Assistive Technology What is it?

24 hourcare homes

START (Short Term Assessment and Re-ablement Service)

How am I referredto the Integrated Discharge Team?

The assessment process

Autumn 2015 | Issue 3

A guide to care and independent living

Northampton Options

WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

O C T A G O NDESIGN & MARKETING LTD

Northampton General HospitalNHS Trust

Options

2

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Alzheimer’s Society Services in Northampton .......26

Age UK Northamptonshire ............................ 24-25

Assistive Technology – What is it? .......................23

The CQC Social Care Top Tips .............................22

Other sources of help for when you have left hospital ........20-21

Employing a professional carer or personal assistant ...........18-19

The Motability Scheme ............................................................17

How to use your health services ..............................................16

Continuing NHS Care ..............................................................12

Who is eligible for NHS continuing healthcare? .......................12

NHS-funded nursing care ........................................................14

Paying for residential and nursing care ....................................15

Avery Care Homes ..................................................................11Short Term Assessment and Re-ablement Service (START) ........1124 hour care homes ................................................................11

Intermediate care services .......................................................10Intermediate Care Team (ICT) ..................................................10

Getting the most out of your assessment ..................................8More about the assessment ......................................................9Assessments and carers .............................................................9

Contents

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The majority of people are able to return home following a stay in hospital without any additional support. If you feel you or your family member will require support to return home, please speak with the ward team who will be able to discuss your options with you.

Where necessary the ward team will work with our Integrated Discharge Team to support you in developing a plan, to ensure that you can be discharged home as quickly and as smoothly as possible.

This guide explains some of these processes, and explains the role of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) approach in the hospital discharge process.

Introduction

NHS Hospitals and services in Northamptonshire .27Useful contacts ............................................. 28-29

A warm welcome from our new discharge suite ........................4Problems or queries ..................................................................4Our hospital team – the Integrated Discharge Team ..................5How am I referred to the Integrated Discharge Team? ...............5The assessment process by the Integrated Discharge Team .....5-6Discharge from Hospital ............................................................6Important Information before you leave – Self Checklist ............6

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Problems or queriesIf you have queries or are experiencing difficulties relating to your discharge you can either contact your Integrated Discharge Team care manager or speak to the nurse caring for you on the ward. They can also give further information and contact details you may find helpful.

A warm welcome from our new discharge suiteNGH now has a new discharge suite, providing a more comfortable area where patients who are ready to leave hospital can safely await their transport home. It is situated close to the Cheyne Walk entrance, near the eye department and optician’s shop.

The new discharge suite offers a safe, warm, comfortable area for patients to wait for collection, medications to take home or a last dose of intravenous medication. The suite has four rooms with beds for patients who require this, plus 20 chairs in two lounge areas, TVs, magazines, newspapers, hot and cold drinks, snacks, and a hot meal if required.

Patients can expect a warm welcome and a chance to talk about their experiences in hospital, fears of going home or just a chat. Qualified nurses, healthcare assistants and admin staff are all on hand to support you and keep you updated.

We’re happy for relatives and patients to come and see our facilities at any time. You can contact us on extension 4082 from within the hospital (01604 544082 from outside).

We discharge around 80 patients each day from the hospital.

It is vital for us to ensure there are enough beds each day for patients who need emergency assessment or planned surgery.

One way we do this is to discharge patients from the ward before 10o’clock in the morning when they are medically fit to leave.

All patients waiting for transport or collection by a family member or transfer to care homes etc will normally be transferred from a ward to the new discharge suite at the Cheyne Walk entrance to the hospital.

Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA): If you are reading this on behalf of a relative or friend who is a patient with us, and there is a ‘Lasting Power of Attorney’ registered with the Office of the Public Guardian in place for that patient, please ensure that ward staff receive a copy of the document, or are provided with evidence of the LPA for our patient notes.

It is important that we have a certified copy of any existing LPA for ‘Person’s Health & Welfare’. Please note that an LPA relating to property and affairs does not give anyone power to make decisions on behalf of the patient in regard to their treatment. However in the event that the patient’s circumstances have changed and they need to be considered for a placement such as a care home or nursing home, if you hold their LPA for property and affairs please confirm this to the nursing team. They will ensure that the discharge team contact you to review the ongoing needs of the patient.

Please also note that we cannot act upon any LPA unless we have certified evidence that it exists. We cannot act upon a verbal notification of its existence. Once we receive the copy or other evidence we will ensure that a care plan is put in place agreed with the person(s) holding the LPA. Please also remember that an LPA is not the same as an ‘advanced directive’ unless this has been included in the LPA.

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Planning for discharge normally begins at the point, or even before, you are admitted to hospital.

The discharge process is coordinated by a member of the nursing team on the ward. Following an initial assessment by nursing and medical staff, you will be referred, with your consent, to the Integrated Discharge Team if you

appear to have needs that require assessment for your discharge.

You can also give your consent to your carer who can ask for you to be referred to the discharge team. If you have any queries whilst an inpatient or want any general advice, please ask your nurse to contact the team.

How am I referred to the Integrated Discharge Team?

Our team, based in the hospital and comprising health and social care workers, enables a holistic approach to safe and effective patient discharge.

Within this team of workers there are therapy

representatives, social workers, care managers,

care coordinators, intermediate care nurses,

discharge facilitators and discharge assistants,

who help the ward staff to ensure patients are

discharged safely to the appropriate destination.

Our hospital team – the Integrated Discharge Team

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Discharge from hospitalOnce all assessments are completed the integrated discharge team member will discuss with you what help may be available, and decide with you how your care needs can best be met.

We now operate a new discharge process - called Discharge to Assess - for those patients who might need support on arriving home from hospital. This involves arranging a support care package to ensure the patient's safety, with a full assessment being made in the home rather than in hospital. (This new service is provided in conjunction with NHS Nene clinical

commissioning group and Northamptonshire County Council, Olympus Care, Northamptonshire Health Foundation Trust, and Northampton and Kettering general hospitals). We also plan to extend this service

to patients who are medically fit to leave hospital and are being discharged to a community bed. Patients and relatives will be

given a minimum 24 hours’ notice of a discharge date under the new process

A member of the discharge team allocated to your particular ward will contact you. The assessment is not a test. It is simply finding out what help you may need at home that will help reduce any risks to your safety or independence.

The assessment process will start with discussions with the ward staff, with you and your family/carers. This process of information gathering and clarification of the situation will enable the social worker/social services officer to work alongside you to:

■ identify your needs

■ give you information about services that could immediately support you to be discharged from hospital or support you in the longer term.

Depending on how complex your needs are, other specialist assessments may also be required.

The referral process and time scales for assessments are outlined in the Delayed Discharge Act 2003. The length of time required to complete the process can vary depending on how complex your needs are.

