Care in your own home

Adult Social Care runs an innovative, free scheme to ensure that alternative plans can be put into place in the event of a carer having an emergency that leaves them unable to carry out their caring role.

Carers carry a card with emergency contact details and, if an emergency arises, they can call the number on the back of the card. The operator answering the call will then put into place the agreed emergency plan to support the person being cared for.

The service is free, and in many instances the emergency contact who is called by the operator is a neighbour, friend or family member. This gives people the peace of mind that, in the event of an emergency, procedures are in place to look after the person being cared for.

For more information, call 0800 587 8191 or email

eccs@cornwall.gov.uk

Alternatively, apply for a card online using the Emergency Carers’ Card application form at

www.cornwall.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/ carers/emergency-carers-card-scheme

Resource for those supporting disabled children

My Family, Our Needs is an online resource providing impartial information for parents, carers and practitioners supporting children from birth to 25 years with additional needs. As well as guidance, policy and signposting, there is a lifestyle section for parents covering topics such as health and wellbeing, work, family and relationships. Visit

www.myfamilyourneeds.co.uk

Care in your own home

Carefully chosen home care with a good-quality provider is an excellent way to retain your freedom and independence, whilst getting the help you need to stay happy and safe. It can offer the opportunity to stay at home, in your own familiar surroundings, and to retain a quality of life you might have feared lost.

Why choose home care?

Reasons for choosing home care can vary. Sometimes after a stay in hospital, someone might find they need some help whilst they recuperate. Others can find that a long-term condition or disability means they can no longer cope and they need a bit of help.

After a stay in hospital, someone may carry out an assessment of your situation to see if home care will benefit you. You and your family will be fully involved in looking at what will suit you best if you’d like them to be.

Alternatively, you or those close to you might notice changes in your ability to manage the day-to-day things you normally cope with easily, like preparing meals or looking after yourself. If this happens, contacting Adult Social Care is a good first step towards finding help.

How home care can help you

The level of home care provided can be tailored to meet your needs – from a visit once a day to a much greater amount of support.

Even those with quite significant and debilitating medical conditions can get skilled personal care that can enable them to stay in their own homes. Some agencies will provide live-in care, where a care worker will stay with you at home to support you throughout the day and night. A list of all home care agencies operating in Cornwall starts on page 27.