Focus on Care 2014 - Ormskirk & Skelmersdale

Page 1

Ormskirk & Skelmersdale · Summer 2014

The Champion

on

Carers Week

9–15th June 2014 Carers Week is an annual awareness campaign celebrating and recognising the contribution made by the UK’s 6.5 million carers who look after an ill, frail or disabled family member or friend. All of these great organisations have joined together to make Carers Week happen in 2014.

£500

Your Champion has made a donation in support of this fantastic initiative.

From care at home to making a will your Champion pull-out-and-keep guide ANOTHER

SUPPLEMENT

Stunning New Care Home in Banks, near Southport Show Suites Now Open! Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm • Sat–Sun, 10am–4pm

Greaves Hall Ave, Banks, near Southport, PR9 8BL • 01704 741 420

www.barchester.com

1129405

Nursing care • Residential care • Dementia care Tailored activities programme • Delicious and nutritious menus


2 • Visit us @ www.champnews.com

FOCUS ON CARE & INDEPENDENT LIVING

Sefton Pensioners’ Advocacy Centre is a respected, thriving small charity providing one-to-one casework advocacy and self advocacy services to the older citizens of Sefton

WK

The Champion • Wednesday 28 May 2014

Visit a local care home

Do YOU have a decision to make? on to make?

Do YOU wish you had more information? formation? Would YOU like support to access services?

1129640

Would you like someone to help YOU get your voice heard? elp meone to h ? oice heard We are a free, confidential service that is available to all older people living in Sefton. If you would like more information please contact us: Phone 01704

538411 Email info@spacadvocacy.org.uk SPAC, 4th Floor Shakespeare Centre, 43/51 Shakespeare Street, Southport PR8 5AB

The first ever National Care Home Open Day (NCHOD) in 2013 was a huge success, so they decided to do it again! For some time now the care home sector has been marred by the negative press associated with a small number of badly run homes. One bad report or TV program about one poorly run home affects the public consciousness deeply and NCHOD is determined to show people what care homes are really about. Their aim is to enrich the lives of the UK’s care home residents by reminding people that the care homes in every community are filled with unique, intelligent and charming characters, and run by special people who really do care. June 20th 2014 will see UK care homes organising events, activities and welcoming the public to help in creating connections between care home residents and their local communities.

Together we can all help in building friendships, to change long-held perceptions and to have a wonderful day that will enrich lives. Journalist and broadcaster, Gloria Hunniford, is a great supporter of issues concerning older people. She has been announced as the ambassador of National Care Home Open Day. Gloria’s aim is to raise the profile of the event to encourage people from across the country to visit their local care home on the 20 June 2014. As part of her appointment to NCHOD Gloria plans to challenge MPs to visit as many care homes in their constituency as possible. Go to their bright and breezy website www.nationalcarehomeopenday.org. uk for more information and find a home near you that you may want to visit to see what the reality of UK Care homes is really about.

GRAND RE-OPENING ON THURSDAY 5th JUNE 2014 • 2pm - 6pm

Welcome to Hillcroft Care Group Hillcroft is a well-established residential home in West Lancashire providing quality care and support in a homely, comfortable and positive living environment.

Hillcroft Care Group Services

community we serve and throughout our services we promote a sense of neighbourhood and community involvement. “Our enthusiastic and valued staff team enable residents to stay in positive control of their lives…”

HORIZON Our newly built residential dementia service provides quality person centred supports to individuals with dementia in an environment that has been positively designed to support residents to live well within their own home surroundings.

DAY CARE Hillcroft offers a wide range of person centred and resident led day care supports provided both within the Hillcroft environment and across the local community. LOCAL COMMUNITY We value our role as a positive asset to the local

1129472

RESIDENTIAL Our well established residential services offer residents a wide range of person centred supports within a comfortable, homely environment, whilst providing positive access to the wider local community.

