Health & Social CareSignposting Directory 2014

Issue 2

Staffordshire

Covers serviceswithin the districts:3 Lichfield3 South Staffordshire3 Tamworth

ContentsCONTENTS

Disclaimer

This Directory has been compiled to signpost primary health and social care providers throughout Staffordshire.

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 Staffordshirenor HealthCare Publications can be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

All signposting services are up to date as of August 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 or Healthwatch Staffordshire of any product, service or suppliershould be implied.

About Healthwatch StaffordshireHave Your Say on Health & Social Care

Healthwatch ChampionsClinical Commissioning Group

Expressing Complaints & ConcernsChoose Well

Healthy LivingChoosing a GP

GP SurgeriesPharmacies

DentistsOpticians & Hearing Centres

Complementary & Alternative MedicineAdvice on Funding for Healthcare

Personal Health BudgetsAdvice on Funding for Social Care

Telecare & Telehealth ServicesIndependent Living at Home

Are you a Carer?Care in your Own Home

Choosing Between Residential, Nursing & Independent LivingResidential Care Costs

Choosing the Right Care HomeResidential & Nursing Care

Help & Advice From Healthwatch Staffordshire Partners

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

future editions please contact Healthcare Publications on 0333 444 0214

ABOUT HEALTHWATCH STAFFORDSHIRE

Healthwatch Staffordshire is the independentconsumer champion for health and social care inStaffordshire. Our job is to argue for the consumerinterests of those using health and social careservices across the county, and give local people anopportunity to speak out about their concerns andhealth care priorities.

Healthwatch Staffordshire is delivered by EngagingCommunities (ECS) a community interest companythat brings public engagement, consultation andconsumer advice services together in a centralorganisation to create evidence and insight to helpimprove local health and social care services.

What powers does Healthwatch have?• Healthwatch Staffordshire has a seat on the Staffordshire Health and Wellbeing Board - the body that oversees health and social care in the county and therefore can influence how services are set up and commissioned

• We have statutory powers to Enter and View health and social care services using our trained Healthwatch authorised representations. All our reports can be found on our website

• A place on the Quality Surveillance Group which monitors the quality of health provision

• Healthwatch Staffordshire is backed by the national body Healthwatch England

What does Healthwatch Staffordshire do?• Gathers the views and experiences of people within Staffordshire, about their health and social care priorities

• Produces reports which influence the way services are designed and delivered throughout Staffordshire

• Provides information, advice and signposting about local services, as well as commissioning the NHS Complaints Support Service in Staffordshire

• Passes information, issues and concerns to health and social care regulatory bodies and escalates recommendations to Healthwatch England

What have we done so far?

Below is a testimonial which highlightssome of the work we have done asHealthwatch in your local area.

‘‘Working in partnership withHealthwatch has been a crucial part ofour engagement model as South EastStaffordshire and Seisdon PeninsulaClinical Commissioning Group. TheHealthwatch membership scheme is anexcellent way to share our key messagesand also gain feedback from patients tofeed into our strategy and influencedecisions…We have commissionedindependent work such as the survey ofA&E services at Good Hope Hospital andthese findings can be triangulated withresponses from other A&E surveys toensure key themes can be looked at.”Fleur Fernando, Engagement andPartnership Manager from South EastStaffordshire and Seisdon PeninsulaClinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

Contact usThere are lots of ways people can get intouch with Healthwatch Staffordshire:

Write to us at:Healthwatch Staffordshire,

Suite 2, Opus House, Priestly Court,Staffordshire Technology Park,

Stafford, ST18 0LQ

Freephone:Call us: 0800 051 8371

Email us:enquiries@healthwatchstaffordshire.co.uk

Visit our website:www.healthwatchstaffordshire.co.uk

Follow us on@HWStaffordshire

Like us on Facebook atHealthwatch Staffordshire

Staffordshire

HAVE YOUR SAY ON HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE

What matters is making your voice count and your local health and social care services are guided andshaped by your feedback. We need your experiences to inform best practice and highlight issues so thatsomething can be done quickly.

The Healthwatch Staffordshire Experience Exchange is a new feedback centre which allows you toreview any health and social care provision in Staffordshire. Search for the name of the establishment orclick through using the simple service button and area filters. You can then leave your feedback aboutyour experience on a number of aspects of service by whether your experience was negative, neutral or positive.

You can choose from a range of health and social care organisations in your local area.

Including:-

• Care in your own Home Providers• Community Services• Dentists• GP Out of Hours/ 111• GP Surgeries• Hospices• Hospitals• Mental Health Hospitals• Opticians• Pharmacies• Residential Homes• Walk-in Centres

Below is an example of how the Experience Exchange will appear.

Sir Robert Peel HospitalOne of the Hospitals covering Tamworth Borough Council, Lichfield District Council and East StaffordshireBorough Council.

Address: Plantation Lane, Mile OakTamworth, B78 3NG

Contract Details: 01827 263800www.burtonhospitals.nhs.uk

External Reviews: Quality Care Commission

Tell us how you feel about Sir Robert Peel Hospital

Cleanliness of Staff and Facilities

Staff Attitude

Waiting Time

The Quality and Variety of Food

Staff Communications before, during and after Treatment

To find out more join us on our website and visit our new feedback platform at www.healthwatchstaffordshire.co.uk/x2/

HEALTHWATCH CHAMPIONS

Become InvolvedAnyone can become involved with Healthwatch and contribute to its activities because everyone’sviews matter. You can do as much or as little asyou like-from filling in a survey, attending theoccasional meeting about an issue of personalinterest, signing up as a Healthwatch Member orbecoming a Healthwatch Champion.

What are Healthwatch Champions?Healthwatch Champions are volunteers who act asthe voice of the local community. They talk tolocal people about the quality of health & socialcare in their area and are committed to supportingHealthwatch Staffordshire to improve services.This role is vital to the improvement of localservices by prioritising the issues that really matterto you in your own local area.

Healthwatch Champions can undertake as much oras little as they like from a range of Championspecific roles.

The role of a Champion includes: • Be the eyes and ears of local people and raise issues of concern

• Make recommendations on how to improve local services

• Tell people about Healthwatch and encourage them to become involved

• Promote Healthwatch events and projects to local people

• Liaise with other people/groups involved with engagement work

• Attend meetings, groups & events as a Healthwatch Member, representing your own views based on personal experience

• Talk to patients about their experiences of using health and social care services

• Visit health & social care providers, as part of our Enter & View portfolio and activities

How to become a Healthwatch ChampionNo qualifications are needed to become aHealthwatch Champion; just a willingness to listenand talk to a range of individuals, an open mindand a desire to raise the voice of local people.

