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YOUR FREE GUIDE TO HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE

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TorbayHealth & Social Care Signposting Directory

www.healthwatchtorbay.org.uk

Helping you get the best out of your health and social care services

2017

Healthwatch Torbay 1 - 2

Healthwatch Torbay - Rate your care 3

Healthwatch Torbay - Working to shape health & social care 4

The Care Act 5 - 6

A - Z Social Care Jargon 7 - 12

Local Contacts - Torbay 13 - 14

GPs & GP Surgeries - Torbay 14

Pharmacies - Torbay 15

Dentists & Opticians - Torbay 16

NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding 17 - 18

Improving Safety & Wellbeing at Home 19 - 20

Learning Disabilities - NHS Annual Health Check 31 - 22

Putting Your Affairs in Order 23 - 24

Choosing the Right Home Care Agency 25 - 26

Care in Your Own Home - Torbay 26

Choosing the Right Care Home 27 - 28

Residential & Nursing Homes - Torbay 29 - 30

Useful Numbers for Support in Torbay 31 - 32

Contents

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

Whilst we have taken every care in compiling this publication, the publishers and promoters cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. All listings are supplied via the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and NHS Choices.Neither Healthwatch Torbay nor Healthcare Publications can be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

All signposting services are up to date as of January 2017.

This Directory contains advertising from businesses who are offered the opportunity to reach potential customers through inclusion. However, any information provided by a company or organisation does not carry endorsement or approval of any product or service by Healthwatch Torbay or Healthcare Publications.

Another quality publication by Healthcare PublicationsIf you require extra copies of this directory or are interested in advertising in future editionsplease email Healthcare Publications on admin@healthcarepublications.orgor visit www.hcpublications.org

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Torbay’s newest online information and advice directory, The Orb, allows people across the

Bay to be better connected and informed about services in the area.

The directory is free of charge to use and available for everyone, giving people across the Bay advice and access to information, including a ‘Directory

of Services,’ a ‘Rate and Review’ service and a community ‘What’s On’ guide.

The Orb directory has been created and developed following extensive collaboration with individuals

and organisations from across Torbay, and has been developed to meet requirements put forward by the

Care Act (2014).

The site can be accessed online viawww.torbayorb.com

What is Healthwatch?Healthwatch has been set up by the Government to independently ensure the public have a say on the health and social care services they use, such as:

• GPs and practices

• Dentists

• Mental health services

• Hospitals

• Social care

• Community health services

• Carers services

• Children and young people services

A local Healthwatch has been set up in every area of England.

Helping you get the best out of your local health and social care servicesHealthwatch Torbay is the independent patient and public champion for health and social care services within Torbay. We are also a registered charity (Charity Number 1153450).

Our purpose is to give the people of Torbay a stronger voice to influence and challenge how health and social care services are provided locally.

We support and enable all members of the public to influence local services by sharing their experiences - good or bad - with us.

We want to know what you like and dislike, what is good and badSharing this information is a great way to let commissioners and providers know exactly what is working well and what needs to be changed. You tell us how you feel about the services you are using, or have used in the past, and we forward it onto the people responsible for service design and provision.

We work on your behalf to ensure your views and experiences are heard by those who run, plan and regulate local health and social care services.

We have seats on various health and social care boards in Torbay and it is here that we voice the concerns of local people with an aim to influence and improve services locally.

What powers does Healthwatch Torbay have?We have the power to inspect facilities if necessary and, by law, health trusts, local organisations, commissioners and providers have to respond to our reports, recommendations or requests for information.

Authorised members of Healthwatch (staff or volunteers) are trained to perform ‘Enter & View’ visits - these are powers to enter publicly funded health and social care premises to see and hear consumer experiences about the service and observe how the service is delivered.

Healthwatch Torbay has worked hard to create partnerships and collaborative relationships with local services and providers, in order to discuss issues openly and effectively. We are also part of a national network, reporting to Healthwatch England, and can escalate issues nationally via them.

Healthwatch Torbay

Healthwatch Torbay CEO Pat Harris with Torbay MP Kevin Foster and Healthwatch Torbay Chair Dr Kevin Dixon, pictured after

raising local views in Westminster, London.

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Become a volunteerHealthwatch Torbay’s volunteers are at the core of all our work, carrying out many crucial roles. They are vital in listening to the public and patients and representing their views to health and social care leaders and professionals. Healthwatch Torbay is seeking volunteers for the following roles:• Community Champions make their community a healthier place to live. They do this by attending events to listen to people’s experiences of health and social care services as well as signposting local people to organisations that can support them with their wellbeing.• Representatives are members of our working groups that work with health and social care providers to inform solutions to identified issues. Representatives attend meetings and take an active part in the representing local people.• Enter & View Authorised Representatives enter health and social care premises to observe the nature and quality of services being provided. They undertake training to be able to conduct the visits effectively.

Interested?To find out more about becoming a volunteer for Healthwatch Torbay, get in touch by calling for free, emailing us, or visiting us both online or in person (details in the next column).

Join usHealthwatch Torbay members have a stronger voice to influence and challenge how health and social care services are provided locally. Join us today and be kept up to date with the latest health & social care news, events and consultations. For more information please visit us online.

Follow us onlineYou can also be kept up to date with the latest health & social care news, events and consultations via social media. Follow us, like us, and join our growing online community.

Contact us: Freephone: 08000 520 029

Textline: 07469244112

Healthwatch TorbayFreepost-RTCG-TRXX-ZZKJPaignton Library & Information CentreGreat Western Road, Paignton, TQ4 5AG

Walk in Centre Opening Hours:Monday-Thursday 10am-3pm, Fridays 9.30am-12pm(Upstairs in Paignton Library)

info@healthwatchtorbay.org.uk

www.healthwatchtorbay.org.uk

@HWTorbay

HealthwatchTorbay

Healthwatch Torbay recognised local organisations for their contribution to the local health & social care community during

a special presentation at our 2016 Annual General Meeting.Awards were presented by MP for Totnes and Chair of the

Government’s Health Select Committee Dr Sarah Wollaston. (pictured in the foreground)

Healthwatch Torbay volunteer Eliza Lawler (left) with Engagement Lead Sarah Bickley at a local event in Torbay.

Have your say - review services quickly via The Feedback CentreYour first point of call should hopefully be the Healthwatch Torbay Feedback Centre, which enables the public to provide information about all health and social care organisations in Torbay via a dedicated website. This helps us to generate data that we can understand, benchmark, and act on.

The public can go online either at home or via their mobile phone and find any local organisation simply by searching its name, location, or postcode.

Users are then prompted to review and rate services by answering a short list of clickable questions – including a star rating - that help them to provide the right level of detail, in the shortest amount of time.

Try it out today viawww.healthwatchtorbay.org.uk

You can also call us, email us, or drop-in and talk to us in personHealthwatch Torbay have a purpose-built walk-in centre upstairs in Paignton library and Information Centre.

Opening Hours:Monday to Thursday 10.00am-3.00pmor 9.30am-12.00pm on Fridays.

It provides the opportunity for Torbay residents to talk to a Healthwatch Advisor about their health and social care services and find out information on how to make complaint if necessary.

Our Freephone number is 08000 520 029 for anyone wishing to talk over the phone and our email address is info@healthwatchtorbay.org.uk for anyone wishing to send a detailed account of their experiences.

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Healthwatch Torbay - Rate your careGiving Feedback takes minutes, but the impact can last a lifetime!

We want to hear about the treatmentand care you have received.

Whether you've had a positive experience orthere is room for improvement, have your sayon the Healthwatch Torbay website today.You can even leave feedback anonymously.

www.healthwatchtorbay.org.uk

Day Lewis PharmacyUnits 2 & 3, Pembroke House,Torquay Road, Paignton, TQ3 2EU01803 522308

Based on 4 reviews

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Pembroke House

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266 Torquay Road, Paignton, TQ3 2EZ01803 553558www.pembrokehousesurgery.co.uk

Based on 28 reviews

Torbay Carers Services (Paignton)

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Room 17, 2nd Floor,Paignton Library and Information Centre Great Western Road, Devon TQ4 5AG01803 208454

Based on 27 reviews

Specsavers (Torquay)

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81 Union Street, Torquay, TQ2 5PL01803 213 833www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/torquay

Based on 5 reviews

Abbey Dental Surgery

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86 Abbey Road, Torquay, TQ2 5NP01803 293397

Based on 4 reviews

Castle Circus Health Centre

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Castle Circus Health Centre, Abbey Rd, Torquay, TQ2 5YH01803 217777

Based on 4 reviews

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Child & Adolescent MentalHealth Services (CAMHS)Torbay Hospital Annexe,187 Newton Road, Torquay, TQ2 7BA01803 655692www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/services/camhs/

Based on 16 reviews

Torbay HospitalNewton Road, Torquay, TQ2 7AA01803 614567www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/visiting-us/torbay-hospital/

Based on 411 reviews

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Harbour Rise Rest Home2 Alta Vista Road, Paignton TQ4 6BZ 01803 551834www.harbourrise.co.uk

Based on 41 reviews

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Working to shape health & social care

Working to shape health and social careHow Healthwatch Torbay have influenced

Public feedback has helped us produce over 30 detailed reports, recommendations and publications (all available online) tackling a variety of local public issues ranging from safeguarding and dementia to GP appointment systems and the cost of wasted medication.

