A guide to Independent Living in Lincolnshire April 2014

A guide to

Independent Living in Lincolnshire APRIL 2014

Lincolnshire County Council 01522 782155 This information can be provided in another language or format.

For all enquiries please contact the above number.

Contents Introduction..............................................................................................................................................................................5 Part 1: Information and advice Help so you can live independently Introduction..............................................................................................................................................................................6 1. First Contact.......................................................................................................................................................................8 2. Housing...................................................................................................................................................................................9 3.Transport................................................................................................................................................................................10 4. Extra support to help you at home.................................................................................................................11 5. Self-directed support...................................................................................................................................................12 6. Learning disabilities and sensory loss..............................................................................................................16 7. Personal care......................................................................................................................................................................18 8. Make your voice count...............................................................................................................................................19 Your health and wellbeing Introduction..............................................................................................................................................................................21 1. Health services (good life guide note)...........................................................................................................21 2. Positive steps to mental health............................................................................................................................23 3. Support for carers..........................................................................................................................................................25 Keeping safe and secure Introduction..............................................................................................................................................................................27 1. Safeguarding.........................................................................................................................................................................27 When do I need Adult Care?

Introduction..............................................................................................................................................................................31 1.What is Adult Care and who can we help?................................................................................................31 2. Assessments........................................................................................................................................................................32 3. Benefits and money.......................................................................................................................................................34 Part 2: Stay safe at home: a practical guide Introduction..............................................................................................................................................................................38 Key...................................................................................................................................................................................................39 TeleCare and TeleHealth.................................................................................................................................................41 Getting in and out of your home............................................................................................................................42 Answering the door...........................................................................................................................................................44 Moving around your home...........................................................................................................................................46 In the bathroom....................................................................................................................................................................50 In the living room.................................................................................................................................................................54 In the kitchen...........................................................................................................................................................................56 In the bedroom......................................................................................................................................................................60 Alterations to your home.............................................................................................................................................63 Useful information...............................................................................................................................................................64 Useful addresses and telephone numbers........................................................................................................65 4

Introduction ‘A Guide to Independent Living in Lincolnshire’, has been produced to help you find out what help is available in Lincolnshire to remain in your own home. Lincolnshire County Council and our partners are committed to making a real difference to your well being and your ability to keep your independence.

Thinking about the care or support either you or someone else in your life will need can be daunting. Making any change in your life will require making decisions.This guide will help you find more information about support available and give you the contact details of other organisations that can help you to make the best decisions for your circumstances.

In the first instance you can always go online to Lincolnshire County Council’s website www.mychoicemycare.org.uk

The guide has two parts: Part 1 provides information and advice to support you to live independently Part 2 offers practical guidance on: How to Stay Safe at Home and what equipment you can use, and useful local and national contacts for further information and advice.

We hope this information is helpful. If you feel it could be improved or needs amending then please contact the County Council on 01522 552556.

5

Part 1: Information and advice Help so you can live independently This section of the guide aims to provide you with practical information and advice to support you.You will find information about housing, how to maintain your health and wellbeing and what support services are so you can get some extra help around your home. If you are looking for further information and support online or for other local organisations you can find out more by going online from the My Choice My Care online information and advice service or by contacting Adult Care customer services on 01522 782155.

This section will signpost you to the different organisations who can help you find the right support or advice for you.

You will find information about: • Lincolnshire County Council’s online information and advice service, My Choice My Care.

• Libraries on page 7 • Equipment to help you at home on page 7 6

• Information about maintaining your general health and wellbeing on page 21 • Keeping safe and secure on page 27 My Choice, My Care Website www.MyChoiceMyCare.org.uk is Lincolnshire County Council’s online information and advice which enables individuals, their friends, carers and family, however distant, to research the options available to them in the place which they live in Lincolnshire.

There is a wide range of information on ‘My Choice My Care’ which will help you or the person you care for find the support and services you require to help you lead a better quality of life. If you need help and don’t know where to start you can complete a short assessment and someone will contact you.

If you are a carer looking for support, or you have received a personal budget and want some help with the next steps there are providers that can help.You can consider a range of options that may be able to help and can find out about providers of different services and contact them directly.

There is a section where you can find out about financial costs involved in paying for your care needs, and how much Social Services will fund towards this. Using the financial calculator, you will easily and quickly be able to find the information you need to help you make your own decisions about where to go next.

The site is designed to be simple and easy to use, reflecting the information in this guide.

Hopefully you will find support, equipment and services that you didn’t realise were available to support you and enrich your quality of life.We hope ‘My Choice My Care’ will be a valuable tool to you in your journey in making the best choices for your care needs.

There are a range of voluntary organisations in Lincolnshire who may be able to provide you with information or give specialist advice about your particular problem or needs.These organisations will be in your local telephone directory or you can contact the Customer Service Centre of Lincolnshire County Council (01522 782155) who will be pleased to assist or toput you in touch with a particular organisation.

Some contact numbers for general advice and support services: • Citizens Advice Bureau, tel. 08444 111 444 • Age UK (see page 36) Libraries - The library is a great source for information. It can be used by everyone regardless of age, state of health or where you live.There is a network of libraries and mobile libraries throughout Lincolnshire.

As well as lending books, the library offers many other services including photocopying, internet access, the loan of videos, CDs and DVDs.They also have many reading groups which provide a great opportunity to meet new friends.

To find out about your local library and the reading groups, you can ring 01522 782010 or look on their website www.lincolnshire. gov.uk/residents/discover-libraries Equipment - A range of equipment is available to help people live safely and independently in their own home. Some will wish to make their own private arrangements to purchase equipment, whilst others may look to the Adult Care services of Lincolnshire County Council to advise and assist in the provision of equipment and its use.

If you wish to purchase your own equipment look in Yellow Pages under ‘Mobility and Access Equipment’ or see SmartCare or SmartAssist (see page 17).

If you would like information, or an assessment by Adult Care for the equipment to be provided, you can search www. mychoicemycare.org.uk and click on ‘Living safely at home’ for information or contact the Customer Service Centre on 01522 782155.

Following an assessment, you will be given advice and suitable equipment may be arranged to help with your daily living, providing you meet the eligibility criteria for provision.

7

1. First Contact If you are aged 60 and over you can now get in touch with a range of essential services through one point of contact to help you to stay safe and well in your own home. From January to April 2013, this service will be piloted so all working age adults can access this service.

The First Contact service, which is run in partnership by a range of organisations across Lincolnshire, worksby encouraging people to complete a checklist in a First Contact leaflet.

The checklist addresses issues such as fire and community safety, personal care, housing, heating, falls prevention, money and benefit entitlements, transport, social isolation, home care and caring for others.

8

Organisations that provide help through First Contact include: • Adult Care • Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue • District Council housing teams • Age UK • Lincolnshire Police • The Pension Service • Volunteer centres.

First Contact leaflets are widely available in the community from places such as libraries, local Community Access Points and GP surgeries. Alternatively, to request a leaflet or to find out more about the First Contact service you can visit the website at www. firstcontact.org.uk or phone First Contact on 01522 782172.

1. Do you have a working smoke alarm on each floor of your home and know what to do in case of fire?

Y N

2. Do you have any repairs that need doing to your home or any other housing needs not mentioned on the form?

3. Do you ever find it difficult getting around the house, getting in and out of bed, washing yourself or getting up and down stairs?

4. Are you able to keep your home warm?

5. Are you worried about having a fall and/or have you fallen recently?

6. Would you like advice on crime reduction and personal/ home safety?

7. Would you like advice on money and benefits that you may be entitled to?

8. Would you like to receive information about local transport in your area?

Y N

9. Would you like information on becoming a volunteer and being more involved in your local community?

10. Would you like advice on domestic help available such as cleaning, gardening, shopping and prescription collection?

11. If someone looks after you in an unpaid capacity or you look after another person you are entitled to a Carers Assessment. Are you interested in receiving further information about the assessment process and the support available for unpaid carers in Lincolnshire?

12. Do you want to lead a healthier and more active lifestyle?

13. Would you like information about local luncheon clubs, social or activity groups?

2. Housing If you are want to find out more about housing, please contact your district council.You will be able to find advice if you need information regarding homelessness, benefits, private tenancy issues, home improvement grants and sheltered housing in your area.

District councils – Housing is dealt with by the district and city councils - there are seven within Lincolnshire and below are their contact details:

Lincoln City Council 01522 881188 West Lindsey District Council 01427 676676 East Lindsey District Council 08446 601111 North Kesteven District Council 01529 414155 South Kesteven District Council 01476 406080 South Holland District Council 01775 761161 Boston Borough District Council 01205 314200 9

3.Transport If you find it difficult to get around, there are a number of different travel options and services that can make life easier for you.

CallConnect – is a dial-a-bus service for people living in rural areas. If you live in a rural area which is not served by a main bus service then it is possible that you are served by the CallConnect service.

Many of the CallConnect services operate between 7am - 7pm, Monday - Saturday.

The service is available to anyone. All vehicles are modern and fully accessible for wheelchair users.

For information on the CallConnect service, including joining the service and booking journeys, contact: Matrix Booking Line: 0845 234 3344 or 01522 553143 Lines are open Monday – Friday 7.30am – 6.30pm, Saturday 8.30am – 5.30pm or www.lincsinterconnect.com Dial-a-ride – is a door-to-door service for individuals who are unable to use conventional public transport, whether due to age, disability or simply because there is no other transport available in their area.

The schemes are membership-based and to qualify you must live in a designated area and unable to access public transport.

The service operates between 9.30am -12pm and 1pm – 3.30pm Monday – Friday.To find out more information telephone 01522 544983 or look on the website www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/residents/ transport-travel-and-roads/public-transport/ community-transport/ 10

For more information, go to www.mychoicemycare.org.uk and go to ‘Getting Out and About’.

Blue Badges – The Blue Badge scheme provides a national arrangement of parking concessions for people with severe walking difficulties who travel either as drivers or passengers.

The scheme applies to drivers or passengers with severe walking difficulties, passengers who are registered blind people, people with very severe upper limb disabilities who regularly need to drive and cannot turn a steering wheel by hand even if the steering wheel has a turning knob.

To find out more, including requesting a leaflet on ‘The Blue Badge Scheme – Information about parking concessions for disabled and blind people’ or to apply for a blue badge contact the Blue Badge Scheme 01522 782232 or look at the County Council website www.lincolnshire.gov. uk or www.mychoicemycare.org.uk.

Bus Passes – To qualify for a bus pass you need to be over 60 or have an eligible disability.The City of Lincoln Council administer the scheme on behalf of Lincolnshire County Council for the whole of Lincolnshire.

Telephone: 01522 881188 or apply in person at City Hall, Beaumont Fee, Lincoln.

4. Extra support to help you at home We know how important it is for you to maintain your quality of life and live independently in your own home.

That is why there are a number of services to support you to look after yourself.There are many different forms of support that can enable you to remain in your home for as long as possible ranging from equipment to people who can come in to support you in your own home. Starting with First Contact below, there are many ways in which you can help yourself if you are living at home. Be it accessing the support you need directly yourself on www.mychoicemycare.org.uk or through the First Contact checklist and contacts below.

Lunch Clubs – There are a variety of lunch clubs and activities in Lincolnshire, offering an informal opportunity to meet other people.

Most are run by volunteers and usually take place in church halls or community centres.

There is a list you can access via My Choice My Care, in the ‘Getting out and about’ section. The Customer Service Centre will also be able to tell you if any of these clubs are near to your home, telephone 01522 782155.

Community Meals – Community Meals, often known as ‘meals on wheels’, can help ensure that people receive proper nutrition on a daily basis, whatever their circumstances.

If you are aged 18 and over and unable to prepare and cook one hot meal a day, having your meals delivered could help make life easier.You made need this service due to a permanent situation such as sight loss, a physical or learning disability, illness or a temporary situation such as recovering after a stay in hospital, to help you maintain your independence and quality of life.

A Country Kitchen is a meals on wheels service that provides hot, healthy and nutritious food to your door every day.They already provide meals for Age UK and can provide them for people who need them in the Spalding and South Holland area.The LincsHotMow is a meals on wheels service that also provides locally sourced hot food and even a sandwich supper to your door in the North Kesteven area.