In the Integrated Discharge Team, we aim to do what we can to help people to live independently and safely. We work within resources available to us, and therefore ensure that we prioritise the people who are in greatest need of help.

This guide tells you more about assessments and eligibility criteria. It also tells you about what will happen after you have an assessment. This may be relevant to you if you are an older person (65+), have a physical or sensory disability, have mental health problems, or have a learning disability. Please see the information in the following section about our new assessment process.

The assessment process by the Integrated Discharge Team

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Home Care and SupportAssistance with • Personal Care • Meal planning and cooking • Shopping

• Accessing the community and social groups • Medication • Assistance with medical appointments • Elderly Home Support • Learning Disability • CQC Registered

We understand how difficult it is when someone can no longer live in their own home. We strive to enable people to keep their own routines, lifestyles and interests. Making sure our residents enjoy their life in a way that they prefer.

At K Lodge we treat people with dignity and respect. We ensure that people have as much control over their own lives as possible. Our work is shaped by the people we support, rather than the other way around. We support and encourage, but never impose. In particular, we work hard to safeguard people from abuse.

We believe it’s extremely important to promote independence and understand that all of our residents should be treated as individuals so each member has a plan of care designed around their requirements and preferences, granting them choice in aspects of their daily routine. We also welcome regular visits from family and friends

K Lodge is registered with CQC to provide accommodation for 34 people who needs personal and nursing care.

At K Lodge our aim is to provide the highest possible standard of care to all our residents, by providing an environment that you feel is your own home.

K Lodge has been committed to providing high quality Residential Care. We specialise in caring for and supporting older people in Rushden, Northamptonshire.

K Lodge | 50 North End | Higham Ferrers | Northamptonshire NN10 8JB01933 315321 | info@klodge.co.uk | www.klodge.co.uk

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Getting the most out of your assessmentYou might want to prepare for your assessment by jotting down anything you want to talk through with the person carrying out the assessment

What is difficult for you?

What kind of help are you having at the moment? OR had prior to coming into hospital?

Are some days much easier than others? If so, why do you think this is?

We know that there are some things which can be difficult or stressful to talk about, but please don't be embarrassed. We will listen to your concerns and respect how you are feeling about them.

If your first language is not English, or if you use sign language, we can arrange for an interpreter. Please let us know what you need.

Important Information before you leave – Self ChecklistThere are a number of important questions that you need to be clear on before you leave hospital. If you cannot answer ‘yes’ to one of the questions below please ask a member of the clinical team on your ward to help you gain the answer.

1. Do you feel fully informed of who to contact if you feel unwell when you get home?

2. Are you aware of the reason you have been prescribed your medication?

3. Do you know of the potential side effects you could face from your medication, and what to do in the event of one occurring?

4. Do you feel you have all the information you need before you leave hospital?

If you have a carer, a relative or friend who provides you with unpaid help – we may want to talk to them about what help they are able and willing to give.

Carers may also be entitled to support which helps

them in their caring role. If you have an identified

carer, this would also be an appropriate time for

them to receive a carer's assessment from Adult

Services. Please ask us for more information on this.

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More about the assessment

Assessments and carers

The ward will ensure completion of a referral

in readiness for your discharge assessment.

This referral is completed by all members of

the MDT involved in your care.

Once the ward has completed your referral, one

of our staff may come and visit you on the ward.

You can have a friend or relative with you at the

assessment if you wish. This assessment may

however take place once you have left hospital,

as we said above.

The assessment is free and will involve

discussions about:

■ What difficulties you are having at the moment

■ What type of help you feel is needed

■ How stressful and urgent you feel your

situation is.

We look at four main areas of life:

1) How much control you have over your own

life, and how easy or difficult you find it to

make decisions about the way you live

2) Your health and safety, including any risks to

your mental health or wellbeing

3) Your daily routines, such as personal care and

domestic chores, and how well you are able to

manage them

4) How well you are able to involve yourself in

family responsibilities, community life, and

work or study.

We may want to get information from other

people, such as family and - if in hospital, the ward

staff and/or doctor etc. We might share some of

the information you give us with other people, but

only when it is necessary to help to plan your care,

on a 'need to know' basis with your consent.

On the assessment form we write down

everything we discussed and agreed with you

during the assessment, and also anything we

might have disagreed about. You will get a copy

of the completed assessment form to keep.

Following the assessment, we will give you

information about support that may be available,

and any charges involved.

Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust has not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods

supplied by any advertiser. Nor does Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust endorse any of the products or services.

Northampton General HospitalNHS Trust

Every possible care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this publication is accurate. Whilst the publisher would be grateful to learn of any errors, it cannot accept any liability over and above the cost of the advertisement for loss there

by caused. Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd has not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd endorse any of the products or services.

No reproduction by any method whatsoever of any part of this publication is permitted without prior written consent of the copyright owners.

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Intermediate care services

Intermediate Care Team (ICT)

This is a tier of services which offers both bed-based and community-based services, ie community beds, specialist care centres and the intermediate care team.

You may not be able to return home immediately because of practical difficulties or important decisions that need to be made about your future. Unfortunately the hospital is unable to accommodate you during this process, as we need to provide care for other patients in need of urgent treatment.

In some cases the daily multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting may recommend a period of rehabilitation in order to maximise your independence and enable you to live at home as independently as possible. In the Discharge To Assess process all patients who are unable to go home directly from hospital are transferred to a bed in the community, at centres that have been identified for this process. This will enable

all patients who are ready to leave an acute hospital bed to be discharged sooner and therefore reduce the risk of a prolonged length of stay.

In this case you will be referred to a community bed. An assessor from the community hospital will ensure you fit the criteria if it is for a medical rehabilitation bed. You will be transferred to the first available bed which may not necessarily be the one closest to home.

There are also intermediate beds for reablement in a social setting which are called specialist care centres. These centres provide a period of reablement up to six weeks where medical needs are not required.

There are three centres in the county (as at October 2015) and you will be expected to go to the first available bed, wherever that may be. Other beds may be available in the community at a later date.

The ICT is a specialist community-based team of qualified nurses, therapists and doctors that provides comprehensive assessment, treatment and rehabilitation to enable you to return home and continue your recovery following your stay in hospital. (You can benefit from this service even if you live in a residential or nursing home.)

As your ‘hospital at home’, ICT provides high quality, intensive healthcare up to a maximum of two weeks following discharge from hospital, bridging the gap between the hospital team and your GP. In the event that you become unwell following discharge, ICT can access a range of other options to prevent you being re-admitted to hospital unnecessarily.

ICT staff will work with you to design a personalised short-term treatment plan for your rehabilitation at home. This may include complex medical treatment

for a range of health conditions as well as improving your strength, stamina and confidence with a range of activities that will help you live independently. If you also require social care support, ICT will arrange for the short term and reablement team (START) or the crisis response team (CRT) to provide this for you, alongside your ICT treatment plan.