Champions who are authorised by HealthwatchStaffordshire will undertake relevant training andsome roles will require a Disclosure and BarringService check (previously CRB check).

You can become a Champion by:Contacting Healthwatch Staffordshire on0800 051 8371 or emailing us atenquiries@healthwatchstaffordshire.co.uk

From here we will send you an information packwith additional information about HealthwatchStaffordshire. This will include a role descriptor forChampions and an application form for you tocomplete and return to us.

It is only with your support that HealthwatchStaffordshire can make a difference to the qualityof local services.

Anyone can apply to become a HealthwatchChampion, however if you wish to take a lessactive role you can sign up to be a HealthwatchMember, to receive regular updates and bulletins. Staffordshire

STAFFORD & SURROUNDS CCG EAST STAFFORDSHIRE CCG

CANNOCKCHASE CCG

SELSDONLOCALITY

(CODSALL OFFICE)

SOUTH EASTSTAFFORDSHIRE

LOCALITY(TAMWORTH OFFICE)

CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUP

The CCG has brought together feedback frommember practices, stakeholders and the public todetermine a number of key priorities that reflectthe needs of the local population.

These priorities are as follows:

Priority 1: Frail Older PeopleThe CCG’s ambition for frail older people is forthem to live a fulfilled and active life and besupported to make decisions throughout their life.

Priority 2: Long Term ConditionsThe CCG’s ambition is to ensure that the entirepathway from prevention through to end of life isaddressed for patients with long term conditionsand deliver high quality patient centred care in acost effective way, by well trained staff, promotingself-care and independent living.

Priority 3: Quality ImprovementThe CCG’s priority is to review and amend existingapproaches to quality.

These priorities are considered as we plan for thefuture of healthcare across our two localities, andinform the programmes of work we embark uponas we strive to improve health outcomes forpatients.

South East Staffordshire & SeisdonPeninsula Clinical Commissioning GroupCCGs are GP led organisations; there are 31member practices catering for a population ofaround 212,000 across two localities.

We are committed to working in partnership withlocal people and organisations to ensure theservices we commission are in line with the needsof the community, as demonstrated by our recent‘Call to Action’ events, through which we soughtthe views of local people to contribute to ourplanning.

CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUP

Our CCG now has a single Point of ContactOur single point of contact is a central emailaddress that anyone can use to give us feedback on the services we commission. You can also useour telephone or fax number, or our postaladdress.

What can I use it for?The single point of contact is primarily intended to collect information about the services wecommission, both positive and negativeexperiences allow us to build up a clearer pictureof the quality of services and patient opinion,helping us to commission services more effectivelyand identify areas of concern that may needinvestigation.

When to contact PALSIf you have a complaint about services you havereceived, you should in the first instance contactthe PALS or complaints service of the NHS Trustwho provided the service. If you are not satisfiedwith the response you receive, you can use oursingle point of contact to escalate the issue.

You can contact our Single Point of Contact:NHS South East Staffordshire and Seisdon PeninsulaClinical Commissioning Group, Merlin House,Etchell Road, TamworthStaffordshire, B78 3HFTel: 01827 306148Email: sessp.ccg@nhs.netFollow us on twitter: @sessp_ccg

Getting Involved with the CCGSouth East Staffordshire and Seisdon Peninsula CCGis committed to providing high quality healthcarethat genuinely reflects the needs of the localpopulation. It is therefore vital that we listen towhat the community has to say about healthcareservices. As such we are committed to genuine andproactive engagement with anyone who wants towork with them to achieve their aims.

We encourage anyone with an interest inhealthcare across Staffordshire to joinHealthwatch, as this is the best way of staying intouch with local healthcare issues, and find outhow you can have your say.

If you wish to become more involved in how theviews of local people are heard within the CCG,you may wish to consider joining the PatientParticipation Group (PPG) of your local surgery. 27 of our 31 practices now have PPGs, eitherphysical groups who have regular meetings, orvirtual groups where the conversation flows online.

The PPGs are represented at a local level by theDistrict Engagement Groups (DEGs), of which wehave one representing Seisdon Peninsula, and oneconcerned with the issues in South EastStaffordshire.

Finally, members of our DEGs are elected to formpart of our Patient Council. This group is chairedby our Lay Member for Patient and PublicInvolvement, and gives patients a voice in theplanning of the CCG.

For more information about South EastStaffordshire and Seisdon Peninsula CCGvisit: www.sesandspccg.nhs.uk

EXPRESSING COMPLAINTS & CONCERNS

If you have attended any of the Hospitals whichare part of The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trustyou should contact:

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust PALSTel: 01902 695362 / 07880 601085Email: rwh-tr.pals@nhs.net

If you have attended any of the Hospitals whichmake up The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trustyou should contact:

The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trusts PALSTel: 0800 073 0510 / 01384 244420Email: pals@dgh.nhs.uk

If you want to express a concern or make acomplaint about any aspect of NHS Treatment oradult social care you have received from theStaffordshire and Stoke on Trent PartnershipTrust, please contact:

Complaints TeamStaffordshire and Stoke on Trent Partnership NHS Trust, Morston House, The Midway, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 1QGTel: 0845 602 6772Email: complaints@ssotp.nhs.uk

If you have attended Good Hope Hospital youshould contact.

Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust PALSTel: 0121 424 0808 Email: patientservices@heartofengland.nhs.uk

If you want to make a complaint or expressa concern about any aspect of treatment orcare received from any of the providers inyour local area, the following pages outlinewho you should contact.

GENERAL PRACTITIONERS (GPS)

If you want to make a complaint or express aconcern relating to your GP Practice, your firstport of call would be to contact your GP directly.

If you wish to take your complaint or concernfurther, CCGs are also interested in knowing aboutpatients’ concerns and are willing to receivecomplaints. These concerns would be directed tothe Commissioning Support Unit (CSU) PALS service.

The CSU PALS will try to resolve concerns, willsupport patients to make formal complaints wherenecessary and will refer eligible patients to theNHS Complaints Support Service. Please contact

Commissioning Support Unit PALS: Tel: 0800 030 4563 Text Phone: 075 406 68541 or Email: pals@staffordshirecss.nhs.uk orfeedback@staffordshirecss.nhs.uk

To express a concern you should contact BurtonHospitals NHS Foundation Trust PALS. PALS is animpartial, welcoming, open and confidentialservice for people who would like information oradvice, or would like to comment about any aspectof the services provided by the Foundation Trust.Please contact.

Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust PALSTel: 01283 593110Email: pals@burtonft.nhs.uk

You can make a formal complaint by writing toThe Chief Executive, The House, Burton HospitalsNHS Foundation Trust, Belvedere Road, Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, DE13 0RB.

EXPRESSING COMPLAINTS & CONCERNS

If you are not satisfied with the outcome of adecision taken, you can contact NHS England,who will try and do everything that it can torespond well. If you have a complaint concerningthe treatment or service provided by the NHSplease contact:

NHS EnglandPO Box 16738, Redditch, B97 9PTTel: 0300 311 2233 (Mon-Fri. 8.00 – 18.00)Web: www.england.nhs.uk/contact-us/complaintEmail: England.contactus@nhs.net

If you are unhappy about the way StaffordshireCounty Council has delivered social careservices, and would like to express a complaintor concern, please contact.

The Monitoring Officer, Staffordshire County Council,Peel Building, St. Chads Place, Stafford, ST16 2LRTel: 0300 111 8000Email: customer.feedback@staffordshire.gov.uk

If you are unhappy with the way in which theNHS has handled a complaint you can contact theParliamentary and Health Service Ombudsmanat:

Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman,Millbank Tower, Millbank, London, SW19 4QP.Tel: 0345 015 4033Web: www.ombudsman.org.uk Email: phso.enquiries@ombudsman.org.uk

NHS Complaints Support ServiceThe NHS Complaints Support Services is there toprovide advocacy support to people who wish tomake a complaint about the service – or lack of it -that they have received from an NHS service.

Delivered by POhWER, their advocates will supportan individual through the complaints process. Theywill explain the options available and support you topursue your chosen course of action.

ECS/Healthwatch Staffordshire will be workingalongside POhWER in order to provide theadvocacy service to those who wish to engage withhealth care services in Staffordshire.

They do not however investigate or encouragecomplaints, nor do they offer legal or medical advice.

The NHS Complaints Support Service is free,independent and confidential.

What can they do?• Provide individuals with a Self Help information pack to help them find their own way through the complaints process

• Explain how the NHS complaints procedure works

• Listen to a complaint and discuss options available

• Help individuals to write letters regarding complaints

• Attend meetings and give support

• Speak to other agencies on your behalf when requested

• Provide information on other services an individual may wish to access

• Help to obtain medical records

POhWERUnit 25 & 32, Staffordshire University Business Village,Dyson Way, Staffordshire Technology Park, Stafford, Staffordshire ST18 0TW Tel: 0300 456 2370Email: pohwer@pohwer.netWeb: www.pohwer.net

If you want to express a concern or make acomplaint regarding any aspect of NHS treatmentor social care which you have received from theSouth Staffordshire and Shropshire HealthcareNHS Foundation Trust. Please contact:

South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHSFoundation Trust St. George’s Hospital, Corporation Street, Stafford, ST16 3SRTel: 0800 318850

Your health, your choices

A&E 999Accident & Emergency Departmentis for ambulance traffic and criticalor life-threatening situations only,and you should only go there or call999 if immediate emergency care isneeded.

ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCYThe nearest A&E departments are:

• QUEENS HOSPITALBelvedere Road, Burton upon Trent, DE13 0RB

• GOOD HOPE HOSPITALRectory Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B75 7RR

GP Urgent CareNHS WALK-IN CENTREWalk-in centres treat minorillnesses and injuries that don’tneed a visit to A&E.

Walsall Walk-in Centre19-20 Digbeth, Market Square,Walsall, West Midlands, WS1 1QZTel: 01922 605730Open 8.00 - 20.007 days a week, 365 days a year

MINOR INJURY UNITSLICHFIELD - Samuel Johnson Community HospitalTrent Valley Road, Lichfield, WS13 6EF Tel: 01543 412900

TAMWORTH - Sir Robert Peel HospitalPlantation Lane, Mile Oak, Tamworth, B78 3NG Tel: 01827 263800

SEISDON PENINSULA - Holly Hall ClinicStourbridge Road, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 2ER Tel: 0330 123 9225

OUT OF HOURS URGENT CAREIf you live in Lichfield or Tamworth you should contact Staffordshire Doctors Urgent Care on 0300 7900 247If you live in the Seisdon Peninsula you should contact the NHS 111 service on 111.

GP SURGERYOur GP Surgeries, also have trainednurses who can give advice, taketests, diagnose and be able to treatmany illnesses that used to be onlydealt with by doctors.

GP SURGERYYour local GP surgery provides a range of services including:• General medical advice and treatment for an illness or injury that won’t go away

• Routine health checks / Travel advice / Prescriptions• Help managing long-term medical problems• Immunisations and tests• Referrals to a specialist or a hospital

PHARMACISTGo to a pharmacist if you have thesymptoms of a cough, cold or thinkyou’ve got the flu.

PHARMACISTYou can speak to any pharmacist for advice on how to treat lots of minorinjuries and common complaints such as coughs, colds, bites, stings, achesand pains. They also offer help with healthy living issues such as losingweight or giving up smoking.

NHS 111NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day,and is free to call from landlines andmobiles and offers confidentialhealth advice and information.

NHS 111Is a new national telephone service if you need medical help fast, but it’snot life – threatening. NHS 111 provides a new way to ensure people receivethe right care, from the right person, in the right time and place.

SELF CAREEnsure your medicine cabinet is wellstocked with• Anti-diarrhoeal medicine• Paracetamol or aspirin• Rehydration mixture• Indigestion mixture• Thermometer• Plasters

SELF CAREMany patients make appointments to see their Doctor or Nurse, when theycould be using a well stocked medicines cabinet or visiting a pharmacist totreat their symptoms – and getting the same help or advice a lot quicker.Self care is the very best choice you can make for treating very minorillnesses and injuries.

CHOOSE WELL

HEALTHY LIVING

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%.

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 quitting successfully.

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.

CHOOSING A GP

Choosing a GP can seem a daunting task,especially if you have just moved into anarea and don't know anything about thelocal health services. But there are someeasy ways to find the doctor to suit you.It's important to be registered with adoctor because you'll need them to referyou for specialist hospital and communitytreatment services.

A surgery may refuse an applicationto join its list of patients if:You don't reside in the surgery area.

It has formally closed its list of patients, eg when apractice has more patients than it can deal with ornot enough doctors - this is less common than itused to be.