16/18 Long Lane, Aughton, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 5AT Tel: 01695 422407 • Fax: 01695 420866 Email: enquiries@hillcroftcaregroup.co.uk


The Champion • Wednesday 28 May 2014

FOCUS ON CARE & INDEPENDENT LIVING

There are a number of legislations to which care homes must adhere to, including registration and inspection, buildings management, human resources and standards of care. There are many publications, web links, and organisations which can provide information, support and guidance relating to the management and operation of care homes. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health care and adult social care services in England. It is responsible for maintaining standards in health and adult social care in England. All care homes are types of service providers required to be registered with the CQC. A booklet outlining the National Minimum Standards Care Homes Regulations can be obtained from The CQC or by contacting your local Department of Health. If you do not already have a home in mind and are not sure of how to find one, these points may help: • The (CQC) provides details of registered care homes in every area. You can also see copies of their inspection reports for homes you are interested in on their website • Social workers at your local authority social services department or the hospital

may also be able to provide a list of homes • Telephone directories will contain addresses of homes Care homes can be owned and run by local councils, private companies or voluntary organisations. Private care homes are run for profit by private organisations and individual proprietors. Voluntary homes are non profit making and run by registered charities, religious organisations and housing associations, sometimes for particular groups of people. Both types of home can choose to whom they offer accommodation. Some care homes are run by the social services department of the local authority. Each home should produce a statement of purpose, setting out its aims and objectives, the range of facilities and services it offers to its residents and the terms and conditions on which it does so in its contract of occupancy. This should be made available to prospective residents along with copies of the home’s most recent CQC inspection reports. If you can’t find a care home that provides the sort of care you need, ask your local council to help. It has a responsibility to find a suitable home for anyone it has assessed as needing a care home place.

Asmall Hall Care Home

1129671

Care home guidelines

Visit us @ www.champnews.com • 3

WK

Asmall Lane • Ormskirk • L40 8JL

Bingo and Cream Tea Afternoon with Musical Entertainment Friday 13th June 2014 • 2pm - 4pm £3 Admission includes refreshments and bingo card Please book in advance if posssible Tel: 01695 579548 • Email: asmallmatron@aol.com Web: www.asmallhallcarehome.co.uk

Springfield Court celebrate their 25th Anniversary We are holding a Dinner and Dance on Saturday, 21 June 2014 when we will be entertained by The Memphis Bell Orchestra. All residents are invited and tickets are available for guests - if you would like further information, please contact Linda Burrows, Manager or Pauline Lunt.

Springfield Court boasts an open-door policy. We welcome guests to come and visit anytime without the need for an appointment. We look forward to seeing you and thank all the families and friends of Springfield Court who continue support us through the years.

Springfield Court • Springfield Road • Aughton • Lancashire • L39 6ST Tel. 01695 424344 • www.springfieldcourt.org

1129630

Springfield Court is a 56 bed, purpose-built private care home catering for those who require general nursing care. We pride ourselves on providing a warm and homely environment with friendly, knowledgeable, caring staff whose primary concern is the well-being of our residents, giving their family and friends peace of mind. The home offers luxury hotel-style accommodation, with delicious menus prepared by our 2 chefs and offers entertainment and activities in our living room areas and conservatories, including our main activities hall, The Theatre of Dreams.


4 • Visit us @ www.champnews.com

FOCUS ON CARE & INDEPENDENT LIVING

The Champion • Wednesday 28 May 2014

WK

Stunning New Care Home in Banks, near Southport Show Suites Now Open!

Come along to our Show Suites Mon–Fri 10am–5pm • Sat–Sun 10am–4pm In response to growing demand for our first-class care services, we are proud to announce the opening of a new Barchester care home in Banks, near Southport. Sutton Grange will be a purpose-built home offering residential and nursing care, as well as expert care for people living with dementia. Why not pop along to find out more about the living and care options available?

Nursing care • Residential care • Dementia care Tailored activities programme • Delicious and nutritious menus

For more information about Sutton Grange, pop into our Show Suites or call me on 01704

General Manager

Greaves Hall Avenue, Banks, near Southport, PR9 8BL

www.barchester.com 1129404

Jo Revie

741 423


The Champion • Wednesday 28 May 2014

FOCUS ON CARE & INDEPENDENT LIVING

Helping the carer

Caring for an another person who may be ill, elderly or disabled, a relative or a friend, without the right support can sometimes prove difficult but it can also be a rewarding experience. Not all carers are trained professionals, many are just caring for someone they love. If you’re a carer, there are many organisations that can provide practical and financial help, as well as short breaks from caring. Most carers have a legal right to an assessment of their own needs.