Useful contacts A Country Kitchen (Sleaford, Spalding, Holbeach, Boston, Long Sutton, Sutton Bridge, Kings Lynn and surrounding villages) Minerva House, University of Lincoln Holbeach Campus, Holbeach Technology Park, Park Road, Holbeach PE12 7PT Tel: 01406 425242 6.30am - 11am or Mobile: 07979 500162 anytime LincsHotMow (Lincs Hot Meals on Wheels) Sleaford Road, Nocton Heath, Lincoln LN4 2AN Phone : 01522 811299 or 07823 887236 Email: enquiries@lincshotmow.co.uk Web: www.lincshotmow.co.uk If you or the person you care for find it difficult to get to the supermarket,Wiltshire Farm Foods offer a range of 250 frozen meals and desserts, developed by their team to give you a well balanced, nutritious daily diet.Their meals can be cooked in a few minutes from the freezer in your microwave or oven making it easier for you to enjoy meals.

Wiltshire Farm Foods Lincoln House, Gibson Road, Caenby Corner Estate, Hemswell Cliff, Lincs DN21 9QT Phone: 01427 666130 www.wiltshirefarmfoods.com 11

5. Self-directed support: what does this mean for me?

Lincolnshire County Council are encouraging people to retain their independence.With this in mind, we have launched a way of enabling you to manage your own care and tailor the help that you need.This is known as Self Directed Support.

This is made up of different elements: Personal Budgets We have now introduced personal budgets across the whole of Lincolnshire for all eligible users of social care services following assessment.They bring flexibility and transparency of funding to the provision of social care services.

12

A personal budget is an amount of money that is allocated according to your needs, to be spent on services of your choice. At the time of going to press (November 2013) in Lincolnshire, you can choose to receive parts of your personal budget, or your entire personal budget, in various ways: •a Direct Payment (DP) – Lincolnshire County Council pays you an amount of money.The money can then be spent on solutions and services of your choice to meet your eligible social care needs, and you are in control of this money; • I f someone is not able to consent to a Direct Payment, but where a Direct Payment is deemed to be in their best interest it can be

paid to a person who is suitable through a third party agreement.

• parents of disabled children, for children’s services.

• A Managed Budget - you know how much money is available to you and you still have choice and control to choose but Lincolnshire County Council will arrange and pay for your support on your behalf.

Direct Payments gives you more choice and control in choosing your care support.You can use the money to employ somebody yourself (an individual personal assistant) or choose the services of an agency/business.

Self Directed Support recognises that you are the expert of your own support needs and the way that you will manage your own care and support in order to achieve your desired outcomes and improve the quality of your life. It is about making services more individual or personalised to meet your needs and means that you will have more choice, control and independence.

Why would I want Direct Payments?

Direct Payments allow more control over the decisions that affect your life.They provide more flexibility and choice, as you can buy appropriate support tailored to your individual needs. Another option is for us to source a portion of the care/support needs through services commissioned directly by Lincolnshire County Council and also provide a Direct Payment to arrange those remaining services that you wish to have more control over.

To find out more, including requesting a leaflet on ‘A Brief Introduction to Self Directed Support – Your Personal Budget for Social Care’ access this page: http://mychoicemycare. org.uk/1454.aspx or contact the Customer Service Centre of Lincolnshire County Council on 01522 782155.

You may decide that you would like to receive your personal budget allocation in full or part as a direct payment.

Direct Payments Direct Payments are financial payments made to people who have been assessed as eligible to receive support from Lincolnshire County Council.We can make a Direct Payment to most people who need our support, including: • people who have been assessed as needing community care services (including those with Mental Health needs) aged 16 and over, incorporating short as well as longer term needs; • carers over 16 for carer’s services; and

What can Direct Payments be used for?

If you receive a Direct Payment, the money is used to arrange support to meet eligible needs.You may choose to employ someone directly, to buy services from an independent or voluntary sector provider or purchase equipment to help live more independently.

With Direct Payments, people or agencies employed are accountable to you and not to Lincolnshire County Council.Therefore, Direct Payments enable more control, choice and flexibility over how you plan your support to fit with your life.

It is important that your plans meet your assessed needs.Therefore, provided the money is used lawfully, and eligible needs are met, the flexibility that these payments allow means it is impracticable to outline what the money can be spent on. However, there are certain items on which these payments cannot be spent, for instance: • on services that should be provided by Health; and 13

• on routine living expenditures: utility and household bills for instance.

Most Direct Payments are made to meet regular ongoing support needs, however they can also be made as a single payment, for example, to purchase equipment or a short respite break.

What Direct Payments cannot be used for: To pay a relative or close friend who lives with you to help you; pay for long term residential or nursing care; buy a social care service that is already managed by us; buy anything other than the agreed care you need.

Paying into a Bank Account: Direct Payments will not affect any benefits you receive because the money will be used only to meet your level of care.The payments will not be assessed as income on which you need to pay tax.Your Direct Payments monies will need to go into a separate bank account and will be paid every four weeks in advance.

You may need to pay towards the costs of the care in line with the Adult Charging policy.You will need to pay your contribution into your What do I do next?

If you are interested in Direct Payments and are currently receiving social care support from Lincolnshire County Council, please contact your local social care team for more information.

If you don’t already have services provided by us there is a lot of support available to advise and assist you with Direct Payments.

Lincolnshire County Council’s Direct Payments team can give you more information or answer any queries you might have.You can call them on 0845 034 9569 or email them at directpayments@lincolnshire.gov.uk 14

Penderels Lincolnshire Aims to assist people with all aspects of independent living.They can advise you on how you can spend your personal budget.

Haverholme Priory Offices, Haverholme Park, Haverholme Ewerby, Sleaford NG34 9PF Tel: 0845 6060331 Fax: 01522 529 888 Email: lincolnshire@penderelstrust.org.uk Home Support – is practical help with your personal care which can be provided in your own home, to enable you to remain independent for as long as possible and improve your quality of life.

This is usually help with day to day personal tasks, which could include getting up, dressing, washing, going to bed or help with eating.

The service may also be able to help you to contact other agencies who can assist you with other needs which have been identified in your care plan.This may include laundry, shopping, household chores, preparing meals or collecting a pension.

If you are an older person who is in need of assistance with everyday tasks, or have a physical, or sensory disability or a mental illness, then Adult Care can arrange for help at home.The amount and type of support you receive each week depends upon what you and the worker decide following an assessment of your needs.

To assist in identifying your Home Support needs, Lincolnshire now provides an Assessment and Reablement Service (LARS). During a period of between one week, and up to a maximum of six weeks, Adult Care staff will work with you to try and regain or improve your ability to be as independent as possible. If this is not possible then this service will assist in deciding the best way of enabling you to be as independent as possible and to decide which services will best meet your future needs.

Please note that home support services are chargeable.You will be offered a financial assessment to ensure you are not asked to contribute more than you can afford, and some people pay nothing. However if you have more than £23,250 in savings you will be asked to pay the full or maximum cost of your home support services and an agreed amount for any reablement services we provide.

For more details please see Lincolnshire County Council’s Adults Charging Policy available on the County Councils Website www.lincolnshire.gov.uk or please call the Customer Service Centre on 01522 782155.

Day Opportunities – Lincolnshire Social Services provides day opportunities for people with disabilities aged 18 and over and for older people aged 65 and over.

Day opportunities are provided in a variety of locations, which could range from residential and nursing homes to community centres as well as specialist centres and activities.

To be eligible for day opportunities your needs will be assessed by Adult Care who will discuss and agree with you what is the best way to support you.You can receive advice on this type of service from the Customer Service Centre, telephone 01522 782155 or access it online: http://www.mychoicemycare.org.uk/i-needhelp-with/disabilities-and-sensory-loss/dayopportunities-and-employment/day-servicesand-activities.aspx.

Respite Care – carers and the people they are caring for may be entitled to respite care in the form of a temporary place in residential accommodation or provision of an alternative qualified carer to give both the carer and their families a break. In certain circumstances Adult Care also offers respite advice and support for a family to take a break together.

Residential Care – this is likely to be the answer when it is clear that you can no longer manage safely in your own home. It is a major decision and you should take great care before choosing a residential home.

If you want the support of Adult Care in moving to a residential care home then this will only take place after an assessment of your needs.The assessment will ensure that there are no alternative ways of supporting you in your own home and that you meet the criteria for residential or nursing care. If provided with residential or nursing care you will be asked to make a contribution towards the cost, and if you have more than £23,250 in savings or capital assets you will be asked to pay the full cost. If you go into residential care permanently your home may be treated as a capital asset unless, for example, your spouse or partner still lives there. For more information please see Lincolnshire County Council website or go on My Choice My Care to the ‘Care homes and Housing Options’ section.You can always call our Customer Service Centre on 01522 782155.

15

6. Learning disabilities and sensory loss If you have poor sight or hearing and are having difficulties with everyday living tasks such as preparing meals, using a telephone or getting out and about then we may be able to provide a number of services to help you.We will carry out an assessment of your needs and we will let you know if you are eligible for help such as information or advice, or pieces of minor equipment to help you to manage in your home.

You may contact us to request an assessment of your needs by calling 01522 782155 or by email to customerservices@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

16

Adapting your home Lincolnshire Home Improvement Agency is an award winning local charity which helps older people and people with disabilities to live independently and safely in their own homes.

The service helps to ensure your home is accessible, secure and comfortable.You may find your mobility decreasing or be having trouble maintaining your property and the Agency may be able to help you to improve security, ease of access and undertake repairs and improvements.

If you have a permanent disability and need an adaptation to your home to help you stay

independent, you may qualify for a grant from your district council. Our occupational therapy service will be able to provide you with more information - Tel: 01522 782155.

Occupational therapy Occupational therapists can help you lead a more productive, active, and independent life using a variety of methods, including the use of adaptive equipment.They can assess your home for hazards and point out things that contribute to falls.

Visiting you at home, an occupational therapist will be able to suggest adaptations that will improve your mobility. Perhaps handrails up stairs would be useful?

Would a ramp up to your front door help if you are in a wheelchair?

Alternatively, we can help you find equipment and advice to stay independent at home.You can use our supported self assessment tool at www.my-choicelincolnshire.com/smartassist/ lincolnshire.

You may need some more help to live at home independently. Care and support providers can offer a range of different services which may include: • Home care - help with personal care such as washing and dressing; • Ready-made meals - usually supplied frozen to reheat yourself; • Day services - available in care homes or community centres;

•R espite care - residential care or care provided in your own home to give you or your carer a break; •H ousing adaptations - we can provide information about equipment and adaptations to make it easier for you to continue to live in your own home; •D irect Payments - this scheme allows you to buy in the care you need for daily independent living; • S upported housing or Extra Care housing provided by your district or borough council and the independent sector.

We also have smart care clinics which can offer you a friendly equipment assessment and advice service. For more information please contact the Customer Service Centre on 01522 782155.

Major alterations such as fitting a downstairs bathroom or widening doorways could be paid for with a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG).

An occupational therapist will talk you through any new equipment you may be given, as well as help you apply for funding for major adaptations, if you need them.To start the ball rolling, contact us and explain your circumstances.

An assessment of your needs will determine whether an occupational therapist will be the best person to help and what charges (if any) you can expect.

17

7. Personal care These are services which help you with things like getting in and out of bed, washing, dressing and feeding yourself.

They may also be able to help if you are feeling isolated and lonely or not being able to cope. After an assessment of your needs, personal care services are provided by, or on behalf of, the Adult Care services of Lincolnshire County Council.They are also provided by a range of voluntary organisations and private sector providers.

The Adult Care service can be contacted through the Customer Service Centre of Lincolnshire County Council, telephone 01522 782155, where a member of the team will be available to talk to you about your needs.

It maybe that they will offer you information and advice, which may meet your needs and you won’t require anything further.You could also visit www.mychoicemycare.org.uk where there is easily accessible information available online to point you in the right direction.

Depending on your needs we may assess you on the phone, in an assessment clinic, or at home. If, however, your problems represent a more serious risk to your independence then, with your agreement, a request will be sent to the local area team. A home visit will then be arranged so that you and the worker can make a full assessment of your needs and agree a plan.

It is important to note that, wherever possible, the approach will always be to look for the simplest and least intrusive ways of helping you to live safely and independently in the community and for you to have choices about the way you live your life.

18

Prevention and Access to Services First Contact – First Contact is a service operated in partnership across public and voluntary services to support people aged 60 and over to access services. It is a simple set of checklist questions through which people can access advice and information on a range of issues such as benefit advice, help around the home, fire safety advice and advice about volunteering.

