Healthwatch bolton signposting directory by Healthcare Publications

Health & Social Care Signposting Directory 2014/2015 Bolton

Issue 1

ContentS Contents Healthwatch Bolton Get Involved Text your Views on Health & Social Care Your Clinical Commissioning Group Free NHS Health Check NHS - Know Your Rights! Healthy Living Helping Bolton People to Stay Well for Longer Choosing A GP & GP Surgeries Pharmacies Dentists Opticians & Hearing Centres Complementary & Alternative Medicine Personal Health Budgets Advice on Funding for Healthcare Advice on Funding for Social Care Helping Bolton People with Social Care Are you a Carer? Independent Living at Home Recognising Mental Health Care in your own Home Choosing between Residential, Nursing & Independent Living Choosing the Right Care Home Residential Care Costs Residential & Nursing Care Help & Advice

1-2 3 4 5–6 7–8 9 – 10 11 12 13 – 14 15 – 16 17 – 18 19 – 20 21 – 22 23 24 25 – 26 27 – 28 29 – 30 31 – 32 33 – 34 35 – 36 37 – 38 39 40 41 – 42 43 - 44

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

Whilst we have taken every care in compiling this publication, the publishers and promoters cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. All listings are supplied via the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and NHS Choices. Neither Healthwatch Bolton nor Health & Care Publications Limited can be held responsible for any errors or omissions. All signposting services are up to date as of October 2014.

A note on advertising: We offer businesses the chance to reach potential customers via this publication. It is our intention to clearly indicate that an advertisement is being displayed and no endorsement or approval by the promoters of any product, service or supplier should be implied.

Another quality publication by Healthcare Publications

If you require extra copies of this directory or are interested in advertising in future editions please email Healthcare Publications on admin@healthcarepublications.org or visit www.hcpublications.org

HeALtHWAtCH BoLton What is Healthwatch Bolton?

The Healthwatch network is a new kind of consumer champion in health and social care. We will make sure the voice of the consumer is heard and acted upon. With our independent statutory powers, the network as a whole has a fantastic opportunity to make a difference. Healthwatch England looks forward to making sure the public’s voice is heard loud and clear by those who plan, run and regulate health and social care services.

Healthwatch is the new, independent consumer champion for health and social care in Bolton. Our job is to argue for the consumer interest for all those who use health and social care services in the country. Replacing Bolton LINk’s role, we are backed up by a national body, Healthwatch England.

Healthwatch Bolton is a registered charity no: 1157070 that brings together public engagement, consultation and health and social care consumer advice services together in a single organisation to create evidence and insight to help improve local health and social care services.

Anna Bradley,

What powers does Healthwatch have?

Chair of Healthwatch England

• Healthwatch Bolton has a seat on the local Health and Wellbeing Board – the body that oversees health and social care in the country – and therefore can influence how services are set up and commissioned. • We have statutory powers to enter and view health and social care services using our trained volunteers who undertake the role of Authorised visitor.

Information and Signposting Service

Healthwatch Bolton also provide an information and signposting service. This means that people can contact us for clear, straightforward and up to date information about health and social care services for example, how to register with a GP. We can also give advice on how to make a complaint, however we do not investigate or deal directly with complaints. If you need help and support in making a formal complaint about an NHS service you can contact the Independent Complaints Advocacy Service on 0808 801 0390 or visit www.carersfederation.co.uk/ica

What does Healthwatch Bolton do?

• Gathers the views and experiences of people within Bolton, about their health and social care priorities • Will produce reports which influence the way services are designed and delivered throughout Bolton • Provides information, advice and signposting about local services • Passes information, issues and concerns to health and social care regulatory bodies and escalate recommendations to Healthwatch England.

Outreach surgeries in the Community

Healthwatch Bolton holds outreach surgeries in the community giving people greater access to the information and signposting service at a time which fits in better with their commitments.

Outreach surgeries give you the chance to talk to the Information and Signposting Officer face-toface if you are worried about how services are affecting you or if you are wondering what is provided by local health, social care or voluntary services to support your needs. To find out where the Outreach Surgery is being held please contact Healthwatch Bolton on 01204 394603. Please note the Information and Signposting service will not provide clinical or medical advice.

HeALtHWAtCH BoLton Have Your Say

Allowing the public to ‘have your say’ and ‘making your voice count’ are the fundamental roles of Healthwatch Bolton. Services should be and will be based on children, young people and adults needs and experiences and accountable to local people. Every voice counts when it comes to shaping the future of services and improving them for today.

tell us your experiences

We’re here, ready to get started, so come and talk to us. Your words will make a difference and by contacting us with your experiences we will make your voice count.

We’re listening

Healthwatch Bolton wants you to have your say in a variety of ways whether its by posting a comment on our website: www.healthwatchbolton.co.uk

together we can make a diﬀerence

Following us on Twitter: @HWBolton

Health related care is provided by the NHS. Social care is the responsibility of the Local Authority and is provided by a range of organisations. Healthwatch Bolton would like to know what health and social care issues are important to you, your family and friends.

Liking us on Facebook at: Healthwatch Bolton Texting us: HWB to 88020

By contacting our information and signposting service: 01204 394603

What matters is making your voice count and your local health and social care services are guided and shaped by your feedback.

Tell us what you would like Healthwatch Bolton to do for you: 1.Are you happy with the Health and Social Care you are receiving? 2.Do you have a relative or friend living in a care home? Are you/they happy with the care they receive? Please tell us of your positive or negative experiences.

Healthwatch Bolton Call us on 01204 394603 Or visit our website: www.healthwatchbolton.co.uk Or email at: info@healthwatchbolton.co.uk Follow us on : @HWBolton Or like us on at: Healthwatch Bolton Text your issues to us: Text HWB (then your issue) to 88020

3.Can you get an appointment with your GP (doctor) when you need to?

4.Have you had to stay in hospital recently, if so, what was it like?

5.Do you or a relative suffer from a long-term illness: are you/they happy with the help and support you/they receive? 6.Do you know what services are available and how to choose the right one, when you need urgent care?

Thank you for giving us your feedback. This will help Healthwatch Bolton to continue to prioritise its work.

Bolton

Get InVoLVeD Healthwatch Membership

Healthwatch Bolton is registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation with a 'by association' structure. This means that we are a membership organisation and that the membership have the power to vote in the election of Trustees. To become a member all you need to do is fill in a membership form which can be downloaded from our website www.healthwatchbolton.co.uk or collected from the Healthwatch office.

Get Involved

Anyone can get involved with Healthwatch Bolton and contribute to its activities because everyone’s views matter. You can do as much or as little as you like – from filling in a survey, attending the occasional meeting, signing up as a Healthwatch member, becoming an authorised representative. There are also opportunities to become Trustees of Healthwatch Bolton or a member of the Board of Engagement and External Relations (BEER).

Trustees

The Trustees are the legally accountable governance body of Healthwatch Bolton, they are responsible for the development, management, accountability and sustainability of the organisation and for complying with legal responsibilities of Healthwatch Bolton. Trustee meetings concentrate on the business of running Healthwatch Bolton and deal with strategic direction, monitoring progress, developing Healthwatch Bolton as a sustainable organisation as well as looking at policy, finance, fundraising and legal and compliance matters.

Membership

Board of Engagement & External Relations (BEER)

Being a signed-up member of Healthwatch Bolton gives you the right to vote as part of Healthwatch Bolton’s constitution. You will also receive a regular newsletter and information and be invited to the Members forum which normally takes place once a month. The members forum is Healthwatch Bolton’s flagship event and consists of a keynote speaker followed by various workshops relating to the work of Healthwatch Bolton or hot topics.

In addition to the Trustee Board Healthwatch Bolton has established a Board of Engagement and External Relations, this group works alongside the Trustees to develop relationships with important players in the health and social care economy. Group members attend a variety of local strategic and scrutiny committees, represent organisations with whom we have working partnerships and act as liaison people for particular aspects of Healthwatch Bolton’s work. Members of the BEER attend for example the Health and Wellbeing Board and the Health and Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee, as well as many others. 3

text your VIeWS on HeALtH & SoCIAL CAre Healthwatch Bolton has many ways in which you can give us your feedback on local Health and Social care providers in Bolton. You can text us your views on Health and Social care providers good or bad for instance:

TEXT US HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT ROYAL BOLTON HOSPITAL: • Waiting times • Staff attitudes • Cleanliness of facilities

Text BFT to 88020 and leave a comment

TEXT US HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT DENTISTS:

Text to TEETH to 88020 and leave a comment

FOR ALL OTHER SERVICES INCLUDING: • • • • • • • • • • •

Home care providers Community services Dentists GP out of hours/111 GP Surgeries Hospices Mental Health Opticians Pharmacies Residential homes Walk-in centres

Their details are as follows:

Greater Manchester ICA, Independent Complaints Advocacy 5th Floor Arthur House, Chorlton Street, Manchester M1 3FH Tel: 0808 801 0390 Email: manchesterica@carersfederation.co.uk www.carersfederation.co.uk

Text HWB to 88020

Calls charged at your standard network rate. The service is confidential and you do not need to share any personal information about yourself.