If your application is refused, the surgery mustwrite to you and give the reasons for this.

How do I find a surgery?Most surgeries operate a fairly strict catchmentarea system, and only those who live within thearea may be able to register.

This isn't to be awkward, but ensures a GP can visita person at home in an emergency in reasonable time.

How do I register?This is straightforward and far easier than mostpeople realise. Simply take your NHS medical cardalong to your chosen surgery. You will then beasked to sign a registration form.

Not all NHS trusts issue medical cards. If you don'thave one, the receptionist will give you form GMS1to fill in.

Once you've completed and returned the forms,your local NHS will transfer your medical recordsto your new surgery and write to you to confirmyour registration as a patient with the surgery.Many surgeries ask a new patient to attend a‘registration medical’ that checks your generalhealth.

What if I can’t get an appointment?If you can't get a doctor's appointment or have anon-urgent health problem or query, you cancontact a nurse by ringing 111 at any time.

What if I have a complaint or concernabout my GP or Practice?First raise it with the staff member concerned orthe Practice Manager.

It may just be an issue of poor communication.Ask at your practice for a copy of their Complaintsprocess to follow.

If you are not happy with how they respond to yourconcerns then you can write to NHS England andthey will allocate someone to look into yourcomplaint.

Write toNHS England PO Box 16738, Redditch, B97 9PT. Tel: 0300 311 22 33 Email: england.contactus@nhs.net

If you want to help improve services in your GPpractice you can join a Patient ParticipationGroup.

Ask at the practice for details of how to join yours.

GP SURGERIES

Lichfield Surgeries Address Telephone

Seisdon Peninsula Surgeries Address Telephone

Tamworth Surgeries Address Telephone

PHARMACIES

If you have the symptoms of a cough, cold, or think you’ve got the flu a pharmacist is the best place to go,as they can usually provide you with the help and information you need on the spot.

They can also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight or giving up smoking.

Make sure you have repeat prescriptionsIf you or someone you care for requires medicines regularly, make sure you order and collect repeatprescriptions in good time to ensure you or your family have enough medicine to last i.e. weekends, Bankholidays and breaks away.

Many of the calls to out of hours health services are for emergency repeat prescriptions when people haverun out of their medication - a situation that could be avoided with some forethought and planning. Bythinking ahead for your regular medication you are helping our busy out of hour’s doctors and nurses.

For opening times and NHS SERVICES available from your Pharmacy Please scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit www.nhs.uk

Lichfield Pharmacies Address Telephone

Seisdon Peninsula Pharmacies Address Telephone

Tamworth Pharmacies Address Telephone

PHARMACIES

Lichfield Dentists Address Telephone

Seisdon Peninsula Dentists Address Telephone

Tamworth Dentists Address Telephone

DENTISTS

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.

Hearing Centres Address Telephone

OPTICIANS & HEARING CENTRES

Lichfield Opticians Address Telephone

Seisdon Peninsula Opticians Address Telephone

Tamworth Opticians Address Telephone

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 of eyeconditions 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.

GWV

G S B EN O I H WJ H E R L CN O S Z L E P H

U L Y T H B X G OS W M B W G C P T T

O H D C W N Y Z W A V

H N U O C I C R T W W D Q M V B F

COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

• Slipped discs• Leg pain and sciatica• Pain or problems with hip, knee, ankle and foot joints

• Pain or problems with elbow, wrist and hand joints

• Fibromyalgia

HomeopathyHomeopathy is used for an extremely wide rangeof health conditions. Among the most commonconditions that people seek homeopathictreatment for are:

• Asthma• Ear infections• Hay fever• Mental health conditions, such as depression, stress and anxiety

• Allergies, such as food allergies• Dermatitis (an allergic skin condition)• Arthritis• High blood pressure

OsteopathyOsteopathy is a way of detecting, treating andpreventing health problems by moving,stretching and massaging a person’s muscles and joints.

Conditions commonly treated with osteopathy:

• Lower back pain• Neck pain• Shoulder pain• Arthritis• Problems with the pelvis, hips and legs• Sports injuries• Problems with posture caused by driving, work or pregnancy

HypnotherapyHypnotherapy is a type of complementarytherapy that uses hypnosis, an altered state ofconsciousness.

When might it be helpful?

• Irritable bowel syndrome• Losing weight and quitting smoking• Skin conditions• Anxiety, pregnancy and childbirth

If you're thinking about whether or not touse a complementary or alternativemedicine, the first step is to learn asmuch as possible about the treatment.

The availability of complementary andalternative treatments on the NHS islimited. Some, such as acupuncture, maybe offered by the NHS.You should find out:What is the evidence that this treatment is safe foryou to take? For example, Ginseng has beenassociated with higher blood pressure and may beinappropriate if you already have raised bloodpressure (hypertension).

If you are using complementary or alternativemedicine to treat a health condition - what is theevidence that the treatment works for yourcondition?

AcupunctureThere is no one health condition or set ofconditions that acupuncture is meant to treat.Instead, Acupuncturists use the treatment for anextremely wide range of health conditions.

Sometimes, patients combine acupuncture withconventional treatments that have been prescribedby a GP or Hospital Consultant. If you are beingtreated by an Acupuncturist for a health condition,it is advisable to discuss this with your GP.

Acupuncture is often used to treat musculoskeletalconditions (of the bones and muscles) and painconditions, including:

• Headache and migraine• Chronic pain - including neck and back pain• Joint pain• Dental pain• Post-operative pain• Post-operative nausea and vomiting

ChiropracticChiropractic treatments are often used formusculoskeletal conditions (affecting themuscles, bones and joints).

Conditions commonly treated by chiropractorscould include:

• Lower back pain• Neck pain• Shoulder pain and problems

ADVICE ON FUNDING FOR HEALTHCARE

There are several options for funding care andunderstanding them, and which ones apply to youcan be complicated. These options depend on yourneed for care and support, as well as your personaland financial circumstances.

The main sources of support are the NHS and yourlocal Social Services department, depending onyour circumstances.

NHS careThe NHS is responsible for funding certain types ofhealthcare and equipment you may need. In somesituations, the NHS is also responsible for meetingcare needs. This is usually when someone’s need ismainly for healthcare rather than social care. NHScare could be provided in hospital but it can alsobe in someone’s own home or elsewhere in thecommunity.

When care is provided through the NHS there is nofinancial assessment and no care charges to pay.However, people are only eligible for NHS care incertain circumstances.