Some recommendations have been actioned by local health trusts and the South Devon and Torbay Clinical Commissioning Group, and also discussed on various local boards, including the Torbay Health & Wellbeing Board.

We also work closely with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to contribute local intelligence to their inspection reports.

Any general feedback we receive is passed onto providers and commissioners for consideration, and any complaints we receive are put through to official channels, where we can monitor their progress independently and check they have been upheld.

We have seen our local reputation grow significantly via the sheer volume of public feedback we receive on a daily basis, and believe that we have made a significant impact to improving Torbay’s health & social care sector for everyone.”

Please get in touch with us todayto share your health & social carestory and really make a difference.

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We’ve had thousands of public enquiries, reviews and feedback

We’ve released over 30 reports tackling a variety of local health & social care issues

We’ve met thousands of local people at hundreds of community events

We regularly conduct enter & view visits to local services

We’ve escalated hundreds of o�cial complaints

Hundreds of people have contactedus to raisetheirconcerns

The Care Act ...Care and support is changingfor the betterCare and support in England is changing for the better. The Care Act, which came into force on 1 April 2015, will help to make care and support more consistent across the country.

‘Care and support’ is the help some adults need to live as well as possible with any illness or disability they may have. It can include help with things like washing, dressing, eating, getting out and about and keeping in touch with family and friends.

Unlike many other areas, Torbay has integrated health and social care which means Torbay and Southern Devon Health and Care NHS Trust delivers services on behalf of Torbay Council.

In Torbay, a person’s health and care needs are already assessed in a way that focuses on individual’s needs and outcomes – not just what is the matter with them.

Getting the right care and supportHealth and social care needs assessments are changing. Greater emphasis will be placed on your physical, psychological and emotional wellbeing including what is important to you and your family to help you to maintain your independence and connect with your local community.

Your assessmentThe Care Act introduces national eligibility criteria. If you think you might need help the first step is an assessment, during which we will:

1. Discuss what skills and abilities you have and what difficulties you experience in order to identify whether you would benefit from re-ablement (for instance, following an operation).

2. Discuss with you what care and/or support options are available.

3. Signpost you to other organisations to make sure that you are not missing out on any help with costs (for example in terms of financial benefits).

4. Help you to manage your current and future care and support costs.

Everyone’s needs are different. You may find that some of your needs can be met by activities in your community and we will provide you with information and guidance to assist you in finding solutions to plan and maintain your wellbeing and help you remain independent for longer.

Your plan, your decisionsIf you receive care and support you will be more in control of decisions that affect you and in putting together a care plan tailored to your needs. You will also have more control over how the money for your care is spent. You will know how much it will cost to meet your needs and how much the Trust will contribute towards the cost.

Small steps, right directionA local organisation that can help you make and maintain positive changes is the Torbay NHS Healthy Lifestyles Team.

The team includes qualified dieticians, exercise specialists, health trainers, specialist stop smoking advisors and clinical psychologists who provide confidential and personalised support.

The team also offers training courses and volunteering opportunities for anyone interested in public health.

For more information call free on 0300 456 1006.

What’s changing and what’s happening in Tobay.

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Deferred payment agreementsPlanning for the future is important especially if there are care home costs.

One way to pay for care is by a deferred payment agreement. This is an arrangement that enables you to delay repaying your care costs. There is an interest charge on the amount owed and there will be administrative costs, which are set to cover costs, not make a profit.

A deferred payment agreement is only one way to pay for care and will suit some people’s circumstances better than others and not everyone is eligible. We strongly advise you to seek advice before entering into any legal or financial agreement for example from Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Age UK or an independent financial advisor.

The Society of Later Life Advisors (SOLLA) can put you in touch with a local advisor -www.societyoflaterlifeadvisors.co.uk.

Information for carersDo you support a friend or relative?

In England, millions of people provide unpaid care or support to an adult family member or friend.

Caring for someone involves lots of different things, like helping with their washing, dressing or eating, taking them to appointments or keeping them company if they feel lonely or anxious.

If this sounds like you, you may be able to get more help so that you can carry on caring and look after your own wellbeing.

There is a wide range of support available to carers of all ages and you can have a carer’s assessment to help you work out what is right for you. You may also be eligible for financial support, taken as a personal budget, to spend on the things that make caring easier or practical support, for example arranging for someone to step in if you need a short break.

Assessing your wellbeingA carer’s assessment looks at the different ways that caring affects your life and helps you work out how you can carry on doing the things that are important to you and your family. Your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing will be at the heart of this assessment.

In Torbay, all adult carers can have a carer’s health and wellbeing check at their doctor’s surgery as an initial assessment.

For information about carer’s services in Torbay, contact Signposts for Carers or by asking at your doctor’s surgery.

Signposts for Carers - Telephone: 01803 666620Email: signposts@nhs.net

What should you do if you think that an adult is being abused or is at risk of

being abused?If you have any concerns please telephone or

email in confidence01803 219700

safeguarding.alertstct@nhs.netIn an emergency

always call the police on 999

Safeguarding adults from abuseEvery person has the right to live a life free of fear, be treated with dignity, have their choices respected and not be forced to do anything against their will.

Sadly, some vulnerable adults are subjected to abuse. It can happen anywhere and by anyone - that’s why we and our partner organisations work together to protect and safeguard vulnerable adults.

The Care Act has made many of our responsibilities law and now means that safeguarding adults has a similar legal status as child protection.

What is abuse?Abuse and neglect can take many different forms.

Some of the most common are:Institutional Emotional FinancialSexual Physical Discriminatory

Who needs safeguarding?It is true that many people who need safeguarding help are often elderly and frail or with physical or learning disabilities, living on their own in the community or without much family support in care homes. Yet anyone who is unable to protect themselves from harm could fall victim to abuse.

All safeguarding concerns raised will be assessed by experienced staff who will explore your concerns further, and where appropriate make decisions about what should happen next.

Vigilance and action could protect a vulnerable person from harm or even save a life.

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A-Z Social Care Jargon BusterAcute CareHealth care that you receive in hospital following an injury, operation or illness. It is different to any care you may receive for an ongoing health condition from your GP, community nurse or other professionals in the community where you live.

Adult Placement SchemeWhen an adult with a disability or mental health problem lives in an ordinary home with an individual or family who provides them with a place to live and support. It is like a fostering arrangement for adults: adult placement carers must be checked and approved, and the arrangement is monitored by the local council. People may be placed in someone’s home for a short break or on a permanent basis.

Adult Social CareCare and support for adults who need extra help to manage their lives and be independent - including older people, people with a disability or long-term illness, people with mental health problems, and carers. Adult social care includes assessment of people’s needs, provision of services or allocation of funds to enable you to purchase your own care and support. It includes residential care, home care, personal assistants, day services, the provision of aids and adaptations and personal budgets.

AdvocacyHelp to enable you to get the care and support you need that is independent of your local council. An advocate can help you express your needs and wishes, and weigh up and take decisions about the options available to you. They can help you find services, make sure correct procedures are followed and challenge decisions made by councils or other organisations.The advocate is there to represent your interests, which they can do by supporting you to speak, or by speaking on your behalf. They do not speak for the council or any other organisation. If you wish to speak up for yourself to make your needs and wishes heard, this is known as self-advocacy.

Appropriate AdultSomeone over the age of 18 who stays with you if you have a mental health problem or disability, or are perceived as ‘vulnerable’, and are held by the police for any reason. This person, who should not work for the police, is there to support you and help you understand what is happening.

Assisted LivingHousing for older or disabled people, usually privately owned, where you have your own apartment within a larger development, and support (such as help with meals or laundry) is provided to meet your own particular needs.

Autistic Spectrum DisorderA condition that someone is born with that affects their ability to communicate and interact with the world around them. It is also called autism, and covers a wide range of symptoms. It affects people in different ways, and some individuals need much more help and support than others.

Barred ListAn official list of people who are unsuitable to work or volunteer with children or with adults who may be at risk of harm or abuse, because of their past record. If you employ someone regularly to provide personal care, you should expect them to have completed a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which will show whether they are on the barred list or not.