If you need assistance in making a complaint about the NHS you can contact the Independent Complaints Advocacy (ICA). When your healthcare is provided by the NHS you are allowed to make a complaint using the NHS complaints process.

Making a complaint about NHS or Social Care Services

Do you need help to make a complaint about an NHS or social care service?

An NHS complaint might include something that happened during care or treatment at: • The hospital • Your General Practitioner (GP) • The dentist • The pharmacist • The optician • An NHS funded care home

If so, we have produced ‘A Guide to Speaking Out and Getting Your Voice Heard’ which gives lots of useful advice regarding how to go about making a formal complaint, general advice and lots of other useful information.

If you would like a copy please contact us or you can download one from our website: www.healthwatchbolton.co.uk

nHS BoLton CLInICAL CoMMISSIonInG GrouP Feeling poorly?

There are over 70 pharmacies in Bolton, so everyone should have one within easy reach of where they live.

For many people, the hospital’s accident and emergency department can seem like the best place to go for any illness or injury, but often you can get more appropriate care from other services. How much do you know about the other options? Will you make the right choice if you, or a member of your family, need urgent health care, treatment, or advice?

Your Family Doctor

GPs are highly trained and skilled medics who can deal with your complex, ongoing and urgent conditions.

They will offer same day access for ill children. GP surgeries are the only places that hold all your health records, meaning their doctors can make an informed decision straight away, based on your individual history.

Self Care

The first thing to consider is ‘self care’ – this simply means taking care of yourself. For example, there isn’t anything GPs can do to treat colds and other viruses - the best prescription is to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.

People sometimes say that it is hard to get an appointment with a doctor at short notice, but Bolton doctors always prioritise urgent conditions. Many GPs now offer telephone appointments, where appropriate.

For a number of minor illnesses or injuries, home can be the best place for you. So, make sure you always have the basics at home, such as paracetamol, cough and cold remedies and a nit comb.

Practice nurses can also help with many health problems, so you may be offered an appointment with them instead.

As well as these, it is recommended that you have a well stocked medicine cabinet that includes the following: • • • • • • •

Out of Hours

The care and assistance available from a GP doesn’t end at 6.30pm. Through the night and at weekends, an out of hours service provides telephone advice and face-to-face appointments with a doctor where needed.

Antiseptic Plasters Antihistamines Anti-diarrhoea tablets Indigestion remedies A thermometer Crepe bandages

If you need a GP when your practice is closed, call the practice and the GP out of hours number will given out on the answer machine.

Accident and Emergency

Pharmacy

Pharmacists are available without an appointment and can advise on most minor illnesses. Visit for help with coughs, colds and sore throats, diarrhoea, the ‘morning after pill’, warts and verrucas, nits, and much more.

As the name suggests it’s for serious and life threatening conditions only, such as suspected strokes, heart attacks or serious injuries. Unnecessary visits to A&E cost the NHS around £500m each year, as well as making it harder for doctors and nurses working there to see patients with life threatening conditions.

Most people know that a pharmacy deals with prescriptions, and offers a range of medicines and first aid equipment, but you might not realise that all of Bolton’s pharmacies offer private consultation rooms, and you can be seen there without an appointment.

Pharmacists are able to offer expert advice with the confidence of years of professional training; either offering help there and then, or telling you the best place to go for further care. Many of Bolton’s pharmacies are open late and at weekends, and they are often the most suitable place for help, advice and treatment of minor issues.

A&E only holds your history of hospital visits, they don’t have access to your family doctors’ records.

When you go to A&E, if the staff there feel there is a more appropriate place to get the best care, you will be redirected to that service.

Unnecessary visits to A&E not only add to the strain on hard working A&E staff, but also reduce the resources available to treat those who need specialist emergency care, which could mean they don’t get essential treatment quickly enough.

Free nHS HeALtH CHeCk Who is it for?

Everyone is at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease, and some forms of dementia. The good news is that these conditions can often be prevented – even if you have a history of them in your family. Have your free NHS Health Check and you will be better prepared for the future and be able to take steps to maintain or improve your health.

The NHS Health Check scheme is available across Bolton.

If a person is aged between 40 and 74 and hasn’t already been diagnosed with heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or had a stroke, they may be invited by their GP for the NHS Health Check by letter, text or they may be offered the NHS Health Check when they are at their GP for another reason.

Why do I need an NHS Health Check?

We know that your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and dementia increases with age. There are also certain things that will put you at even greater risk. These are:

• Being overweight

• Being physically inactive • Not eating healthily • Smoking

• Drinking too much alcohol • High blood pressure • High cholesterol

Both men and women can develop these conditions, and having one could increase your risk of developing another in the future.

• In the brain a blocked artery or a bleed can cause a stroke

• In the heart a blocked artery can cause a heart attack or angina

Helping you prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and dementia

• The kidneys can be damaged by high blood pressure or diabetes, causing chronic kidney disease and increasing your risk of having a heart attack • Being overweight and physically inactive can lead to type 2 diabetes

• If unrecognised or unmanaged, type 2 diabetes could increase your risk of further health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease and stroke

Free nHS HeALtH CHeCk Even if you’re feeling well, it’s worth having your NHS Health Check now. We can then work with you to lower your chances of developing these health problems in the future.

Questions you may have

This check is to assess your risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and stroke.

But don’t these conditions run in the family?

Why do I need this check? I feel fine!

The NHS Health Check helps to identify potential risks early. By having this check and following the advice of your health professional, you improve your chances of living a healthier life.

What happens at the check?

If you have a history of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, or kidney disease in your family then you may be more at risk. Taking action now can help you to prevent the onset of these conditions.

• The check will take about 20-30 minutes

• You’ll be asked some simple questions. For example, about your family history and choices which may put your health at risk

I know what I’m doing wrong. How can the doctor help me?

• We’ll record your height, weight, age, sex and ethnicity

If you would like help, we will work with you to find ways to eat healthily, reach your healthy weight, be more active, cut down your drinking, or stop smoking.

• We’ll take your blood pressure

• We’ll do a simple blood test to check your cholesterol level

What happens after the check?

If I am assessed as being at ‘low risk’, does this mean I won’t develop these conditions?

We will discuss how you can reduce your risk and stay healthy. • You’ll be taken through your results and told what they mean. Some people may be asked to return at a later date for their results

It is impossible to say that someone will or won’t go on to develop one of these conditions.But taking action now can help you lower your potential risk.\

• You’ll be given personalised advice on how to lower your risk and maintain a healthy lifestyle

Will everyone have this check?

This check is part of a national scheme to help prevent the onset of these health problems. Everyone between the ages of 40 and 74 who has not been diagnosed with the conditions mentioned will be invited for a check once every five years. If you are outside the age range and concerned about your health, you should contact your GP.

• Some people with raised blood pressure will have their kidneys checked through a blood test • Some people may need to have another blood test to check for type 2 diabetes. Your health professional will be able to tell you more

• Treatment or medication may be prescribed to help you maintain your health

Helping you prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and dementia 8

nHS - knoW your rIGHtS! You have the right to expect your NHS to assess the health requirements of your community and to commission and put in place the services to meet those needs as considered necessary, and in the case of public health services commissioned by local authorities, to take steps to improve the health of the local community.

Everyone has the right to information and education about how to take care of themselves and what they are entitled to within the health and social care system.

Healthwatch Bolton helps individuals to gain access to, understand, and use information to promote and maintain good health and make the best use of local services and care support.

You have the right, in certain circumstances, to go to other European Economic Area countries or Switzerland for treatment which would be available to you through your NHS commissioner.

We can: • Explain your rights and what standards to expect from services • Help you find out about funding for health & social care • Help you to access services and find your way through care ‘pathways’ – find the right service for you • Put you in touch with Support Groups, Voluntary and Community Organisations • We can register your concerns and provide information on making complaints • Pass on your reports of excellent services and care • If you need advocacy we can refer you to the Independent Complaints Advocacy (ICA)

You have the right not to be unlawfully discriminated against in the provision of NHS services including on grounds of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, belief, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity or marital or civil partnership status. You have the right to access certain services commissioned by NHS bodies within maximum waiting times, or for the NHS to take all reasonable steps to offer you a range of suitable alternative providers if this is not possible. You have the right to be treated with a professional standard of care, by appropriately qualified and experienced staff, in a properly approved or registered organisation that meets required levels of safety and quality.