ICT also has a team of nurses in the accident and emergency department who can assist you to return home quickly. Ask a member of the hospital team to contact ICT for you.

For more information, please ask the NGH ward team for the ICT leaflet, which provides further details on what we are able to provide for you. More information is also available by telephoning 0300 777 0002 (option 1) or online at: www.nht.nhs.uk/main.cfm?type=INTERMEDIATECARE.

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The hospital also use beds contracted from Avery Care Homes for when the patients have completed their acute phase of treatment and until they have their discharge services in place.

These beds are for short stay up to 28 days

maximum use only.

They are not permanent beds for patients and are

also not convalescence beds.

Avery Care Homes

You may be assessed as benefitting from START for your return home. The START service provides re-enablement for adults aged 18 years and over within their own homes.

START helps people who have experienced a sudden change in health to help you regain your confidence and your ability to do things for yourself and to achieve optimum levels of independence, thereby remaining safely at home.

The service could be for a few days or a little longer (maximum six weeks) and in most cases is

a free service whilst we work with you to decide

what help you may need in the future.

START can help if you need specialist equipment,

and they work with you to encourage and

support you.

If the need for continuing help is identified

during this period you will be assessed under

Northamptonshire County Council’s ‘Fair

Access to Care Services’ criteria and a financial

assessment would be undertaken as there may be

a charge for services.

Short Term Assessment and Re-ablement Service (START)

If it is felt that you can no longer manage at home even with support, the decision may be for you to move to a care home. You and your family will be involved in this decision.

The assessment will identify your care needs and will be carried out in the community as part of the Discharge To Assess process. This will help you and your family to select a registered care home which will be able to meet your needs.

There are three categories of care homes.

■ Residential care – provides accommodation, meals, care and support throughout the day and night.

■ Nursing care – offers the same as residential care with the addition of 24 hour care by a

qualified nurse.

■ Dementia care or EMI (Elderly Mentally Ill) care – which provides specialist extra care for people often due to dementia or other mental health diagnosis.

During the care planning process you should be supported to identify a suitable care home which is registered to meet your needs and has a vacancy. As we have already said, this process will take place in a community bed and not in hospital. Your social worker/care manager can help you with this process. However if the home of your choice has no vacancy, you may have to accept a place in an alternative care home until a place in your home of choice is available.

24 hour care homes

Continuing NHS Care If you have complex, ongoing health care needs the team involved in your care, must first consider whether you meet the eligibility criteria for Continuing NHS Care.

If you are entitled to NHS continuing healthcare the health authority staff will discuss with you how your needs and care will be managed. This screening and assessment process will take place after you leave hospital, either in your own home, or a nursing home. If you do meet the criteria a comprehensive assessment of all your needs will have been completed by the multi-disciplinary team (MDT). This is the collective name for the different professionals involved in your care i.e. doctor, social worker, nurse etc.

If you are not eligible to receive NHS continuing health care but still have health needs, then the NHS may pay for part of

the package for support, this is called a joint funded package. (For more

information please visit www.dh.gov.uk)

Who is eligible for NHS continuing healthcare?Anyone over 18 years of age assessed as having a certain level of care needs may be entitled to NHS continuing healthcare.

It is not dependent on a particular disease, diagnosis or condition, nor on who provides the care or where that care is provided. If your overall assessment of care needs shows that you have a ‘primary health need’, you should be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare. Once eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, your care will be funded by the NHS, this is however, subject to regular reviews, and, should your care needs change, the funding arrangements may also change.

Whether someone has a ‘primary health need’ is assessed by looking at all of their care needs and relating them to four key indicators:

■ nature – this describes the characteristics and type of the individual’s needs and the overall effect these needs have on the individual, including the type of interventions required to manage those needs

■ complexity – this is about how the individual’s needs present and interact and the level of skill required to monitor the symptoms, treat the condition and/or manage the care

■ intensity – this is the extent and severity of the individual’s needs and the support needed to meet them, which includes the need for sustained/ongoing care

■ unpredictability – this is about how hard it is to predict changes in an individual’s needs that might create challenges in managing them, including the risks to the individual’s health if adequate and timely care is not provided.

© Crown CopyrightContains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/

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What is NHS-funded nursing care?

By law, local authorities cannot provide registered nursing care. For individuals in care homes with nursing, registered nurses are usually employed by the care home itself and, in order to fund this nursing care, the NHS makes a payment direct to the care home. This is called ‘NHS-funded nursing care’ and is a standard rate contribution towards the cost of providing registered nursing care for those individuals who are eligible.

Registered nursing care can involve many different aspects of care. It can include direct nursing tasks as well as the planning, supervision and monitoring of nursing and healthcare tasks to meet your needs.

Who is eligible for NHS-funded nursing care?

You should receive NHS-funded nursing care if:

■ you are resident within a care home that is registered to provide nursing care; and

■ you do not qualify for NHS continuing healthcare but have been assessed as requiring the services of a registered nurse

In all cases individuals should be considered for eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare before a decision is reached about the need for NHS-funded nursing care. Consequently most individuals will not need to have a separate assessment for NHS-funded nursing care if they have already had a full multidisciplinary assessment for NHS continuing healthcare as this process will give sufficient information to judge the need for NHS-funded nursing care. However, if an assessment is needed, your CCG will arrange this. If you are not happy with the decision regarding NHS-funded nursing care, you can ask

the CCG for the decision to be reviewed and/or use the CCG complaints process.

Are there different levels of payment for NHS-funded nursing care?

NHS-funded nursing care is paid at the same rate across England. However, until 30 September 2007 there were three different banded payment rates for nursing care.

Any individual that was on the high band of NHS–funded nursing care under the previous three band system are entitled to continue on this band until;

■ they no longer have nursing needs, or

■ they no longer live in a care home that provides nursing or

■ their nursing needs have reduced so that they do not qualify for the high band anymore (they would move onto the single band rate instead) or

■ they are entitled to NHS continuing healthcare instead.

If you are eligible for NHS-funded nursing care the NHS will arrange for the payment to be made directly to your care home and this payment should be reflected in the care home fee actually charged to you.

NHS-funded nursing care

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Paying for residential and nursing careIf you choose to go into residential or nursing care, you will be required to complete a financial assessment to see what you can contribute.

How much will you have to pay?

■ If your capital is above £23,250 you would be required to fully fund the cost of your placement until your capital drops to below this threshold.

■ If you have less than £23,250 your capital, income, benefits and occupational pension would be taken into consideration in working out how much you would have to pay.

You would still be entitled to a weekly personal allowance of £24.40 (from 1 April 2014).