First Contact Volunteers – First Contact Volunteers help support the work of the First Contact service by carrying out key roles within their communities including supporting older people in their area to complete First Contact checklists and offering one to one support for people who need additional support to access the services they have requested via First Contact.

Good Life Guide – The Good Life Guide is a brochure to provide people who have retired or who are thinking about retirement with information about a variety of issues such as health advice, preventing hazards, advice about keeping your home warm, how to protect your home from crime and planning for future potential care needs. If you want further information or would like a copy of the guide then please contact us on 01522 782172.

If you are interested in finding out more about any of the above services then please contact us by phone on 01522 782172, by email on FirstContact@Lincolnshire.gov.uk or on the website at www.firstcontact.org.uk

8. Make your voice count There are many ways to get in touch if something is right or you feel unhappy and need further support and advice.

The following section details the different ways you are able to do this.

Having someone to speak on your behalf is often known as advocacy. Advocacy means having someone who will express your views and wishes, secure your rights and represent your interests. It safeguards people who are vulnerable by speaking up for them. It enables people with physical or learning disabilities, older people and those with mental health

needs to make informed choices and decisions about their own health and social care.

Advocacy helps you to access information and services and to explore choices and options. Advocacy is completely independent from the organisations that provide social care services. Advocates act only according to the wishes of the person they are speaking for.They do not take their own view of what is best, or try to influence the person to make a different choice. Advocacy services in Lincolnshire are provided by Total Voice Advocacy, an organisation which is independent of the Council.

19

Total Voice Advocacy services in Lincolnshire Advocacy can help raise the voices of people living in Lincolnshire by helping them express what it is they want and aspire to as members of their community, both locally and wider.We currently provide:

Contact them to find out how they could help support you or someone you care for.

• user involvement and participation; and

NHS Complaints Advocacy Service POhWER provide a free, independent and confidential advocacy service to support people with their NHS complaint.

• group advocacy and one to one advocacy to people who have complex needs, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, mental health, older people and carers of people using services of health and social care.We also provide statutory advocacy roles in IMCA (Independent Mental Capacity Advocate), IMHA (Independent Mental Health Advocacy) and the DoL (Deprivation of Liberty safeguards).

Our advocacy team is well skilled in ensuring that the advocacy process is meaningful for individuals who use the service.We use different techniques to ensure that our service meets the needs of each individual we meet.

We know that ‘one size fits all’ does not work for everybody and our advocates spend time with people developing methods that suit them best.We also signpost people to other organisations that are better placed to help individuals with their enquiries if required.

The following contacts offer advocacy and support.

20

Total Voice Tel: 01522 706597 or 01522 706580 Email:TVL@voiceability.org Web: http://www.totalvoicelincolnshire.org/

POhWER Tel: 0300 456 2370 or Lincolnshire local rate: 0300 200 0084 Email: pohwer@pohwer.net Web: http://www.pohwer.net Lincolnshire NHS Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) This aims to provide a confidential onthe-spot service for the population of Lincolnshire who use services provided by Lincolnshire Community Health Services and NHS Lincolnshire.

PALS is a service for patients, their families, carers and members of the public. PALS aims to offer advice and support, listen to concerns, suggestions or queries, help to sort out concerns or problems quickly, and provide information on local services. PALS also aims to use the patient experience to help shape and improve local health services. PALS can be contacted on: 0845 6024384, or email: info@lincspals.nhs.uk.

Your Health & Wellbeing

1. Health services: In this section you will find information and advice which will help you to ensure you maintain your health and wellbeing.This could mean getting in touch with your doctor or finding emotional support.

Pharmacies – Commonly known as chemists, pharmacies, can offer advice on healthy living and minor ailments alongside dispensing prescriptions.You can find contact details either in the Yellow Pages or on the web at www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories

Doctors – General Practitioners (GP’s) – Local doctor’s surgeries offer a wide range of services, including advice on health problems and prescriptions, but also minor surgery and referrals to other health and social care services.

Dentists and Opticians – contact details as above and the Yellow Pages has a list of dentists and opticians in your area. NHS Direct will also tell you which dentists take NHS patients.Tel: 0845 46 47 or on their website www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

You can find out local GP contact details from NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or in the Yellow Pages under “Doctors (medical)”.

Hospitals - There are four main and four supporting hospitals in Lincolnshire provided by the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust (ULHT).

21

Main hospital addresses: Boston Pilgrim Sibsey Road, Boston PE21 9QS Telephone: 01205 364801 Grantham & District 101 Manthorpe Road, Grantham NG31 8DG Telephone: 01476 565232 Lincoln County Greetwell Road, Lincoln LN2 5QY Telephone: 01522 512512 County Hospital Louth High Holme Road, Louth LN11 0EU Telephone: 01507 600100 Supporting hospitals addresses: John Coupland Hospital Ropery Road, Gainsborough DN21 2TJ Telephone: 01427 816500 Skegness & District Dorothy Avenue, Skegness PE25 2BS Telephone: 01754 762401 Johnson Hospital Spalding Road, Pinchbeck, Spalding PE11 3DT Telephone: 01775 652000 Full contact details and directions to the above hospitals can be found on the United Lincolnshire Hospitals website, www.ulh.nhs.uk In addition to the above, Stamford Hospital is provided by the Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The address is Stamford Hospital, Ryhall Road, Stamford, PE9 1UA. Details and directions can be found on the website, www. peterboroughandstamford.nhs.uk NHS Direct – Is a free 24 hour service, which offers nurse advice and information. It can be accessed by the telephone, internet 22

or digital satellite television.Their contact telephone number is 0845 46 47 and the website address is www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) – As a patient, relative or carer, you may sometimes need to turn to someone for on the spot help, advice and support.

United Lincolnshire Hospital Trust Customer Care Team - If you have been admitted to any of Lincolnshire Hospitals and wish to leave any feedback, comments or are after support or guidance then please feel free to contact the: United Lincolnshire Hospital Trust – Customer Care Team Telephone: 01522 573969 Email: customercare@ulh.nhs. uk Website: http://www.ulh.nhs.uk/feedback.asp Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust - Our adult mental health service care for people of working age (18 to 65 years old) who are experiencing severe episodes of their mental health illness, or need longer term recovery plans put in place to live independently.We will work with you, your carer(s) and other family members to help treat you for your condition at home and in the community, rather than admitting you into one of our hospital inpatient units.

Our services include: • Crisis resolution and home treatment • Acute inpatient care • Recovery • Social day care All referrals to our services are initially done via your GP.You will initially be seen by our primary care teams who will assess your needs and decide with you what services and treatments will best suit the problems you are experiencing.

Tel: 01522 526827 E-mail: adult@lpft.nhs.uk www.lpft.nhs.uk

2. Positive steps to mental health Looking after your health and wellbeing is important and can help you to maintain the quality of your life.There is more information available in the Good Life Guide produced by Public Health which has handy tips and information about leading a healthy life, staying safe and independent.You can find a link here to an online version on www. lincolnshire.gov.uk.

Twelve positive steps to promote your mental health:

What is mental wellbeing?

Mental wellbeing is the ability to cope with life’s problems and make the most of life’s opportunities. It’s about feeling good and functioning well.We all feel stressed, anxious, or low from time to time. Doing something positive to help yourself can make a real difference to our mood.

2. Accept yourself Its easy to be down on yourself, self critical when you are feeling low.Why not try to be kinder to yourself. Remind yourself of your positive qualities, when you feel low.

1. Get active and feel good Exercise is great for wellbeing — it im-proves your physical health, gives you more energy and can improve your mood! Do half an hour of activity where you get slightly out of breath 3 times a week. Pick an activity you enjoy, dancing, walking, swimming, or hiking,

23

3. Be creative Boost your mood by getting in touch with your creative side, painting, drawing, playing an instrument can be relaxing and help you to forget your worries for a while.

8. Get a little help Its okay to ask for help if you feel stressedchat to a close friend, family member, or even a support group if you need extra help. See websites at the back for more help and advice.

4. Learn new skills Its never too late to learn something new.

You can learn from people, books,TV or take a course, find out what is available in your local library.This can boost your confi-dence, give you new interest in life and meet new people too!

9.Talk it out If you’re feeling low and over whelmed by things, don’t be afraid to talk to some-one.

Helplines such as the Samaritans can be a great source of support if you feel you can’t talk to anyone close to you.

5 Get out there Feeling isolated can increase feelings of depression or low self confidence. Help yourself by making an effort to join the social scene. Getting involved in group activities can take your mind off your worries and other people can be a great source of support.

6. Chill out and unwind If your life is hectic, it can be hard to relax, so why not set aside even half an hour a day to unwind and do something you really enjoy, like reading, listening to music or meditating.

7. Eat good mood food What you put in your mouth can dramatically influence your mood! Cutting back on sugar and refined carbs, eating a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, lean meat, wholegrains and oily fish will give you more energy, boost concentration and increase mental wellbeing.

24

10. Drink sensibly Many people take a drink to help them unwind - but did you know alcohol can be a depressant? Try to drink in moderation, drinking no more than 2-3 units a day for wom-en and 3-4 units a day for men.You can enjoy yourself, drink responsibly - and still take care of your health and wellbeing.

11. Go easy on yourself If you’re having a difficult time, go easy on yourself - don’t load yourself down with de-mands and expectations. Focus instead on praising yourself for the positive things you’ve done.

12. Keep in touch Friends and family can be a great support when you’re low - make an effort to keep in touch, whether through a quick phone call, a friendly email or even a visit!

Credit: Pam Channa

3. Support for carers Do you provide regular and substantial support for another person? If so, you are a Carer If you are an unpaid carer living in Lincolnshire, there are six important things you should know about if you want to be linked in to the support that is available: A Carers Assessment – This is an opportunity to share your experience as a carer with a dedicated support worker who can guide you towards the help and support you are entitled to as an unpaid carer. It explores the impact your caring role has on your life, and helps to identify the right support to meet your needs.

Carers Emergency Plan – What would happen to your loved one if you were unable to care for them in the event of an emergency? Your Carers Emergency Plan is created by you, and provides detailed instructions for others to follow in an emergency situation, giving you peace of mind.

Even better, it’s free to set up.

Carers Information Pack – This pack, designed by carers, is an excellent information source for all carers, including an A–Z booklet of help and advice on many subjects relevant to carers, a caring journal to record your interactions with professionals, and much more.

Carers Newsletter – This bi-monthly newsletter, created and edited by carers, is full of carers’ experiences, stories, news and events, advice and fun content, and aims to inform and entertain carers across Lincolnshire. It is a great way to keep in touch with carers issues and be linked into the Carers Partnership.

Carers Support Groups & Carers Partnerships – Together with the Lincolnshire Carers Partnerships, many support groups, carer organisations and charities are working to support carers in Lincolnshire – which one could help you?

Anyone can join the Lincolnshire Carers Partnerships, and you can be involved as little or as much as you wish.

The Lincolnshire Carers and Young Carers Partnership are here to support unpaid carers across Lincolnshire in their caring role.

If you are an unpaid carer living in Lincolnshire there are seven important things you should know about: A cuppa and a chat, a Carer’s Assessment It can be difficult to recognise yourself as a carer; you might think you’re just being a good friend, neighbour or spouse and are ‘just doing your job’. But in reality, being a carer can be difficult and lonely at times, and so a good place to start is with a Carers Assessment.

This is an opportunity to share your feelings/ experience as a carer with a dedicated person who can help you to guide you towards the help and support you are entitled to.

Be part of a ‘Community That Cares’ Anyone can join the Lincolnshire Carers and Young Carers Partnership and be involved as little or as much as you wish. If you would like to find out more about the partnership, please contact us on: Lincolnshire Carers’ and Young Carers’ Partnership Ltd Commerce House, Outer Circle Road, Lincoln LN2 4HY Tel: 01522 846911 Email: info@lincscarerspartnership.net Find more information to support you on the carers’ pages on: www.mychoicemycare.org.uk 25

Carers Connect - Are You An Unpaid Carer?

Most of us don’t think of ourselves as carers, we’re just looking after of our family or friend.

A carer is someone who spends a proportion of their life providing unpaid support to a family member, a partner, a relative or friend who has an illness or frailty.

What can the Carers Team do for me?

We recognise that caring can have a major impact on your life and having help and support throughout can make your caring role easier.The Team is made up of a range of dedicated support workers who will endeavour to help and support you through the challenges you face as a carer.