You have the right to receive NHS services free of charge, apart from certain limited exceptions sanctioned by Parliament.

You have the right to access NHS services. You will not be refused access on unreasonable grounds.

You have the right to expect NHS bodies to monitor, and make efforts to improve continuously, the quality of healthcare they commission or provide. This includes improvements to the safety, effectiveness and experience of services. You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, in accordance with your human rights. You have the right to have any complaint you make about NHS services acknowledged within three working days and to have it properly investigated.

You have the right to discuss the manner in which the complaint is to be handled, and to know the period within which the investigation is likely to be completed and the response sent.

You have the right to accept or refuse treatment that is offered to you, and not to be given any physical examination or treatment unless you have given valid consent. If you do not have the capacity to do so, consent must be obtained from a person legally able to act on your behalf, or the treatment must be in your best interests.

nHS - knoW your rIGHtS! You have the right to be given information about the test and treatment options available to you, what they involve and their risks and benefits. You have the right of access to your own health records and to have any factual inaccuracies corrected.

You have the right to compensation where you have been harmed by negligent treatment.

You have the right to be informed about how your information is used.

Healthwatch can help you find the right services to suit your needs through our Information & Signposting Service.

You have the right to choose the organisation that provides your NHS care. With all the changes to health and care services itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not always clear where you should go to report an urgent issue, to make a complaint, or for further information.

You have the right to privacy and confidentiality and to expect the NHS to keep your confidential information safe and secure. You have the right to request that your confidential information is not used beyond your own care and treatment and to have your objections considered, and where your wishes cannot be followed, to be told the reasons including the legal basis.

We cannot give you advice or make specific recommendations but we can help you make an informed decision in finding the right health and social care service whether it is provided by the NHS, the Council, a voluntary or community organisation.

You have the right to choose your GP practice, and to be accepted by that practice unless there are reasonable grounds to refuse, in which case you will be informed of those reasons.

Email us at: info@healthwatchbolton.co.uk

You have the right to express a preference for using a particular doctor within your GP practice, and for the practice to try to comply

Visit our website: www.healthwatchbolton.co.uk

You have the right to make choices about the services commissioned by NHS bodies and to information to support these choices.

You have the right to be involved in discussions and decisions about your health and care, including your end of life care, and to be given information to enable you to do this. Where appropriate this right includes your family and carers. You have the right to be kept informed of progress and to know the outcome of any investigation into your complaint, including an explanation of the conclusions and confirmation that any action needed in consequence of the complaint has been taken or is proposed to be taken. You have the right to take your complaint to the independent Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman or Local Government Ombudsman, if you are not satisfied with the way your complaint has been dealt with by the NHS.

You have the right to make a claim for judicial review if you think you have been directly affected by an unlawful act or decision of an NHS body or local authority. 10

HeALtHy LIVInG The choices we make about how we live can have a significant effect on our health. Eating a healthy diet, doing regular exercise, not smoking and not drinking too much alcohol can help you stay well and enjoy a long life.

Get active, feel fitter, live longer

Whatever your age, there's strong scientific evidence that being physically active can help you lead a healthier and even happier life.

Adults should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. Young people (5-18) should do 60 minutes every day.

Keeping fit and healthy can be a challenge if you are living with a long-term condition, but it will make a big difference to your wellbeing. If you’ve been thinking about making changes to your lifestyle, such as stopping smoking, losing weight, eating healthily, drinking a little less alcohol, or doing more exercise, there’s plenty of help and support available.

If you do this, it can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by up to 50% and lower your risk of early death by up to 30%.

Rethink your drinking

Drinking too much alcohol could increase your risk of getting 14 major diseases, including mouth and throat cancers, liver cirrhosis, strokes and mental health problems.

Talking to your GP and other healthcare workers, including pharmacists, is the first step. They’ll help you look at your lifestyle and suggest changes that are suitable for your condition and any treatment you’re having. Your health or care worker can also let you know about local services that can help you.

Alcohol is believed to be responsible for as many as 22,000 premature deaths in England and Wales every year. But it’s not just binge drinkers who are at risk: regularly drinking more than the recommended limit can cause significant health problems.

For example, if you want to start exercising but you're unsure how to, your GP can put you on the Exercise on Referral scheme. These schemes are run with local gyms and fitness centres and can include swimming. Ask at your GP practice for more information. Your GP can also help you if you want to stop smoking, for instance by enrolling you in a clinic where you’ll get support from other people who are also trying to stop. Nicotine replacement therapy and other stop smoking treatments provided by your GP can also help you resist cravings and boost your chances of quitting successfully.

You're never too young or too old to switch to a healthier lifestyle. Children who learn healthy habits at a young age will benefit from them throughout their life. And giving up bad habits can improve your health at any age.

Stop Smoking for good

Giving up smoking is probably the best thing you can do to improve your health. Research shows that smoking is responsible for almost one in five of all deaths in the UK. This means that smoking causes an estimated 110,000 deaths a year.

Smokers are almost twice as likely to have a heart attack as people who have never smoked. Smoking also increases your risk of developing many cancers and lung disease.

HeLPInG BoLton PeoPLe to StAy WeLL For LonGer Plans to help people stay well for longer in their own homes are taking a step forward.

Bolton Council is working with its health partners to deliver an integrated health and social care system in order to improve services closer to home and prevent unnecessary hospital stays.

Together with NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and Greater Manchester West NHS Mental Health Foundation Trust, the council is to establish new Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INT) and expand its Staying Well Project to help older residents in the borough. Currently, there are more than 44,000 people aged 65 and over in Bolton, and more than 13,000 of these are at risk of developing future health and social care needs.

The Staying Well Project focuses on residents with a 20 per cent likelihood of hospital admission, and includes people with long term conditions that they are currently managing at home with medication or other therapies. The Staying Well Project forms part of an early intervention team which provides advice, information and signposting to appropriate services & organisations.

Predictions show that around 3,500 people have a high risk – 50 per cent likelihood - of being admitted to hospital within the next 12 months. That’s six and a half times more likely than the average resident.

A further 11,000 people aged 65 and over have a 20 per cent likelihood of being admitted to hospital, which is two and a half times more likely than the average resident.

The Deputy Leader of Bolton Council, Councillor Linda Thomas, said: “With a growing, ageing population and increased pressure on resources, we have to think differently about the way we deliver health and social care.

The Integrated Neighbourhood Teams and Staying Well Project are in place to identify people who will benefit from early intervention in the community which will hopefully give them independence, a better quality of life and reduce their need for further specialist health and social care.

“A lot of people with long term conditions currently manage their conditions at home but are at an increased risk of being admitted to hospital within the next 12 months. These new teams will be able to target support to those people who need it, and thus help to prevent unnecessary hospital stays.

Integrated Neighbourhood Teams of community nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, community psychiatric nurses and GPs are working together to support residents with a 50 per cent likelihood of hospital admission - those with long term health conditions and the frail elderly.

“By identifying people in the community and offering some form of early intervention and lifestyle enhancements, we will hopefully reduce the number of people who may develop an eligible need in the future and thus relieve some of the pressure on our borough’s health and social care system.”

CHooSInG A GP & GP SurGerIeS Choosing a GP can seem a daunting task, especially if you have just moved into an area and don't know anything about the local health services. But there are some easy ways to find the doctor to suit you. It's important to be registered with a doctor because you'll need them to refer you for specialist hospital and community treatment services. A surgery may refuse an application to join its list of patients if: you don't reside in the surgery area, it has formally closed its list of patients, eg when a practice has more patients than it can deal with, or not enough doctors - (this is less common than it used to be). If your application is refused, the surgery must write to you and give the reasons for this.

How do I find a surgery? Most surgeries operate a fairly strict catchment area system, and only those

who live within the area may be able to register. This isn't to be awkward, but ensures a GP can visit a person at home in an emergency in reasonable time. Surgery

Address

Area

Postcode

Telephone

CHooSInG A GP & GP SurGerIeS How do I register?

This is straightforward and far easier than most people realise. Simply take your NHS medical card along to your chosen surgery. You will then be asked to sign a registration form. Not all NHS trusts issue medical cards. If you don't have one, the receptionist will give you form GMS1 to fill in. Once you've completed and returned the forms, your local NHS will transfer your medical records to your new surgery and write to you to confirm your registration as a patient with the surgery. Many surgeries ask a new patient to attend a ‘registration medical’ that checks your general health.