If you choose to go into permanent residential or nursing care, you should be aware that the council has a level of funding it is prepared to pay to meet your needs. The amount depends on the type of care you need.

If you choose to go into a home which costs more than the council is prepared to pay to meet your needs, then someone would need to pay the difference. This is known as a ‘top up’ and it must be paid by someone such as a relative and not from your own money.

Property exemption

If you own a property the value of your property will be taken into account after the first 12 weeks of the placement unless you are able to claim an exemption.

For details of the circumstances in which you can claim an exemption and for further information about care home funding, contact the Customer Service Centre on 0300 126 1000 and ask for the council’s financial assessment team (Revenue and Assessments).

Short term basis

The amount you have to pay will be different if you go into a care home on a short term basis – you should ask your care manager for details or contact Adult Social Care on 0300 126 1000 or email: adultcarencc@northamptonshire.gcsx.gov.uk

All figures correct at the time of going to print.

©N

orthamptonshire C

ounty Council

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How to use your health services

Emergency DepartmentEmergency departments provide the highest level of emergency care for patients, especially those with sudden and acute illness or severe trauma, such as:■ suspected heart attack ■ suspected stroke■ serious head injury ■ serious accident

999You should always call 999 if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

Self-careSelf-care is the best choice to treat minor illnesses, ailments and injuries. A range of common illnesses and complaints, such as aches and pains, coughs, colds, upset stomachs and sore throats can be treated with over-the-counter medicines and plenty of rest. Remember, whether treated or not, most of these will get better.Some self-care essentials - The following are available to buy over-the-counter:■ paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen ■ rehydration mixtures ■ indigestion remedies ■ plasters ■ thermometerRemember, always follow the instructions on the pack.

Your GPGPs provide a range of services including medical advice, examinations, prescriptions and ongoing care for more longstanding or chronic conditions. They can also provide:■ diagnosis of symptoms ■ health education■ vaccinations ■ simple surgical procedures

Out of hoursGP out of hours is available if you require urgent medical care when your GP surgery is closed. GP out of hours services operate from 6.00 pm each weekday evening until your GP surgery opens the next morning and 24 hours on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Remember to telephone the service first. The doctor or nurse will give you advice over the telephone, decide if you need to be seen by a doctor or will refer you to another service if required.

Minor injuriesA Minor Injuries Unit can treat injuries that are not critical or life threatening, such as:■ injuries to upper and lower limbs■ broken bones, sprains, bruises and wounds■ bites – human, animal and insect■ burns and scalds ■ abscesses and wound infections ■ minor head injuries ■ broken noses

and nosebleeds ■ foreign bodies in the eyes and nose

Your local pharmacyYour local pharmacist can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints, without you having to wait for a GP appointment or go to your Emergency Department.Your pharmacist may be able to help you with:■ eye infections, stomach upsets, skin

conditions, allergies, aches and pains■ common drugs, vitamins and minor first-aid■ healthy eating and living, including giving

up smoking■ blood pressure and diabetes monitoring

and needle exchange, truss fittings, stoma products and incontinence supplies

■ women's health, including treatment for thrush, emergency contraception and pregnancy testing

■ children's problems, including nappy rash, teething, coughs and colds

■ all prescribed and over the counter medicines

Check with your local pharmacy for more details.Remember, collect repeat prescriptions from your daytime GP surgery before the weekend or a public holiday. GP out of hours will only provide repeat prescriptions in exceptional circumstances.

There are a range of healthcare services available to help you find the right expert care to meet your needs. Picking the service most appropriate to your symptoms means you get the right treatment in the right place.

well.Choose

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The Motability SchemeBuying and adapting a car can be expensive. The Motability Scheme, run by the independent not-for-profit organisation, Motability, gives people with disabilities the opportunity to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair at an affordable price.

EligibilityThe Motability Scheme can help you with leasing a car if you're getting the War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement or the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

You can apply if you have 12 months or more of your Disability Living Allowance 'award' remaining. If your award is not renewed during the full length of your chosen scheme, your car, powered wheelchair or scooter will need to be returned.

Even if you do not drive yourself, you can apply for a car as a passenger and propose two other people as your drivers.

You can also apply for a car on behalf of a child aged three or over who is entitled to the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance.

Cars and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs)You can lease a new car supplied by a Motability-accredited dealer for at least three years. Insurance, routine servicing and breakdown assistance are included. A wide range of adaptations are also available. You may need to pay for the fitting and removal of any adaptations.

You can choose to pay your total weekly allowance or part of your weekly allowance to lease a vehicle. This will depend on the model you choose. For more

expensive vehicles, you will need to top-up your allowance by paying an Advance Payment (AP).

Up to two named drivers are included as part of the lease, allowing non-drivers to join the Scheme and parents and carers can join on behalf of a child aged three and above. The vehicle must be used for the benefit of the disabled person.

At the end of the period, the car is returned to Motability Operations who operate the car schemes under contract to Motability.

Powered wheelchairs or scootersWith a Motability scooter or powered wheelchair, you can get a new scooter or powered wheelchair of your choice every three years. Insurance, loss and damage protection, breakdown assistance, servicing, maintenance, repairs and replacement tyres and batteries are included in the cost of the lease.

You can choose to pay your total weekly allowance or part of your weekly allowance to lease a vehicle. This will depend on the model you choose. You will also need to make a non-refundable payment at the beginning of your lease.

Contact MotabilityTo find out more about the Motability Scheme, phone Motability on 0300 456 4566, minicom: 0300 037 0100 (Lines are open 8am - 7pm Monday to Friday, 9am - 1pm Saturday) or www.motability.co.uk

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Employing a professional carer or personal assistantIf you're looking for a care worker to help you live independently at home, you may get one through your local health trust or a home care agency, or you may choose to employ someone directly.

What a professional carer can do for you

Professional carers have a variety of skills - some have nursing and first aid qualifications and others may be home helps or personal assistants. Some examples of the type of tasks a carer might help with are:

■ cooking and cleaning

■ help with personal care like washing and using the toilet

■ driving or help with getting around

■ medical tasks like giving injections or changing a catheter

■ shopping, banking and paying bills

Your options for professional home care

There are three basic arrangements for getting a professional carer.

You may have one provided directly by your local trust, in which case everything is arranged for you.

You may ask a care agency to find you a suitable carer. This means you have to find and pay the care agency, but you don't take on any responsibilities as an employer because the carer works for the agency.

You may also employ a carer directly. This option gives you more choice and control over who cares for you and what tasks they do but it also means you have legal responsibilities as an employer.

Getting started - help from your local trust

The first step towards getting the care you need is usually a health and social care assessment with the your local trust. At the assessment, a specialist - usually an occupational therapist - will discuss your needs with you so that the right support can be provided.