We are commissioned by Lincolnshire county Council to provide you with emotional and practical support.

Tel: 01522 782224 (8am – 6pm, Monday – Friday) Tel: 01522 782333 (6pm – 8am including weekends) E-Mail: carers_team@lincolnshire.gov.uk Customer Service Centre,Waterside South, Lincoln LN5 7JN

We carry out face-to-face carers assessments. carers emergency response plans, and offering education, employment, learning and leisure opportunities.

We support unpaid carers across the county by: Supporting carer groups across the county to promote mutual support, social contact and access to services.

Following a carers assessment, we can help you access a carers personal budget which could be used towards a short break.

We provide specialist benefit advice to carers across Lincolnshire ensuring you and the person you care for are getting the right amount of benefits.

Carers Connect 23 Sixfield Close, Skellingthorpe Road, Lincoln LN6 0EJ Phone: 01522 812830 Email: info@carersconnect.net

26

District Council – Carer Champions. All 7 District Councils across Lincolnshire have a Carers Champion.They know how important carers are, and are working hard in their district to help raise awareness.

If you would like to find out more about the Lincolnshire Carers Partnerships and for any updates, or about anything shown above, please contact:Tel: 01522 554214 Fax: 01522 546360 or visit the ‘being a Carer’ section on www.mychoicemycare.org.uk

Keeping safe and secure:

Safeguarding vulnerable adults Safeguarding and protecting vulnerable adults from abuse or neglect has traditionally been seen as a major role of those working in the social care sector. Now, more than ever given recent cases that have made national news, it is becoming an issue for everyone in society, not just for those people who have a professional responsibility to safeguard.

Far too many vulnerable adults suffer abuse, neglect and worse, often at the hands of relatives and carers, those who you would least expect to treat them in that way.

A vulnerable adult is a person aged 18 years

or over who may be unable to take care of themselves, or protect themselves from harm or from being exploited.

Some people are more vulnerable than others because they are old and frail, or have a sensory impairment, a disability, a mental health problem, or have some form of illness.

This means they may have difficulty in making their wishes and feelings known and this may make them vulnerable to abuse. It may also mean that they are not able to make their own decisions or choices. A person may also be vulnerable because of a temporary illness or difficulty.

27

What is adult abuse?

Abuse is when somebody or some people do or say things to you or somebody else that makes you or them feel threatened or frightened. It is mistreatment by somebody or some people that violates a person’s human and civil rights.

It may be neglecting a person’s needs, treating somebody disrespectfully or causing physical harm. It may be an isolated incident or it may be repeated incidents. It may be that the abuse is deliberate or it may be unintentional and due to ignorance or lack of training or understanding. It may be that a person is at risk of abuse or being abused in several ways.

It can happen anywhere - in a care home or a care home with nursing, a hospital, in the workplace, at a day centre or educational establishment, in supported housing or in the street. Forms of abuse could be physical, sexual, psychological, emotional or financial.

It could also cover the issues of neglect and institutional abuse – where the abuse affects more than one person within an organisation or a service and is not addressed by the service’s management.This can be repeated incidents of neglect or poor standards of care that are being ignored. It may be that you are not treated with the dignity and respect that you deserve.

Who might be causing the abuse?

Anyone may be an abuser. It may be somebody you know well or it may be a stranger. It may be more than one person.

It might be a family member, a friend, a neighbour, a paid or voluntary carer, a nurse, a social worker, a GP, a visitor to your home, or somebody who you don’t know. If you live in a residential setting or visit a day centre, it may be another user of that service, a visitor, or a carer.

28

What is adult safeguarding?

Adult safeguarding refers to work aimed at preventing or stopping abuse and neglect of adults who need care and support, and who are more at risk of harm because of those needs.

Safeguarding adults takes place in communities through a number of different factors: • a wareness raising and an absence of tolerance of abuse • h ealth and social care services and police responses that are of decent quality effective responses to allegations of harm • p roviding access to services needed, advocacy, justice and support using learning from safeguarding reviews to improve services.

• P olicy and practice around safeguarding adults has developed rapidly over the past 12 years as society has become more aware of abuse and neglect in institutions, in people’s homes and in the community.

Who is responsible for adult safeguarding?

Adult safeguarding is everybody’s business.

Any person may recognise and report abuse or neglect, and everyone can play a part in building communities where abuse does not happen. All of the bodies responsible for adult safeguarding need to work effectively with each other, and with local Health and Wellbeing Boards, Children’s Safeguarding Boards, Community Safety Partnerships (set up by the Home Office to create links between the police, the local council, and the fire, health and probation services), and Healthwatch, which represents the views of the public, including service users and family carers.

What should you do if you suspect abuse or are worried about abuse?

Doing nothing is not an option. Lincolnshire County Council operates a zero tolerance of all forms of abuse. All adults should be able to live their lives free from fear and harm.

Your course of action will depend on the situation. If you or the person you are concerned about is in danger and immediate action is required you should ring the emergency services on 999. If you or the person you are concerned about is not in immediate danger, you should ring our Customer ServicesCentre on 01522 782155.

You will be able to speak to a sympathetic adviser who will listen to your concerns and take them seriously.They will offer support and direct your concerns to a specialist worker who will arrange to meet with you.

You may have a relative, friend or independent advocate present if you wish.Together you will discuss the issues and together you will agree a plan to keep you as safe and independent as possible.You will be able to have a copy of this plan.We will agree further contact as is needed.

We may involve other agencies to help support you safely, but we will agree this together.Where the abuse is a crime, the police need to be involved to prevent other people from suffering as well.We will jointly help to support you.

We will listen to your concerns and take them seriously.We will treat you with dignity and respect at all times. Our main aim will be to help you to live safely whilst maintaining the maximum possible level of independence, choice and control. If the abuse is also a crime such as assault, racial harassment, rape or theft you should involve the police to prevent someone else from

being abused. If the police are involved we will work with them and with you to support you.

If you are worried about contacting the police you can contact us to talk things over first.

When you suspect abuse in a residential care or nursing home If your concern is about someone who is in a residential or nursing home, please refer them to us, via the Customer Services Centre, tel: 01522 782155.

If you have concerns about the standards or application of regulations in a care home you should contact: The Care Quality Commission Citygate, Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4PA Telephone: 03000 616161 Email: enquiries@cqc.org.ukTyne NE1 4PA Telephone: 03000 616161 Email: enquiries@cqc.org.uk Fire and Rescue safety checks – Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue aims to improve community safety by working to prevent fires and other emergencies from happening.

They offer free home fire safety checks for residents within the county. If you would like a member of the fire service to visit your house to undertake a fire safety check and also fit free smoke detectors, please contact the Fire Service on 01522 582222.

Bogus Callers – Some bogus callers call on older and vulnerable people saying they need help urgently.They may ask you to help them outside the house or ask to come in to make a ‘phone call’ or ‘have a glass of water’.They may say they are from the “waterboard”.

29

LOCK. keep front and back doors locked (with keys taken out), even when at home; STOP. stop and think if anyone is expected; look through a spy hole or window to identify the caller; CHAIN. put the door chain or door bar on first before opening the door, and keep it on whilst talking to the caller; (normally when the door is shut and locked, the bar or chain can be left off to get out in an emergency).

CHECK. check their identity card carefully even if the caller has a pre-arranged appointment (close the door whilst doing this); look up the phone number of who the caller represents in the phone directory; ring to verify the caller’s identity; do not use a phone number on the identity card, as this may be fake.

If you have any doubts - keep them out Whether you are at home or away - keep your front and back doors locked Community Alarms – The Community Alarm service is a 24-hour, 365-day monitoring system. It aims to provide peace of mind for people who feel at risk in their own homes.

30

It works via a special alarm unit connected to the telephone line.The alarm unit has a built in button, which you press to obtain assistance.

Alternatively the alarm can be activated by a pendant which is worn around the neck or on a wrist band. Once the alarm button is pressed it sends a signal down the telephone line to the control centre to raise the alarm.

The community alarm service can be adapted to meet many needs, for example an alarm button can be installed at front doors giving the individual opportunity to call for assistance if they have an unwelcome visitor.

For further information about the service provided in your area contact: City of Lincoln – Lincare 01522 544813 West Lindsey ACIS 01427 678000 North Kesteven 01400 273025 South Kesteven 01476 406374

When do I need Adult Care?

1. What is Adult Care and who can we support?

Adult care is the part of the council that’s responsible for providing care, protection and help for vulnerable adults.We aim to provide choice, control and independence for you in Lincolnshire and support and protection for those who need it the most.

We share this responsibility with our partners and other organisations such as primary care trusts (National Health Service), housing and the police, and we work in close partnership with them.

Planning your support If you are eligible for support from the council you will also need a Financial Assessment. During your Financial Assessment you will be asked some basic information about your income, savings and benefits to see if you could make a financial contribution towards the amount in your budget.

You will not be asked to contribute more than you can afford. If you do not want to have a financial assessment you will have to pay the full cost of your support.

31

We use your answers from your assessment questionnaire to decide if you are eligible and if so to work out the amount of money you could get to help meet your needs.This is called your Indicative Budget.Your Social Worker or Care Manager will then discuss with you how you would like to complete your support plan.Your support plan records how you have decided to meet your needs and live the life you want, using some or all of this money.

personal budget. A personal budget is a sum of money identified through the assessment process which the individual can use to buy the support they require from the person or provider they choose. Personal budgets are designed to be flexible there is recognition that everyone is an individual with individual needs and aspirations, this means that people are empowered to be innovative in how they meet their assessed care needs.

We’ll need to agree that your plan meets your needs before you get your Personal Budget.Your plan must keep you safe, spend the money legally, and show that you have budgeted for unforeseen circumstances. In some cases, we will arrange some services to support you and keep you safe while you are being assessed.

Lincolnshire County Council will provide support to help people decide how they would like to use their personal budget but people are also encouraged to use their natural support (friends/family etc) to help them plan for and meet their social care needs.

What does Personalisation mean for you?

Personalisation aims to enable people like you to have and to be responsible for your own

For more information go to the ‘Information, legal and financial issues’ information on My Choice My Care.

Or contact our Customer Service Centre team on 01522 782155.

2. Am I eligible for support?

To find out if you are eligible for support from Adult Care you need to complete an assessment of your needs.We will work with you to identify your needs and any risks to your independence.We will then assess your level of need and risk to work out if you are eligible for support from us.

provide you with information and advice about community services to help you remain independent and prevent your situation from getting worse.The rest of this guide provides useful contact information for some of the services available in Lincolnshire.You are entitled to a reassessment at any time if your needs change or worsen.

You will be eligible for support if there is a significant or immediate risk to your safety, independence and wellbeing. If you are eligible for support you will then have a financial assessment to see if you are able to contribute to the cost of your support.

What is an assessment?

An assessment is simply a discussion with you that will help us understand what help and support you might need coping with life on a day to day basis and living independently in your own home.

If there is only some or little risk to your safety, independence and wellbeing we will

Where does it take place?

It usually involves a chat over the phone, or

32

in your own home and we’re very happy if you have a friend, relative or carer with you.

If you are in hospital, we’ll come and talk to you before you are discharged to see about any help you might need in the home whilst you are recovering.The assessment is a two way conversation.We’ll ask you to tell us something about yourself and you can tell us how you think we can help and support you.We might also ask the opinion of other professionals who know and work with you, like your doctor, but we will only do this with your permission.We will also take account of the needs of your family or carer and assess them separately if they ask us to.

Remember we are only coming to see you to understand how you are coping day to day and how we might help to improve your quality of life.

How quickly will this happen?

If your situation is very urgent and you are in a crisis or at serious risk of harm, we will aim to see you within 24 hours. If your carer is finding it very difficult to cope, we will try to see you within seven days. In any other circumstances it will be within 28 days of you asking for the assessment.

Will I be able to get help?

After the assessment we will identify and agree your needs with you and discuss the help and support available to meet them, according to the seriousness of your situation.

If you are eligible for help from Adult Care we will aim to arrange this within seven days of the assessment being carried out. If you are not eligible for help, we will still give you information and advice on other services that are available to help you to continue to live independently and to maintain your quality of life. If you are not happy with the outcome of the assessment you can ask us to look at your situation again with you and if you are still not happy you can get in touch with us to make a comment, suggestion or complaint.

What if I don’t want an assessment?