What if I can’t get an appointment?

If you can't get a doctor's appointment or have a non-urgent health problem or query, you can contact a nurse by ringing 111 at any time. Surgery

Address

Area

Postcode

Telephone

PHArMACIeS Make sure you have repeat prescriptions

If you or someone you care for requires medicines regularly, make sure you order and collect repeat prescriptions in good time to ensure you or your family have enough medicine to last i.e. weekends, Bank holidays and breaks away.

Many of the calls to out of hours health services are for emergency repeat prescriptions when people have run out of their medication - a situation that could be avoided with some forethought and planning. By thinking ahead for your regular medication you are helping our busy out of hourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doctors and nurses. Pharmacy / Chemist

Address

Area

Postcode

Telephone

PHArMACIeS If you have the symptoms of a cough, cold, or think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got the flu a pharmacist is the best place to go, as they can usually provide you with the help and information you need on the spot. They can also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight or giving up smoking.

For opening times and NHS SERVICES available from your Pharmacy Please scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit www.nhs.uk Pharmacy / Chemist

Address

Area

Postcode

Telephone

DentIStS Dentist Finding Helpline - Greater Manchester Local Area Team Tel: 0113 825 5264 (this number is charged at local rate).

Emergency Dentist based at Lever Chambers Centre for Health, Ashburner Street, Bolton, BL1 1SQ (close to the Octagon Theatre Car Park and Moor Lane Bus Station). This service provides out-of-hours dental care in an emergency. This is not a walk-in service. It is by appointment only. When you phone, trained staff will assess whether you have a dental emergency. Emergencies are usually: Dental injuries caused by falls, Bleeding or a Swollen face. The Emergency Dentist is available on 01204 463222, weekdays from 5:15pm to 8:30pm. Bank Holidays and Weekends, 9am to 11:30am.

Daytime Rotational Occasional Treatment Service (ROTS) 01204 462882 - This service provides a limited number of appointments with NHS dentist within Bolton for one-off dental care for people without a regular dentist who need treatment promptly. NHS dental charges apply. Patients attending the Lever Chambers Emergency Dentist will pay NHS Band One treatment cost of £18.50 - regardless of whatever treatment they receive. Additional charges apply if they are issued with a prescription. Lever Chambers Emergency Dentist does not provide permanent fillings. This service is available seven days a week. The Rotational Occasional Treatment Service (ROTS) is made up of approximately 20 local dental practices offering three/four slots (not at the same practice). NHS dental charges range from £18.50 to £50.50. Dentist

Address

Area

Postcode

Telephone

NHS DENTISTRY

NHS DENTAL CHARGES

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Band 1 course of treatment

£18.50

You're entitled to have all clinically necessary treatment on the NHS. This means that the NHS will provide any treatment that you need to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy and free of pain.

This covers an examination, diagnosis (eg X-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, a scale and polish if needed, and application of fluoride varnish or fissure sealant. If you require urgent care, even if your urgent treatment needs more than one appointment to complete, you will only need to pay one Band 1 charge.

If your dentist says you need a particular type of treatment, you should not be asked to pay for it privately. Your dentist is not allowed to refuse you any treatment available on the NHS but then offer the same treatment privately. Also, any treatment provided on the NHS has to be of the same high quality as treatments provided privately.

Band 2 course of treatment

£50.50

This covers everything listed in Band 1 above, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or if your dentist needs to take out one or more of your teeth.

Depending on what you need to have done, you should only ever be asked to pay one charge for each complete course of treatment, even if you need to visit your dentist more than once to finish it. You will not be charged for individual items within the course of treatment.

Band 3 course of treatment

£219.00

This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures and bridges.

oPtICIAnS & HeArInG CentreS Opticians

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Hearing Centres

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Regular eye tests are important because your eyes don't usually hurt when something is wrong. A sight test is a vital health check for your eyes that can pick up early signs of eye|conditions before you're aware of any symptoms – many of which can be treated if found early enough.

What your eye test will show

tell us your experiences

A sight test will show if you need to get glasses for the first time or change your current glasses.

A sight test will also include a general health check that can pick up early signs of eye disease before you’re aware of any symptoms. Some health conditions can affect the eyes such as:

We’re listening

Diabetes, Macular Degeneration or Glaucoma

Your Sight Test

It’s recommended that adults have their eyes tested every two years, unless their ophthalmic practitioner advises them to have a sight test more often than that.Your employer may pay for this test for you so ask for advice on this, and if you are over 60 your test is free of charge.

together we can make a diﬀerence

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CoMPLeMentAry & ALternAtIVe MeDICIne If you're thinking about whether or not to use a complementary or alternative medicine, the first step is to learn as much as possible about the treatment.

• Slipped discs • Leg pain and sciatica • Pain or problems with hip, knee, ankle and foot joints • Pain or problems with elbow, wrist and hand joints • Fibromyalgia

The availability of complementary and alternative treatments on the NHS is limited. Some, such as acupuncture, may be offered by the NHS.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is used for an extremely wide range of health conditions. Among the most common conditions that people seek homeopathic treatment for are:

You should find out:

What is the evidence that this treatment is safe for you to take? For example, Ginseng has been associated with higher blood pressure and may be inappropriate if you already have raised blood pressure (hypertension).

• • • •

If you are using complementary or alternative medicine to treat a health condition - what is the evidence that the treatment works for your condition?

• • • •

Acupuncture

Osteopathy

There is no one health condition or set of conditions that acupuncture is meant to treat. Instead, Acupuncturists use the treatment for an extremely wide range of health conditions.

Osteopathy is a way of detecting, treating and preventing health problems by moving, stretching and massaging a person’s muscles and joints.

Sometimes, patients combine acupuncture with conventional treatments that have been prescribed by a GP or Hospital Consultant. If you are being treated by an Acupuncturist for a health condition, it is advisable to discuss this with your GP.

Conditions commonly treated with osteopathy: • • • • • • •

Acupuncture is often used to treat musculoskeletal conditions (of the bones and muscles) and pain conditions, including: • • • • • •

Asthma Ear infections Hay fever Mental health conditions, such as depression, stress and anxiety Allergies, such as food allergies Dermatitis (an allergic skin condition) Arthritis High blood pressure

Headache and migraine Chronic pain - including neck and back pain Joint pain Dental pain Post-operative pain Post-operative nausea and vomiting

Lower back pain Neck pain Shoulder pain Arthritis Problems with the pelvis, hips and legs Sports injuries Problems with posture caused by driving, work or pregnancy

Hypnotherapy

Chiropractic

Hypnotherapy is a type of complementary therapy that uses hypnosis, an altered state of consciousness.

Conditions commonly treated by chiropractors could include:

• • • •

When might it be helpful?

Chiropractic treatments are often used for musculoskeletal conditions (affecting the muscles, bones and joints). • Lower back pain • Neck pain • Shoulder pain and problems

Irritable bowel syndrome Losing weight and quitting smoking Skin conditions Anxiety, pregnancy and childbirth

PerSonAL HeALtH BuDGetS Personal Health Budgets

Can I have a personal health budget as well as a personal budget for social care and support?

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

Yes. If you already have a personal budget for care and support from social services and your NHS team agrees, you can also have a personal health budget and ask for both to be combined.

They have been piloted in a number of places across England and, from April 2014, anyone receiving NHS continuing healthcare will have a right to ask for a personal health budget.

Do I have to have a personal health budget?

What is a Personal Health Budget?

A personal health budget is an amount of money to support your identified health and wellbeing needs, planned and agreed between you and your local NHS team. The aim is to give people with long-term conditions and disabilities greater choice and control over the healthcare and support they receive. Personal health budgets work in a similar way to the personal budgets that many people are already using to manage and pay for their social care.

No. If having a personal health budget does not work for you, your local NHS will provide the care you need as it has always done.

What is the difference between a personal health budget, a personal budget, an individual budget and a direct payment? A personal health budget is for your NHS healthcare and support needs.

Together with your NHS team (such as a GP) you will develop a care plan. The plan sets out your personal health and wellbeing needs, the health outcomes you want to achieve, the amount of money in the budget and how you are going to spend it.

A personal budget is for your social care and support needs.

An individual budget includes your social care and support needs plus other funding, such as independent living.

You can use a personal health budget to pay for a wide range of items and services, including therapies, personal care and equipment. This will allow you more choice and control over the health services and care you receive. You don’t have to change any healthcare or support that is working well for you just because you get a personal health budget, but if something isn’t working, you can change it.