If the trust agrees that you need care at home, you can usually receive direct payments.

This means you can arrange and pay for your own care services instead of having them provided by the trust.

Once you know how much your direct payments will be, you can work out how much to pay a carer and how many hours a week you would like them to work.

Your direct payments should meet your care needs, but if you want to use a more expensive care service or pay for extra hours, you can top them up yourself.

Writing a job description

Think about exactly what help you need before you employ someone or sign a contract with an agency. It may be helpful to think about a typical day for you, and write a job description for your carer. This should include:

■ a list of all the tasks you may need help with

■ any particular skills or qualifications your care worker must have - for example, a nursing qualification or a full driving licence

■ an estimate of the number of hours and days you will need the person to work

A detailed job description can help home care agencies select a suitable carer for you.

If you're looking to employ a carer yourself, a job description will help people who are interested in applying to get a clear understanding of what the job involves.

Finding a carer through a home care agency

All home care agencies are regulated and inspected regularly by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA). This guarantees certain minimum standards of service. Home care agencies must also conduct police checks on all employees who will be working with people with disabilities.

Finding a carer yourselfAdvertising the job

You can place job advertisements in your local Jobs and Benefits office for free. Local shops, supermarkets and voluntary organisations may also have noticeboards where you can place job advertisements.

Job advertisements should be brief and state:■ the type of work involved■ working hours■ rate of pay■ your contact details■ the general area in which you live

For safety reasons, it's best to give your mobile phone number or a box number in your advertisement, rather than your address or home phone number.

Job interviews

Once you have received any job application(s), select the people you'd like to interview for the job. You can ask a friend or relative to attend the interviews, especially if they are taking place in your own home.

Before the interviews, you should prepare a list of

questions that cover the key aspects of the job.

References and police checks

When you've decided who to offer the job to, you are responsible for checking that they are suitable. You should always ask for - and check out - at least two references, including one from someone they've cared for previously.

Individual employers do not have to request a police check on any potential employee but you may still want to do this. You will need to ask your local trust or a local voluntary organisation to make the request for information to the Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.

Your responsibilities if you employ a carer directly

When you employ a carer directly, you have certain responsibilities as an employer, including dealing with tax and insurance. Meeting these is not difficult, and you can get help from social services with paperwork if you need it.

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A.G.E. Nursing Home Limited, caring since 1984, has opened a NEW luxurious and prestigious CARE CENTRE in Cheyne Walk, Northampton. Ideally located to benefit from all the local amenities found in the heart of Northampton. Facilities within the centre include a cafe, cinema, hair & beauty salon, reminiscence kitchen & a specifically designed engaging outdoor environment.

Caring since 1984 A.G.E. Nursing is a trusted care home provider. Specialists in residential care, nursing care, end of life care, frail care and dementia care, enabling residents who live with us to get the best out of life.

For All Enquiries Tel: 01604 633282 or E-mail: admin@theangelagrace.co.uk

Northampton’s Purpose Built Premier Care Facility

4-5 Cheyne Walk, Northampton, NN1 5PT

THE ANGELA GRACE

© Crown CopyrightContains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/

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Adult Care - 0300 126 1000

www.northamptonshire.gov.uk – search for help for adults and older people

If you think that you may need help from the Council you can ask for advice or a care assessment by contacting Adult Care.

To make things easier for you we have set up a first point of contact for all our services called Adult Care. You can speak to an officer who will listen to your enquiry, advise and assist you, and make sure you receive an assessment if required.

We can help you with:

■ Social care assessments

■ Safeguarding vulnerable adults

■ Disabled person parking permits (Blue Badge)

■ Adaptations within your home

■ Community alarm scheme - Call Care

■ Occupational therapy assessments

■ Any other aspect of your social care

■ Assistive technology

Age UK Northamptonshire – 01604 611200

Age UK are an independent charity whose objectives are to make the lives of older people in Northampton as fulfilling and rewarding as possible.

Age UK can help you with a variety of day opportunities that are fun and offer companionship when used as part of a care plan can help older people remain healthy and well. Access to community information about housing, benefits, products and services (home insurance, motor insurance etc)

www.ageuk.org.uk/northamptonshire

Northamptonshire Carers – 01933 677837

Northamptonshire Carers aim to offer a comprehensive support service to the unpaid carers of Northamptonshire.

We recognise their contribution to society and will endeavour to empower carers in improving their quality of life. Our organisation is carer-led and our developments will be a response to carers’ needs. If you are a carer and would like information and advice to help you in your caring role, you can refer yourself to us by completing the on-line enquiry form at:

www.northamptonshire-carers.org

Community Occupational Therapy – 01604 366000

By helping you to learn new ways of completing everyday tasks, our friendly Community Occupational Therapy team could help you to do things by yourself again, such as accessing or leaving your house, safely moving around inside your home, climbing the stairs; and getting dressed and washed by yourself.

By talking to you, and finding out what you would like help with, our team will identify any adaptations you might need and pass the recommendations to yourself or your local council.

First Stop Care Advice

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

Their service spans housing, care, finance and rights and is delivered through their website, telephone advice line and network of local and specialist partner organisations.

www.firststopcareadvice.org.uk

Other sources of help for when you have left hospital

SERVE

Serve was formed in 1981 as an information and resource agency providing support for older people in the Rushden area of Northamptonshire. The organisation now covers the wider area of East Northamptonshire and parts of Wellingborough.

Serve was initially operated solely by volunteers and is proud of its traditions; it remains fundamentally a voluntary organisation but many of the services are now delivered by trained, paid staff.

Serve's range of service provision covers:

■ Community Transport

■ Daily Living Equipment & Mobility Products

■ Day and Homecare

■ Handy person services

■ Hearing Aid Assistance

www.serve.org.uk

Physiotherapy Service – Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust at the Highfields Clinical Care Centre, Cliftonville – 03305 556789

Physiotherapists help and treat people of all ages with physical problems caused by illness, accident or ageing.

Physiotherapists identify and maximise movement potential through health promotion, preventive healthcare, treatment and rehabilitation. The core skills used by physiotherapists include manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and the application of electro-physical modalities.

www.nhft.nhs.uk – search for physiotherapy service.

District Nursing Services – contactable via your GP surgery

District Nurses are highly qualified nurses that provide clinical nursing interventions to housebound individuals within the patient’s own home eg wound management, people with chronic long term conditions. The community nursing service aims to promote health and avoid acute hospital admissions.

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Social care Top tips

1The Care Quality Commission (CQC) registers all care homes and home care agencies. You can find out which ones support specific groups of people, such as people with a learning disability or those living with dementia.

2CQC’s Chief Inspector for Adult Social Care, Andrea Sutcliffe always uses ‘The Mum Test’: is a care home safe, caring, effective, responsive to people’s needs and well-led? In other words, is it good enough for my Mum (or anyone else I love and care for)?