NHS continuing healthcareIf the person you care for has very severe andcomplex health needs, they may qualify for NHScontinuing healthcare. This is an ongoing packageof care that’s fully funded by the NHS.

Nursing careIf someone goes into a residential care home butneeds some element of nursing care, they’ll get apayment from the NHS to help pay for their nursingcare. This is called a registered nursing carecontribution (RNCC).

Intermediate careSome people can be eligible for intermediate carefrom the NHS. This is provided on a short-termbasis and is intended to help people recover froman injury or illness and stay independent.Intermediate care is often provided to elderlypeople who are being discharged from hospital,and may help someone to keep living in their ownhome rather than moving into a care home.

AftercarePeople who were previously detained in hospitalunder certain sections of the Mental Health Actwill have their aftercare services provided free.

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 a number of placesacross England and, from April 2014, anyonereceiving NHS continuing healthcare will have aright 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 similar way tothe personal budgets that many people are alreadyusing 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 organisations will be free to offerpersonal health budgets to other people if theythink an individual will benefit. It is theGovernment’s long-term aim, to introduce a rightto a personal health budget for people who wouldbenefit 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.

ADVICE ON FUNDING FOR SOCIAL CARE

If someone isn’t eligible for free care from theNHS, their main source of support will be socialservices. In this case, there are rules thatdetermine whether or not they have to make afinancial contribution. These rules vary dependingon whether the care is provided in a care home orin their own home.

Local authority community careIf you or the person you're looking after hasdifficulty with their personal care, they shouldconsider getting support from social services byhaving a community care assessment of theirneeds.

Your income (including any benefits) and capitalwill be taken into account when calculatingwhether you have to pay anything towards the care that you or they will receive.

In some cases a person may have a mixed packageof care, including some that is NHS-funded andsome that is provided by social services, for whichthey may be charged.

Normally, an assessment is carried out before aservice can be provided by the social servicesdepartment of a local authority. However, if theservices are needed urgently, the local authoritycan provide a service without carrying out theassessment.

The local authority uses the community careassessment to decide whether a person needs acommunity care service and, if they do, whether it can be provided by the local authority.

The assessment considers what types of servicesare needed by the person being assessed.

A wide range of services could be needed, fromaids and adaptations in the person's own home tocare workers or residential care.

Where there are disputes about the process of theassessment or the care plan, there are ways thatdecisions can be challenged. For more information,please speak to your local Healthwatch team.

The local authority is obliged to carry out acommunity care assessment when they becomeaware that someone may be in need of communitycare services. This may mean that an assessment is offered even if you or the person you look afterhave not specifically requested one.

Direct paymentsIf you are assessed as needing community careservices and qualify for social services funding,they 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 have more choice and control over the support they get, 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 paymentsThe 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.

To contact your Local Authority Departmentfor an assessment or to be re-assessedplease call: 0300 111 8010Email: staffordshirecares@staffordshire.gov.uk

TELECARE & TELEHEALTH SERVICES

Telecare is a service that enables people,especially older and more vulnerableindividuals, to live independently in theirown home. 90% of people say that that istheir wish and telecare allows it tohappen. Equally it gives peace of mind tofamily, friends and carers, knowing thatwhen they are unable to watch over theirloved ones, telecare will.Telecare is as much about the philosophy of dignityand independence as it is about technology andservices. The service package, and choice oftechnology, is provided to support the individual intheir home and is tailored to meet their needs. Itcan be as simple as the basic social alarm service,able to respond 24/7 in a given situation, it caninclude sensors and triggers such as motion or falldetectors and fire and gas alarms, that trigger awarning to a response centre staffed 24 hours aday, 365 days a year. It can also include locationdevices that can be used to enable an individual tohave security outside of their home.

As well as responding to an immediate need,telecare can work in a preventative mode, withservices programmed to monitor an individual'shealth or well-being. Often known as lifestylemonitoring, this can provide early warning ofdeterioration, prompting a response from family or professionals.

Telehealth equipment is used to monitor yourhealth in your own home. It can be equipment tomeasure your blood pressure, blood glucose levelsor your weight. This can reduce the number ofvisits you make to your GP and unplanned visits tothe hospital. You’re taught how to do the tests onyourself and the measurements are automaticallytransmitted to your doctor or nurse, who can thensee the information without you having to leavehome. They can let you know if they have anyconcerns.

Telecare and telehealth can be used on their ownor in combination in order to best meet the needsof the individual and get the best fit with localservices, including those provided by family andfriends. The services need to balance technologywith other forms of care and support and bereviewed in the same way as all other packages ofhealth and social care.

For more information about telehealth andtelecare services, visit www.telecare.org.uk orspeak to your GP, social worker or local authority

Telecare & Telehealth can be of benefit to:• Older, frail or disabled people or those

temporarily unwell after perhaps an operation

• People who have been discharged from hospital and need to be able to get help at home if needed

• Vulnerable people of any age living alone

• Reassurance to partners, family and carers of people with dementia, medical conditions or disabilities be that physical, mental or sensory

To benefit from the service all you need is a phoneline and modern electric plug socket. This range oftechnology offers extra independence and peace ofmind. Pictured overleaf are some of our mostpopular devices, however, many more areavailable.

TELECARE & TELEHEALTH SERVICES

Falls DetectorWill sense if you fall andautomatically alert us. Wewill get help to you quickly.

These can be carried withyou around the home and inyour garden (within 50metres). In an emergencysimply press the alarmbutton and a message issent directly to the LifelineControl Centre.

Flood DetectorWill alert you and us when abath or sink is overflowing.

Smoke DetectorWill alert you and us ifsmoke or fire is detected inyour home. Your house issafe even when you are notin it.

Exit AlertWill detect and alert us if adoor is opened, and canhelp should a person be atrisk of wandering.

Bed SensorWill alert you and us if aperson does not return totheir bed. This couldindicate a fall has occurred.

Telecare Panic ButtonThis system offers reassurance to anyone athome alone. The pendantis linked into an on sitetelecare alarm unit. If youare concerned about anysituation, you simply needto press the button. Ifsupport is requiredoperators will raise an alarmshould the incident becritical.