A direct payment is one way of managing these budgets, where you get the cash to buy the agreed care and support you need.

Key Points

• Personal health budgets should help people get a better service from the NHS. They should not make things worse. • You do not have to have a personal health budget if you do not want one. • You should have as much control over decisions as you want. • NHS and social care organisations should work in partnership with you and with each other. • If you are not able to have a personal health budget, you can still speak to your NHS team about how your needs can be met in another way that is more personal to you.

Who can have a Personal Health Budget?

The first group to be able to ask for a personal health budget, from April 2014, are people getting NHS continuing healthcare, which is NHS-funded long-term health and personal care provided outside hospital. Local NHS organisations can offer personal health budgets to other people if they think an individual will benefit. It is the Government’s long-term aim to introduce a right to a personal health budget for people who would benefit from it.

ADVICe on FunDInG For HeALtHCAre There are several options for funding care and finding out which ones apply to you can be complicated. These options depend on your need for care and support, as well as your personal and financial circumstances.

Supporting Independence for Disabled People

The Independent Living Service aims to promote the independence of disabled/sensory impaired residents of Bolton, by offering assessments with a view of providing advice, rehabilitation, equipment and/or adaptions and long term support.

The main sources of support are the NHS and your local Social Services Department.

NHS Care

The team consists of Disability Officers, Occupational Therapists, Disability Adaptations Officers, Community Assessment Officers, a Telecare Co-ordinator, and a Rehabilitation Officer for the visually impaired.

The NHS is responsible for funding certain types of healthcare and equipment you may need. In some situations, the NHS is also responsible for meeting care needs. This is usually when someone’s need is mainly for healthcare rather than social care. NHS care could be provided in hospital but it can be in someone’s own home or elsewhere in the community.

We complete assessments for people experiencing difficulties with activities of daily living due to a physical/medical/sensory condition that are both complex and non-complex in nature and usually require the provision of equipment from the integrated Community Equipment Store and/or rehabilitation and possible long term support services.

When care is provided through the NHS there is no financial assessment and no care charges to pay. However, people are only eligible for NHS care in certain circumstances.

Our Disability Adaptations Officers are qualified joiners who complete some of the minor adaptations needed within people’s homes.

NHS Continuing Healthcare

If you or the person you care for has very severe and complex health needs, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare. This is an ongoing package of care that’s fully funded by the NHS.

Our Telecare Co-ordinator offers assessments and support for people experiencing difficulties with daily living who would benefit from provision of assistive technology and our Rehab Officer for the visually impaired supports people requiring rehabilitation following visual loss.

Nursing Care

If someone goes into a residential care home but needs some element of nursing care, they’ll get a payment from the NHS to help pay for their nursing care. This is called a registered nursing care contribution (RNCC).

We also have an integrated Community Equipment Store which provides a range of disability equipment from walking aids, toilet equipment through to beds and mattresses.

Provision of equipment and/or adaptations is reliant on an assessment which is based on need. These assessments are holistic, taking into consideration, the service users’ medical condition, the environment, the ability and health of the carer and any other carer’s which may be involved such as Homecare.

Intermediate Care

Some people can be eligible for intermediate care from the NHS. This is provided on a short-term basis and is intended to help people to recover from an injury or illness, and stay independent. Intermediate care is often provided to elderly people who are being discharged from hospital, and may help someone to keep living in their own home rather than moving into a care home.

HOW TO CONTACT US: Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm Number: 01204 337020 Fax: 01204 337817 Minicom: 01204 337945 Email request: independentlivingservices@bolton.gov.uk

Aftercare

People who were previously detained in hospital under certain sections of the Mental Health Act will have their aftercare services provided free.

ADVICe on FunDInG For SoCIAL CAre If someone isn’t eligible for free care from the NHS, their main source of support will be Adult’s Social Care. In this case, there are rules that determine whether or not they have to make a financial contribution. These rules vary depending on whether the care is provided in a care home or in their own home.

Direct Payments

If you or the person you're looking after has difficulty with their personal care, they should consider getting support from Adult’s Social Care by having a community care assessment of their needs.

Direct payments are part of a move towards ‘personalised’ social care so that people have more choice and control over the support they get, letting you choose and buy the services you need yourself, rather than having it arranged for you by Adult’s Social Care.

If you are assessed as needing community care services and qualify for Adult’s Social Care funding they must offer you direct payments as an option. If someone isn't able to manage their own direct payments, it's possible for another person to manage the direct payments on their behalf.

Local Authority Community Care

Your income (including any benefits) and capital will be taken into account when calculating whether you have to pay anything towards the care that you or they will receive.

It's important to know that if you receive a direct payment to pay a care worker or personal assistant, you become an employer and have legal responsibilities.

In some cases a person may have a mixed package of care, including some that is NHS-funded and some that is provided by Adult’s Social Care, for which they may be charged.

Direct Payments can be made to:

• Disabled people aged 16 or over (with short or long-term needs)

Normally, an assessment is carried out before a service can be provided by the Adult’s Social Care department of a local authority. However, if the services are needed urgently, the local authority can provide a service without carrying out the assessment.

• Disabled parents for children’s services

• Carers aged 16 or over (including people with parental responsibility for a disabled child) • Elderly people who need community care services

The local authority uses the community care assessment to decide whether a person needs a community care service and, if they do, whether it can be provided by the local authority.

Choosing Direct Payments

The choice of direct payments is voluntary. If you decide to have direct payments, you can change your mind about this at any time. If you no longer want direct payments, contact your local Adult’s Social Care and ask them to arrange services instead.

The assessment considers what types of services are needed by the person being assessed.

A wide range of services could be needed, from aids and adaptations in the person's own home to care workers or residential care.

It's possible to try direct payments by asking Adult’s Social Care for a direct payment for some of your support while you continue to get your other support directly from Adult’s Social Care.

Where there are disputes about the process of the assessment or the care plan, there are ways that decisions can be challenged. For more information on challenging decisions, speak to your local Healthwatch team.

Direct payments can only be spent on things that will meet the assessed needs of the person getting them. If you spend a direct payment on something that doesn't meet your needs, Adult’s Social Care can recover the money from you.

The local authority is obliged to carry out a community care assessment when they become aware that someone may be in need of community care services. This may mean that an assessment is offered even if you or the person you look after have not specifically requested one.

Everyone who gets support from Adult’s Social Care should have their needs reassessed at least once a year.

To contact Access Bolton for an assessment, to be re-assessed or for further information please call 01204 338027.

HeLPInG BoLton PeoPLe WItH SoCIAL CAre Day Care

Intermediate Care at Home

We provide day care for people aged 65 and over who are finding it difficult to manage in their own homes, because of frailty or ill health. Daytime support at a centre can often mean you can stay in your own home and within the community you know. Keeping you independent through supportive care is the aim of the service and our staff are trained to be sensitive to individual needs.

Reablement’s focus is to provide short term support to people who have a physical or mental illness, injury or disability up to a maximum of six weeks so they may recover their ability to live independently in their own home either with training, equipment or ongoing support. To be eligible for our service you must be:

• Aged 18 or over • Live in your own home within Bolton • Able to live safely on your own with minimal risk to your physical and mental health • Assessed by a Care Manager

Day centres are busy places, based in the heart of the community, where a variety of activities take place. These are some of them: • • • • •

Personal care Bathing service (if need identified) A hot meal (special diets can be catered for) Arts and crafts Mental stimulation – games, quizzes reminiscence sessions • A chance to meet and chat with others • Physical activities to promote health and mobility - gentle exercise • Therapy session

If you are eligible we will work with you to identify an individual programme designed to meet your specific needs and desired outcomes in regaining your independence so you can live in your own home for as long as possible. If you have a short term illness or disability which causes difficulties with your personal care, mobility, household activities, getting in and out of bed or to and from the toilet we could help you to:

• Identify your abilities and rehabilitation needs necessary for; regaining and building confidence; dealing with day-to-day tasks; getting advice; and accessing support programmes, longer term care and agency help

Access is through assessment, where an assessment worker visits to talk to you and find out what help you need. We cannot help everyone. We aim to help those who have the greatest need and we measure this using certain standards, which we call ‘eligibility criteria’. Once it has been agreed a service can be offered, an introductory visit will be arranged.

• Cope with day-to-day tasks such as: • Bathing, personal care and continence • Moving safely around your home • Using equipment and technology • Making food and drinks • Taking medication

• Get out and about with transport and mobility help to go shopping, pick up your pension, meet family and friends and access leisure and employment opportunities.