5A care home will be a home for you or your loved one. Residents should be treated as individuals with their likes and dislikes taken into account. Think about whether a home is close enough to family, friends, and community facilities.

Look for care homes and home care agencies where the staff involve people who use services and their families and carers, and treat individuals with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.

3

Whether you are being cared for in your own home or in a residential setting, the staff looking after you need to be skilled, kind and supportive. They should also be capable and confident in dealing with your particular needs. You should always feel that their support is helping you to live the life you want to.

4

Look at how well-led and managed a home is. What does it have in place to ensure that it delivers high quality care? Does it promote meaningful activity and connect the home with the community?

6

If you or a loved one needs help with day-to-day care, you can contact your local council’s social services department. They will ‘make an assessment of your needs’ and depending on circumstances, may be able to help you access financial help. For more advice visit Age UK’s website www.ageuk.org.uk /home-and-care.

7

If you would like to organise your care yourself, you can find a care worker or personal assistant through an agency. Your local social services department should be able to provide details of approved agencies.

8

CQC’s ratings will identify services as:Outstanding

Good ●Requires improvement ●

Inadequate ●This will help you make informed choices around your care. There’s also useful advice on the Social Care Institute for Excellence’s Find me good care website www.scie.org.uk/findmegoodcare/

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Safeguarding adults who receive social care is everybody’s business. If you are concerned about the safety of a loved one receiving care, contact the service provider in the first instance. You can also contact social services at your local council. If you feel a crime has been committed, contact the police.You can share your safeguarding concerns with us on our website or contact our National Customer Services on 03000 616161.

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The Care Quality Commission has not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does the Care Quality Commission endorse any of the products or services.

The Care Quality Commission is here to make sure health and adult social care services including hospitals, home and residential care as well as GPs in England provide people with safe, effective, high-quality care.We publish independent inspection reports and ratings about services – information you can use when you’re choosing care for yourself, or a loved one.You can use our website to search for services you might be interested in by geographical area, or by specialism. For example, a care home that might offer specialist care for someone who has dementia.We also welcome your feedback on the care you have received – good or bad. We use this information to help inform our inspections and can alert authorities including local social services, if there are safeguarding concerns about care being provided.You can visit our website at www.cqc.org.uk to find our inspection reports, or share an experience of care. You can also call us to share an experience of care on 03000 61 61 61.Here are some tips to help you choose your care.

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Sensory, equipment and rehabilitationSolutions which are personalised for youAt Olympus Care Services, we tailor our support to you and your individual needs. After meeting you in your home, our friendly team will talk to you about which products would be most beneficial. If you have a visual impairment, we can help you to access specialist equipment and provide the training you need to use it safely in and outside your home.

Our team of professionals has already made a huge impact on the lives of hundreds of people by:■ Helping customers to remain in their own

homes instead of residential care■ Enabling customers to quickly contact

someone in an emergency■ Ensuring visually impaired customers are able

to safely use their kitchens■ Providing specialist equipment to alert

customers with hearing impairments■ Adapting room layouts so that equipment is

easier to access.

How we can help you■ Installing a 24 hour emergency response

solution such as a Lifeline unit■ Installing movement detectors and

personal triggers■ Installing life-saving smoke and flood detectors

to alert you in an emergency■ Fitting police and home insurance approved

key safe■ Installing specialised alerts if you have a

hearing impairment■ Helping you to learn daily life skills and to

overcome mobility challenges■ Providing you with walking aids and helping

you to apply for a guide dog■ Organising registration cards and specialist

rehabilitation if you have a visual impairment.■ For additional support and reassurance around

the clock, some of our safety products can also be connected to 24 hour specialist call centres.

Improving your home safety and personal securityOur specialist sensory and rehabilitative equipment could help you feel safer in your home.

We help customers who are:■ Living with disabilities or sensory impairments■ Recently discharged from hospital and require

additional support and assistance at home.

Products can also be connected to 24 hour specialist call centres.

Our comprehensive serviceOnce we have arranged your practical support, we will install your equipment and carry out regular maintenance checks.

We will also review your equipment from time to time, to make sure it continues to provide the most effective solution for you. If your requirements change in the future, we will sit down with you and discuss how we can best alter our support.

Social Care ResponseSome of the safety equipment we provide can be connected to a specialist call centre designed to offer additional support and reassurance around the clock. When the operator receives an alert from a customer, or their equipment, they will respond by contacting the emergency services, the Social Care Response team or an elected family member.

The Social Care Response service operates 24 hours a day and will respond to customers whenever they need urgent help and support, but it's not appropriate to call the emergency services.

The service is charged on a weekly basis according to the number of visits required. Fees are as follows:

No. Yearly Call Outs Weekly ChargeUp to 3 £2.50*

3-10 £7.50*

10-18 £12.50*

*Prices correct at time of print ©Olympus Care Services

Olympus House, Billing Brook Road, Weston Favell, Northampton, NN3 8JHTel: 01604 366000

Assistive Technology – What is it?

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About Us Age UK Northamptonshire, is a local, independent, voluntary organisation, serving the needs of older people in our county and part of a national family which serves the needs of older people everywhere.

We recognise that you want a choice in how you are supported to continue to remain independent in your own home. The following services are designed to offer you support when and where needed to help you remain independent.

Our Services Age UK Northamptonshire offers services which are available to older people or their carers throughout the county.

A Little HelpSometimes all you need is a little help to get you back on your feet.

Through A Little Help, we may be able to assist you in ways that allow you to remain independent at home and even reduce the need for hospital or residential care admissions.

Aimed at people who are at risk of losing independence, our service will try to find simple solutions to meet your needs.

You can access this service through your GP surgery.

Home CareAge UK Northamptonshire provides a Home Care service for older people in Northamptonshire, offering help with domestic tasks.

General housework including: internal cleaning of windows, laundry, shopping, changing beds and ironing.

The scheme employs domestic care workers who are security checked and supervised by Age UK Northamptonshire.

Hospital AftercareCoping with everyday tasks can be difficult after a stay in hospital. This free service provides practical and emotional support to older people who have been discharged from hospital, to re-adjust and return to independence.

The Hospital Aftercare service can assist you with household tasks, advice and encouragement to help get you back in charge of your life. The service operates Monday to Friday.

Money Management SupportAge UK Northamptonshire offers a Money Management support service to help older people who are struggling with money matters.

■ Cash collections■ Set up of Direct Debits■ Signposting to other agencies■ Help to regain independence with money matters

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Age UK Northamptonshire

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Carers ServiceOur Carers Service supports people who care for other people who may be relatives, neighbours or friends. The service benefits carers by offering support and advice.