If you do not want to have an assessment of your needs with us you will not be eligible for any support from the council.There are many other services in Lincolnshire that can offer you support directly without an assessment however you will have to pay the full cost of these services.

What about confidentiality?

We respect your privacy at all times. Any information you give us will be treated as confidential and will only be shared with anybody else involved in your care with your permission - other than in exceptional circumstances where the law says we must show it to someone else.

33

3. Benefits and money: There are a number of organisations that can help you with any queries you may have regarding benefits.There are also schemes and grants available for older people to help them keep warm throughout the winter.

Useful advice about money, tax and benefits Many older people are entitled to benefits that they haven’t claimed. In Lincolnshire more than £28 million in pension credit goes unclaimed every year.

The benefits system can be confusing but there is help out there for you.Your local council deals with housing and council tax benefits.The Pension Service deals with a whole range of other welfare benefits.

People’s circumstances are always changing– you could have been refused benefits in the past, but you could be entitled to them in the future.You should check regularly with the Pension Service and your local council to see if you are now eligible.

The Pension Service, which is part of the Department for Work and Pensions, helps both pensioners and younger people who are planning for their retirements.

For people who may have found themselves with money problems there is the National Debt line (0808 808 4000) which provides free, confidential and independent advice on dealing with debt.

Other organisations that can help include the Citizens Advice Bureau and Age UK. 34

Benefits and tax allowances in retirement To help you manage in retirement, you may be able to get certain benefits on top of any State Pension you’re entitled to. Some of these benefits are age-related, others depend on your income.Tax allowances are also more generous from the age of 65 if your income is below a certain level.

Over 80 pension If you’re aged 61 and above you can apply for Pension Credit to top up your income to a weekly minimum.

For pension related enquiries you can contact the Pension Service national helpline on 0845 606 02 65 Basic State Pension If you’re aged 80 and above and have little or no State Pension, you may be able to claim the Over 80 Pension.

The State Pension age is 65 for men and 60 for women born on or before 5 April 1950.

This will increase for women born after 5 April 1950 from 60 to 65 between 2010 and 2020. Eligibility depends on your National Insurance contributions.You can choose to claim your basic State Pension as soon as you reach the qualifying age, or to delay claiming and get more later on.

The additional State Pension is also known as the State Second Pension.This used to be known as the State Earnings-Related Pensions Scheme or SERPS pension. Eligibility is based on a combination of your earnings from employment, and National Insurance contributions you have made or been credited with.You may also be eligible through other factors, such as a

disability or because you’ve spent time caring for someone. If you qualify, you’ll automatically get the additional State Pension when you claim your basic State Pension.

Over 80 pension If you’re aged 61 and above you can apply for Pension Credit to top up your income to a weekly minimum.

Attendance Allowance You can get Attendance Allowance if you’re aged 65 or over and need help with personal care because of an illness or disability. For more information you can access GOV.UK or contact our Customer Service Centre team on 01522 782155.

Help with fuel payments Most people aged 60 and above are entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment, paid by the Government to assist with heating costs.

Those who have received this benefit in previous years will get the payment automatically. If you have not received the payment before, contact the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0845 915 15 15 If you get Pension Credit you may receive an extra cold-weather payment during long periods of cold temperatures. If you are having difficulty paying your fuel bills and are over 60, ask your supplier to put you on its priority service register.

Companies should not disconnect pensioner households during the winter months.

If you are concerned about paying your bill please contact your energy supplier.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) DLA is a tax-free benefit for disabled children and adults aged under 65. It is there to help with extra costs you may have because you are disabled.

For more information on DLA you can phone 08457 123 456.

Council Tax and Housing Benefit If you are on a low income you may be able to claim Council Tax Benefit through your local council. If you are on a low income and paying rent you may be able to claim Housing Benefit.

For more information on Council Tax and Housing Benefit you can contact your local council using the contact details at the back of the guide.

TV licence reduction fee You can get a free television licence if you’re aged 75 and over - and pay a reduced fee when renewing between age 74 and 75. For more information visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk WaterCare Services You may be eligible for watercare services provided by Anglian Water.These services give additional help when water supply is restricted and can possibly agree special tariffs.To view eligibility criteria and register please visit: www.anglianwater.co.uk/household/specialassistance/watercare/ War Widow’s or Widower’s Pension You may be entitled to a tax free pension if your wife, husband or civil partner died as a result of their service in Her Majesty’s (HM) Armed Forces or during a time of war.

For more information phone the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency’s free helpline on 0800 169 22 77.

Allowance Independent Living Fund (ILF) – the Independent Living Fund was set up by the government to help people with disabilities to stay in their own homes.

The money from the fund can be used for help with bathing, eating, toileting, washing, dressing, cooking, shopping, cleaning, laundry, getting in 35

and out of bed, help in the night, and other personal or household tasks.

For more information, contact the Independent Living Fund at www.dwp.gov. uk/ilf/ or MyChoiceMyCare.org.uk http:// www.mychoicemycare.org.uk/i-need-helpwith/information,-legal-and-financial-issues/ benefits.aspx Age UK – Local Age UK have a number of schemes aimed at helping older people maintain their independence in the community, for example, assistance with shopping or household chores as well as social groups.

Age UK Lincoln 23 Sixfield Close. Lincoln. LN16 0EJ. Tel: 01522 696000. www.ageuklincoln.co.uk Age UK Lindsey (Head Office).

The Old School House, Manor House Street, Horncastle, LN9 5HF. Tel: 01507 524242 Age Uk Lindsay (Information, Advice and Home Support) 6, Horsefair Walk, Horncastle, Lincs. LN9 5HU. Tel: 01507 525892

Below are the contact details for the Age UK groups around the county. Alternatively you could visit the Age Concern website and see the types of schemes and help they provide, www.ageuk.org.uk

Age UK Spalding John Van Geest Day Centre 1 The Meadows, Spalding. PE11 1XR Tel: 01775 720305 www.ageconcernspalding.co.uk

Age UK Boston & South Holland (Home Support) County Hall, Boston, Lincs. PE21 6DY Tel: 01522 554995

Lincolnshire Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) The CAB provides independent advice on your rights including practical, up to date information on a wide range of topics including benefits and housing, discrimination, debt and tax issues.

Age UK Boston & South Holland (Information, Advice and Guidance, Insurance and Day Centre) Community Rooms, 34 Straitbar Gate, Boston, Lincs. PE21 6LJ. Tel: 01205 364161 email: abcsh@btconnect.com Age UK Kesteven Council Offices, Eastgate, Sleaford, Lincs. NG34 7EB Tel: 01529 302843

36

The contact number for your local Citizens Advice Bureau is 08444 111 444.

Lincolnshire CAB telephone Advice Line is 08444 111 444. or visit the website at: www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Part 2: Stay safe at home: a practical guide

Li n c Introduction....................................38

ol n sh

Moving around the home...........................................46

i re i s li st e

n i n g...

In the bedroom............................60 Alterations to your home...63

Key.........................................................39 In the bathroom..........................50

Useful information.....................64

Getting in and out of your home.................................42

In the living room.......................54

Answering the door.................44

In the kitchen.................................56

Useful addresses and phone numbers............................65 37

Introduction This self-help guide is for older people and people with a disability who are looking for ways to make life safer and easier at home. It is about getting the equipment or adaptations you need.

Then have a look at the second column, which lists the different things that might be causing the problem. Being clear in your mind about what the problem is will make it easier to find a solution.

The guide goes through the home, room by room, helping you to:

In the last three columns we have listed things that might solve the problem. As you go across the page the solutions get more complex.The simple things need to be tried first.They are mostly things you can arrange for yourself, like moving furniture around or buying small gadgets.

• work out what you have to do in your daily life that is difficult or dangerous • decide what is making it difficult • find out what would help How to use the guide Have a look through the tables, starting on page 42, and find the areas where you are having problems. Each table deals with one part of the home.

In the first column there is a list of things which you might need to do. Pick out the ones which you are finding difficult or dangerous.

38

If the simple things won’t help, you can think about the more complex things.

At the back of this booklet we have listed some useful addresses in case you decide that you want to buy some gadgets.

For more information about getting help, look at the back of the booklet.

Key Throughout this booklet, possible solutions have letters next to them indicating where you may be able to get help and advice.The key below explains what the letters mean.

The useful addresses and telephone number directory, at the back of the booklet, can help you contact the relevant organisations.

There are various ways to get help: S means that you may be able to get help from social care.You may also wish to purchase these items yourself.

Please see page 65-68 for useful contacts and addresses.

S * means that if you own your own home, in some instances social care may support you in applying to the district/city council for a grant for this work. If you rent your home then social care may help you to ask your housing provider or landlord to do the alterations.

H means that you may be able to get advice and/or be assessed for some equipment from the health service. If you have a medical condition that requires regular visits from a health professional, please discuss your needs with the person who visits you regularly.

39

A Guide to TeleCare in Lincolnshire Helping you to live life independently What is TeleCare?

TeleCare is a service that helps people to remain independent and feel safer in their own home.

TeleCare helps reassure an individual that if they do need help, a member of their family, a carer or the emergency services will be contacted.TeleCare can be used to support older people, those with long term conditions, disabilities or mental health worries.

TeleCare can tell when there is an emergency in someone’s home and when they need assistance.

TeleCare uses a range of sensors either worn by the individual or placed in their home that can alert the local monitoring centre 24 hours a day.

Who can TeleCare help?

TeleCare can help people who…

• Are at risk of falls.

• Are vulnerable due to reduced mobility or a disability.

• Have a carer who may need support.

• Have memory problems including dementia.

• Have long term health conditions such as epilepsy.

• Have a learning disability and want to be more independent.

• Are starting to leave their home at inappropriate times.

• Have recently been discharged from hospital.

40

Read below how TeleCare has helped someone like you.

Case study: Derek Derek has a sensory impairment he was born profoundly deaf and struggles communicating with others to make his needs known. He uses an interpreter for all communication.

He was born in the early 60’s. Derek’s Social Worker worked in partnership with him and deaf support worker to help achieve goals and outcomes to maximise potential to remain living in the community independently.

Derek was referred for Telecare Equipment, not knowing a lot about the service he didn’t know what to expect but knew he wanted to continue to live in “his home”. He described himself as being frightened all the time, afraid of the dark and anything happening, i.e. stranger getting into his home, not being aware if there was a fire, nobody knowing if he had fallen and being alone often day and night. His disability now seemed to compound further problems which seemed to prevent him to live alone.

Telecare Services appeared to be a positive way forward to enable Derek to embrace the many challenges knowing the future appeared a scary prospect.

He couldn’t understand how Telecare service would work but was open to any suggestions.

Telecare equipment was installed within a few days of the referral being made, simple un-intrusive technology which was about to change Derek’s lifestyle and to give him freedom he has always desired.

Derek says,”Telecare has literally changed my life, it is the equipment for the 21st century, I wish I had known about this sooner.

Telecare equipment has made me feel safe and confident and I now have the freedom to live independently, knowing at the touch of a button I can get help quickly. I feel safe and comfortable living on my own and my extended family and friends know I am safe which gives them peace of mind”.

How will this help me?

• I t saves you having to make arrangements to visit the nurse/Doctors surgery just for readings to be taken.

Why do we have TeleHealth Lincolnshire? to have your health measurements taken can be stressful and sometimes hard to organise.

We also know that you will want to help yourself get as well as possible. Sometimes people forgot to take medication which can really affect their health so a reminder can be really useful. It helps to show your health professional your health measurements between visits.

• I t doesn’t matter if you are at home. staying with family, working or on holiday - you can still get a reminder and send a text to Flo.

Who can use TeleHealth?

All health advisors or social care practitioners can easily get Flo if you believe it might help you. If you do not have the equipment to help you take the measurements we may be able to loan it to you. Please ask your health or social care practitioner to find out more.

How does Flo work?

Your nurse or Doctor will agree how Flo can help you. At the agreed time Flo will send a text to your mobile phone with details of any action you need to take. If you need to provide readings you will send a reply to Flo. E.g. blood pressure or sugar levels. Flo will let you know if any further action is required.Your Doctor or nurse can see the information you send to Flo - but they will not check every reading.

This system is designed to help you improve your health.

• i t allows you to take readings when you are ready and comfortable.

• F lo will remind you of actions you need to take.

• F lo will record all the details so when you next see your health advisor they can see how you have been managing your health.

How does Flo help health specialists?