Behaviour DisordersHealth conditions such as attention deficit disorder that may lead to challenging behaviour, as well as to social and emotional problems. People with behaviour disorders may be treated with medicine and/or given psychological support.

Best InterestsOther people should act in your ‘best interests’ if you are unable to make a particular decision for yourself (for example, about your health or your finances). The law does not define what ‘best interests’ might be, but gives a list of things that the people around you must consider when they are deciding what is best for you. These include your wishes, feelings and beliefs, the views of your close family and friends on what you would want, and all your personal circumstances.

CapacityThe ability to make your own choices and decisions. In order to do this, you need to be able to understand and remember information, and communicate clearly - whether verbally or non-verbally - what you have decided. A person may lack capacity because of a mental health problem, dementia or learning disability

Care PlanA written plan after you have had an assessment, setting out what your care and support needs are, how they will be met (including what you or anyone who cares for you will do) and what services you will receive. You should have the opportunity to be fully involved in the plan and to say what your own priorities are. If you are in a care home or attend a day service, the plan for your daily care may also be called a care plan.

Some of the most commonly used social care words and phrases and what they mean ...

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Care Quality Commission (CQC)An organisation set up by the Government to make sure that all hospitals, care homes, dentists, GPs and home care agencies in England provide care that is safe, caring, effective, responsive and well-led. If you are unhappy with the care or support you receive, you can contact CQC to let them know. Although CQC cannot investigate complaints about an individual person’s treatment or care, it inspects services and will use any information it receives from you to help it decide what to look at during an inspection.

Chargeable Services Services that your local council may expect you to pay towards, such as day care or home care. The law says that the amount the council charges must be reasonable, and councils have to follow guidance from the Government, to make sure that you are not charged more than you can afford to pay. There are some services that the council is not allowed to charge you for, and these are called non-chargeable services.

Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)A group of GP practices in a particular area that work together to plan and design health services in that area. Each CCG is given a budget from NHS England to spend on a wide range of services that include hospital care, rehabilitation and community-based. Your local CCG should work with the council and local community groups to ensure that the needs of local people are being met.

Cognitive Behavioural TherapyA type of therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and act. It is often used to treat anxiety and depression and can help you think about how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes may be affecting your feelings and behaviour. You may see a therapist face-to-face or take a therapy course online.

Complex NeedsYou may have complex needs if you require a high level of support with many aspects of your daily life and rely on a range of health and social care services. This may be because of illness, disability or loss of sight or hearing - or a combination of these. Complex needs may be present from birth, or may develop following illness or injury or as people get older.

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A-Z Social Care Jargon BusterCourt of ProtectionAn English court that makes decisions about the property, finances, health and welfare of people who lack mental capacity to make decisions for themselves. The court can appoint a ‘deputy’ to make ongoing decisions on behalf of someone who lacks capacity. It is also able to grant power of attorney.

Cross-border PlacementWhen your local council finds a place for you in a care home in another council area. This may be because you have requested it, in order to be nearer your family or friends, or because there is no suitable place available in a care home in your home area. You should be involved in any decision to move to a new area, and it cannot happen without your agreement. If you move, your council should let the other council know that you are there, and they should agree which council is responsible for your care.

Day ServicesOpportunities to do things during the day, while living in your own home. These may include social activities, education, or the opportunity to learn new skills. What your local council offers will vary, depending on what you need and what is available in your area. You may have to pay something towards the cost.

Delayed DischargeWhen you are well enough to leave hospital after an illness or accident, but you have to stay there while the care you need in your own home or in another place is arranged.

Deprivation of AssetsWhen you deliberately reduce the amount of savings or property you have, in order to qualify for help from your council with paying for care costs or for various benefits. Your council may judge that you have deliberately reduced your assets if it believes that you knew you would probably need care and support.

Deprivation of Liberty SafeguardsLegal protection for people in hospitals or care homes who are unable to make decisions about their own care and support, property or finances. People with mental health conditions, including dementia, may not be allowed to make decisions for themselves, if this is deemed to be in their best interests. The safeguards exist to make sure that people do not lose the right to make their own decisions for the wrong reasons.

Direct PaymentsMoney that is paid to you (or someone acting on your behalf ) on a regular basis by your local council so you can arrange your own support, instead of receiving social care services arranged by the council. Direct payments are available to people who have been assessed as being eligible for council-funded social care. They are not yet available for residential care. This is one type of personal budget.

Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)A grant you might be able to get from your local council in order to make changes to your home because you have a disability. Changes include things like widening doors, adding ramps or installing a downstairs bathroom. If the person with a disability is an adult, your household income and savings will be looked at, and you may need to pay towards the cost of the work. If the person is under 18, the family can get a grant without the parents’ income being taken into account. If you want to apply for a DFG, you should contact your local council

Discharge PlanningIf you go into hospital, this is the process of planning when you will leave, where you will go, what you are likely to need once you are out of hospital, and how your needs will be met. You should expect discharge planning to begin as soon as you go into hospital. You should also expect to be part of these discussions and to know what is happening.

Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS)A government organisation that checks people’s criminal records, in order to prevent unsuitable people from working with children or adults who may be at risk of harm or abuse.

Eligible Care and Support NeedsThe needs you have for care and support that your council is required by law to meet. Under the Care Act 2014, councils no longer decide for themselves what type of needs they will meet, and now have to follow the new national minimum eligibility threshold. You are likely to have ‘eligible needs’ if you need a lot of help to do things like washing yourself, getting dressed, getting in and out of bed, and keeping your home safe.

Extra-care HousingSimilar to sheltered housing, but with additional care and support available for people with illnesses or disabilities who wish to have a home of their own. Extra-care housing may be an option if living alone at home is difficult, but you do not wish to opt for residential care. It allows you to have your own home, either rented or bought, with personal care and domestic help readily available.

Financial AssessmentA discussion that your council may have with you to work out how much you can afford to pay towards the care and support you need. It involves looking at your income, savings and individual circumstances. This will take place after an assessment of your care and support needs.

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Health and Wellbeing BoardEvery council area in England has a Health and Wellbeing Board to bring together local GPs, councillors and managers from the NHS and the council. Their job is to plan how to improve people’s health and make health and social care services better in their area. Members of the public have the chance to be involved in the work of their local Health and Wellbeing Board through your local Healthwatch.

Holistic CareCare and support that treats you as a whole person and considers all your needs at the same time - physical, psychological, social and spiritual.

ImpairmentA physical or mental problem, caused by an injury, illness or condition you were born with.

Inappropriate CareCare that is not best for you and does not meet your particular needs, that is not in a place where you need or choose to be.

Integrated CareJoined up, coordinated health and social care that is planned and organised around the needs and preferences of the individual, their carer and family. This may also involve integration with other services for example housing.

Intermediate CareA wide range of services aimed at keeping you at home rather than in hospital, or helping you to come home early from hospital after illness or injury. It is normally made up of a specific programme of care for a fixed period of time, usually up to six weeks, and is free of charge.

Joint AssessmentThere are two possible meanings to the term ‘joint assessment’: having the needs of the person who cares for you assessed at the same time as your own needs, or having an assessment carried out by more than one type of care professional at the same time.

Kinship CareWhen family or friends care for a child on a full-time basis if their parents are unable to do so. This may be for a short period or permanently.

Long-term ConditionAn illness or health condition that you live with, that cannot be cured but can usually be managed with medicines or other treatments. Examples include asthma, diabetes, arthritis, epilepsy and other things.

Mental Capacity ActA law that is designed to protect people who are unable to make decisions about their own care and support, property or finances, because of a mental health condition, learning disability, brain injury or illness. ‘Mental capacity’ is the ability to make decisions for yourself. The law says that people may lose the right to make decisions if this is in their best interests. Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards are included in the law, to make sure that people are treated fairly.

National Minimum Eligibility ThresholdThe level at which your needs reach the point that your council, by law, has to meet them. From April 2015, every council in England will have to offer care and support services to adults who have a lot of care needs. This replaces the previous situation, where each council made its own decision about what level of need it would meet.

Needs AssessmentThe process of considering whether you need help or support because of your age, disability or illness. Anyone who appears to have a need for care or support - regardless of how severe those needs are or how much money they have - is entitled to a needs assessment, which can be arranged by contacting the adult social services department at your local council and requesting it.

NeglectWhen you are mistreated by not being given the care and support you need, if you are unable to care for yourself. It may include not being given enough food, or the right kind of food, being left without help to wash or change your clothes, or not being helped to see a doctor when you need to.

Occupational TherapistA professional with specialist training in working with people with different types of disability or mental health needs.

An OT can help you learn new skills or regain lost skills, and can arrange for aids and adaptations you need in your home. Occupational therapists are employed both by the NHS and by local councils.