Carers who register with the service can benefit in a number of ways:

■ Provide a carer to sit with your loved one to enable you to take a break

■ The chance to talk to someone who understands and who will really listen to you, offering support in your caring role

■ Information on matters which may concern you as a carer, for example, benefits and allowances, aids and adaptations

■ Information and advice on what other services and support you could access locally and nationally, including the chance to benefit from the experiences of others and we can signpost you to carers groups across the county.

Extra Help at the End of LifeAge UK Northamptonshire provides care to people in the last weeks of their life, which enables them to remain at home with their loved ones.

This service is only available by referral from your GP surgery or hospital staff.

ShoppingOur Shopping Service is designed to help older people who find it difficult or impossible to do their own shopping and have nobody else that could do it for them.

A number of supermarkets work in partnership with us in Northampton, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough.

HandypersonThe Handyperson Scheme helps older people to remain independent by assisting with a range of minor household repairs.

We can carry out jobs including:

Fitting smoke detectors and hand rails, replacing light bulbs, fuses and plugs, small carpentry work, dealing with trip hazards such as loose carpets, moving heavy furniture and levelling paving slabs.

Although it is not an emergency service,

if the job is urgent we will do all we can to visit as soon as possible.

Lifetime CentresAs time goes on, the interests of new generations of older people change.

Our Lifetime Centres offer a range of activities to people who want to maintain a good quality of life, build new friendships and learn new skills.

If you need to get out of the house for the day or just for a few hours, a Lifetime Centre is available for a cup of tea or a meal, the company of friends and much more.

Lifetime ActivitiesOur Lifetime Activities can enable people to maintain a good quality of life, build new friendships and learn new skills. Activities and courses are designed to help people remain fit and active for longer.

Volunteering and Fundraising For more information about becoming a volunteer or fundraiser for Age UK Northamptonshire, call 01604 611 200.

Advice and Information: To find out more about our services and to learn about how we can help you, call our Service Advice Team on: Call us on 0845 677 2220 Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am–12 noon or visit us at www.ageuk.org.uk/northamptonshire

Age UK Northamptonshire31 Billing Road, Northampton NN1 5DQ Tel: 01604 611 200 www.ageuk.org.uk/northamptonshire

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Alzheimer's Society services in NorthamptonAlzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading support and research charity for people with dementia, their families and carers. There are 800,000 people with dementia in the UK and this number is set to rise to one million by 2021. With the right support, people can live well and stay independent for longer. More people affected by dementia turn for help to Alzheimer’s Society than to any other charity.

Alzheimer’s Society Northamptonshire provides a range of services for people affected by dementia across the county including;

■ Carer’s support

■ Peer support groups

■ Dementia Cafes

■ Singing for the Brain

■ Befriending for people with dementia

■ Day support centres

For further information about our services or if you are interested in getting involved in our work by volunteering or fundraising, please contact;

Dementia Helpline: 0300 222 1122

Alzheimer’s Society Northamptonshire on: (01832) 736670 Islip office (01604) 879000 Blisworth Office

Email: Northamptonshire@alzheimers.org.uk

Web: www.alzheimers.org.uk/northamptonshire

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5. Isebrook Hospital Irthlingborough Road, Wellingborough NN8 1LP Tel: 01933 440099

6. Northampton General Hospital (Acute) Cliftonville, Northampton NN1 5BD Tel: 01604 634700

Sessions House, George Row, Northampton NN1 1DF Tel: 0300 126 1000

Head Office31 Billing Road, Northampton NN1 5DQ Tel: 01604 611200

1. Corby Community Hospital Cottingham Road, Corby NN17 2UN Tel: 01536 400070

2. Kettering General Hospital Rothwell Rd, Kettering NN16 8UZ Tel: 01536 492 000

3. St Mary's Hospital 77 London Road, Kettering NN15 7PW Tel: 01536 410141

4. Danetre Hospital London Road, Daventry NN11 4DY Tel: 01327 708800

WELLINGBOROUGH

BRACKLEY & DISTRICT

DAVENTRY & DISTRICT

CORBY

WEST KETTERING

EAST KETTERING

WELLINGBOROUGH SOUTHWEST EAST

SOUTH

WELLINGBOROUGH NORTH

EAST NORTHANTS

NORTH

EAST NORTHANTS

SOUTH

Acorn House Acorn Industrial Estate, Islip, Northamptonshire NN14 3FD Tel: 01832 736670Danetre Hospital

London Road, Daventry NN11 4DY Tel: 01327 708800

Northampton General HospitalNHS Trust

Corby Community Hospital

Kettering General Hospital

St. Mary's Hospital

Isebrook Hospital

SOUTH NORTHANTS

NORTHAMPTON4

3

NHS Hospitals and services in Northamptonshire

6

NORTH

1

KETTERING

2

5

Northampton General HospitalNHS Trust

Northampton General HospitalCliftonville, Northampton NN1 5BD Tel: 01604 634700

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Action on Elder Abuse 020 8835 9280 We work to protect, and prevent the abuse of, vulnerable older adults Action on Elder Abuse, PO Box 60001, Streatham SW16 9BY I www.elderabuse.org.uk I enquiries@elderabuse.org.uk

Admiral Nursing DIRECT 0845 257 9406 This helpline has been set up to provide people with an opportunity to talk through their worries and concerns about themselves, friends or relatives with dementia. The lines are open on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11am and 9pm. Callers can leave messages any time and request a call back I direct@fordementia.org.uk

Age UK Northamptonshire 01604 611200 An independent charity whose objective is to make the lives of older people in Northamptonshire as fulfilling as possible. 31 Billing Road, Northampton NN1 5DQ I www.ageuk.org.uk/northamptonshire

Alzheimers Society 01832 736670 Islip Office I 01604 879000 Blisworth Office The UK's leading support and research charity for people with dementia, their families and carers. I www.alzheimers.org.uk/northamptonshire I Northamptonshire@alzheimers.org.uk

Arthritis Care 020 7380 6500 Working with and for all people with arthritis to put them in control of their arthritis and their lives. Arthritis Care, Floor 4, Linen Court, 10 East Road, London N1 6AD. I info@arthritiscare.org.uk

CareAware 0161 707 1107 A one stop shop for free advice on care fee funding for older people. I www.careaware.co.uk I enquiries@careaware.co.uk

Care Quality Commission (CQC) 03000 616161 National Correspondence, Citygate, Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4PA I www.cqc.org.uk I enquiries@cqc.org.uk

Carers Trust 01933 677837 Offers a comprehensive support service to the unpaid Carers of Northamptonshire. 123 Midland Road, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire NN8 1LU I www.northamptonshire-carers.org I carers@northamptonshire-carers.org