Visit us @ www.champnews.com • 5

WK

Take this opportunity to discuss with the social services department of your local authority any help you may need. You can ask for any help that would assist in maintaining your own health and balance caring with other aspects of your life, such as work and family. Social services then use the assessment to decide what help to provide. Below are a number of ways that you can take a break from your caring role and this is something that you can also discuss with a social worker or care manager, they may also be able to suggest other ways that might suit you better: 1. Residential respite: the advice on a subject that people don’t person you care for is looked after like to discuss, money. by someone else for a short period, You may need financial support either in residential or nursing care, for extra expenses that come within or on holiday. the caring role. Carer’s Allowance is 2. Domiciliary care: someone can the main state benefit for carers, so come into your home for a few hours it’s important to find out if you are or sometimes overnight, so you can eligible. go out or have some time to yourself. You can get a claim form from 3. You can sometimes get a your local Jobcentre Plus office or the break when the person you care for is Department for Work and Pensions. involved in other activities, for instance For more information on what benefits at school or at a day care centre. you’re entitled contact or visit your As well as the practical and local Citizen’s Advice Bureau. emotional support that you may If you’re working as well as caring require as a carer, you may also need for someone, you have the right to

Sefton Pensioners’ Advocacy Centre is a respected, thriving small charity providing one-to-one casework advocacy and self advocacy services to the older citizens of Sefton

Sefton Pensioners Advocacy Centre

Volunteer Advocates Wanted! Do you have a few hours to spare to help make a difference to Older People across Sefton? Sefton Pensioners Advocacy Centre are looking for Volunteer Advocates, whose role will be to give Older People a voice and make sure their wishes and choices are respected and listened to. As a Volunteer Advocate you would have a wide ranging and interesting role and can make a real difference to the lives of Older people.

1129649

The Formby Project is a befriending scheme that offers support to older people who are isolated

ask your employer for flexible working arrangements to help you. This could be working part-time, flexi-time (when you choose your working hours), compressed hours (working your contracted hours over fewer days), job-sharing or homeworking. You have the right to make one request for flexible working and your employer must consider it but does not have to agree to it. Your health and wellbeing is most important for yourself and the person you are caring for and we all need a little help some time.

We have a number of specialised advocacy projects that you might be interested in working with: • Advocacy with Older People affected by Cancer • Dementia Advocacy • Advocacy in Residential & Nursing Care Homes • General Advocacy

If you or someone you know, would benefit from a weekly visit by a friendly volunteer, please contact: Nicky Speakman Tel: 01704 517812 Email: nicky.speakman@seftoncvs.org.uk

Although this is not a paid role, full out of pocket expenses will be paid. If you are interested in the volunteering role or want further information, please contact

Margaret Lambert on 01704 538411 or email margaret@spacadvocacy.org.uk SPAC, 4th Floor Shakespeare Centre, 43/51 Shakespeare Street, Southport PR8 5AB

1129641

Full Training will be given, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are done and references will be required.


6 • Visit us @ www.champnews.com

FOCUS ON CARE & INDEPENDENT LIVING

The Champion • Wednesday 28 May 2014

WK

Home Instead

Welcomes Latest Government Care Reforms

F

rom next March 2015, The Government has announced that it will be introducing a training certificate within 12 weeks of starting in a care role for staff including assistants in hospitals, care homes and those who look after people in their own homes. It will be closely followed by much more robust inspection regimes for care homes and domiciliary care providers and the introduction of ratings for care homes and domiciliary care providers, so that everyone will know what the standard of their local care services are like. Gail Godson, Director at Home Instead Senior Care goes on to say “ there are more than a million care workers in England, many of whom care for elderly and vulnerable people in their own homes or in a residential care setting, we welcome this latest reform and it is long overdue. Concerns about the quality of training given to care workers both in a care home setting and care provided in a person’s own home have existed for far too long “One of the things that this provision does is actually makes this consistent across health and social care.” There are an increasing number of older people and younger adults with more complex needs, applied consistently across health and social care I hope the certificate could make a real difference to the consistent quality of care that people receive in West Lancashire. Gail adds: “I have both professional and personal experience of care in the local community, including cases where really good community care has been delivered by

passionate and caring individuals, I have also sadly experienced first-hand the difficult and near impossible challenges many families have faced when local service providers have failed to deliver even the most basic levels of respect, dignity and care, typically delivering a “task and time restricted service” . Home Instead is a local service for adults and older people, Home Instead is a non -medical provider of specialist services; complex care needs, respite care, continuing healthcare services, specialist dementia care, rapid response services, case management services, companionship, meal preparation, light housework, medication reminders, errands, local transportation and personal care. Based on our tailored person centred care plan, our CAREGivers encourage, assist, and stimulate

Caregiver of the month 2014 - Kirsty Woods

clients in a variety of daily activities that help improve their quality of life and help maintain their independence. All of these services assist clients to stay at home for a longer period of time.