OutreachSupport that you may be offered in your home or community, to help you with a particular condition or course of treatment or to help you take part in activities outside your home.

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A-Z Social Care Jargon BusterPalliative CareCare that you receive if you have an advanced, progressive illness for which there is no cure. The aim is to manage pain and other symptoms and to help you have best quality of life you can. It may be provided in your home or in a hospital or hospice.

Personal AssistantSomeone you choose and employ to provide the support you need, in the way that suits you best. This may include cooking, cleaning, help with personal care such as washing and dressing, and other things such as getting out and about in your community. Your personal assistant can be paid through direct payments or a personal budget.

Personal CareHelp with personal matters such as eating, drinking, washing, going to the toilet, getting up, getting dressed, going to bed, taking medicines and other things.

Personal Health BudgetAn amount of money to pay for your specific health needs, given to you - or managed for you - by the NHS. It is based on your own individual care plan, which sets out your health goals and how your budget will help you reach them. You can spend it on things like therapies, personal care and equipment. You cannot use it to pay for emergency care or care you usually get from a family doctor. Using a personal health budget is a choice: you do not have to have one unless you want to.

ReferralA request for an assessment of a person’s needs, or for support from a social care organisation. A referral to adult social care may be made by your GP, another health professional or anyone else who supports you. You can also refer yourself, or a member of your family, by contacting the adult social care department at your local council.

Respite CareA service giving carers a break, by providing short-term care for the person with care needs in their own home or in a residential setting. It can mean a few hours during the day or evening, ‘night sitting’, or a longer-term break. It can also benefit the person with care needs by giving them the chance to try new activities and meet new people.

RightsWhat you are entitled to receive, and how you should be treated, as a citizen. If you have a disability or mental health problem, are an older person or act as a carer for someone else, you have the right to have your needs assessed by your local council. You have a right to a service or direct payment if your assessment puts you above the eligibility threshold your council is using. You and your carers have a right to be consulted about your assessment and about any changes in the services you receive.

Risk AssessmentAn assessment of your health, safety, wellbeing and ability to manage your essential daily routines. You might also hear the term risk enablement, which means finding a way of managing any risks effectively so that you can still do the things you want to do.

SafeguardingThe process of ensuring that adults at risk are not being abused, neglected or exploited, and ensuring that people who are deemed ‘unsuitable’ do not work with them. If you believe that you or someone you know is being abused, you should let the adult social care department at your local council know. They should carry out an investigation and put a protection plan in place if abuse is happening. Councils have a duty to work with other organisations to protect adults from abuse and neglect.

Caring for you in your own home

Email: palmtreehomecare@outlook.com

Specialising in: Companionship • Personal Care

Meal PreparationShopping • Housekeeping

Respite Support

Call us today on07900 571239

Palm TreeH O M E C A R E LT D

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Sensory ImpairmentWhen one of your senses - sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste - does not work properly. It does not necessarily mean a total loss of one or more of your senses. You may be born with a sensory impairment, or develop it later in life.

Short BreaksWhen a person with care and support needs spends regular short periods of time away from their main carer, in order to give the carer a break and to give the person with needs a chance to do something different. These breaks may take place in the person’s own home, in the home of an approved carer or in a place such as a hospice. Councils in England are required to provide short breaks services for children and young people with disabilities.

SignpostingPointing people in the direction of information that they should find useful. Your local council should signpost you towards information about social care and benefits through its helpline or call centre (if it has one), website and through local services such as libraries and health centres.

Substance MisuseRegularly consuming quantities of substances such as drugs or alcohol that affect your mental and physical health and your ability to do the things you need to do.

Third Party Top-upIf you are moving into a care home funded by the council, and you want to move into a home that costs more than the council believes is necessary to meet your needs, you will be able to move there if someone (a ‘third party’) agrees to pay the difference. The third party may be a relative, friend or charity, and they will need to have a contract with the council confirming the arrangement.

TransitionThe process by which young people with health or social care needs move from children’s services to adult services. It should be carefully planned, so that there are no gaps in the care young people receive. Young people and their families should be fully involved in the planning process.

Virtual BudgetWhen your council allocates an amount of money to you as a personal budget, you can take this either as cash through a direct payment or as a virtual budget (also known as a managed budget). If you take it as a virtual budget, the council manages the money for you to arrange the services you choose, and you aren’t responsible for paying directly for the services you receive.

Vulnerable AdultAn adult who may need care and support because of their age, disability or illness, and may be unable to protect themselves from harm, neglect or abuse.

Young CarerA young person aged 18 or under who looks after, or helps look after, a family member or friend who has an illness, disability or drug or alcohol problem. They may be responsible for cooking, cleaning, shopping, personal care or emotional support.

Editorial courtesy of Think Local Act Personalwww.thinklocalactpersonal.org.uk

Contact our Care Team

01803 607625Olive Branch

Support15 Walnut Road

Chelston Torquay

Devon TQ2 6HP

www.olivebranchcareagency.co.uk

Dedicated to help people who live in their homes and �nd that they have di�culty in doing what they used to do, by reason of illness, in�rmity or disability.

• Domestic Help • Shopping services • Washing & Ironing • Handyman Service• Garden Maintenance• Community Support & Days Out

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Local Contacts

Minor Injuries UnitsMinor injuries units and urgent care centres can treat: sprains and strains. broken bones. wound infections. minor burns and scalds. minor head injuries. insect and animal bites. minor eye injuries. injuries to the back, shoulder and chest.Brixham Community HospitalTel: 01803 8813998am – 4pm, Monday to FridayDawlish Community HospitalTel: 01626 8685008am – 8pm, 7 days a week, including bank holidaysNewton Abbot Community HospitalTel: 01626 3245008am – 10pm, 7 days a week, including bank holidaysPaignton Community HospitalTel: 01803 5471718am – 5pm, Monday to FridayTotnes Community HospitalTel: 01803 8626228am – 9pm, 7 days a week, including bank holidays

Accident & emergency department (A&E)Visiting the accident and emergency department should only be considered in emergencies and life-threatening situations which could include: loss of consciousness, fits, chest pain, breathing difficulties and severe bleeding. If you require emergency treatment call 999 or visit the emergency department immediately.Torbay HospitalLowes Bridge, Torquay TQ2 7AATel: 0300 456 8000 (local rate) or 01803 614567Royal Devon and Exeter HospitalBarrack Road, Exeter EX2 5DWTel: 01392 411611Derriford HospitalDerriford Road, Plymouth PL6 8DHTel: 0845 155 8155 or 01752 202082

Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS)The Patient Advice and Liaison Service is a one-stop shop for patients, relatives and carers who require information, support or advice.Hengrave House, Torbay Hospital, Torquay TQ2 7AATel: 01803 655838 / Free phone: 0800 028 20 37

South Devon and Torbay CCGTel: 01803 652500Email: sdtccg@nhs.net www.southdevonandtorbayccg.nhs.uk

Healthwatch TorbayHealthwatch Torbay is a way for people of all ages who use local health and social care services to have a say in how they are planned and run. Tel: 0800 052 0029www.healthwatchtorbay.org.uk

Mental health servicesMental health and learning disability services are provided by Devon Partnership NHS Trust.Torbay Emergency Duty Team: 0300 456 4876SMS number: 07810 54 8004Devon Emergency Duty Team: 0345 6000 388Mental Health Teams: 0300 5555000 (Torbay)The Torbay Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service provides emotional and mental health assessment and treatment to children, young people, aged 0-18 years, and their families/carers.The Annexe, 187 Newton Road, Torquay TQ7 2RUTel: 01803 655692

Out of hours dental servicesThe out of hours service is available for patients with urgent dental needs on Mon-Fri 18.00-22.30, Sat-Sun 08.00–22.30 & Bank holidays 08.00–22.30. Patients should call 033300 63300. After 22.30 details of patients calls will be recorded and they will be contacted after 8am the next day. Alternatively you can email: devondentalhelpline@nhs.net

Sexual health servicesThe Sexual Medicine Service provides free and confidential testing and treatment services for sexual infections, along with advice on a wide range of sexual health and contraceptive issues. We provide these services from our bases at Castle Circus Health Centre and Newton Abbot Community Hospital, as well as from a number of community sites throughout the area. To make an appointment call: 01803 656500.