Examples of Telecare Equipment:

INDEPENDENT LIVING AT HOME

Suggestions for making life easy:

External Adaptations• Handrail at front or rear entrance of dwelling• Provision of whirly clothes line or path leading to clothes line

• Widening of paths around the property• Defining steps for people with visual impairments

• Outdoor lighting• Paved areas for wheelchairs

General Internal Adaptations• Additional stair rail• Changing door knobs to lever handles• Lowering of Yale locks• Re-siting of electrical sockets at a convenient level

• Additional power points• Provision of intercom & door unlock systems• Provision of rocker light switches• Adjustments to or additional lighting• Relocation of clothes hanging rails• Accessible window openings• Provision of letter cages or delivery shelves in entrance hall

Kitchens and Bathrooms• Lowering or replacement of high wallhung cupboards

• Additional storage space in kitchen• Lowering of cooker mains switch• Installation of extractor fan with accessible controls

• Level access shower• Overbath shower• Provision of non-slip/tactile surface• Provision of storage space for wheelchair• Ramps• Special baths• Special toilets• Step in shower• Widening doors for wheelchair access

Major Adaptations• Bathroom extensions (ground floor showers & W.C’s)

• Bedroom extensions• Hardstandings• Major internal rearrangements• Re-design or re-organisation of existing kitchen• Stairlifts• Vertical through floor lifts

Around one in five adults in the UK isdisabled, and more than 1 million ofthose live alone. With the right supportand facilities, leading an independent lifewith a physical or learning disability isnow more achievable than ever.

Aids and Adaptations If you or a member of your family has difficultyliving in your home due to a long-term illness ordisability, you may be able to get help by adaptingyour home to better meet your needs. You canapply to your local council for a disabled facilitiesgrant. The grant helps you adapt your home tomake it suitable for a disabled person. Dependingon your income, you may need to pay towards thecost of the work to the property.

You could get a grant from your council if youare disabled and need to make changes to yourhome, for example to:

• Widen doors and install ramps

• Improve access to rooms and facilities - eg stairlifts or a downstairs bathroom

• Provide a heating system suitable for your needs

• Adapt heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use

How can I find out more about the aidsand adaptations that would help me?

Contact your social services department on 0300111 8010 about what difficulties you are having athome. They will send an occupational therapist tocarry out an assessment and provide advice onwhich equipment or housing adaptation needs suityou best.

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. All the carethey give is unpaid and about one in ten of us is acarer. Many carers don't see themselves as carersand it takes carers an average of two years toacknowledge their role as a carer.

It can be difficult for carers to see their caring roleas separate from the relationship they have withthe person they care for, whether they are aparent, son, daughter, sibling or friend and manypeople do not see themselves as carers. Theysimply may think of themselves as a friend orfamily of the person they care for.

It is because of this that they often don’t realisethat there is help available to them as well,such as how to get:• Assessments• Direct payments• Home care• Housing adaptations• Funding for short breaks or respite

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 knowing what 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.

• Have an assessment: This can sound a little daunting at first, but ensuring that you and theperson you care for, get an assessment of your and their needs. Your 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.

There are an estimated 80,000 Carers inStaffordshire, help and support isavailable locally from the CarersAssociation Southern Staffordshire.

We support unpaid carers of any age in SouthernStaffordshire, who arelooking after a friend orrelative, who because ofdisability, illness or theeffects of old age, cannotmanage at home withouthelp.

CASS is a registered charity,which provides confidential advice, informationand emotional support and a range of otherservices to Carers living in the districts of CannockChase, East Staffs, Lichfield, South Staffs, Staffordand Tamworth.

All of these services are free of charge.

The Carers CentreAustin FriarsStaffordST17 4APAdvice Line: 01785 606675Admin: 01785 222365Fax: 01785 220665Email: enquiries@carersinformation.org.ukWebsite: carersinformation.org.uk

CARE IN YOUR OWN HOME

If you are finding it difficult to manage at home you could consider using the services of a home careprovider. Home care providers employ care assistants who can help you with bathing, washing and dressing.The staff who work for these agencies are trained in personal care and safety procedures, moving andhandling, hygiene and infection control. If you require nursing care at home, many agencies employregistered nurses.

A list of the care agencies registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which are located inLichfield, Seisdon Peninsula and Tamworth can be found on the following page.

Organising your own home careIf you are thinking about arranging your own home care it is a good idea to ask any agencies youapproach the following questions

• Are there different rates for weekends/evenings?• Are there any extra charges i.e. for the carer's travelling expenses?• What sort of services do you provide?• If you provide me with a service, can I contact you out of office hours? If so, how?• Are your carers trained? Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission?

To check up-to-date information on the providers of homecarevisit www.cqc.org.uk or scan the QR CODE with your Smartphone.

Lichfield Care Providers Address Telephone

Seisdon Peninsula Care Providers Address Telephone

CARE IN YOUR OWN HOME

Tamworth Care Providers Address Telephone

CHOOSING BETWEEN RESIDENTIAL,

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.

Older peopleCare homes for older people may provide personalcare or nursing care. A care home which isregistered to provide personal care will offersupport, ensuring that basic personal needs, suchas meals, bathing, going to the toilet andmedication, are taken care of. In some homesmore able residents have greater independenceand take care of many of their own needs.Someresidents may need medical care and some carehomes are registered to provide this. These areoften referred to as nursing homes. Some homesspecialise in certain types of disability, forexample, dementia.

Adults aged 18-65There are also residential care homes that providecare and support for younger adults with, forexample, severe physical disabilities, learningdisabilities, acquired brain injury, progressiveneurological conditions or mental health problems.Care can be provided for adults with more thanone condition and some homes have expertise inproviding care for adults with alcohol or drugdependency.

These homes offer permanent residence or providecare for a temporary period until the adult is able to live independently or move to a different typeof accommodation.

Choosing between residential care andindependent livingSocial Services normally encourage younger adultswho they assess for support to be as independentas their circumstances allow. The care plan foradults with disabilities will consider whatindependent tasks they can carry out and how theycan be helped to achieve more. Even if adults havevery severe disabilities their needs are reviewedfrom time to time to check whether residentialcare or a very high level of support is stillappropriate.

Supported living may be an option for youngeradults. This allows people to live independently inthe community but with basic support. The supportoffered includes help with setting up a home andmanaging finances, and assistance with cleaning and shopping.

For older people there are various alternatives toresidential care. These include sheltered housingand extra care housing schemes, which offerindependence with an increased level of care and support.

For many people there is also the choice of livingindependently at home with community caresupport.

NURSING & INDEPENDENT LIVING

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 are your choices?A 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

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:

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CARE HOME

All care homes vary in their quality, andit can be hard to know what qualities tolook for when choosing a home.