Gail Godson with host Michael Portillo at the Laing & Buisson Care Awards

training programme is accredited by City & Guilds. Gail is a pro-active supporter of Alzheimer’s Society and as a Dementia Friends Champion (www.dementiafriends.org.uk) she regularly holds free awareness sessions in Ormskirk. Employee accolades include the “Student Employee of the Year” 2013 at Edge Hill University and last month our apprentice was the winner of the 2014 West Lancashire Apprentice of the Year Award.

If you would like to know more about the high quality care services that Home Instead provide or would like to discuss possibly joining our team, then please call 01695 589071

www.homeinstead.co.uk/westlancs

1129171

We recently gained top marks and are now rated the leading homecare provider for the elderly in England in a specialist industry report which is based on CQC compliance, our 97% score and consistent performance reflects our high standards and the quality care that we deliver every day. We value all our staff and are always looking to continuously develop them with external and in-house training and development, our own Dementia


The Champion • Wednesday 28 May 2014

Help at home

INDIVIDUAL SOLUTIONS Many people can live at home and get along fine with some help. The range available is quite comprehensive and help can be tailored to an individual need. For example, you may find that a mere thirty minutes a day is sufficient to assist with morning breakfast, washing and dressing. This sort of help can be tailored from 15 minutes to full day support for those who may need a live-in carer. If you find yourself being able to live quite an independent life but requiring help for specific tasks such as going out to shop or walking the dog or even cleaning windows, there are solutions for you too. You also may find that assisted living aids such as a stair lift, a downstairs bathroom or a wheelchair can make all the difference with continuing to live at home. Check out our adverts in this Focus section for more details about your local providers. CARER SOLUTIONS If you are a carer yourself there are ways of ensuring that you can get valuable assistance in what you do.

ality Providing Qu r fo Care Services in rs over 18 yea kby & Ormskirk/Kir as Are Surrounding

Visit us @ www.champnews.com • 7

WK

Support to live your life the way YOU want to …

Home help can provide services such as Domiciliary care for the person you’re looking after. This includes help with getting up and going to bed, bathing, dressing, meals and medication and help with shopping.

• Approved by Sefton MBC • Local to you • An established and trusted team

Sitting with the person you’re looking after to allow you to have a break. Helping the person you’re looking after to go to the cinema, pub, shopping or to enjoy any other community activity.

• Over 19 years experience • Specialist support

Practical tasks around the home such as cleaning and cooking.

• Independence and choice always your way

Being a carer or becoming one can be daunting, not least physically.

• Regional Dementia Carer Winner 2013 at The Great British Care Awards

If, for example, you are required to physically lift someone you must ensure that you can do so safely. Your local authority has a responsibility to consider your needs as a carer and the needs of the person you care for. Simply contact your local authority and ask for a community care assessment for the person you look after, as well as a carer’s assessment to help you. For advice and guidance on moving and handling, ask for an occupational therapy assessment. You may be given free specialist equipment to help you, such as hoists, stand aids, transfer boards or slide sheets.

“ The carers make my day … everyday!” 73 Liverpool Road, Crosby L23 5SE Tel: 0151 924 1999 • info@warrencare.co.uk

www.warrencare.co.uk

1129699

Care workers can also be known as care attendants or personal assistants.

FOCUS ON CARE & INDEPENDENT LIVING

1st Class Nursing Agency Whether you are paying privately?? Or funded via Social Services Direct Payments,

IT’S YOUR PERSONAL CHOICE WHO PROVIDES YOUR CARE!! ARE YOU IN NEED OF SOME ASSISTANCE AT HOME?