Help with alcohol an drug problemsTorbay Drug and Alcohol Service provides advice on alcohol and drug related health matters and are here to help those with drinking and drug problems in Torbay. Walnut Lodge, Walnut Road, Chelston, Torquay TQ2 6HPTel: 01803 604330www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/services/drug-and-alcohol-service/

Domestic violenceDomestic violence can happen to a man or a woman and can be physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse. Confidential information is available from National 24 Hour Domestic Abuse helpline - Freephone: 0808 2000 247.Torbay Domestic Abuse Service (TDAS) provides support for men, women and children in Torbay who need advice and protection from domestic abuse.Tel: 01803 698 869email: tdas@sanctuary-housing.co.ukwww.sanctuary-supported-living.co.uk

Information about health services in Torbay, including out of hours and urgent medical treatment, where to go for minor injuries and how to access mental health services.

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Torbay Safeguarding Adults BoardThe Safeguarding Adults Board is a group of organisations which meet together to discuss and monitor how to protect vulnerable people with the view to keeping them safe. Contact the Safeguarding team on: 01803 219700

Torbay Safeguarding Children Board If you are worried about a child please call the Torbay Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub on 01803 208100 email: torbay.safeguardinghub@torbay.gcsx.gov.ukOut of office hours please call 0300 4564 876.If you feel a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

Citizens Advice TorbayTorbay Citizens Advice Bureau provide a free, impartial and confidential service to everyone.29 Palace Avenue, PaigntonTel: 01803 521726www.torbaycab.org.uk

Alzheimer’s Society TorbayAlzheimer's Society is the leading care and research charity for people with all forms of dementia, their families and carers.Berwyn House, 70-72 Abbey Rd, Torquay TQ2 5NHTel: 01803 210333Email: torbay@alzheimers.org.ukNational Dementia Helpline: 0300 222 11 22

Age UK Torbay Care, support and services for older people in the Torbay area.12 Dendy Road, Paignton TQ4 5DBTel: 01803 555 181email: reception@ageuktorbay.org.ukwww.ageuk.org.uk/torbay

Torbay Carers ServiceSignposts for Carers is a specialist information and advice service for unpaid carers in Torbay, who are caring for someone with a long-term health condition or disability. Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation TrustPaignton Library, Paignton TQ4 5AGMonday - Thursday 9.00am - 4.30pmFriday, 9.00am -1.00pm.Tel: 01803 666620Email: signposts@nhs.net

Torbay Young Carers ServiceTorbay Young Carers’ Service offers support, information and advice for young carers and their families.Tel: 01803 208657E-mail: youngcarers@torbay.gov.ukwww.torbay.gov.uk/youngcarers

GPs & GP Surgeries

Data Correct with South Devon & Torbay CCG

GPs & GP Surgeries Address Postcode TelephoneArea

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Data correct with NHS Choices

Pharmacies Address Postcode TelephoneArea

Pharmacies

Visit your local pharmacy ...without an appointment and get advice on coughs, colds, sore throats, diarrhea, warts, verrucas, nits and more.

Late Night Pharmacies in Bold

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Dentists & Opticians

Dentist Address Postcode TelephoneArea

Optician Address Postcode TelephoneArea

Data correct with NHS Choices

NHS continuing healthcare fundingAre you eligible for NHS continuing healthcare funding?If you have a disability or complex medical problem, you might qualify for free NHS continuing healthcare (CHC). Not many people know about it, so it’s important to find out if you’re eligible and get an assessment

If you need a lot of nursing support, the NHS can fund your care for you. NHS continuing healthcare (adults) or NHS continuing care (children) helps you with healthcare needs resulting from disability, accident or illness. If you qualify, it should meet the full cost of your care including care at home, in a nursing home or hospice.

In England, the NHS can arrange care for you or you can choose to receive funding for your care as a direct payment, known as a personal health budget

Who is eligible?The only sure way to know if you’re eligible is to ask your GP or social worker to arrange an assessment.

There’s no clear-cut list of health conditions or illnesses that qualify for funding.

Most people with long-term care needs don’t qualify for NHS continuing healthcare or NHS continuing care because the assessment is quite strict. Being frail, for example, isn’t enough. But don’t let that put you off.

Free healthcare could be worth thousands of pounds each year, so it’s important to find out where you stand.

What are eligible health needs? complex medical conditions that need additional care and support long-term medical conditions physical or mental disabilities terminal illnesses rapidly deteriorating health mobility problems behavioural or cognitive disorders

What costs are covered?NHS continuing healthcare or continuing care covers personal care and healthcare costs, such as paying for specialist therapy or help with bathing or dressing.

It may also include accommodation if your care is provided in a care home, or support for carers if you’re being looked after at home.

If you need nursing care as an adult, you might get NHS funded nursing care. You might get this even if you don’t qualify for NHS continuing healthcare or NHS continuing care.

Funding varies by region, so you’ll need to check with your local Clinical Commissioning Group.

First of all, you’ll have an initial screening to see if you’re eligible for funding.

It’s usually carried out in hospital or at home by a nurse, doctor, social worker or other healthcare professional.

They’ll assess your general health and care needs with a simple checklist that will cover: behaviour cognition (everyday understanding of what’s going on around you) communication psychological and emotional needs mobility nutrition (food and drink) continence skin (including wounds and ulcers) breathing symptom control through drug therapies and medication altered states of consciousness other significant care needs

If your health, or the health of someone you care for, is getting worse rapidly, ask about a fast track assessment to bypass the initial screening.

The assessmentIf the initial screening shows that you may be able to get free NHS Continuing Care, you’ll need to have another assessment.

Even though the assessment process can be complex, most people and families who’ve been through it say the benefits are worth it.

The Assessment team will mark each of your care needs as: priority severe high moderate low

If you have at least one priority need or two severe needs, you should qualify for funding.

If you have one severe need and a number of other high or moderate needs, you may also be eligible. Circumstances change, so even if you were turned down for funding at first, make sure you have your situation regularly reviewed. Your GP or Local Carers Centre can help you.

What is a personal health budget?Personal health budgets are being introduced by the NHS to help people manage their care in a way that suits them.

Since October 2014, adults receiving NHS Continuing Healthcare and children in receipt of continuing care have had a right to have a personal health budget.

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A personal health budget is an amount of money to support your identified health and wellbeing needs, planned and agreed between you and your local NHS team. The aim is to give people with long-term conditions and disabilities greater choice and control over the healthcare and support they receive.

Key points Personal health budgets should help people get a more personalised 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.

They enable you to have more choice and control over the care you receive.

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.

Personal health budgets for people with learning disabilitiesPersonal health budgets offer a real opportunity to enable people with learning disabilities to live in their own homes or with their families, rather than in institutions. Across England the NHS has already begun to offer personal health budgets and joint health and social care budgets to people with learning disabilities who have complex health needs or challenging behaviour.

People with learning disabilities eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare now have a right to have a personal health budget. Anyone else whose support is funded by the NHS, including those with jointly funded packages could also benefit.

From April 2015, all CCGs are being asked to develop plans for a major expansion of personal health budgets, and to ensure that people with learning disabilities are included by April 2016.

South Devon and Torbay CCGPomona House, Oak View Close, Torquay TQ2 7FFTel: 01803 652500www.southdevonandtorbayccg.nhs.uk

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Improving safety & wellbeing at home There are lots of things you can do to help the person you care for live in as safe an environment as possible.

Daylight and fresh air are essential to health and wellbeing. If the person you care for finds it difficult, or impossible, to go outside regularly. Open a window for one or two hours a day which will help to recycle the air inside the home. This should only be done if it does not significantly lower the temperature inside.

HeatingThermometers can help to ensure that rooms do not fall below a certain temperature. For living rooms, the recommended temperature is between 18 and 21°C. For other rooms, the recommended temperature is not less than 16°C.Service the gas appliances – fires, ovens, boilers and central heating systems – regularly, employing a professional who has been certified by the Gas Safe Register.

LightingMany accidents can be avoided simply by having clearly-lit rooms and spaces. The right lighting can also make a dramatic difference to comfort and emotional wellbeing In addition to main lights, consider having lamps within easy reach of frequently-used spaces: for example, next to a favourite reading chair in the living room or on a bedside table. Wall-mounted, battery-operated lights can be a good (and cheaper) alternative to installing new electrical wiring. These come in a variety of styles and are operated by switch, pull cord or even movement sensors

FurnitureConsider re-positioning furniture – or taking away unimportant furniture – if this will make it easier to enter, exit or move around certain rooms. This may be particularly sensible if a walking aid is being used. Remove any rugs or replace any carpet that could prevent the safe use of walking aids, or which could potentially cause falls.

Sitting comfortably and safely It’s likely that the person you care for is going to be sitting down for increasingly long periods of time, so it might be good to check on the comfort of his or her furniture. Unfortunately, many sofas and armchairs are often the wrong shape for a good sitting position, and people can be uncomfortable for a number of reasons – more often than not because the length and depth of the seat is not correct for them. This may be due to the style of the furniture, such as chairs too narrow or too wide, but it may also be that the furniture is old and the filling in its upholstery has compacted. A ‘wrong’ sitting position can become uncomfortable quite quickly, potentially making it harder to get out of the chair again – for example, if certain joints have become stiff or cramped.

