAC breakdown assistance• renewal of vehicle tax• tyre and windscreen replacement cover• 60,000 mileage allowance over three years• many adaptations at no extra cost.

Checking your eligibilityIf you would like assistance checking whetheryou are eligible for the allowance, contact oneof the following agencies:

For enquiries about claiming Disability LivingAllowance or Personal Independence Payment,please telephone 03457 123456 or visit www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions

For enquiries about claiming War Pensioners'Mobility Supplement or Armed ForcesIndependence Payment, please contact VeteransUK on 0808 191 4218 or visitwww.gov.uk/government/organisations/veterans-uk

Please note, Motability does not decide whoreceives the allowance. The Department for Workand Pensions decides who receives the allowance.If you lose the allowance during your lease, we willmake arrangements for the return of the car.However, you will only pay the cost of the leaseuntil the car is returned, not for the remaininglength of the lease. If you paid an AdvancePayment, this will be refunded to you on a pro rata basis.

Remember, you can choose to spend your higherrate mobility allowance in whatever way you wish.If you only travel short distances, you might wantto consider leasing a Motability scooter instead ofa car. However, if you only travel occasionally, itmight be more cost-effective for you to spend yourallowance on other modes of transport such as taxis.

Organisations such as Disability Rightswww.disabilityrightsuk.org and Ricawww.rica.org.uk produce high quality informationon a number of accessible mobility solutions.

For further information or advice please call 0300 456 4566 or visit www.motability.co.uk

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23

ARe You A CAReR?

A carer is anybody who looks after a familymember, partner or friend who needs help becauseof their illness, frailty or disability. Many carersdon't see themselves as carers and it takes carersan average of two years to acknowledge their roleas a carer. It can be difficult for carers to see theircaring role as separate from the relationship theyhave with the person they care for, whether theyare a parent, son, daughter, sibling or friend. Theysimply may think of themselves as a friend orfamily of the person they care for. It is because ofthis that they often don’t realise there is helpavailable to them as well. Such as how they canget assessments, direct payments, home care,housing adaptations or funding for short breaks andrespite.

Some carers can suffer from poor health becauseof the demands of their caring role. For example,back pain can result from lifting or moving theperson being cared for. It may also be difficult tomaintain a healthy diet and exercise routine whilecaring.

Without the right support, being a carer can be anextremely stressful role.

• Ask for help: We all need help from time to time and carers are no exception. Help is out there, you only need to ask!

• Know your rights: It sounds simple, but knowingwhat you’re entitled to and what support is available can help a great deal.

• Tell your GP: Your GP practice can record that you are a carer to ensure you get your annual flu vaccination and additional support as a carer.

• Get an assessment: This can sound a little daunting at first, but ensuring that you and the person you care for get a assessment of your needs through the Local Authority can give you access to a whole host of additional practical help and support.

• Be a little selfish! We all need time to ourselves, but it’s particularly important for carers. This could be as simple as setting some me time aside for a relaxing bath or a night out.

Carers Direct helplineCall the Carers Direct helplineon 0300 123 1053 if you need

help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you.

If you are busy at certain times of day, you cansend us a message to ask us to call you back forfree at a time that is convenient to you. Thehelpline is open from 9am to 8pm Monday toFriday, and from 11am to 4pm, at weekends. Thehelpline is closed on bank holidays. Calls are freefrom landlines and mobiles within the UK.

InformationThe helpline advisers can give you information tohelp you make decisions about your personalsupport needs and the needs of the person you'relooking after.

This information includes assessments, benefits,direct payments, individual budgets, time off andmaintaining, leaving or going back to work oreducation.

The helpline staff will tell you how to complain ifanything goes wrong with any of the services youuse or put you in touch with your local authority orNHS services.

Local and specialist helpOur helpline advisers can put you in touch withspecialist national or local sources of help,including social care, healthcare and self-helpnetworks and resources.

The Carers Direct helpline doesn't provide personalfinancial, medical or legal advice and doesn'tprovide casework, advocacy, representation,counselling or emotional support. But our adviserscan help you get in touch with people who doprovide these services.