We offer fully trained caring staff to assist with your care needs in:

We can provide Personalised Care Packages from an hour/day - 24/7

Especially for you, Just when you need it! We are also able to provide relief cover for a Personal Assistant Fully Insured

Contact us now! 1st Class Nursing Agency

Tel; 01695 577663 Mob; 07973 364 050 Email; 1stclassna@mail.com Web; www.1stclassnursingagency.co.uk Trying to make your life easier... as it starts to get more difficult...

1129634

• PERSONAL CARE • LAUNDRY • MEAL PREPARATION • HOUSE WORK • SHOPPING • HOSPITAL /DENTIST APPOINTMENTS • SITTING/SLEEPOVER SERVICE • DOG WALKING **REGISTERED WITH • TRIPS OUT etc CARE QUALITY COMMISSION**


8 • Visit us @ www.champnews.com

FOCUS ON CARE & INDEPENDENT LIVING

The Champion • Wednesday 28 May 2014

WK

BRIGHTER FUTURE A multi-award winning charity that exists to help people with disabilities by providing new and recycled mobilty equipment and aids at a cost effective price. Q FREE IN-HOUSE TUITION ON ALL SCOOTERS & POWERCHAIRS WITH 3 MONTH FREE INSURANCE Q SERVICE & REPAIR FOR ALL MOBILITY EQUIPMENT Q NHS PRESCRIPTION PROVIDER Q HONEST, RELIABLE, QUALITY ASSURED SERVICE EVERYTIME from

from

£300

from

£60

£20

from

£300

from

£250

from

£12

from

£400

from

£15

from

£30

NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

1129657

Call Us Today on: 01695 724361 20 Greenhey Place, Skelmersdale WN8 9SA


The Champion • Wednesday 28 May 2014

Keeping mobile

It is important to keep mobile as long as possible but it is not always easy to do so. However there are many solutions available today to help. STAIRLIFTS For as low as £ 599 you can get a stairlift in your home and still use your house on all levels. Did you know that you can also rent a stairlift? For a very reasonable yearly premium you can even choose to have the maintenance included, 365 days each year. MOBILITY SCOOTER Joining a Motability scheme will enable you to drive a mobility scooter anywhere you need to.

FOCUS ON CARE & INDEPENDENT LIVING

You don’t always have to have a licence and there are many other benefits to enjoy in joining such schemes (low prices, delivery of the scooter, etc.) WHEELCHAIRS Today, wheelchairs exist in all manners of shape and size from lightweight to electric. The list is almost endless and you are sure to find a solution to your requirements. In truth, mobility can continue for much longer than you may think with the hundreds of solutions available today. Our advertisers will guide you and help you in your quest to remain mobile. With their professional experience and approach at your service, you can only benefit from calling on them.

Visit us @ www.champnews.com • 9

WK

STAIRLIFTS £ £599

FROM ONLY

FOR PRICE, QUALITY & SERVICE

YOU CAN’T BUY BETTER

0151 289 0022 • • • • •

New & Reconditioned Straight & Curved Speedy Installation Full Guarantee Slimline for Narrow Stairs

• BISON • ACORN • STANNAH

AND OTHER LEADING MAKES

24 HOUR CALL OUT SERVICE 365 DAYS

1127283

www.aastairlifts.com

ALSO MOBILITY • SCOOTERS • BATHLIFTS NEW & RECONDITIONED RECLINE CHAIRS • HOISTS • WALKERS • WHEELCHAIRS

Care Concern (NW) Ltd Domiciliary Care Local preferred provider for Lancashire County Council (Est. 20 years) Office Address: 284 Liverpool Road, Southport PR8 4PE

TELEPHONE: 01704 560131 Email: careconcernhome@btconnect.com Web: www.careconcernnw.co.uk Registered with the latest Care Quality Commission: Excellent Review Service +++ Providing the Following Services: All aspects of personal care Telephone Monitoring system Specialised live in care Personal Support Assistants Medication Management Convalescent Support Sitting Service Waking Watches/ Sleepovers Re enablement Care Palliative Care Dementia Support Self Direct Support Planning Escort to Appointments Meal Preparation / Nutrition Support Shopping / Cleaning

CARE CONCERN HOME IMPROVEMENTS

HANDYMAN SERVICES It can often be difficult or expensive to call someone out for small jobs in the home. Care Concern Home Improvements offer a Handyperson Service to carry out jobs that older or disabled people may not feel confident in doing themselves. They can carry out a range of jobs or small repairs from changing light bulbs to building flat pack furniture. Customers are reassured that there is no expensive call out charge and that the people carrying out work in their homes are vetted and trustworthy.