Over time, sitting in the same, wrong, position could lead to more serious physical problems with posture, balance and flexibility.For the safest ways to get in and out of a chair, remember the following tips:• When sitting down, always feel the chair or seat on the back of your knees before lowering into the seat.• Reach for the arms and lower yourself down gently and evenly; don’t be tempted to use a walking aid for support.• To get back up again, wriggle forward so that your feet are directly under or behind your knees.• Make a wide base with your feet.• Sometimes, rocking forwards and backwards will help you find the momentum to get up.• Ensure that you look up, and lead with your head.• Use the chair arms, and push up evenly with both your arms.• Give yourself a moment to find your balance before walking away from the chair.

Use Assistive TechnologiesThere are many electronic products and systems that use technology to promote health and wellbeing in the home, by monitoring activity, managing risks, increasing security, helping the person you care for manage the important tasks within their daily lives, and bringing support more quickly when things go wrong.

TelecareTelecare systems can be linked to a call centre or to a mobile phone of a carer. Call centres are by far the most common option for home users of telecare, their primary advantage being that a call centre is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Carers who have asked for an assessment should always be made aware of the benefits of telecare Types of sensors• Fall detectors• Bed or chair occupancy sensors• Movement detector• Flood detector• Property exit sensors• Enuresis (incontinence) alert• Smoke detector• Heat/temperature analyser• Gas detector• Nocturnal epileptic seizure detector• Hypothermia alert• Medication dispensers• Door opening sensors (to detect someone leaving the property, or a door left open)

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Social Care & Independent Living

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Free Home Fire Safety ChecksThe Person you care for should be eligible to have free smoke alarms fitted in their home. Contact the local fire department for further information. .

Safety in the bathroomSlippery floors are a safety hazard, so think about installing grab rails and using slip-resistant mats and flooring. If a conventional bath or shower are no longer suitable, there are several different types of bath and walk-in showers to choose from. It’s a good idea to consult an Occupational Therapist (OT) and/or visit a Disabled Living Centre (DLC) before adapting a bathroom to make it safer.

Grants for bathroom adaptationsIf the person you care for has a chronic illness or other form of disability that prevents them from getting into and out of the bath easily – and they intend to live in the current property for the next five years – they may be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). Its worth looking into as the average cost of a new bathroom suite is around £3,000 but specialist adaptations can increase this amount substantially.

Checklist to help prevent falls in the home Make sure any rugs and mats are attached to the floor and are non-slip Arrange cupboards and shelves so important things are within easy reach Make sure that any spillages, particularly liquid spillages, are cleaned up as soon as possible Be aware of the obstacles that unnecessary clutter can cause Use high-wattage light bulbs and make sure there are replacements available Take care of their feet, by having their toenails trimmed regularly and wearing well-fitting shoes

Getting dressed and undressed For people with disabilities and issues such as less flexibility in their fingers, everyday tasks such as getting dressed and undressed can become challenging. Many aspects of getting dressed can simply be made easier by choosing certain clothes and footwear. For example, zips and velcro are both easier to fasten than small buttons or shoelaces; easier still are clothes that don’t require fastening.

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The Annual Health Check Scheme is for adults and young people aged 14 or above with learning disabilities who need more health support and who may otherwise have health conditions that go undetected.

People with learning disabilities often have difficulty in recognising illness, communicating their needs and using health services. Research shows that regular health checks for people with learning disabilities often uncover treatable health conditions. Most of these are simple to treat and make the person feel better, while sometimes serious illnesses such as cancer are found at an early stage when they can be treated.

The Annual Health Check is also a chance for the person to get used to going to their GP practice, which reduces their fear of going at other times.

Adults and young people aged 14 or above with learning disabilities who are known to their local authority social services, and who are registered with a GP who knows their medical history, should be invited by their GP practice to come for an Annual Health Check.

The Annual Health Check lets the person with learning disabilities go to their GP practice and have aspects of their health checked. It also allows them to talk about anything that is worrying them.

During the health check, the GP or practice nurse will carry out the following for the patient:

• a general physical examination, including checking their weight, heart rate, blood pressure and taking blood and urine samples

• assessing the patient’s behaviour, including asking questions about their lifestyle, and mental health

• a check for epilepsy

• a check on any prescribed medicines the patient is currently taking

• a check on whether any chronic illnesses, such as asthma or diabetes, are being well managed

• a review of any arrangements with other health professionals, such as physiotherapists or speech therapists

• If the person’s learning disability has a specific cause, the GP or practice nurse will often do extra tests for particular health risks. For people with Down’s syndrome, for example, they may do a test to see whether their thyroid is working properly.

• The Annual Health Check may also be a good opportunity to review any transitional arrangements that takes place when the patient turns 18.

• The GP or practice nurse will also provide the patient with any relevant health information, such as advice on healthy eating, exercise, contraception or stop smoking support.

People with learning disabilities have lots of different needs. Sometimes these are written down in a health profile or health action plan that the GP or nurse can refer to. Putting “reasonable adjustments” in place can help people to have a successful health check.

Reasonable adjustments mean changing services so they are easier to use.

These adjustments can include:

• using pictures, large print, and straightforward language to help explain what is happening

• booking longer appointments

• scheduling an appointment that starts at the beginning or end of the day, so people don’t have to wait

All parts of the health check are voluntary. Anyone who is having the health check, or their carer, can ask the GP or practice nurse for more information about the process. The patient can then give their consent before any tests or procedures are carried out

Getting a learning disability diagnosisUnder the Children and Families Act 2014, social services has a duty to assess children in need, including children with disabilities.

The aim is to identify the child’s specific education and healthcare needs and draw up a plan of action for meeting these needs.

If you believe your child has an undiagnosed condition, your GP should be able to help you to get the advice you need

Some learning disabilities are discovered at birth, while others are not diagnosed until much later. If your child is diagnosed at or around birth – for example, with Down’s syndrome – their doctors probably won’t be able to tell you exactly how it will affect their development. The extent of your child’s disability will become clearer as they reach the ages when they should be talking, walking or reading.

People with learning disabilities often have poorer physical and mental health than other people. This doesn’t need to be the case.

Learning Disabilities - NHS Annual Health Check

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For children who are not diagnosed at birth, finding out they have a learning disability can take time. The main problem is that learning disabilities are quite hard to diagnose very early in life.

Most learning disabilities are obvious by the age of five. Intellectual function (also known as cognitive ability) can only be assessed by testing children from the age of five, so most children with these disabilities are only diagnosed when they start school.

Even after a diagnosis is made, it can be hard to tell how it will affect your child in the future. However, your child’s current needs can be assessed to work out what kind of support will help them, and they will be referred to a paediatrician (a specialist in child health).

Learning disabilitiesA learning disability is a reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities – for example household tasks, socialising or managing money – which affects someone for their whole life.

People with a learning disability tend to take longer to learn and may need support to develop new skills, understand complicated information and interact with other people.

The level of support someone needs depends on the individual. For example, someone with a mild learning disability may only need support with things like getting a job. However, someone with a severe or profound learning disability may need full time care and support with every aspect of their life – they may also have physical disabilities.

People with certain specific conditions can have a learning disability too. For example, people with Down’s syndrome and some people with autism have a learning disability.

It’s important to remember that with the right support, most people with a learning disability can lead independent lives.

Most adults with a learning disability want to live independently in the community, either by themselves or sharing a home with friends . Their Families and carers share this ambition.

ACCESS TO

COMMUNITYEDUCATION

Supported by

Recreational and Educational Activities for adults with disabilities and respite for carers within Torbay.

We help and support people with disabilities to access courses run both by ACE and the Adult and Community Learning Department, including swimming, pottery, art, sports mobility, creative writing and gardening.

Tel: 01803 853302www.brixhamace.org

For more information about what ACE can o�er you please contact Yvonne Ramos on: ace@southdevon.ac.ukAlternatively drop-in or write to us at the following address:Adult And Community Learning Brixham College,Higher Ranscombe Road,Brixham, Devon TQ5 9HF

ACE operates a subsidised taxi scheme for those without transport

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Putting your affairs in order

Make a willIf you haven’t already got a will now is the time to make one. If you want to make sure that your money and your belongings – your assets – go to the people or charities you want then you need to make this clear in a will. If you don’t the law will decide who they go to – and this might not be who you want it to be.

Your will tells people who you want to be your executor – the person who sorts out your money and your will after you die. You can choose more than one person to be your executor, but ideally not more than four. Professional executors like solicitors or accountants will charge for their services.