We work closely with you, and your carers, to build your confidence to live more independently in your own home, getting you back on the road to recovery as quickly as possible. If you or your carer needs our help we can be contacted through our helpdesk on 01204 338027.

HeLPInG BoLton PeoPLe WItH SoCIAL CAre Intermediate Care Bed Based Services Darley Court, Shepherd Cross Street, Bolton, BL1 3EJ Tel: 01204 337833

Darley Court is a 30 bedded intermediate care unit providing care when a further episode of rehabilitation, completion of treatment or recuperation is needed following discharge from hospital. Care provision is in partnership between the Local Authority and the NHS 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The Unit is also able to provide care and support to service users in avoiding the need for a hospital admission or long term care when a faster period of recovery can be supported through nursing, social work or therapy intervention. The team at Darley Court is multi-disciplinary and includes Nurses, Care Supervisors, Therapists, Pharmacist, Medical staff, Social Workers and Assistants with the aim of supporting and improving patients' independence and confidence through a structured programme of care and rehabilitation enabling people to return home and live as independently as possible for as long as possible. Catering is provided in-house and has been commended for its excellence. Length of stay at Darley Court is dependent on the rate of service users' progress in achieving identified goals but is normally less than 30 days.

Short Term Residential Care Wilfred Geere House

Short term care is to provide a break for you and those who may care for you at home, to enable you to maintain independent living in your community. Wilfred Geere House is a newly refurbished care home for people with dementia or a cognitive impairment. We have many single rooms for short term care.

Laburnum Lodge, Breightmet Fold Lane, Breightmet, Bolton, BL2 6PP Tel: 01204 335455

All admissions are determined by a social worker/care professional assessment, which is regulated by the eligibility criteria held by Adult Social Care.

Laburnum Lodge is a newly refurbished 32 bedded intermediate care unit providing 24 hour residential care for service users who require continuation of care and rehabilitation but who no longer need 24 hour access to medical/nursing care. The NHS work in partnership with the Local Authority and support the Unit by providing nursing and therapy input during care daytime hours. The aim of the Unit is to support service users to regain their independence and return home following a period of rehabilitation and recuperation and live as independently as possible. Catering is provided in house. Length of stay at Laburnum Lodge is dependent on the rate of service users' progress in achieving identified goals but is normally less than 30 days. 28

Are you A CArer? Do you look after a relative, friend or neighbour?

There are over 30,000 people in Bolton who look after family members, partners or friends because they are ill, frail or have a disability.

The contribution of carers to the well-being of those they support is enormous. Many of us will assume the role of carer at some point in our lives, but until we assume the task it’s hard to understand how demanding it can be. That’s why there is advice and help available for carers in Bolton and why Bolton Council, the NHS and local carers’ organisations are working together to make sure that carers can ask for information and support in a number of ways.

Speak to your GP

GP practices in Bolton are recording their patients who are caring for someone and can help to ensure that you get the information and support you need to care for your loved one. If you are doing more and more to support the person you care for please let your GP know.

Bolton Carers Support

Local voluntary organisation Bolton Carers Support advises and helps carers from across the Bolton Borough. You can join the mailing list and you will receive a copy of their regular newsletter; ‘Carers Contact’.

It is important not to let your own health suffer, or you may not be able to carry on providing the support you want to be able to give.

If you need information or advice you can ring the Carers Helpline from 11am to 3pm on Mon, Tues and Thurs, on 01204 363056. At other times, you can leave a message and staff will return your call. Advice is available on practical issues ranging such as welfare benefits, housing and health and care, but the Carers Helpline is also there to provide a listening ear for carers for you to talk about how you are feeling and the pressures you are facing. Bolton Carers Support can also signpost you to other sources of help, for example other local groups or specialist agencies, for example for money advice.

If the person you are looking after needs more support, or you feel that you need help with your caring role, you can find out more about the help that may be available from Adult Social Care at Bolton Council. Friendly staff at Access Bolton will take the time to listen to you and can advise you about the following issues and many more:

• How to get help at home, such as Community Meals or Home Support • Specialist help, for example for mental health or memory problems • Adaptations or equipment in the home • Sensory difficulties –problems with eyesight or hearing • Social activities or luncheon clubs • Information about short breaks or residential care

You can also click onto the Bolton Carers Support website at www.boltoncarersupport.org - there you will find a growing suite of useful factsheets you can view or download on topics of importance to local carers. There are a growing number of support groups for carers where you can meet with other people who are in a similar caring situation to yourself. Bolton Carer Support will be able to tell you about these groups, plus other opportunities to meet other carers such as meals out or short courses.

To ask about support from Adult Social Care, phone Access Bolton on 01204 338027.

InDePenDent LIVInG At HoMe Suggestions for making life easy: External Adaptations

• Handrail at front or rear entrance of dwelling • Provision of whirly clothes line or path leading to clothes line • Widening of paths around the property • Defining steps for people with visual impairments • Outdoor lighting • Paved areas for wheelchairs

General Internal Adaptations • • • •

Around one in five adults in the UK is disabled, and more than 1 million of those live alone. With the right support and facilities, leading an independent life with a physical or learning disability is now more achievable than ever.

• • • • • • •

Aids and Adaptations

If you or a member of your family has difficulty living in your home due to a long-term illness or disability, you may be able to get help by adapting your home to better meet your needs. You can apply to your local council for a disabled facilities grant. The grant helps you adapt your home to make it suitable for a disabled person. Depending on your income, you may need to pay towards the cost of the work to the property.

Kitchens and Bathrooms

• Lowering or replacement of high wall hung cupboards • Additional storage space in kitchen • Lowering of cooker mains switch • Installation of extractor fan with accessible controls • Level access shower • Overbath shower • Provision of non-slip/tactile surface • Provision of storage space for wheelchair • Ramps • Special baths • Special toilets • Step in shower • Widening doors for wheelchair access

You could get a grant from your council if you are disabled and need to make changes to your home, for example to: • Widen doors and install ramps

• Improve access to rooms and facilities - eg stairlifts or a downstairs bathroom • Provide a heating system suitable for your needs • Adapt heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use

Major Adaptations

How can I find out more about the aids and adaptations that would help me?

Contact Bolton’s Adult Social Care Team on 01204 338027 about what difficulties you are having at home. They will send an occupational therapist to carry out an assessment and provide advice on which equipment or housing adaptation needs suit you best.

Additional stair rail Changing door knobs to lever handles Lowering of Yale locks Re-siting of electrical sockets at a convenient level Additional power points Provision of intercom & door unlock systems Provision of rocker light switches Adjustments to or additional lighting Relocation of clothes hanging rails Accessible window openings Provision of letter cages or delivery shelves in entrance hall

• Bathroom extensions (ground floor showers & W.C’s) • Bedroom extensions • Hardstandings • Major internal rearrangements • Re-design or re-organisation of existing kitchen • Stairlifts • Vertical through floor lifts

reCoGnISInG MentAL HeALtH How your GP can help

Mental health, emotional wellbeing and resilience is all about how we cope with what life throws at us. It concerns the way we feel about ourselves, conduct relationships, handle stress or deal with loss.

You should make an appointment to see your GP if you've been feeling depressed for a few weeks or your anxiety is having an impact on your daily life, such as stopping you from going to work or shopping.

Good mental health and resilience are fundamental to good physical health, relationships, education and work, as well as being key to achieving our potential.

Mental health services are free on the NHS, but you will usually need a referral from your GP to access them.

Mental health facts

At least one in four people experience a diagnosable mental health problem in any one year, and one in six experiences this at any one time. • More than half of those with a common mental health problem have both depression and anxiety.

• There are approximately 570,000 people with dementia in England, a figure that could double in the next 30 years.

Support and advice for people living with mental illness. Tel: 0300 5000 927 (Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm) www.rethink.org

Common mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, panic disorders, phobias and obsessive compulsive disorder can cause great emotional distress, and can affect how you cope with day-today life and your ability to work.

Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Tel: 08457 90 90 90 (24-hour helpline) www.samaritans.org.uk

• Nearly 850,000 children and young people aged five to 16 years have a mental health problem – about 10% of the population. Fewer than one in 10 accesses treatment.

Less common conditions, such as psychosis, can make you experience changes in thinking and perception severe enough to significantly alter your experience of reality. These conditions include schizophrenia and affective psychosis, such as bipolar disorder, and can have the same lifelong impact as any long-term physical condition.

Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems. Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm) www.mind.org.uk

Admitting you are struggling does not mean you are "mentally ill", that doctors will automatically put you on medication, or you will have to immediately tell your employer you are mentally unwell. Many issues can be managed without the help of a GP by using the variety of sources of help now available, whether it's through books, local organisations or online.

Even if you need professional help, there are choices you can make along the way. Mental illness is treatable and, with appropriate support and treatment, people do recover. Many move on with their lives and are able to care for their family, contribute to the local community, and get back into employment or training.

Information on child and adolescent mental health. Services for parents and professionals. Tel: Parents' helpline 0808 802 5544 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm) www.youngminds.org.uk

CAre In your oWn HoMe What home care services are available?

Home care isn’t for everyone but frequent visits from carers and a few home modifications can help you retain your home comforts and independence. Receiving care in your home is an increasingly common alternative to staying in hospital or moving into a care home.

• Regular visits from home care workers to help with daily tasks and personal care • Meals delivered to your home • Equipment and home modifications to help with mobility and accessibility, such as getting in and out of the bath, and getting up and down stairs • Personal fall and panic alarms that are monitored around the clock • Support for health needs, such as incontinence • Day care and transport to take you there • Gardening and handyman services

Depending on your needs, you can receive help and support that allows you to stay in your own home as long as possible. Not only do you avoid any upheaval and stay in familiar surroundings, it can also be a more economical alternative to residential care.

If you only need a few hours help a day and your house can be adapted to your needs, care at home may be the most practical and cost-effective solution.

How much you have to pay will depend on:

• Your health and mobility • What level of help and support you require • The value of your assets

Your local authority may pay some or all the costs, but you might also have to pay for all the services yourself. Make sure you claim all the benefits you’re entitled to – Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance (or Personal Independence Payment) are the most common.

CAre In your oWn HoMe Carers Direct helpline

Call the Carers Direct helpline on 0300 123 1053 if you need help with your caring role and want to talk to someone about what options are available to you. If you are busy at certain times of day, you can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenient to you. The helpline is open from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and from 11am to 4pm, at weekends. The helpline is closed on bank holidays. Calls are free from landlines and mobiles within the UK.

Care Provider

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Area

Postcode Telephone

CHooSInG BetWeen reSIDentIAL, Choosing between residential care and independent living

There are many types of residential care homes available. These include permanent care homes for older people, homes for younger adults with disabilities and homes for children. They may be privately owned or run by the voluntary sector or local authorities. You may want to consider in detail the many options for residential care before you make a decision.

Adult Social Care normally encourage younger adults who they assess for support to be as independent as their circumstances allow. The care plan for adults with disabilities will consider what independent tasks they can carry out and how they can be helped to achieve more. Even if adults have very severe disabilities their needs are reviewed from time to time to check whether residential care or a very high level of support is still appropriate. Supported living may be an option for younger adults. This allows people to live independently in the community but with basic support. The support offered includes help with setting up a home and managing finances, and assistance with cleaning and shopping.

Older people

Care homes for older people may provide personal care or nursing care. A care home which is registered to provide personal care will offer support, ensuring that basic personal needs, such as meals, bathing, going to the toilet and medication, are taken care of. In some homes more able residents have greater independence and take care of many of their own needs.Some residents may need medical care and some care homes are registered to provide this. These are often referred to as nursing homes. Some homes specialise in certain types of disability, for example, dementia.

For older people there are various alternatives to residential care. These include sheltered housing and extra care housing schemes, which offer independence with an increased level of care and support.

Adults aged 18-65

For many people there is also the choice of living independently at home with community care support.

There are also residential care homes that provide care and support for younger adults with, for example, severe physical disabilities, learning disabilities, acquired brain injury, progressive neurological conditions or mental health problems. Care can be provided for adults with more than one condition and some homes have expertise in providing care for adults with alcohol or drug dependency.

Choice of accommodation

The law says that where the local authority is funding accommodation it must allow the person entering residential care to choose which care home they would prefer. Adult Social Care must first agree that the home is suitable for the personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs and that it would not cost more than they would normally pay for a home that would meet those needs. If the person chooses to go into a more expensive home, a relative or friend may be able to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;top upâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the difference in cost.

These homes offer permanent residence or provide care for a temporary period until the adult is able to live independently or move to a different type of accommodation.

nurSInG & InDePenDent LIVInG Choosing a care home

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

Respite and short term stays

Residential care home stays don't necessarily have to be permanent. Temporary stays can be arranged for respite care (in which you take a break from caring for somebody else), or as a trial period before a permanent stay.

Temporary stays can give you flexibility when covering unexpected events, such as:

• Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness • Support for newly disabled people and their carers • Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care • Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes

What your choices are

A list of all nursing and residential care homes within your locality can be found on the following pages. Every care home in England must be registered with the national regulatory body Care Quality Commission (CQC).

They inspect each care home on a regular basis and write an inspection report for you to read. It is advisable to read this report before making a final decision. To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit www.cqc.org.uk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE

CHooSInG tHe rIGHt CAre HoMe All care homes vary in their quality, and it can be hard to know what qualities to look for when choosing a home.

A bad care home might do the following: • Have a code of practice and a set of aims, but doesn’t make them a priority

A good care home will probably do the following:

• Offers little opportunity to listen to residents, with most decisions made by staff

• Have residents’ care plans that are out of date, and don’t reflect their needs accurately. This means that some residents aren't getting the support they need with their healthcare and personal care

• Offer new residents and their families or carers a guide (in a variety of accessible formats) describing what they can expect while they’re living there. Ideally, residents of the home would have helped to produce the guide

• Give residents little privacy. Staff often enter residents’ rooms without knocking, and they talk about residents within earshot of other people

• Have a majority of staff who've worked there for a long time. They know the residents well, and are friendly, supportive and respectful

• Have staff who don’t make an effort to interact with residents, and leave them sitting in front of the TV all day

• Involve residents, carers and their families in decision making, perhaps through regular meetings with staff

• Be in a poorly maintained building, with rooms that all look the same and have little choice in furnishings

• Support residents in doing things for themselves and maximising their independence, including keeping contact with the outside community

• Need cleaning, with shared bathrooms that aren't cleaned regularly

• Offer a choice of tasty and nutritious food, which residents may have helped to prepare

• Deny residents their independence, for example, by not allowing someone to feed themselves because it takes too long

• Take into account the needs and wishes of all residents, and provide a variety of leisure and social activities

As a resident in a care home, you should expect: • The right to be treated politely and with dignity

• Be in a clean, bright and hygienic environment that's been adapted appropriately for residents, with single bedrooms available. A good environment encourages residents to personalise their room

• The right to privacy for yourself, and your relatives and friends when they visit

• The right to deal with your own finances and spend your money how you choose

• The right to eat food that's prepared in line with your faith, and to worship when and where you want to

• Have staff who respect residents’ privacy and knock before they enter someone’s room

• Be staffed by well-trained people, for example, nurses trained in dementia care

• The right to choose the food that you eat, and to be given the time and space to relax and enjoy your meal

• Respect residents’ modesty and make sure that they look respectable, while recognising residents’ choice about what they wear

• The right to choose when you get up in the mornings and go to bed at night

• Be accredited under the Gold Standards Framework for end of life care

• The right to complain if you're unhappy with your care

reSIDentIAL CAre CoStS Get personal advice on care funding

In some cases the residential care needed by the person you're looking after may be paid for by the NHS under the NHS continuing care scheme. The care may also be provided free of charge because it is 'intermediate care'. It may be free because the person you're looking after has previously been a mental health inpatient. If this is the case, the services are funded under the Mental Health Act.

The cost of care and support is likely to be a longterm commitment and may be substantial, particularly if you opt for residential care. If you or a member of the family need to pay for care in a care home, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to seek advice tailored to your individual needs. The cost of your care will vary depending on its type, intensity, specialisation, location and duration. For example, a place in a residential care home will cost hundreds of pounds a week. Decisions that have such financial implications should be made with advice and only after considering the costs of alternatives.

Residential care is also free if the local authority could charge but decides not to do so. This can occur if the stay in residential care is only temporary (normally less than eight weeks), or if the residential care is for a child. If none of the above applies, the person you're looking after will be given a financial assessment. This is also known as a means-tested assessment. They will be required to give information about their income and capital. There are rules that determine how income and capital are treated. Some types, including benefits, can be disregarded. The financial assessment will work out how much the person you're looking after will be expected to contribute towards the cost of their care home fees.

For example, the cost of a care home needs to be weighed against the cost of care and support that may help you remain in your existing accommodation.

The costs of long-term care can be significant and how you may wish to arrange to pay for it is a big financial decision for most people. Cost can vary across the country and different care homes will charge different amounts based on the level of care needs, the quality of the accommodation, or the area of England it is in.