Services we provide include: • Key safe supplied and fitted • Home adaptations i.e. hand rails, disabled ramps etc. • All general household jobs • Household cleaning duties • Basic garden services • No job too small, even changing a light bulb!

Job vacancies available • Self employed handyman • Cleaning positions Covering Hesketh Banks, Banks, Ormskirk, Burscough, Skelmersdale, Southport, Formby, Birkdale

All Support Workers are Fully qualified and CRB Enhanced Checked

Your Wellbeing is Our Priority

NO HIDDEN COSTS - THE PRICE WE QUOTE IS THE PRICE YOU PAY LANCASHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL PREFERRED PROVIDER WE ARE FULLY INSURED • SAFE TRADER SCHEME ALL STAFF ARE CRB & POLICE CHECKED

PHONE JAMES ON 07767 116707 284 Liverpool Road | Birkdale | Southport | PR8 4PE telephone: 01704 560131 | email: careconcernnw.co.uk

1129426

• Creative Support Plans to Meet your Individual Requirements • Cost Effective plans making the most of your budget • Flexible funding options to suit your budgets • Funding Help and advice

Care Concern (NW) Ltd Domiciliary Care


10 • Visit us @ www.champnews.com

Useful contacts

Association of Independent Care Advisers (AICA) An association with a code of practice whose agency members offer advice about staying at home, short/long-term stays in care homes and help identify the most suitable care homes and care providers. 01483 203066 www.aica.org.uk

FOCUS ON CARE & INDEPENDENT LIVING

Elderly Accommodation Counsel A registered charity that maintains a nationwide database of all forms of specialist accommodation for older people. It also gives guidance, advice and information to help choose and pay for the accommodation most suited to their needs. 020 7820 1343 info:firstopadvice.org.uk

Care Fees Advice An independent financial adviser that specialises in helping people to find the best and most appropriate solution to the problem of funding long term care fees. Please call us to discuss your situation. There is no charge for your initial consultation. 0800 078 7430 or 01903 550 184 www.carefeesadvice.com

www.housingcare.org

Housing Care A charity run site providing free advice on elderly care, including specialist directories & information on nursing homes and residential care homes, as well as sheltered housing, extra care housing and retirement villages, across the UK. www.housingcare.org

Care Quality Commission (CQC) The national regulatory body of care homes in England, which can provide inspection reports and care standards for care homes. 03000 61 61 61 enquiries@cqc.org.uk www.cqc.org.uk

Carers UK Provides support to anyone who is a carer and undertakes a variety of work to support the needs of carers. 020 7490 8818 www.carersuk.org

Cinnamon Trust Specialist charity for older people and their pets. They can help to rehouse your pet if you are unable to take it with you into a care home. Arrangements are made between owners and the Trust well in advance, so owners do have peace of mind in the knowledge that their beloved companion will have a safe and happy future. 01736 757 900 www.cinnamon.org.uk

English Community Care Association (ECCA) The largest representative body for community care in England.

Independent Age A charity that provides free and impartial advice on home care, care homes, NHS services, housing and other issues for older people, their families and professionals on community care. 0845 262 1863 (lo-call rate) charity@independentage.org www.independentage.org

Relatives & Residents Association Charity that supports care home residents and their relatives, operates a helpline and has a network of local groups. 020 7359 8136

020 7220 9595

info@relres.org

www.ecca.org.uk

www.relres.org

WK

The Champion • Wednesday 28 May 2014

Making a Will

Everyone agrees that writing a will is one of the most important things you will ever do. However, advice differs on the best way to do it. Simple DIY efforts are cheap but can be sorely lacking and the best, surest way is using the services of a solicitor. First of all, you will be protected if something goes wrong. Solicitors are regulated. You can make complaints if anything goes awry, to the solicitor’s firm and then to the Legal Ombudsman if you are not getting anywhere. You are reassured that all is done properly. Silly but common problems with wills, like using the wrong witnesses or forgetting to have it signed, could mean it’s useless when you die. Don’t leave it to chance. The law surrounding inheritances

(including Inheritance Tax and trusts) is complicated – solicitors will be familiar with the law and will be able to help you make the most effective choices. If a solicitor helps you write your will, they’ll usually store the original for you in a fireproof safe free of charge. THE COST A will may cost between £200 to £400, sometimes rising to £600 if your affairs are more complex. See it as an investment for your inheritors. Your solicitor is your best bet. They will give you advice and draw your will as it should be. If you prefer, a solicitor can also become executor. Whatever your age, make your will as soon as you can.