If you have children under 18, your will also says who should be legally responsible for looking after them if you die.

If you die without having made a will – referred to as dying ‘intestate’ – the law specifies how your money will be divided. This means that your assets won’t necessarily be passed on in the way that you’d prefer.

If you want to decide who gets what, you need to draw up a will.

It’s possible to write one yourself, but even small technical mistakes can make a will invalid so it’s generally a good idea to get help from a solicitor or professional will writer.

It’s important to note that if you have married since making a will, then your marriage is likely to have invalidated the will.

Lasting Power of AttorneyNobody wants to think about a time in their future when they won’t be able to make their own decisions. It can also be a difficult subject to bring up with an older relative, but it’s something that everyone should think about. If things aren’t set up properly in advance of when they are needed, it can lead to all sorts of complications. Thankfully there are procedures in place to protect individuals and make it easier to deal with things, should the need arise. A Power of attorney (POA) allows you to choose someone else to deal with third parties on your behalf, for example banks or the local council. Certain types of powers of attorney go further, allowing you to choose someone else to make decisions on your behalf, should you not be able to do so in the future.There are two types of Lasting Power of AttorneyProperty and Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney: this covers things such as managing day-to-day finances, debts, benefits (such as the attendance allowance and personal independent payments (PIP)), buying or selling property. It needs to be put in place and registered while the donor has mental capacity and it can be used both before and after the donor has lost capacity.Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney: this covers issues such as NHS treatment, care and housing. Again, it needs to be put in place and registered while the donor has mental capacity but it can only be used after the donor has lost mental capacityWho to choose as your attorneyMost people appoint their husband, wife, partner, other family member or a close friend as their attorney. It must be someone you trust completely.

It’s essential to plan for how your money should be handled in the event of an illness or death. Good planning will help make sure you or your family are ready to meet any of the costs that might arise. It will also allow you provide for your loved ones and ease the burden on them.

We provide a cost-effective and comprehensive Wills, Lasting Power of Attorney and Elderly Client service thatmatches your personal needs with your

financial objectives.

Tel: 01803 403403 www.boycehatton.co.uk

independent advice

www.nationaldebtline.org

Tel: 0808 808 4000Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm - Saturday, 9.30am to 1pm

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Setting up a power of attorneyYou can get the forms and guidance you need to create a lasting power of attorney online at: www.gov.uk/government/collections/lasting-power-of-attorney-formsSetting up a power of attorney is a big step. You should make sure you understand all the implications, and you may want to get advice from a solicitor.Independent financial adviceIf you or a relative is faced with funding residential care, it would be beneficial to seek independent financial advice. The Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) provides specialist advice for older people looking to fund care.In 2014-2015, the average weekly cost of a place in a residential home in England was around £587, and a place in a nursing home cost around £790. But these are only average figures, so you or your relative could be looking at considerably higher figuresAn independent financial adviser (IFA) will review your relative’s financial situation to help them meet care costs and plan for the future. They can make sure that money is being invested wisely, advise on the best way to deal with property and also advise on the availability of immediate need care fee payment plans.Where to find a specialist care fees adviserYou can use The Money Advice Service Retirement Adviser Directory to find a specialist care fees adviser in your area.www.directory.moneyadviceservice.org.ukYou can also visit the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) website:www.societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk/SOLLA advisers undertake extra training and professional development before becoming full members.

Paying for a funeral in advanceFunerals can be expensive, but as decisions are often made under emotional stress and with an imminent deadline, this isn’t the best of circumstances for family to be shopping around. Paying for a funeral in advance will spare relatives from facing the cost of your funeral, and will specify how you want things to be done, and what you would like to take place at your own funeralHow does a funeral plan work and how much does it cost?At its simplest, a funeral plan allows you to pay upfront for your funeral so your relatives don’t have to cover the costs themselves - although they are allowed to pay for your funeral using money from your estate as soon as you die (and it’s not subject to inheritance tax).You can buy a funeral plan from either a funeral-plan provider or directly from a funeral director. You have the choice of either paying a lump sum or monthly instalments, usually over one to ten years. One-off payments usually range between £3,000 and £5,000.What’s included in a funeral plan?A funeral plan will not include everything you need for a funeral. Exactly what is covered will vary from provider to provider.Funeral plans may cover viewings of the deceased, a limousine procession and a church service, but burial plots are often left out. Other costs, not traditionally met by a funeral director, are also not included, such as the cost of flowers. In addition, some costs may not be met fully, and your family may have to pay the rest. For example, many providers only contribute towards the cost of cremation or burial. As always, check the details to make sure you know exactly what you are buying.

Free and impartial moneyadvice, set up by government

www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

Tel: 0300 500 5000Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm - Saturday, 9am to 1pm

Sunday and Bank Holidays, closed

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Social Care & Independent Living

Choosing the right home care agencyIf you are considering using a home care agency Here is a list of questions you should ask a home care agency; ensure you get all the answers that you need.

About the carers• Will I have a regular carer?• What will happen if my regular carer is off sick?• What happens if a carer is unable to get to me because of adverse weather conditions or a traffic accident?• How many different carers are likely to visit me?• What sort of training do the carers receive? Do they have an induction period? How often is their training updated?• What qualifications do they have?• Will carers keep written records of the care that has been given, and accurate timesheets for me to sign? • Can copies of the records be sent to me if I want them?

About your needs• How will you match the most suitable carer to my needs?• Will you be able to find carer(s) that can visit at the time I need care?• What happens if a carer and myself are incompatible? Could a different carer be requested?• What happens in the event of a medical emergency? Will the agency carer stay with me until help comes? Will they notify me of any problems?• How will carers get into my home if I cannot answer the door? How will that information be kept secure?

About the agency• Do you have a standard contract for work with private clients? Can we see a copy?• What are your hourly charges? Are there any minimum charges (such as a minimum number of hours per week)?• What happens on weekends and bank holidays? Is care provided? Is there an additional charge at these times?• How is payment required – by cheque, direct debit or some other way? How often is payment required? Monthly or weekly?• What insurance do you have to protect my home, for example, in the case of damage to property, the carer making a mistake, or the carer having an accident in my home?

• How do you ensure quality of care is maintained? What are your quality assurance policies and procedures?• Who should I contact if I have problems with a carer or the service provided?• Is it possible to try you for a short trial period initially, to see how it works out?

The benefits and drawbacks ofhome care servicesThe benefits ...Home comforts: they allow older people to stay in their own homes for longer.

Time: they may prevent, or delay, a move into sheltered housing or a care home.

Stability: your relative can maintain contact with friends and their local community.

Peace of mind: for you, and your family, that your relative is being looked after and is not alone.

Flexibility: home care services are flexible and your relative can have as little, or as much, help as they need. Care can be tailored to fit their needs.

Agency responsibility: most care is provided by agencies, which means that the agency is responsible for vetting staff and will cover absences if necessary.

Duty of care: local authorities have a duty of care to provide help to those with eligible needs.

Standards: care agencies must be registered with national regulators who check that they are working to set standards and, in England, rate their services.

Cost: receiving care at home might be a lot cheaper than moving into a care home, depending on the amount of care needed.

Pets: if your relative has pets, they can continue to live with them.

The drawbacks ...Different staff: with an agency, although the aim is usually to provide consistency of care, sometimes different staff may be used in times of staff sickness, holiday or when there is a shortage of careworkers. Careworkers will try but might not always call at the arranged times (for example, if they have to deal with an emergency at their previous call), which can be particularly difficult if the older person needs to be helped to the toilet.

Geographical limits: your relative’s choice of care services may be limited by what’s available in their area.

If you find it difficult to carry out personal care routines – such as washing or dressing – home care services can provide the extra support that you need. Home care services (also known as domiciliary care) provide carers or personal assistants who can visit you at home to help with a wide range of tasks

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Domiciliary Care Agencies Address PostcodeArea Telephone

Live-in careLive-in care is an increasingly popular alternative to an elderly relative moving into a care home. It enables them to stay in their own home and meet their changing needs. For some people it offers a way of continuing to live as independently as possible at home in their local community.Live-in care might suit your relative for a number of reasons including if they need help with:• Companionship• Personal care, such as washing and dressing• Taking medication when other aids aren’t effective• Cooking / Housework• Support to manage the risk of falls and other risks at home• Caring for a pet• Trips out, such as to the doctor or hairdresser• Continuing to enjoy some lifelong passions.This option is also attractive to people who may become confused by a new environment and find it difficult to adapt to change. This particularly applies to people living with dementia, where continuity, routine and familiar surroundings are very reassuring, important and improve quality of life. Live-in care also provides the supervision that someone living with dementia might need to keep them safe.