Your health specialist - usually a nurse or Doctor wants to know you are getting better and that in between seeing them you are following their advice and it’s helping you.

Sometimes it’s hard for patients to get into a surgery, so if your nurse or Doctor can see reports from Flo regularly, it helps them know you are taking care of yourself.

How to get in touch Contact your own health or social care professional to see if Flo can help you. Or contact the TeleCare team for general information.

Phone: 01522 554040 Web: www.lincstelecare.co.uk

41

42

Portable ramp so you don’t have to go up and down steps

Key safe helps keep keys safe and prevent loss

Getting in and out of your home

Key grip helps you grip the key and turn the lock

43

• Threshold is too high • Weather proofing trips you up • Threshold needs repair • Steps are too high, deep or narrow • Too many steps • Path is obstructed by bushes • Path is too long • Path is uneven or badly drained • Path is too narrow • Path is too steep • Milk too low down • Fit bottle holder to wall • Buy long handled bottle holder

• Arrange to cut back shrubs • Fit handrail beside path •Try a walking stick S • Repair path

• F it a grab rail or handrail S

• Resurface the path • Change the width or gradient S *

• Make half-steps S • Enlarge steps S

• Request assessment for or hire a wheelchair H

• Replace door frame S * • Widen doorway S * • Ramp S * • Step lift S *

(see picture)

• Portable ramp S

• Carer/family to have key • Electronic assistive • Digital door lock S technology (Telecare) S H • Intercom/door release • Buy key safe (see picture) • Buy door closer

• Check furnishings • Alter tension in spring • Buy loop handle • Alter handle • Buy key grip/Yale knob grip (see picture) • Use another door • Repair or replace threshold • Fit grab rail S

COMPLEX SOLUTIONS

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

S You may be able to get help from social care H You may be able to get help from the health service S * Social care may support you to get a grant The solutions listed are typical ones – other things might be possible.

Pick up the milk

Go down the path

Go up or down steps

Cross the threshold

WHAT YOU WHAT IS DIFFICULT HAVE TO DO FOR YOU Open the • Door is obstructed door • Door is too heavy • Lock is awkward • Handle is awkward • Key turning is difficult

44

Answering the door

Never leave keys in the lock

Key chain allows you to view the visitor without opening the door fully

45

COMPLEX SOLUTIONS

S * Social care may support you to get a grant

• Only let people in • Ask the person to make who have made an another appointment appointment • Call the police • Check ID care • Call Consumer Direct and photo 08454 040506 • Ask them to wait while you check their identity • Check their identity by ringing their office - use an old bill or the telephone book for the number • Call a neighbour for help

S You may be able to get help from social care H You may be able to get help from the health service The solutions listed are typical ones – other things might be possible.

WHAT YOU WHAT IS DIFFICULT SIMPLE SOLUTIONS HAVE TO DO FOR YOU Answering • Staying safe • Keep front and back the door • Spotting bogus callers doors locked • Stopping doorstep crime • Never leave keys in locks • Calling for help or places where they are visible (see picture) • Use a spy hole • Have a chain fitted to the lock (see picture) • Keep the chain on when opening the door • Buy a key safe

46

Second bannister rail gives you something extra to hold onto as you go up and down stairs

Moving around your home

Easi-Reach helps you pick things up without bending down

Key grip helps you grip the key and turn the lock

47

• Post too low down

• Fit cage behind letter box

(see picture)

• Carry a mobile phone • See your Doctor or Nurse about your falls H • If you are falling over mats or other hazards, remove them • Buy an Easi-Reach

•T hrough-the-floor lift S * • Ground floor toilet S *

S * Social care may support you to get a grant

• Get a pendant alarm system S S * • Join a dance or exercise class

(see picture on pages 46 and 48)

• Fit handrails or grab rails

on page 48)

• Improve lighting • Move bedroom downstairs • Stairlift S * (see picture

• Re-hang door • Replace threshold • Buy door closer

• Widen doorway S *

COMPLEX SOLUTIONS • Fit handrails or grab rails • Secure carpets • Improve lighting

S You may be able to get help from social care H You may be able to get help from the health service The solutions listed are typical ones – other things might be possible.

Pick up the post

Call for help if • Accessing help you fall

Use the stairs

Go through doors

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

• Walking stick • Walking frame • Brighter light bulb • Remove small rugs • Doorway is too narrow • Alter handle • Threshold may trip you • Change tension of spring • Door is too heavy • Door handle is awkward • Staircase is too narrow • R emove clutter or steep from stairs • Lighting is poor • Brighter light bulb • Risk of tripping on • Secure carpet carpet or clutter •B uy a commode to keep downstairs

WHAT YOU WHAT IS DIFFICULT HAVE TO DO FOR YOU Use corridors • Corridor is too long • Lighting is poor • Risk of tripping

48

Stairlift helps you get up and down the stairs

Hand rail provides extra support at the bottom of the stairs

Moving around your home (continued)

Long handled shoe horn helps you put on footwear without bending down too far

49

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

COMPLEX SOLUTIONS

S * Social care may support you to get a grant

• Contact the Community • Ask for Telecare Fire Service for home referral S safety fire check • Use large print • Use talking books and newspapers/books newspapers S

• Get a telephone with a flashing light on it • Get a mobile phone that vibrates • Get a minicom

• Get a door bell that flashes your lights S

S You may be able to get help from social care H You may be able to get help from the health service The solutions listed are typical ones – other things might be possible.

• Get one with a louder chime • Get a portable doorbell and take it with you Use the phone • Hear the phone ring • Get a phone with a • Hear the phone caller louder ring and set your • See the numbers to dial hearing aid to T • Get a phone with larger numbers • Mark the numbers • Set the memory dial for ones you use a lot Be safe • Hear the fire/smoke • Put extra smoke alarms alarm around your house • Buy specialist alarm Read • See the writing • Get a magnifying glass letters and • See your Optician newspapers • Ask people to writ to you in large print

WHAT YOU WHAT IS DIFFICULT HAVE TO DO FOR YOU Answer the • Hear the door bell door

50

Tap turner helps you grip the tap and turn it on and off

Bath lift a safe way to help you in and out of the bath

In the bathroom Long handled sponge helps you to wash yourself

Raised toilet seat helps you to stand up

51

• Change floor covering

• Heat bathroom • Non-slip mat • Towelling gown

• Hot air body drier

• Bath lift S (see picture) • Mobile hoist S • Ceiling track hoist S • Replace bath with shower S * • Convert bathroom to wet room S *

• Raise or lower basin S * • Shower S *

COMPLEX SOLUTIONS

S * Social care may support you to get a grant

• Grab rails S • Bath board S • Bath seat S • Lever taps

• Lever taps • Stool S

• Non-slip mat in bath • Tap turners (see picture) • Buy a long handled sponge (see picture)

• Flannel strap

(see picture)

• Tap turners (see picture) • Long handled sponge

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

S You may be able to get help from social care H You may be able to get help from the health service The solutions listed are typical ones – other things might be possible.

WHAT YOU WHAT IS DIFFICULT HAVE TO DO FOR YOU Wash hands, • Turning the taps face and body • Standing at the basin • Basin is too low or high • Can’t reach all parts of body Have a bath • Turning the taps • Stepping into the bath • Risk of sipping in the bath • Getting up out of the bath • Difficulty washing my back Dry yourself • Floor is slippery • Room is too cold • Difficulty in drying body

52

Shower board something to sit on while you wash yourself

In the bathroom (continued)

Raised toilet seat with frame provides support when standing up

53

• Buy a commode • Buy a portable urinal • Portable bidet • Grab rails S

• Adapt existing shower S *

• Specialist toilet S * • Alter position of toilet S * • Request short-term loan of commode H

COMPLEX SOLUTIONS

S * Social care may support you to get a grant

• Flush lever extension S • Toothbrush gripper • Electric toothbrush • Stool • Non-slip mats • S hower board S • Half step (see picture) • Shower chair or stool S • Replace shower for one with controls you can manage

(see picture)

•R aised toilet seat S (see picture on page 50) • Combined toilet seat and support frame S

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

S You may be able to get help from social care H You may be able to get help from the health service The solutions listed are typical ones – other things might be possible.

WHAT YOU WHAT IS DIFFICULT HAVE TO DO FOR YOU Use the toilet • Toilet is too high or too low • Difficult to clean yourself • Flush lever/handle is awkward • Toilet is hard to get to Clean teeth • Gripping the toothbrush • Standing at the basin Have a shower • Difficult to stand for long • Shower tray/step too high • Shower controls are awkward • Shower tray slippery • Not enough room to move in shower

54

High chair makes it easier to get up

Chair raiser makes your own chair a more comfortable height

In the living room

EasiReach helps you to pick things up

Plug with handle helps you grip the plug

55

• Can’t reach controls for fire or heating • Can’t carry solid fuel/lay fire • Can’t reach switch • Light switch toggle • Switch is awkward to use • Socket extensions • Handi-plugs (see picture) • Insulate your home • Affording the fuel • Get a trolley • Carrying the fuel • Buy a knob turner • Turn the knobs on • Contact the Fire the fire Service for a check or • Checking the safety of replacement your electric blanket • Hear the sound of my TV • Use subtitles

S * Social care may support you to get a grant

• Get a room loop S • Request assessment for a hearing aid H

• Get a grant • Ask for a winter fuel payment • Change to a cheaper heating system • Change to a different heating system • Replace the fire • Buy a hearing aid H

• Environmental controls

• Move light switches • Replace light switches

H

• I nstall new or additional heating system S *

• Move heating controls S *

H

• Environmental controls

• Remote curtain opener

• Remote window opener • Environmental controls H • Extractor fan

• Buy electric riser chair

S (see picture)

• Blocks of foam in chair base • Buy a high chair (see picture) • Move furniture out of way • Gadget to open window • Move furniture out of the way • Fit pull cords • Buy Easi-Reach (see picture) • Change switches • Fit timer switch

• Ready made chair risers

COMPLEX SOLUTIONS

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

S You may be able to get help from social care H You may be able to get help from the health service The solutions listed are typical ones – other things might be possible.

Watch TV

Keep warm

Switch lights on and off

Control heating

Open and • Can’t reach windows close windows • N ot secure to leave windows open Open and • Curtains too heavy close curtains • Can’t reach curtains

WHAT YOU WHAT IS DIFFICULT HAVE TO DO FOR YOU Get in and out • Chair/settee too low of chairs • Chair/settee too soft

56

Tap turner helps you grip the tap and turn it on and off

Lid grip helps you grip bottle or jar lids to open them

In the kitchen

High stool to rest on while you work

Teapot tipper helps you to pour the tea

57

• Re-organise furniture

• Adaptations to kitchen S *

• Change height of work surface S * •M ake space under work surface for knees when sitting

• Alter kitchen

• Lower or raise cupboards S *

COMPLEX SOLUTIONS

S * Social care may support you to get a grant

• Review mobility equipment used

• Fit tap turners (see picture) • Change switches S • Raise or reposition taps S • Fit lever taps S •R ange of kitchen gadgets, • Food processor e.g knife with thick • Perching/high stool S (see picture) handle, chopping board • Buy a trolley with spikes, pan handle holder, teapot tipper (see picture), non-slip placemat, lid grip (see picture)

on page 54)

•R e-arrange things • Alter spring in in cupboards door closers •B uy Easi-Reach or Handi-Reacher (see picture

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

S You may be able to get help from social care H You may be able to get help from the health service The solutions listed are typical ones – other things might be possible.

WHAT YOU WHAT IS DIFFICULT HAVE TO DO FOR YOU Reach • Cupboards are too cupboards high or low • Cupboards are too deep • Cupboard doors are too heavy Use taps and • Taps or switches are switches too awkward • Can’t reach taps or switches Cutting, • Work surface too chopping, high or low preparing and • H ard to grip packets cooking food or jars •H ard to grip knife or food • P ans or kettle too heavy to lift • Work surface too slippy Moving around • Not enough space the kitchen

58

Lightweight large handled cutlery helps you grip cutlery

In the kitchen (continued)

Long handled dustpan and brush stops you having to bend down so far

Liquid level indicator indicates the level of liquid in container when you can’t see it

59

S You may be able to get help from social care H You may be able to get help from the health service The solutions listed are typical ones – other things might be possible.