FOCUS ON CARE & INDEPENDENT LIVING

Final arrangements

When you lose someone, however prepared you may think you are, the reality is that you feel helpless and generally unable to think straight for a while. A funeral director will help and it pays to choose a firm as soon as possible. Furthermore with so many prepaid funeral plans available, the earlier you decide on what you want, the easier it will be on your relatives.

In short a good funeral director will ensure the funeral is handled with total dignity and make it an occasion to fulfil the last wishes of the person who died. PREPAID FUNERAL PLANS There are many variations available with prepaid plans. A reputable funeral director will guide you through your best options and reassure you that you are making the right decision.

Because a funeral director’s responsibility is to ensure that a funeral meets the wishes of the family, he or she will ensure that the funeral is appropriate, dignified and carried out in a professional manner.

Visit us @ www.champnews.com • 11

WK

SKELMERSDALE

FUNERAL SERVICE

We cover all areas of Skelmersdale and surrounding districts, including Dalton, Newburgh, Parbold, Roby Mill & Upholland

A PRIVATELY OWNED BUSINESS • Caring & sensitive service in your hour of need • We offer a range of funerals and pre-paid Funeral Plans to suit all budgets and personal tastes. • Newly refurbished premises with private chapels of repose. • Funerals can be arranged in the privacy of your own home or you can visit our office

He will also ensure that each element of the funeral complies with the law. At a time of loss, the funeral director will also be on hand to help with the many practicalities that a funeral demands.

FOR A PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTACT MARGARET WHITELAM 29-31 Sandy Lane, Skelmersdale WN8 8LA

For example, a funeral director may assist in moving the person who has died to their premises or your home, provide facilities to view the person who has died, order floral tributes, help you arrange a time and date for the funeral, ensure paperwork is in place, offer caskets to your budget, arrange music at the funeral itself, provide appropriate cars and staff on the day.

Tel: (01695) 559868 (24 hours)

William Charles Family Funeral Directors Save £100 by applying today

Make life easier for your loved ones

1129386

The Champion • Wednesday 28 May 2014

Protection against rising costs Create the funeral plan you want No health restrictions guaranteed acceptance Flexible ways to pay Personal service and expertise from your local independent funeral director Plus save £100 when you apply today

Come and talk to us about our Funeral Planning Services

Call (01695) 577 200

8

16 Derby Street West, Ormskirk L39 3NH

The UK’s largest independent funeral plan provider

1129389

We are open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm


12 • Visit us @ www.champnews.com

FOCUS ON CARE & INDEPENDENT LIVING

The Champion • Wednesday 28 May 2014

WK

Smiles Exciting new day service for adults with learning difficulties

Activities Arts and crafts Dancing and discos Pool and darts Playstation and Wifi Nature walks Rounders Football and many more!

We are a new and Exciting venture, set up to provide a day service with a difference for adults with learning disabilities. We are focused on creating an enjoyable, social and ‘family’ atmosphere, where our members can come and enjoy themselves in the security of a smaller group setting with a family feel.

Times Mon 9.30-15.30 Thu 9.30-15.30 Fri 9.30-15.30

£45 per day £25 per half day

Hopefully increasing to 5 days on demand

Unlike some other services Smiles will run all year round (excluding bank holidays) so it can be used in conjunction with other activities already in place.

Why Smiles Smiles ethos is about providing a fun safe environment for adults with learning disabilities all year round (excluding bank holidays). Based at Newburgh Sports Club users will have a large variety of activities to choose from indoors and out focused around having fun and being creative! We have experienced staff who are passionate about delivering the safest and best experience to the users.

Based at Newburgh Sports Club Cobbs Brow Lane, Newburgh, WN8 7ND Bus 3A Leaves Skelmersdale Concourse 9.15am

Contact Jane 01257 463648 Mobile: 07805 029129 janebrownwork@yahoo.co.uk Advanced booking is required

1129248

Fun Independence Creativity


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.