Carers UK 0808 808 7777 Prevents carers from becoming emotionally drained, and from forgetting to take care of themselves. 20 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4LX I General enquiries: 0207 378 4999 I Advice line: 0808 808 7777 www.carersuk.org I info@carersuk.org

Centre for Independent Living (CIL) 01604 588501 Supporting Disabled People and Carers across Northamptonshire. Gladstone Road Resource Centre, Gladstone Road, Northampton NN5 7EJ I www.northamptonshirecil.org.uk I information@northamptonshirecil.org.uk

Cruse Bereavement Care 0844 477 9400 Cruse Bereavement Care is here to support you after the death of someone close. www.cruse.org.uk I helpline@cruse.org.uk

DIAL (Disability Information Advice Line) 01536 204 742 DIAL Northants provide information and advice to disabled people, their family and professionals on all aspects of living with a disability. DIAL Northants (Corby), Resource Centre, Patrick Road, Corby, Northamptonshire NN17 1XB

Disability Benefits Helpline – 0845 712 3456 for Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance I Textphone: 0845 722 4433 I www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories DG_10011169

Elderly Accommodation Counsel 020 7820 1343 The Counsel's aim is to help older people make informed choices about meeting their housing and care needs. It was founded in 1984 and became registered as a charity in 1985. It is now more commonly known as EAC. I www.eac.org.uk

Integrated Care Council 01379 678243 (Formerly the National Homecare Council) The Integrated Care Council is a body which brings together British public and independent sector organisations who commission or directly provide support for people living at home. I mary.humphrey@integratedcarecouncil.co.uk

Mind (National Association 020 8519 2122 for Mental Health) The leading mental health charity in England and Wales. We work to create a better life for everyone with experience of mental distress. www.mind.org.uk I contact@mind.org.uk

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Useful contacts

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National Osteoporosis Society 0845 450 0230 Advice, information and support group for people with osteoporosis. I www.nos.org.uk

NHS Direct 0845 46 47

Northampton and District 0844 855 2122 Citizens Advice Bureau Town Centre House, 7/8 Mercers Row, Northampton NN1 2QL I www.northamptoncab.org.uk

Parkinson's Disease Society 0800 800 0303 I www.parkinsons.org.uk

Royal Voluntary Service 0845 608 0122 A volunteer organisation that enriches the lives of older people and their families across Britain. We support older people by giving time and practical help to help them get the best from life. Royal Voluntary Service Cardiff Gate, Beck Court, Cardiff Gate Business Park, Cardiff CF23 8RP I www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

Serve 01933 315555 Serve was formed in 1981 as an information and resource agency providing support for older people in the Rushden area of Northamptonshire, East Northamptonshire and parts of Wellingborough. 19 Church Street, Rushden, Northants NN10 9YU www.serve.org.uk I info@serve.org.uk

Stroke Association 0845 3033 100 Advice and information for stroke patients and their families. I www.stroke.org.uk

The Department of Work and Pensions I www.dwp.gov.ukThe Pension Service 0845 606 0265 I www.dwp.gov.uk/about-dwp/

customerdelivery/the-pension-service

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• Resident Scheme Manager

• On-site support

• 24 hour emergency pull cord

• Care packages arranged

• Single and Double self-contained flats

“Our priority is to provide and encourage independent living in a safe and secure environment”

For further details please contact the Scheme Manager

Tel: 01933 273140 or 07594 571478e-mail: palmercourt@btconnect.com

PALMER COURTSheltered Housing Scheme

Hatton Avenue, Wellingborough, Northants. NN8 5UZ

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Tel: 01604 636980Web: www.carexl.co.uk8 Queensbridge, Northampton NN4 7BF

We work closely with you to help you make the right decision and provide a service tailored around your exact needs.

We tailor our care packages to meet your individual requirements:• Personal care• Dementia care• Companionship• Domestic support

• Nutritional support• Practical home help• Help with medication

Regulated by the Care Quality Commission

Tel: 01604 628538 Email: northampton@carewiseltd.com Carewise Ltd. 3 Artizan Road, Northampton NN1 4HU

Do you or someone you know need extra help with things that some people take for granted?• Getting in/out of bed?• Help with personal care and hygiene?• Meal preparation?• Shopping, housework, ironing etc?• Medication management?• Support with building life skills including cooking,

cleaning, personal budgeting etc?• Assistance to and from appointments or

community activities?• Holidays assistance in the UK or abroad?• Companionship or just a daily call to check your

well being?

These are just some of the things we at Carewise can provide assistance with.Why not give us a call to discuss your requirements or visit: www.carewiseltd.com

Are you in need of help at home?Our services support independent living:

If you, a relative or friend are interested in learning more about our services, please contact our friendly care team on:

01604 621030

Northampton Nursing & Carers Agency Ltdyour care, your home, your choice

Ryan House, Unit 7 Ross Road, Weedon Road Industrial Estate Northampton, NN5 5AX

Tel: 01604 621 030Fax: 01604 581 314www.nnca.co.uk

◆ Tailor made Care Packages

◆ Personal Care

◆ Assisted Bathing and Dressing

◆ Getting up and going to Bed

◆ Supervision of Medication

◆ Meal Preparation

◆ Palliative Care

◆ Support from 1 hour per Week

◆ Live in Care

◆ Companionship Care

◆ Days out

◆ Light House Duties

◆ Laundry

◆ Any general day to day requirements

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A MINI-GUIDE TO DEFERRED PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR CARE HOME FEES.The Charging for Residential Accommodation Guide (CRAG) sets out the rules for charging for residential care: rules which Councils should follow when assessing how much a person has to pay when the placement is arranged by the council.

CRAG says that people who have over £23,250 of savings are expected to pay for the full cost of their care home fees. Once capital falls below £23,250, they only have to pay an assessed contribution towards their fees, with the council paying the difference. When assessing this contribution a council should completely disregard the first £14,250 of savings or capital. And for every £250 of capital between £14,250 and £23,250, the council assumes a ‘tariff income’ of £1 per week.

A person’s capital can include the value of the home they own but sometimes, it may not be convenient or possible to sell the home.

If there is a joint ownership often council’s value 50% of the market value whereas they should value the beneficial interest subject to the remaining owner’s interest. Sometimes this value can be reduced to nil.

There are numerous factors that come into play and the long and the short of it is you need proper, professional advice. Sometimes that advice may be legal advice; other times it may be financial advice.

For a more in-depth guide, please go to http://www.wilsonbrowne.co.uk/guides/deferred-payment-arrangements.

If you need advice on care home funding or simply want to know more, call us today on 0800 088 6004 or email enquiries@wilsonbrowne.co.uk.

We can also help advise on matters relating to continuing health care funding; protecting your family’s wealth and challenging decisions made by the local authority.

Wilson Browne Solicitors – All The Help You Need.

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