Laundry/ ironing

Eating and drinking

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

• Change washing machine or iron

COMPLEX SOLUTIONS

S * Social care may support you to get a grant

• Buy an appliance with • Mark the dials larger numbers/markers • Get a liquid level indicator (see picture) • Cutlery is hard to grip • Large handled cutlery • New crockery • Food/dish keeps (see picture) • Trolley S slipping away • Non-slip mat • Get a cup with • Can’t carry food to table • Get lightweight two handles • Can’t lift my cup insulated cup • Use a straw • Using switches and taps • Mark the controls • Raise/lower • Washing machine is too • Wall fixed ironing board washing machine high or too low • Putting up ironing board

WHAT YOU WHAT IS DIFFICULT HAVE TO DO FOR YOU Use appliances • See dials • See when my cup is full

60

Pill dispenser helps you take pills on the right day

Pillow raiser gives you support in bed

In the bedroom Easy grip scissors handy for cutting nails

Bed raiser makes your own bed a more comfortable height

61

• Difficult to reach all around your body

(see picture) (see picture)

• Learn new techniques for moving safely S H • Fit grab rails S • Buy a new bed • Transfer board S H

• Hospital bed H • Buy an electric adjustable bed H • Mobile hoist S H • Ceiling track hoist S • Buy a specialised mattress H • Drop-down rail S • Monkey pole H

COMPLEX SOLUTIONS

• Ask the Pharmacist to give you an easy to open bottle • Keep a note when you have taken a tablet •B uy a clock with large numbers

(see picture)

S * Social care may support you to get a grant

• Buy a clock that ‘speaks’

S (see picture)

• Ask someone to • Get a bottle opener • Get a pill dispenser with prompt you days marked (Telecare) • Speak to your doctor

• Change bedding • Buy a bed cradle H • Learn new techniques • Buy a bed ladder for moving safely S H • Bed lever S • Pillow raiser S (see picture) • Change mattress • Learn new techniques • Buy simple gadgets, e.g. • Buy clothes with for dressing long handled shoe horn different fastenings (see picture on page 48), elastic shoe laces, dressing stick, button hooks, stocking aids • Easy grip scissors • See Podiatrist H

• Move bed • Leg lifter S • Raise bed S

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

S You may be able to get help from social care H You may be able to get help from the health service The solutions listed are typical ones – other things might be possible.

Read the time • S ee the clock to tell the time

Cut your nails • Can’t reach feet • Hard to hold scissors Take your • Opening the bottle tablets • Remembering to take the tablets

Getting dressed

WHAT YOU WHAT IS DIFFICULT HAVE TO DO FOR YOU Get in and out • Bed is too low of bed •D ifficult to move from wheelchair to bed • Bed is hard to reach • Bed is too soft Sit up in bed, • Bed is too soft turn or roll • Bedding too heavy over • Nothing to lean on

Notes

62

Alterations to your home If you want to make small alterations to your home like fix a rail by the door, social care can help.The Lincolnshire Home Improvement Agency may also be able to advise you.

If you want to make big alterations to your home, like building a new bathroom, you might have to ask your landlord if you rent, or ask the district or city council for a grant if you own your own house.

Usually it is a good idea to ask for an assessment from social care. If there is a simple way to solve your problem they will make suggestions. If an alteration is the best thing to do they will write to the district or city council or your landlord and give support.

If you want more information about the types of grant that you can get to alter your home, ring your district or city council and ask about Disabled Facilities Grants.

63

Useful information S ome High Street shops, such as Boots or Argos, sell equipment to help you to be safe and independent.

You will find specialist shops in the Yellow Pages under ‘Mobility and Access Equipment’.

All centres are closed on Bank Holidays

The British Red Cross has wheelchairs, commodes and other items for hire.

Your local district council will help you to apply for grants to insulate your home.

The Fire Service (Community Safety) will advise you about smoke alarms/fire prevention and may replace your old electric blanket.

Useful addresses and telephone numbers The organisations and contacts below will be able to provide you with more specialist information, advice and support to remain safe, well and independent in your own home.

Age Care Advice Tel: 07772 992732 Email: agecareadvice@gmail.com www.agecareadvice.co.uk Adult Social Care Customer Service Centre Tel: 01522 782155 Adults Supporting Adults Is a charitable organisation offering a range of community based services, including day time provision, respite and extended stay visits to learn new skills. For more information please contact: Tel: 01529 416270 Email: enquiries@asaorg.co.uk Age UK Boston & South Holland County Hall, Market Place, Boston PE21 6DY Tel: 01205 364161 Email: acbsh@btconnect.com Age UK Kesteven Council Offices, Eastgate, Sleaford NG34 7EB Tel: 01529 302843 Email: all@ageconcernkesteven.co.uk 64

Age UK Lincoln The Day Centre, 23 Sixfield Close, Lincoln LN16 0EJ Tel: 01522 696000 Email: info@ageconcernlincoln.org.uk www.ageuk.org.uk/lincoln Age UK Lindsey The Old School House, Manor House Street, Horncastle LN9 5HF Tel: 01507 524242 Email: info@ageconlin.co.uk Age UK Spalding District John van Geest Day Centre, 1 The Meadows, Park Road, Spalding PE11 1XR Tel: 01775 720305 Email: info.ageconcern@btconnect.com Alzheimer’s Society Lincolnshire 15 Sixfield Close, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN6 0EJ. Tel: 01522 692681 Fax: 01522 697896 Email: lincoln@alzheimers.org.uk www.alzheimers.org.uk

British Red Cross The British Red Cross provides a wide range of services throughout Lincolnshire including: • First aid courses • Dial a wheelchair • Mobility Aids • Support at Home • Hand, arm and shoulder massage Unity House, 22 Tollemache Road South, Spittlegate Level, Grantham, Lincs NG31 7UH Tel: 0845 054 7171 www.redcross.org.uk

Disability Lincs Ancaster Day Centre, Boundary Street, Lincoln LN5 8NJ Tel: 01522 870602 Email: enquiries@disabilitylincs.org.uk Headway Lincolnshire Headway is the UK’s leading brain injury charity.

Helpline: 07702 602386 Information helpline: 0808 8002244 Mon-Fri 9.00am - 5.00pm

Carers Connect Provide face to face carers assessments along with emotional and practical support.We also support carers groups across the county to promote mutual support, social contact and access to services.The range and type of support we can offer will be unique to each carer.

23 Sixfield Close, Lincoln LN6 0EJ Tel: 01522 812830 Email: info@carersconnect.net

ICES Orchard House, Orchard Street, Lincoln LN1 1ES Tel: 01522 553959 / 01522 554175 Email: wendy.ramsey@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Carers Team at the CSC The Carers Team is made up of a range of dedicated support workers who will endeavour to help and support you through the challenges you face as a carer.

Witham Park House,Waterside South, Lincoln LN5 7JN Tel: 01522 782224 Email: Carers_Team@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Lincoln and Lindsay Blind Society Bradbury House, Ramsgate, Louth LN11 0NB. Tel: 01507 605604 Email: info@llbs.co.uk

Crossroads - Caring For Carers South Humber Ltd 18 Hainton Avenue, Grimsby DN32 9BB Tel: 01472 345842 Email: crossroads@southhumber.fsnet.co.uk Deaf Lincs Annex A, County Offices, Eastgate, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 7EB Tel: 01522 554932

Integrated Learning Disability Team Brumby Resource Centre, East Common Lane, Scunthorpe DN16 1QQ Tel: 01724 298222

(LAPD) Lincolnshire Association of People with Disabilities LAPD was formed in 1994, by a group of disabled people in order to encourage, support and assist disabled people to make changes, both in their personal lives and in their communities that enable them to live their lives to the full.

Boundary Street, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN5 8PF Email: manager@lapd.uk.com Tel: 01522 530301 www.lapd.uk.com Boston Office Tel: 01205 351189 Email: boston@lapd.uk.com 65

LHIA (Lincolnshire Home Improvement Agency) Customer Relations, Mercury House, Willoughton Drive, Foxby Lane Business Park, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire DN21 1DY Tel: 0845 450 9115 Email: info@lincshia.org http://lincshia.org

North Hykeham Tel: 01522 838220 Email: helpline@mssociety.org.uk

Mencap Grantham Office The Cree Centre, Aire Road, Grantham, Lincs NG31 7QP.Tel: 01467 566050 Email: annette.tweedie@ granthammencap.co.uk Lincoln Office Community Centre, Croft Street, Lincoln LN2 5AX.Tel: 01522 536765 Email: help@mencap.org.uk

Penderels Lincolnshire Aims to assist people with all aspects of independent living.

Haverholme Priory Offices, Haverholme Park, Haverholme Ewerby, Sleaford NG34 9PF Tel: 0845 6060331 Fax: 01522 529 888 Email: lincolnshire@penderelstrust.org.uk

National Deaf Children’s Society (Lincoln) The National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) is the leading charity dedicated to creating a world without barriers for deaf children and young people. NDCS is an organization Lincolnshire Integrated Community of families, parents and carers, providing Equipment Service (ICES) emotional and practical support through our Tel: 0845 121 2031 Freephone Helpline, our network of trained support workers.

Head Office Address: 15 Dufferin Macmillan Macmillan improves the lives of people affected Street, London EC1Y 8UR by cancer locally.We provide practical, medical, Email: lincoln@ndcsgroup.org.uk Tel: 07784 223412 / 07908984768 emotional and financial support and push for www.ndcs.org.uk better cancer care. Cancer affects us all.We can all help.

Macmillan Cancer PALS (Lincolnshire Patient & Advice Information & Support Liaison Service) Lincoln County Hospital, Oak House,Witham Park,Waterside South, Greetwell Road LN2 5QY Lincoln LN5 7FB Tel: 01522 573799 Tel: 0845 602 4384 or email: info@lincspals.nhs.uk

MS Society Freephone helpline for the National MS Society.They can provide details for Lincolnshire MS Societies.

Tel: 0808 800 8000 Boston & South Holland Branch Tel: 01205 724550 Email: helpline@mssociety.org.uk 66

Rethink Skegness CMHT, 17 Lumley Avenue, Skegness PE25 2AP Tel: 01754 610509 Email: lincolncarers@rethink.org Samaritans 17 Hungate, Lincoln LN1 1ES Tel: 08457 909090 Email: jo@samaritans.org www.samaritans.org

(SILCS) Sensory Impairment Lincolnshire County Service The service aims to create opportunities for adults and children with sensory impairment needs, to build confidence and self-esteem, develop communication skills, promote independent living and develop mobility skills.

BID Services, 7 Checkpoint Court, Sadler Road, Lincoln LN6 3PW Tel: 01522 848 295 Minicom: 0121 2466101 Email: sensorysupport@silcs.org.uk www.silcs.org.uk/

vulnerable older adults.

Helpline: 0808 808 8141 www.elderabuse.org.uk Age UK (the new, combined, Age Concern and Help the Aged) National helpline: 0800 169 8787 www.ageuk.org.uk Association of Charity Officers A national umbrella body for benevolent charities.

Tel: 01707 651777 www.aco.uk.net

USEFUL CONTACTS South Lincolnshire Blind Society Elmer House, Finkin Street, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 5QZ Tel: 01476 592775 Email: slbs@blind-society.org.uk

British Institute of Learning Difficulties (BILD) Committed to improving the quality of life for people with a learning disability.

Tel: 01562 723 010 www.bild.org.uk

St. Barnabas Hospices St Barnabas provides specialist palliative and end of life care so that everyone can access and receive the support they need to live well and ease the process of dying.

Get in touch...

For enquiries about supporting St Barnabas Hospice, or for information on our care services, please call...

Tel: 01522 511566 or email enquiries@stbarnabashospice.co.uk

Carers UK The voice of carers.

Helpline Number: 0808 8087777 (Open Wednesday and Thursday from 10-12 and 2-4) www.carersuk.org

Total Voice Advocacy 5 Saxilby Enterprise, Skellingthorpe Road, Saxilby, Lincoln LN1 2LR Tel: 01522 706580 Email: tvl@voiceability.org

Dementia UK Dementia UK is a national charity, committed to improving quality of life for all people affected by dementia.We provide mental health nurses specialising in dementia care, called Admiral Nurses.

6 Camden High Street, London NW1 0JH Tel: 020 7874 7200 Email: info@dementiauk.org www.dementiauk.org

USEFUL NATIONAL CONTACTS Action on Elder Abuse (AEA) Works to protect, and prevent the abuse of,

Counsel and Care Advice and help for older people.