A good care home will probably do the following:• Offer new residents and their families or carers a guide (in a variety of accessible formats) describing what they can expect while they’re living there. Ideally, residents of the home wouldhave helped to produce the guide

• Have a majority of staff who've worked there fora long time. They know the residents well, and are friendly, supportive and respectful

• Involve residents, carers and their families in decision making, perhaps through regular meetings with staff

• Support residents in doing things for themselves and maximising their independence, including keeping contact with the outside community

• Offer a choice of tasty and nutritious food, which residents may have helped to prepare

• Take into account the needs and wishes of all residents, and provide a variety of leisure and social activities

• Be in a clean, bright and hygienic environment that's been adapted appropriately for residents, with single bedrooms available. A good environment encourages residents to personalisetheir room

• Have staff who respect residents’ privacy and knock before they enter someone’s room

• Be staffed by well-trained people, for example, nurses trained in dementia care

• Respect residents’ modesty and make sure that they look respectable, while recognising residents’ choice about what they wear

• Be accredited under the Gold Standards Framework for end of life care

A bad care home might do the following:• Have a code of practice and a set of aims, but doesn’t make them a priority

• Offers little opportunity to listen to residents, with most decisions made by staff

• Have residents’ care plans that are out of date, and don’t reflect their needs accurately. This means that some residents aren't getting the support they need with their healthcare and personal care

• Give residents little privacy. Staff often enter residents’ rooms without knocking, and they talkabout residents within earshot of other people

• Have staff who don’t make an effort to interact with residents, and leave them sitting in front ofthe TV all day

• Be in a poorly maintained building, with rooms that all look the same and have little choice in furnishings

• Need cleaning, with shared bathrooms that aren't cleaned regularly

• Deny residents their independence, for example,by not allowing someone to feed themselves because it takes too long

As a resident in a care home, you should expect:• The right to be treated politely and with dignity

• The right to privacy for yourself, and your relatives and friends when they visit

• The right to deal with your own finances and spend your money how you choose

• The right to eat food that's prepared in line withyour faith, and to worship when and where you want to

• The right to choose the food that you eat, and tobe given the time and space to relax and enjoy your meal

• The right to choose when you get up in the mornings and go to bed at night

• The right to complain if you're unhappy with your care

RESIDENTIAL & NURSING CARE

Lichfield Residential Homes Address Telephone

Seisdon Peninsula Residential Homes Address Telephone

Tamworth Residential Homes Address Telephone

RESIDENTIAL & NURSING CARE

Lichfield Nursing Homes Address Telephone

Seisdon Peninsula Nursing Homes Address Telephone

Tamworth Nursing Homes Address Telephone

HELP & ADVICE FROM HEALTHWATCHSTAFFORDSHIRE PARTNERS

Age UK South Staffordshire Information and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast rangeof topics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care.General advice on how to deal with issues with utility companies, telesales callsand doorstep callers, or simply find a tradesperson, is also available.Covers Lichfield, South Staffordshire and Tamworth.

Penkridge Resource Centre, The Roller Mill, Teddesley Road, Penkridge, Stafford, ST19 5BDTel: 01785 788 477 or 01785 788 499 Email: info@ageuksouthstaffs.org.uk • Website: www.ageuk.org.uk/southstaffs

ApproachApproach provides specialist support and advice for older people and their carersand families.

Dementia Awareness Sessions• Do you or your family support a person with a diagnosis of Dementia?• Would you like more information to assist you in this role?• Free Dementia awareness sessions are available in your local area.• The sessions are designed to support you when caring for someone with dementia. The information is delivered in a friendly, easy to understand, sensitive manner and may help you to understand how a person with dementia can live well with the illness.

Cauldon Chambers, 10 Stoke Road, Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2DPTel: 01782 214999

Carers Association Southern StaffordshireThe Carers Association Southern Staffordshire (CASS) supports unpaid carers of anyage in Southern Staffordshire, who are looking after a friend or relative, whobecause of disability, illness or the effects of old age, cannot manage at homewithout help. CASS is a registered charity, which provides confidential advice,information and emotional support and a range of other services to Carers living inthe districts of Cannock Chase, East Staffs, Lichfield, South Staffs, Stafford andTamworth. All of these services are free of charge.

The Carers Centre, Austen Friars, Stafford, ST17 4APAdvice Line: 01785 606675 • Admin: 01785 222365Email: enquiries@carersinformation.org.uk • Website: www.carersinformation.org.uk

St Giles HospiceSt Giles Hospice is a registered charity, offers specialist care in a variety ofsettings for patients with cancer and other serious illnesses, as well as providingsupport for their families and helpers. The care is provided free of charge,irrespective of personal circumstances.

Fisherwick Road, Whittington, Lichfield, WS14 9LHTel: 01543 432031 • Email: enquiries@st-giles-hospice.org.ukWebsite: www.stgileshospice.com

Alzheimer’s Society West Midlands Area OfficeThe Alzheimer’s Society provides information and support to people with dementiaand their carers/families across Staffordshire

Units 8 & 9, Windsor Business Park, Windsor Court, Trent Valley Road, Lichfield WS13 6EUTel: 01543 255955 • Email: wwm@alzheimers.org.uk

MS Society Tamworth and Lichfield BranchThe MS Society is the UK’s leading Multiple Sclerosis charity. The Tamworth &Lichfield branch is one of over 300 MS Society branches run by volunteers workingalongside local staff. We offer a range of services including providing equipment,providing information on benefits, helping with funding or simply providing alistening ear. We also raise funds every year to help people affected by MS.

Tel: 01827 895 719Email: tamandlichms@talktalk.net

South Staffordshire Network for Mental HealthSouth Staffordshire Network for Mental Health is a mental health charity tochampion service user involvement and to ensure that people with experience ofmental illness have a say in how local services are developed and delivered. They provide up to date and useful information on local services and projects,signposting to services helpful to an individual. They also provide a volunteerprogramme, helping people to make a difference within their community, andchallenge stigma and discrimination of people with experience of mental illness.Individuals can join for free to receive SSN Mental Health newsletter by post oremail four times a year.

Mansell House, 22 Bore Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6LLTel: 01543 301139 • Email: sunetwork@ssnmentalhealth.co.ukWebsite: www.ssnmentalhealth.co.uk

Staffordshire Neurological AllianceThe Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for thoseaffected by any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the widedisparity in provision across the county.

4 Bracken View, Brocton, Stafford, ST17 0TF Website: www.staffsneurologicalalliance.org.uk

RockspurRockspur is a service for adults with learning difficulties - a user-led service, itaims to develop skills and independence within individuals. They offer veryflexible support across the week, including activities on the weekend, such as daytrips through to supported holidays and much more.