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CARe In YouR oWn Home

Home care isn’t for everyone but frequent visitsfrom carers and a few home modifications canhelp you retain your home comforts andindependence.

Receiving care in your home is an increasinglycommon alternative to staying in hospital ormoving into a care home.

Depending on your needs, you can receive helpand support that allows you to stay in your ownhome as long as possible. Not only do you avoidany upheaval and stay in familiar surroundings, it can also be a more economical alternative toresidential care.

What home care services are available?• Regular visits from home care workers to help with daily tasks and personal care

• Meals delivered to your home• Equipment and home modifications to help with mobility and accessibility, such as getting in andout of the bath, and getting up and down stairs

• Personal fall and panic alarms that are monitored around the clock

• Support for health needs, such as incontinence• Day care and transport to take you there• Gardening and handyman services

Direct Payments

If you are assessed as needing community careservices and qualify for social services fundingthey must offer you direct payments as an option.

If someone isn't able to manage their own directpayments, it's possible for another person tomanage the direct payments on their behalf.

Direct payments are part of a move towards‘personalised’ social care so that people havemore choice and control over the support theyget, letting you choose and buy the services youneed yourself, rather than having it arranged foryou by social services.

It's important to know that if you receive a directpayment to pay a care worker or personalassistant, you become an employer and have legalresponsibilities.

Direct Payments can be made to:• Disabled people aged 16 or over (with short or long-term needs)

• Disabled parents for children’s services• Carers aged 16 or over (including people with parental responsibility for a disabled child)

• Elderly people who need community care services

Choosing Direct Payments

The choice of direct payments is voluntary. If youdecide to have direct payments, you can changeyour mind about this at any time. If you no longerwant direct payments, contact your local socialservices and ask them to arrange services instead.

It's possible to try direct payments by asking socialservices for a direct payment for some of yoursupport while you continue to get your othersupport directly from social services.

Direct payments can only be spent on things thatwill meet the assessed needs of the person gettingthem. If you spend a direct payment on somethingthat doesn't meet your needs, social services canrecover the money from you.

Everyone who gets support from social servicesshould have their needs reassessed at least once a year.

Contact Gateway to Care for an assessment,to be re-assessed or for further informationon 01422 393000

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CARe In YouR oWn Home

Carers Address TelephonePostcodeArea

Data correct with CQC - December 2014

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27

ReSIDentIAL CARe

There are many types of residential care homesavailable. These include permanent care homes forolder people, homes for younger adults withdisabilities and homes for children. They may beprivately owned or run by the voluntary sector orlocal authorities. You may want to consider indetail the many options for residential care beforeyou make a decision.

Choice of accommodationThe law says that where the local authority isfunding accommodation it must allow the personentering residential care to choose which carehome they would prefer. Social services must firstagree that the home is suitable for the person’sneeds and that it would not cost more than theywould normally pay for a home that would meetthose needs. If the person chooses to go into amore expensive home, a relative or friend may be able to ‘top up’ the difference in cost.

Choosing a care homeCare homes may be arranged through the localauthority but many people will want to arrangethem independently. It is a good idea to visitseveral homes before making a choice. Make sure you spend enough time in each home to get a good idea of what it is like.

Respite and short term staysResidential care home stays don't necessarily haveto be permanent. Temporary stays can be arrangedfor respite care (in which you take a break fromcaring for somebody else), or as a trial periodbefore a permanent stay.

Temporary stays can give you flexibility whencovering unexpected events, such as:

• Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness

• Support for newly disabled people and their carers

• Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care

• Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes

What your choices areA list of all nursing and residential care homeswithin your locality can be found on the followingpages. Every care home in England must beregistered with the national regulatory body Care Quality Commission (CQC).

They inspect each care home on a regular basisand write an inspection report for you to read. It isadvisable to read this report before making a finaldecision.

To check up-to-date information onthe Nursing and Residential carehomes within your locality visitwww.cqc.org.uk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE

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www.ageuk.org.uk

www.carersuk.org

www.findmegoodcare.co.uk

www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

www.societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk

ReSIDentIAL CARe CoStS

In some cases the residential care needed by theperson you're looking after may be paid for by theNHS under the NHS continuing care scheme. Thecare may also be provided free of charge becauseit is 'intermediate care'. It may be free because theperson you're looking after has previously been amental health inpatient. If this is the case, theservices are funded under the Mental Health Act.