Tel: 0845 300 7585 www.counselandcare.org.uk

67

Elderly Accommodation Counsel Help older people make informed choices about meeting their housing and care needs.

Free advice line: 0800 377 7070 www.housingcare.org FirstStop Advice Advice and information on all aspects of care, accommodation, housing, finance and rights for older people.

Finance Advice Line: 0800 310 2011 www.firststopadvice.org.uk Friends of the Elderly A charity that supports older people who have a range of practical needs.

Tel: 0207 730 8263 www.fote.org.uk IndependentAge Pledges to tackle social isolation by getting older people online and supporting them in their homes.

Tel: 0207 605 4200 www.independentage.org.uk Action for the Blind Action for Blind People is a national charity with local reach, providing practical help and support to blind and partially sighted people of all ages.We listen, we understand, we act.

53 Sandgate Street, London SE15 1LE Email: helpline@rnib.org.uk Tel: 0303 123 9999 www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk Macmillan We provide practical, medical and financial support and push for better cancer care.We are Macmillan Cancer Support.

89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ Tel: 020 7840 7840 (Head Office) Tel: 0808 8080000 (Advice Line) www.macmillan.org.uk

68

Mencap National Helpline 123 Golden Lane, London EC1Y 0RT Tel: 020 7454 0454 Email: help@mencap.org.uk MS Society The MS Society is the UK’s leading MS charity. Since 1953, we’ve been providing information and support, funding research and fighting for change.

MS National Centre (MSNC), 372 Edgware Road, London NW2 6ND Tel: 020 8438 0700 Email: helpline@mssociety.org.uk www.mssociety.org.uk National Association for Providers of Activities for Older People (NAPA) Promotes the importance of activities for older persons.

Tel: 0207 078 9375 www.napa-activities.co.uk Parkinsons Society Parkinson’s UK, 215 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1V 1EJ Tel: 0844 225 3620 Email: hello@parkinsons.org.uk Registered Nursing Home Association (RNHA) Campaigns for high standards in nursing home care.

Tel: 0121 451 1088 www.rnha.co.uk Relatives and Residents Association,The Exists for older people needing, or living in, residential care and the families and friends left behind.

NUTRITIOUS MEALS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING

RECEIVING CARE IN YOUR OWN HOME...?

WORRIED ABOUT INCREASING COSTS...?

DO YOU NEED GUIDANCE WITH YOUR OPTIONS....?

....... YOU NEED TO TALK TO US. We provide a personalised service with a wide variety of support to assist you or your loved ones to continue living independently at home. Personal Budgets and Direct Payments catered for.

Basic tasks (cleaning, shopping etc) Escort shopping/appointments Assistance with eating & drinking Food preparation Personal safety checks Assistance in taking medication Assistance with collecting pensions & paying bills Help with bathing & personal hygiene Getting in & out of bed 24 hour sitting service

CALL FOR A FREE BROCHURE

tel. 01526 320 222

We care... because you care FOODS

For confidential advice & guidance call:

01522 839512

www.acehomecare.co.uk

DialaRide

ShopMobility

The Transport Service for the elderly and disabled members of the community who cannot use the bus.

The other service provided by Lincoln Area DialaRide is ShopMobility.

Lincoln Area DialaRide is a membership scheme that provides accessible and affordable transport services to those persons that reside within a six mile radius of the centre of lincoln.

Ring 01522 544983 Terms & Conditions Apply

The powered wheelchair and scooter loan service to enable people with disabilities to gain access to the shopping precincts of Lincoln.

This service is open to all visitors to Lincoln who have a need.

Ring 01522 514477

Spalding District Day Care in a purpose built modern building providing friendly, professional care to local elderly people £22.40 per day.

Services are: • Spa Bath • Hairdresser/Beautician • Chiropodist • Entertainment • Outings • Daily Activities • Transport • Freshly cooked food Dementia Day Care is also provided to meet individual needs with trained staff in a quiet environment with a secure garden area. £8 per hour.

Age UK Spalding District sleaford@prestige-nursing.co.uk www.prestige-nursing.co.uk

Carr Funeral Service

Est 1909 Holman House, 2 Spilsby Road, Boston

A tradition of dignity and total care Whether you require a horse-drawn hearse, a traditional hearse or a motorcycle hearse, we can help.

1 The Meadows, Spalding, Lincs, PE11 1XR Tel 01775 720305 email lizwalmsley@ageukspalding.co.uk Or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/spaldingdistrict

• Bathroom & Toileting • Clothing & Footwear • Comfort • Furniture

 01522 533524 For Sales & Customer Service

Lines open 9am-5pm Mon-Sat

• Home Health • Household • Kitchen & Dining • Mobility

For details on our range of services or our Funeral Plans, please contact us

Ring Boston (01205) 311300

14 Sincil Street, Lincoln LN5 7ET

Advertorial

Why you should seek professional advice when it comes to paying for care

Every possible care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this publication is accurate. Whilst Lincolnshire County Council would be grateful to learn of any errors, they regret cannot accept any liability for any inaccuracies. No reproduction of any of the information contained within this publication may be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the express written permission of Lincolnshire County Council© County Offices, Newland, Lincoln, LN1 1YL.

OCTAGON M AR KETI NG COM PA NY LT D

To advertise in this publication please call the sales team on 01909 478822 Every possible care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this publication is accurate. Whilst the publisher would be grateful to learn of any errors, they cannot accept any liability over and above the cost of the advertisement for loss there by caused. No reproduction by any method whatsoever of any part of this publication is permitted without written consent of the copyright owners.

Octagon Marketing Company Ltd. ©2013 Britannic Chambers, 8a Carlton Road, Worksop, Notts. S80 1PH Tel: 01909 478822

DESIGN PRINT SUPPORT

Despite the recent announcement to change the elderly social care funding system from 2016, according to Later Life Solutions Long Term Care specialist & Managing Director John Varley, one thing is almost certain; “those who have the means to pay for their own care will always be required to do so and it won’t just be the wealthy who have to pay. Currently you only need to have capital above £23,250 in order to fail the government’s means test to receive funding support towards your care and even when this threshold is raised to £118,000 from 2016, simply owning the family home will be enough for many to preclude any form of state funded support”.

Mr Varley adds, “The proposed care cap to be set at £72,000 (also from 2016), is not a true cap. Very few people realise that the cap only relates to the cost of care and does not include accommodation charges. It’s not just the basic cost of accommodation either, as private residents of care homes often pay significantly higher fees than the local authority rates in order to receive a higher standard of accommodation. Many consumers mistakenly believe that once they have spent £72,000 on their care, the local authority will foot the bill for any further costs. This is simply not the case”.

With care home costs in recent years increasing at a higher rate than the general cost of living, we have seen average residential care home fees rise from £21,500 six years ago to £27,200 today (a 26% increase) and nursing care from £29,800 to £37,500 over the same period. At the same time the average net income of the UK’s retired population has fallen to just £13,520 per annum, largely affected by all-time low rates of interest.

Mr Varley goes on to say; “with the typical shortfall in the cost of care in the region of £12,000 - £20,000 per annum and the average length of stay in care being four and a half years, without taking professional advice at the outset, the impact from a move into care could be financially devastating. The good news is that so long as advice is sought early enough, we can help most self-funders to pay for their care for life, whilst at the same time preserving more of their capital to pass on”.

Six Top Tip’s from Later Life Solutions ✔ Don’t just give away your assets in an attempt to avoid paying; the authorities will come after you and your family if they have reason to think you have deliberately set out to evade paying for care. ✔ Seek Social Services involvement before making a move into care; unless you have substantial wealth, a voluntary move into care could lead to problems later on if you subsequently run out of money. ✔ Don’t just hold your capital on deposit with the Banks & building societies; with interest rates at an ‘all time’ low, there are better ways of funding your care. ✔ Claim your allowances; Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people aged 65 or over who need help with personal care. It is paid regardless of your level of income or savings. ✔ Arrange Power of Attorney now; don’t wait until a family member or relative is incapable of managing their own affairs before arranging power of attorney. ✔ Seek specialist financial advice; sadly less than 5% of people moving into care seek any form of professional financial advice on meeting the cost of care. This is largely due to a lack of awareness that such advice exists and where to find it. To be able to give advice in this area, the Financial Conduct Authority require advisers to hold specialist qualifications. To be sure you are dealing with a true specialist we recommend you only take advice from a member of the Society of Later Life Advisers (www.solla.co.uk).

If you currently have a loved one in care or perhaps you are worried about the cost of care in the future then Later Life Solutions can help. Contact them today on 0845 8350 112 and ask to speak to a Long Term Care specialist.

HomeAngels Help When You Need It Most HomeAngels are here to help you.

We offer a bespoke service, suited to your own individual needs, giving you the independence, companionship and support when you need it most.

Consider us as your “surrogate daughter”.

•F lexible, Experienced Carers •C onscientious Local Ladies • Practical help (experience with Alzheimers and Parkinsons) • Companionship and Support • Accompany you to doctor/ hairdresser and more • Individual packages can be arranged to suit To discuss your requirements, please contact:

HomeAngels Office: 01400 250718 Tricia Cullinan: 07803 611127

We believe that everyone has the right to stay in their own homes for as long as possible if they wish therefore, at Gilder Care, we will do our utmost to ensure that everyone that we support is enabled to be as independent as possible, to stay in their own homes surrounded by their own belongings, memories and, in some cases, loved ones.

We can offer support tailored to your assessed needs. These include: PERSONAL CARE Our staff will provide you with exactly the level of support you may need. They will help you in a discreet and careful manner ensuring your dignity at all times. Whether you need full assistance or just a little help, you will be supported competently and respectfully.

NUTRITIONAL CARE Whether you need someone to prepare meals for you, or help with preparing meals yourself, our staff will assist to the level you require.

PRACTICAL CARE Whatever your practical needs, our team will be able to help you where you need it most, offering an efficient and dedicated service.

SOCIAL CARE We recognise that sometimes it is difficult to maintain social contact and our staff will endeavour to help you as much as you need, in order for you to lead a full and active life.

FINANCIAL CARE Our staff can offer help with most aspects of day to day budgeting.

We can also assist in helping to re-establish the above life skills following illness, hospitalisation or any other circumstance which has led to a loss of independence.

Tel: 01476 978077 • www.gildercare.co.uk

CARE VISITS AT HOME

Good old fashioned service

www.bluebirdcare.co.uk

Bluebird Care (Lincoln)

Ample House, 76a South Park, Lincoln, Lincs LNS 8ES Tel 01522 538656 Fax 01522 514646 Email Lincoln@bluebirdcare.co.uk

Carisma Care Services A 24hour quality residential, dementia and physical disabilities care home. We can accommodate residents for permanent places respite including rolling respite, short stays and day care can be arranged in a homely relaxed family atmosphere.

All rooms equipped with nurse call systems. Assisted bathing, home cooking with varied menu, special diets catered for. Fully furnished rooms, residents own furniture may be brought if required. Lifts and stairs to all floors. Visitors welcome at any time.

Visiting entertainers and outings arranged also daily in house activities. Regular visits by hairdresser, private chiropodist and optician. The home is regularly updated and refurbished to a high standards. External garden & patio areas.

Our range of services to help you live independently in your own home.

Practical help with ❚ Cooking ❚ Cleaning ❚ Help with attending appointments ❚ Other tasks that you may struggle with and need a little bit of help ❚ 24hr live in care

for more information please call

01400279119

I will be happy to assist your enquiry

Kingsway

Clayton House Residential Care Home

We are a warm and friendly care home with fully trained staff • Close to local town amenities • Fully trained staff • Caring for adults with Learning Disabilities • Providing day service activities Please call for further information or pop in

Tel: 01427 613730

Clayton House, 9-11 Lea Road, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire DN21 1LW

Did you know Allied Healthcare provides home care?

If a little extra assistance is needed around the home, Allied Healthcare can help make life easier by providing dedicated support.

Our range of services includes: ■

ay-to-day help with household D tasks and personal care

■

24-hour live-in care

■

Respite care for carers

■

T emporary support and care before or after hospital treatment.

For more information, please call

0800 542 1078 www.alliedhealthcare.com

NSA-IL0097v1

stating reference MID102.

Lines open 8.30am-5.30pm weekdays and 9am-1pm Saturday.

Designed by Octagon Marketing Company Ltd, Britannic Chambers, 8a Carlton Road,Worksop, Nottinghamshire S80 1PH ☎ 01909 478822