Carter Avenue, Bilbrook, South Staffordshire, WV8 1HQTel: 01902 844925Email: therockspurhouse@yahoo.co.uk • Website: www.rockspur-house.co.uk

British Red CrossThe British Red Cross helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. It provides a wide range of services throughout the Staffordshire, West Midlandsand the Warwickshire areas.

West Midlands Head Office: Bradbury House, Wheler Road, Seven Stars Estate, Coventry, CV3 4LB Tel: 02476 304 200 • Website: www.redcross.org.uk

For Local Support at home, Event first aid, Ambulance support and Providing loansof medical equipment you can also contact:Red Cross House, 13-14 Parker Court, Staffordshire Technology Park,Beaconside, Stafford, ST18 0WPTel: 01785 279840

Macmillan StaffordshireMacmillan Staffordshire aims to try and improve the lives of people affected bycancer locally. We provide practical, medical, emotional and financial support andpush for better cancer care.

Tel: 0808 808 00 00 • Website: www.macmillan.org.uk/Home.aspx

Staffordshire Parent Partnership ServiceThe Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free, impartial and confidentialservice for parents and carers of children (0-19) with special educational needs. It provides information and support on all aspects relating to a child’s education.Training for parents is offered through the SkillShare project.

Tel: 01785 356921Email: spps@staffordshire.gov.ukwww.staffordshire.gov.uk/education/welfareservice/SpecialEducationalNeeds/spps/

The Family Information ServiceThe Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need tomake important family decisions. Whether it’s a quick call to check something, ora more detailed discussion to find the right type of childcare.

Staffordshire County Council, Tipping Street, Stafford, ST16 2DHTel: 0300 111 8007 • Email: fis@staffordshire.gov.uk Website: www.staffordshire.gov.uk/education/childcare/families/homepage.aspx

(SPAN) Staffordshire Parent Action NetworkThe Staffordshire Parent Action Network helps parents and carers of disabledchildren under the age of 18 make a difference to the services offered to them inStaffordshire. We are a group of Staffordshire parents and carers and we want tocollect your ideas and opinions. We meet on a monthly basis and also attend themeetings of many service providers where we pass on your comments to assistthem in providing better services for disabled children.

Website: www.span-info.co.uk

Community Together CICCommunity Together CIC is a not for profit community interest company based inTamworth which aims to promote community cohesion, volunteer and learningopportunities, bre aking down barriers between generations through socialactivities and signposting of local services.

Tel: 01827 260246 / 01827 59646Email: communitytogethercic@gmail.comWebsite: www.communitytogethercic.org.uk

OPAAL UK (Older People’s Advocacy Alliance)OPAAL is the only national UK membership based organisation supporting,promoting and developing the provision of independent advocacy services forolder people. It aims• To provide the strategic lead on advocacy with older people• To ensure that older people have access to advocacy• To support the development of new national advocacy projects to meet the needs of older people

Tel: 01782 844036 • Email: jo@bjf.org.uk

Staffordshire BuddiesStaffordshire Buddies offers specialist and confidential advocacy, advice,information and support on all aspects of living and being affected by HIV as wellas around good sexual health. We also provide the latest local information aroundservices, as well as support and regular updates on HIV, Health and well-being.Staffordshire Buddies main centre is based in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. They alsohave centres in Lichfield and Burton.

Tel: 01782 201251 • Email: ask@staffordshirebuddies.co.ukWebsite: www.staffordshirebuddies.co.uk

Citizens Advice BureauCitizens Advice Officers provide free confidential, impartial and independentadvice. We can offer help with a range of problems, including debt, benefits,housing, employment, consumer, relationships and discrimination.South Staffordshire Citizens Advice BureauCivic Centre, Gravel Hill, Wombourne, Staffordshire, WV5 9HATel: 01902 897757 • Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/sscab.htm South East Staffordshire Citizens Advice Bureau – Lichfield Office29 Levetts Fields, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6HYTel: 08444 111 444 • Website: www.ses-cab.org/lichfield/South East Staffordshire Citizens Advice Bureau – Burntwood OfficeWade House, 7 Cannock Road, Burntwood, Staffordshire, WS7 1JSTel: 08444 111 444 • Website: www.ses-cab.org/burntwood/ Tamworth Citizens Advice BureauThe Philip Dix Centre, Corporation Street, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B79 7DNTel: 01827 305950 / 08444 111444 • Website: www.tamworthcab.org.uk/

Support Staffordshire (South Staffordshire)Support Staffordshire (South Staffordshire) provides practical advice, informationand support on all aspects of setting up and running voluntary and community groups. Wolverhampton Road, Codsall, South Staffordshire, WV8 1PXTel: 01902 851 675 • Email: info@sscva.org.ukWebsite: www.sscva.org.uk/info/home

Support Staffordshire (Lichfield & District)Support Staffordshire (Lichfield & District) provides services for voluntary andcommunity groups in Lichfield and the surrounding area and works in partnershipwith statutory agencies to promote, support and encourage community andvoluntary action throughout Lichfield.Mansell House, 22 Bore Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LLTel: 01543 303030 • Email: info@ldcvs.org.uk • Website: www.ldcvs.org.uk/Support Staffordshire (Tamworth)Support Staffordshire (Tamworth) is a local support agency which is there tosupport voluntary and community groups in Tamworth who are looking fordevelopment or funding advice and support.Carnegie Centre, Corporation Street, Tamworth, B79 7DNTel: 01827 709657 • Email: enquiries@tamworth-cvs.org.uk

Staffordshire CaresStaffordshire Cares is an easy way to find information, in one place.Through a specially developed website, single telephone number and face-to-facecontacts across the county, Staffordshire Cares can direct you to hundreds ofservices and organisations to make your life easier and help you remainindependent for longer.

Staffordshire Cares is a partnership between Staffordshire County Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, members of the public and the private and voluntarysectors, you can be sure that all your options are here, in one place.

Tel: 0300 111 8010Email: staffordshirecares@staffordshire.gov.uk Website: www.staffordshirecares.info

StaffordshireHealthwatch StaffordshireHave your say on Health and Social Care.

Suite 2, Opus House, Priestly Court, Staffordshire Technology Park, Stafford, ST18 0LQTelephone: 0800 051 8371 • Email: enquiries@healthwatchstaffordshire.co.uk Website: www.healthwatchstaffordshire.co.uk

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