Residential care is also free if the local authoritycould charge but decides not to do so. This canoccur if the stay in residential care is onlytemporary (normally less than eight weeks), or ifthe residential care is for a child. If none of theabove applies, the person you're looking after willbe given a financial assessment. This is also knownas a means-tested assessment. They will berequired to give information about their incomeand capital. There are rules that determine howincome and capital are treated. Some types,including benefits, can be disregarded. Thefinancial assessment will work out how much theperson you're looking after will be expected tocontribute towards the cost of their care home fees.

Owning PropertyThere are rules that explain how the property ofthe person you're looking after will be taken intoaccount In some cases it can be disregarded, this isthe case if a partner is still living in the property.

The capital limit for residential care is £23,250.Local authorities will investigate if they believethat the person you're looking after hasdeliberately reduced their capital to avoid payingcare home fees. There is a scheme called thedeferred payment scheme which allows someonewho goes into care to keep their property and stillget help from the local authority with paying carehome fees. The local authority recovers the feesfrom the proceeds when the property is sold. Thisscheme can also be used if there is a delay inselling a property.

Self-fundersAfter the means-tested assessment, the personyou're looking after may receive a decision thatthey will have to pay their own care home fees.People paying their own fees are referred to asself-funders. Self-funders will still receive adviceabout the arrangements for residential care. Oncea self-funder's capital reaches £23,250 the localauthority is responsible for helping out with thecare home fees. This will require another assessment.

Get personal advice on care fundingThe cost of care and support is likely to be a long-term commitment and may be substantial,particularly if you opt for residential care. If you ora member of the family need to pay for care in acare home, it’s important to seek advice tailoredto your individual needs.

The cost of your care will vary depending on itstype, intensity, specialisation, location andduration. For example, a place in a residentialcare home will cost hundreds of pounds a week.Decisions that have such financial implicationsshould be made with advice and only afterconsidering the costs of alternatives.

For example, the cost of a care home needs to beweighed against the cost of care and support thatmay help you remain in your existingaccommodation.

The costs of long-term care can be significant andhow you may wish to arrange to pay for it is a bigfinancial decision for most people. Cost can varyacross the country and different care homes willcharge different amounts based on the level ofcare needs, the quality of the accommodation, orthe area of England it is in.

Few of us will have the income or ready access tothe cash to pay for their ongoing care needs. Oftenpeople find that they need to sell or remortgagetheir home to pay for care or enter into an equityrelease scheme. Before taking such significantfinancial steps it is advisable to get properindependent financial advice. For advice on self-funding care, visit the Money Advice Service or theSociety of Later Life Advisers. You may also havepreviously arranged an investment or insuranceplan to fund your care. Again, it is worth takingindependent advice on these potentially significantfinancial arrangements.

Find out more about paying for care on thewebsites of:

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ReSIDentIAL & nuRSIng CARe

Residential Homes Address Area TelephonePostcode

Data correct with NHS Choices - December 2014

30

Nursing Homes Address TelephonePostcodeArea

ReSIDentIAL & nuRSIng CARe

31

eXpReSSIng CompLAIntS & ConCeRnS

Although most people have no problems whenusing Health & Social care services, sometimesthings can go wrong. This information explainswhat to do if you, or a member of your family,want to complain about the care that you havereceived.

How to complainWho you contact to complain will depend on:

• Whether you are complaining about health care or social care, and

• Whether the care is paid for by public funds or you have paid for it yourself.

It is usually a good idea to keep a record ofwhat you said and who you said it to if thecomplaint is made verbally. HealthwatchCalderdale will be able to tell you if you can getfree help, advice and support in making yourcomplaint.

NHS Advocacy Service Calderdale Citizens Advice Bureau providesupport to people in Calderdale who wish tomake a complaint about NHS Services inCalderdale.