Owning Property

There are rules that explain how the property of the person you're looking after will be taken into account In some cases it can be disregarded, this is the case if a partner is still living in the property.

Few of us will have the income or ready access to the cash to pay for their ongoing care needs. Often people find that they need to sell or remortgage their home to pay for care or enter into an equity release scheme. Before taking such significant financial steps it is advisable to get proper independent financial advice. For advice on selffunding care, visit the Money Advice Service or the Society of Later Life Advisers. You may also have previously arranged an investment or insurance plan to fund your care. Again, it is worth taking independent advice on these potentially significant financial arrangements.

The capital limit for residential care is ÂŁ23,250. Local authorities will investigate if they believe that the person you're looking after has deliberately reduced their capital to avoid paying care home fees. There is a scheme called the deferred payment scheme which allows someone who goes into care to keep their property and still get help from the local authority with paying care home fees. The local authority recovers the fees from the proceeds when the property is sold. This scheme can also be used if there is a delay in selling a property.

Find out more about paying for care on the websites of:

Self-funders

After the means-tested assessment, the person you're looking after may receive a decision that they will have to pay their own care home fees. People paying their own fees are referred to as self-funders. Self-funders will still receive advice about the arrangements for residential care. Once a self-funder's capital reaches ÂŁ23,250 the local authority is responsible for helping out with the care home fees. This will require another assessment.

www.ageuk.org.uk www.carersuk.org

www.findmegoodcare.co.uk www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk 40

www.societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk

reSIDentIAL & nurSInG CAre Residential Homes

Address

Area

Postcode Telephone

Nursing & Residential Homes

Address

Area

Postcode Telephone

HeLP & ADVICe BOLTON COUNCIL ONE STOP SHOP

Bolton Town Hall, Victoria Square, Bolton, BL1 1RU www.bolton.gov.uk

General Information and Advice Enquiries: Monday to Friday (8.30am to 5.30pm) / Saturday (9am to 1pm) Tel: 01204 333333 Cashiers Service Monday to Friday only (9am to 5.30pm)

Reporting Anti-Social Behaviour Call in confidence: Monday to Friday (8am to 5.30pm) Tel: 01204 336500

If you call out of hours, leave a message and we will call you back. In an emergency always call 999. Welfare Rights Service Monday to Friday (8.30am to 5.30pm) Tel: 01204 333820

A free service providing information and advice on your entitlement to social security benefits and help for you to challenge or appeal decisions made about your benefits. Social Care Complaints Tel: 01204 337288

Bolton Council provide a wide range of services to look after you and your family. Customer care is a priority and any feedback we receive is invaluable to help us continually monitor and develop our services. In the event that you are unhappy with any aspect of our service we will investigate your concerns and provide a full explanation.

THE PARALLEL

The Parallel is for 11 to 19 year-olds. Where you can discuss your health concerns in confidence. 9a Churchgate, Bolton BL1 1HU • Tel: 01204 462444

Office opening times: Mon-Fri 9.00 - 5.00 Just drop in! 3.30pm – 6.00pm (Mon, Weds, Fri) / 2.30pm – 6.00pm (Tue) / 12.30pm – 3.00pm (Sat) No appointment needed between these times www.theparallel.net

BOLTON DRINK AND DRUGS

If substance misuse is causing problems in your life and you think you may need professional help to change please contact us. 69-73 Manchester Road, Bolton BL2 1ES

Opening times: 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday with a late night clinic on Thursday’s until 7pm

To speak to someone anytime ring 01204 557 977 or email: info@boltondrinkanddrugs.org www.boltondrinkanddrugs.org 43

MENTAL HEALTH INDEPENDENT SUPPORT TEAM

We at MhIST have a team dedicated to finding the right help and support for you. Our office hours are Monday to Friday 9:30am until 4:30pm. We provide an advocacy services for people with mental health issues, both in hospital & in the community. We have an established and experienced team of advocates working in this field. Issues they will work with clients on can include support for appeals under the Mental Health Act, support at meetings & reviews, accessing information and signposting & supporting to access other appropriate services. Hanover House, Hanover St, Bolton BL1 4TG • Tel: 01204 527200 • www.mhist.co.uk

FORTALICE (DOMESTIC ABUSE)

Fortalice is a Bolton based charitable organisation to assist woman and children who are effected by domestic abuse. 43 Bradford Street, Bolton BL2 1HT

Support Centre Tel: 01204 365677 (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm) Tel: 01204 701846 (24 hour) Email: info@fortalice.co.uk • www.fortalice.org.uk

BOLTON & DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

At Bolton Citizens Advice Bureau, we aim to provide the advice people need for the problems they face and improve the policies and practices that affect people's lives.

We operate a Social Welfare Drop-In session Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday where you can come in to bureau and speak to an adviser about the issue you may have. We can help with:

• Benefits & Tax Credits • Community Care • Debt • Housing • Immigration • General Advice 26/28 Mawdsley Street, Bolton BL1 1LF Advice line: 0844 826 9707 • www.boltoncab.co.uk

SAMARITANS BOLTON

If something's troubling you, then get in touch. We're here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Bark St E, Bolton, Lancashire BL1 2BQ • Tel: 01204 521200 • www.samaritans.org

MOVE FORWARD BOLTON

The Move Forward Partners have come together to deliver variety and choice of accessible services, ensure responsiveness to service user demand and work with people based on their individual needs and aspirations, to support and promote recovery. Office 3, Bolton Market, Ashburner St, Bolton BL1 1TQ Tel: 01204 337523 • Email: BEST@bolton.gov.uk • www.moveforwardbolton.org.uk

URBAN OUTREACH

Urban Outreach (Bolton) is a registered Christian Charity that works with disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals in the town of Bolton, Greater Manchester. Environ House, Salop St, Bolton BL2 1DZ Tel: 01204 385848 • www.urbanoutreach.co.uk

BOLTON YOUNG PERSONS HOUSING SCHEME

Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme is a registered charity providing temporary supported accommodation to people aged 16-25 in Bolton. We support young people who are homeless with support needs by offering accommodation, emotional and practical help with the aim of enabling independent living. Trinity House, Breightmet Street, Bolton BL2 1BR Tel: 01204 520183 • www.byphs.org.uk 44

BoltonUnison

The trade union for people delivering public services Day in and day out huge numbers of disabled, old and vulnerable people are receiving rushed, substandard and undignified levels of homecare in the UK.

UNISON recently produced a report, "Time to care", in which homecare workers clearly articulated the many failings of the current system. It provides valuable insight from the workers themselves whose views are largely absent from wider debates on the issue.

It details:

• A poorly paid and rushed workforce personally propping up a deteriorating homecare system

• A workforce whose terms and conditions are denying them the ability to deliver the dignified care people deserve • A workforce whose attempts to deliver high quality care are frustrated by the system they operate in

The increasing use of zero-hour contracts means workers are unable to properly budget because they don't know how many hours they will be given from one week to the next. It also has a very damaging impact on their ability to do things that many people take for granted, like planning their social life or arranging for childcare.

It is clear things cannot continue as they are. Ultimately the government needs to finally provide equitable funding for social care. But in the meantime councils cannot shirk their responsibility for the provision of homecare services.

It is backed by the people who receive care, the companies who provide it and the workforce delivering it.

It has the support of groups including the National Pensioners Convention and the RNIB, whilst private homecare provider organisations like ECCA and UKHCA recognise the need for it. By committing to the charter, councils will only commission good homecare providers who otherwise can find themselves undercut by providers whose main focus is profit rather than the provision of good and effective care.

If we want our elderly and disabled people to get the dignified and humane levels of care they deserve then the workers who provide it must also be treated with dignity and respect.

What you can do:

• Contact your local councillor and MP to ask them to adopt UNISON's Ethical Care Charter • If you live in Bolton - sign and share the Bolton Unison petition https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ bolton-unison-call-for-ethical-care-charter

Ground Floor, Howell Croft House Howell Croft North, Bolton BL1 1QY

01204 338901

Whilst the vast majority of councils no longer directly provide homecare services, they can play a formative and ongoing role with the private providers who deliver most homecare services. Councils, as commissioners, can and must improve their performance. UNISON have produced an Ethical Care Charter which provides a list of standards that councils should adhere to when they commission services which will result in better levels of care for the people who receive it. Amongst the 12 standards there is a requirement for 15-minute visits to be done away with, for time to be given for the worker to actually talk to their client, for better scheduling of visits and for the same worker to be allocated to the same client where possible.

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