Many live-in careworkers are specially trained to deal with such conditions as Dementia, Parkinson’s, Stroke, MS or Palliative Care. Some providers also offer live-in nursing staff. For couples, the cost of live-in care can be significantly less than a residential setting and loving partners are able to stay together. In some cases where one has dementia, they are separated in residential settings.

Cost: it isn’t cheap to have live-in carers on call 24 hours a day, although with the introductions of personal budgets and direct payments it can be possible for live-in care to be state-funded, depending on eligibility. Also, live-in care fees can be lower than the price of a residential home. The arrangement can be particularly cost-effective for couples, because they pay once for a live-in carer, and twice over for places in a care home.

Living arrangements: live-in careworkers will require a private room in the house for their own use. From the point of view of your relative, not everyone is comfortable with having a stranger living in their home and there could be tensions about living arrangements, depending on how they work in practice.

Data correct with CQC

27

Social Care & Independent LivingCare homes may be arranged through the local authority but many people will want to arrange them independently. It is a good idea to visit several homes before making a choice. Make sure you spend enough time in each home to get a good idea of what it is like.

Choosing the right care homeChoosing a care home is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. You need to make sure it’s got everything you need, in a place you’ll be happy, at a price you can afford.

When choosing a care home you need to recognise that your care needs are likely to increase over time.

• Make a shortlist of suitable care homes in your area that fall within your budget.

• Request an information pack from the homes on your shortlist.

• Request a copy of their contracts and/or terms and conditions.

• Make sure they have vacancies or establish how long their waiting list is.

• The cost of care varies from region to region – you could save money by relocating.

• Don’t forget to take into account additional costs that may not be covered in your residential fees, such as meals and day trips.

• Check how much notice you need to give if you move out and how much notice you will be given if the home is to close.

• If your funding is local-authority assisted, check that you pay the same rates as self-funders and find out whether a top-up payment is required.

Check the care home’s official inspection report

How much is it going to cost?Care-home fees vary considerably around the country, but on average you should expect to pay approximately £28,500 a year for a residential care home and £37,500 if nursing care is required.

Your local council may be able to help with costs depending on your circumstances.

Before visiting any care homes in person, you need to be very clear about what it is you’re looking for. Make a checklist of the things that are important to you, along with a list of questions to ask the managers and staff. Don’t be embarrassed – you’re about to make a life-changing decision.

Choice of accommodationThe law says that where the local authority is funding accommodation it must allow the person entering residential care to choose which care home they would prefer. Social services must first agree that the home is suitable for the person’s needs and that it would not cost more than they would normally pay for a home that would meet those needs. If the person chooses to go into a more expensive home, a relative or friend may be able to ‘top up’ the difference in cost.

Residential care homes provide living accommodation, usually in an en suite room with meals in a dining area and help with personal care, such as washing, dressing and going to the toilet. You may need to move to a care home if you need care throughout the day and night, and if this is impossible to arrange, or afford, at home

The benefits and drawbacks of care homesIf your needs can no longer be met at home, there are benefits to moving to a care home. Although there may be downsides too, knowing what to expect can help you make realistic decisions.

The benefits ... Safety: there is always someone around.

Staff on duty 24/7: in a residential care home, someone is on call at night. In a nursing home, care is provided 24 hours a day.

A room of their own room: your relative can usually personalise this with their own furniture, pictures and ornaments.

Meals: regular meals provided and nutritional needs met.

Companionship: opportunity to socialise with others of their own age and take part in organised activities or outings, where available.

Peace of mind for family that a vulnerable older relative is being taken care of and is not living alone.

Supervision of medication.

No worries about household bills or upkeep.

Better living conditions: the physical environment may be better – safe, warm and clean.

2016/17

YOUR FREE GUIDE TO HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE Please take one ...

Issue 3

Covers services in

Health & Social Care Support DirectoryKingston upon Hull

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28

The drawbacks ... Choice: there may be a limited choice of homes with a vacancy for your relative, depending on their circumstances.

Unfamiliar surroundings.

Loneliness and loss of contact with neighbours and old friends.

Emotional effect: families can feel guilty that they are not looking after their relative themselves, even though this may no longer be practical.

Your relative may feel rejected: it can help if you talk things through beforehand, possibly explaining that you or other family members are unable to give them the care that they need. Regular contact once they’ve moved in will also help.

Loss of independence, although a good home should encourage your relative to be as independent as they can be.

Lack of privacy: this might be difficult for your relative to adjust to.

Small living space: your relative won’t be able to take all of their furniture and personal possessions with them.

Variations in care: all homes have to achieve a minimum standard to ensure they can be registered, but quality of care may vary from home to home. Doing your research, and asking around for recommendations, should help you avoid the less suitable ones (see Choosing a care home).

Cost: care homes can be very costly, particularly if you have to fund your own care. If relying on local authority funding, you must be assessed as needing a care home. Sometimes you and the local authority might disagree on what is needed.

What your choices areA list of all nursing and residential care homes within your locality can be found on the following pages. Every care home in England must be registered with the national regulatory body Care Quality Commission (CQC). They inspect each care home on a regular basis and write an inspection report for you to read. It is advisable to read this report before making a final decision.

To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit:www.cqc.org.uk

Residential & Nursing Homes

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Residential Homes Address PostcodeArea Telephone

Nursing Homes Address PostcodeArea Telephone

Providing residential and nursing care in comfortable surroundings by the seaWe care as much as you do

To arrange a visit please call 01803 522 148 · www.grayareas.co.uk

Data correct with CQC

30

Residential & Nursing HomesResidential Homes Address PostcodeArea Telephone

Nursing Homes Address PostcodeArea Telephone

Providing residential and nursing care in comfortable surroundings by the seaWe care as much as you do

To arrange a visit please call 01803 522 148 · www.grayareas.co.uk

Data correct with CQC

Need Advice? We can help! Torbay Citizens Advice Bureau provide a free, impartial and con�dential service to everyone.

Tel: 01254 495382www.torbaycab.org.uk

Support and advice for people a�ected by cancer.Tel: 0808 808 00 00

www.macmillan.org.uk

Local services for people with dementia and their carers. Tel: 01803 210333

www.alzheimers.org.uk

Your local authority delivering services to visitors and residents of Brixham, Paignton and Torquay.

Tel: 01803 201201www.torbay.gov.uk

Have your say on health and social care in TorbayTel: 08000 520 029

www.healthwatchtorbay.org.uk

Torbay

Responsible for commissioning healthcare and wellbeing services for the people in South Devon and Torbay

Tel: 01803 652500 www.southdevonandtorbayccg.nhs.uk

A specialist information and support service provided by Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust for unpaid Carers in Torbay.

Tel: 01803 666620

Care, support and services for older people in the Torbay area.Age UK Torbay: 01803 555 181

www.ageuk.org.uk/torbay

Information, support, advice and signposting to help young people who are under 18 and care for another person.

Tel: 01803 208 657

We’re here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. Tel: 0800 090 2309

www.mariecurie.org.uk

A con�dential listening service run by Mindline is now up and running in South Devon and Torbay.

Tel: 0300 330 5464www.mind.org.uk

Allowing people across the Bay to be better connected and informed. Tel: 08000 520 029

www.torbayorb.com

Useful numbers for support in your area

31

Information on child and adolescent mental health.Services for parents and professionals.

Tel: Parents' helpline: 0808 802 5544(Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm)

wwww.youngminds.org.uk

Con�dential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.

Tel: 116 123 (24-hour free helpline)www.samaritans.org

Free counselling service for children & young people until their 19th birthday.

Tel: 0800 1111www.childline.org.uk

Support and advice for people living with mental ilness.Tel: 0300 5000 927 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm)

www.rethink.org

Parkinson's is a support and research charity, working to �nd a cure and improve life for everyone a�ected by Parkinson's.

Tel: 0808 800 0303www.parkinsons.org.uk

Mencap is a UK charity for people with a learning disability. We support their families and carers.

Tel: 0808 808 1111www.mencap.org.uk

Helping People with Down's Syndrome to live a full and rewarding life. Tel: 0333 1212 300

www.downs-syndrome.org.uk

Epilepsy Action aims to improve the lives and promote the interests of people living with Epilepsy.

Tel: 0808 800 5050 www.epilepsy.org.uk

Provides a range of services for people with a hearing impairment.Telephone: 0808 808 0123 (freephone)Textphone: 0808 808 9000 (freephone)

www.rnid.org.uk

The UK's largest disability campaigning organisation.O�ce Number: 020 7250 8181

www.radar.org.uk

Supporting people with sight lossTel: 0303 123 9999www.rnib.org.uk

For impartial, con�dential advice and support on autism for anyone a�ected by, or researching autism.

Tel: 0808 800 4104www.autism.org.uk

Formerlycalled the

RNID

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