Tel: 01422 842848 Halifax: 37 Harrison Road, Halifax HX1 2AF

Hebden Bridge: New Oxford House, AlbertStreet, Hebden Bridge HX7 8AH

Todmorden: Community College, BurnleyRoad, Todmorden OL14 7BX

Elland: Southgate Methodist Church, LangdaleStreet, Elland HX5 0JL

www.calderdalecab.org.uk

How to make a complaint about health careIf you are unhappy with the care you havereceived from the NHS, you have the right to make a complaint.

Ask to see a copy of the complaints procedurefor the NHS service you are unhappy about. Thiswill tell you who to contact, how they willhandle your complaint and how they will learnfrom your complaint. Where possible, youshould contact the NHS service (hospital, GPpractice, dentist etc.) directly. You can do thisin person, by telephone, email or letter. Thiswill give the NHS service a chance to sort outany problem you might have and put things rightfor you.

If you are not able to do this, or if you feelworried about contacting the NHS servicedirectly, you can complain to other parts ofthe NHS instead:

If your complaint is about a hospital or localNHS community service contact NHS CalderdaleClinical Commissioning Group. They will makesure that your complaint goes to the rightpeople who can help you.

NHS Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group5th floor, F Mill, Dean Clough, Halifax HX3 5AXTel: 01422 281300Email: CCG.FEEDBACK@calderdale.nhs.uk

If you are not content with the replyyou getIf you are not content with the outcome of yourcomplaint or how it was dealt with, you havethe right to ask the Health Service Ombudsmanto investigate your complaint. This is a free,independent service that will usually onlyinvestigate a complaint after the NHS have hada chance to try to deal with your complaint, Ifthey decide the NHS have got things wrong, theycan make recommendations to put things right.

The Parliamentary and Health ServiceOmbudsman, Millbank Tower, Millbank,London SW1P 4QP • Tel: 0345 015 4033 Email: phso.enquiries@ombudsman.org.ukwww.ombudsman.org.uk

Text phone: 0300 061 4298 if you are deaf orhave problems using a standard telephonerequest a call by texting ‘call back’ with yourname and mobile number to 07624 813 005

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eXpReSSIng CompLAIntS & ConCeRnS

If you are not content with the reply you getIf you are not happy with the final reply fromthe care service or Calderdale Council, you havethe right to ask the Local GovernmentOmbudsman to investigate your complaint.

This right applies whether you pay for youprivately fund your own care or the LocalAuthority funds it.

You can contact the Local GovernmentOmbudsman on 0300 061 0614, Local Government Ombudsman, PO Box 4771, Coventry CV4 0EHwww.lgo.org.uk

How to make a complaint about Social care If you are unhappy with the care you havereceived from a care home, nursing home,home-care agency or other social care service,you have the right to make a complaint. If theservice is provided in a social care setting but isfunded by the NHS, e.g. dental services, youwill need to follow the NHS complaints process,‘How to complain about health care’ on theopposite page.

Ask to see a copy of the complaints procedurefor the care service you are unhappy about. This will tell you who to contact, how they willhandle your complaint and how they will learnfrom your complaint.

Where possible, you should contact the careservice directly (care or nursing home, etc.).You can do this in person, by telephone, emailor letter. This will give the care service thechance to sort out any problem you may haveand put things right for you.

If you are not able to do this, or if you feelworried about contacting the service directly,you can contact:

Adult Social Care complaints and Children'sSocial Care complaintsCalderdale CouncilComplaints and Compliments UnitFreepost RTGL-EXHR-SRLHHalifax Customer First1st Floor, 19 Horton Street, Halifax HX1 1QE

Or if you want to speak to someone at theComplaints and Compliments Unit, call us on01422 392279.

For further help and advice on raising a concern or making a complaint relating to

Health or Social Care contact:

Healthwatch CalderdalePhone us on: 01422 431099

Write to us at: 8a Hall Street, Halifax HX1 5AY

Email us at: info@healthwatchcalderdale.co.uk

Visit our website: www.healthwatchcalderdale.co.uk

Like us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/healthwatch.calderdale

Follow us on Twitter: @hwcalderdale