Sefton

Nursing Homes

Residential

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Memory Cafes

Help & Advice

NHS CARERS DIRECT

Care at Home

CARERS SUPPORT

GOOD CARE GUIDE Helping you get the best out of your health and social care services Health and Social Care Signposting Directory

Sefton

JANUARY 2018 ISSUE 2

Care and Support in your own home when you need it to enhance your health and wellbeing

A Specialist Nurse led flexible care and support service to help meet your needs.

JANE QUINN Registered General Nurse

Our expertise is in the following: If you need support to remain independent in your Elderly care Palliative care Dementia care High dependency care

own home please contact our care team for an informal chat on:

T. 01704 808300

Mental health conditions

Email: homecare@holistichealthservices.co.uk

Physical disabilities

or call in: 4 Rose Hill, Southport PR9 0SN

Sensory impairment Hospital discharge

www.holistichealthservices.co.uk

Carers breaks & respite

Providing people with care and support in Merseyside, Sefton and Lancashire areas

Holistic Health Services makes every effort to select high quality, trained and experienced staff that hold the right values to care for you and your loved ones.

Direct payments and personal Holistic H health CQC o ealth Services verall budgets rating welcomed.

Good

Contents NHS Carers Direct Helpline

1-2

Support for Carers

3-4

Useful Numbers for Support in your Area

5-6

GPs, GP Surgeries & Late Night Pharmacies - Sefton

7-8

Hospital Discharge - Know Your Rights

9 - 10

NHS Care - Know Your Rights

11- 12

Alzhiemer’s Society Sefton Memory Cafes

13 - 14

Dementia Awareness

15 - 16

Recognising Mental Health and Support

19 - 20

Taking a Break from Caring

21 - 22

How Domiciliary Care Services Can Help

23 - 24

How to Choose a Good Care Home

25 - 26

Residential & Nursing Homes in Sefton

27 - 28

Paying for Care - The Means Test Explained

29 - 30

Putting Your Affairs in Order

31 - 32

Funeral Plans & Funeral Insurance

33 - 34

Everyday First Aid Tips

35 - 36

Disclaimer 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.

All signposting services are up to date as of January 2018.

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

A big thank you to all the sponsors.

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

Carers Dir Services

Activities

Wellbeing

Personal Support

Carers Options

Budgets

Information

Education

Confidential support

help

Resources

Planning

Benefits

Advice

1

If someone relies on you because they are ill, disabled, have issues with their mental health, drugs or alcohol or are just slowing down with age, you should recognise yourself as a carer.

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.

The Carers Direct helpline is open seven days a week The helpline is open from 9.00am-8.00pm Monday to Friday, and from 11.00am - 4.00pm at weekends.

The helpline is closed on bank holidays.

rect Helpline Information given by the Carers Direct helpline If you are a carer, the helpline advisers can give you information to help make decisions about your personal support needs and the needs of the person you're looking after.

The advisers can put you in touch with specialist national or local sources of help, including social care, healthcare and self-help networks and resources.

The helpline staff will tell you how to complain if anything goes wrong with any of the services you use, or put you in touch with your local authority or NHS services.

What areas does Carers Direct not cover?

The Carers Direct helpline doesn't provide personal financial, medical or legal advice and doesn't provide casework, advocacy, representation or counselling.

A FREE confidential service for Carers.

Call: 0300 123 1053 Help and support for Carers is available

• Information and advice • assessments, benefits, direct payments, individual budgets advice • Practical help leaving or going back to work or education

Visit www.nhs.uk for more details

2

Support for carers There are 6.5 million carers in the UK which is one in 10 of the population.

The Care Act 2014 makes carer’s assessments more widely available to people in caring roles.

Local authorities now have a legal duty to assess any carer who requests one or who appears to need support.  There are around seven million carers in the UK – that is one in ten people. This is rising.  Three in five people will be carers at some point in their lives in the UK.  Out of the UK’s carers, 42% of carers are men and 58% are women.  The economic value of the contribution made by carers in the UK is £132bn a year.  By 2030, the number of carers will increase by 3.4 million (around 60%).  There are currently 800,000 people living in the UK with dementia.  There are 670,000 unpaid carers of people with dementia in the UK.  Two thirds of people with dementia live at home and most are supported by unpaid carers.  In a survey, carers providing more than 50 hours of care per week are twice as likely to report ill-health as those not providing care.  Carers providing high levels of care were associated with a 23% higher risk of stroke.  17% of carers who had taken a break of more than a few hours experienced mental ill-health compared to 36% of carers who did not have such a break since beginning their caring role.

If you provide care and support to an adult friend or family member, you may be eligible for support from your local council.

This support could include being offered money to pay for things that make caring easier. Or the local authority might offer practical support, such as arranging for someone to step in when you need a short break. It could also put you in touch with local support groups so you have people to talk to.

A carer’s assessment is a discussion between you and a trained person either from the council or an organisation working on behalf of the council.

The assessment will consider the impact the care and support you provide is having on your own wellbeing, as well as important aspects of the rest of your life, including the things you want to achieve day-to-day.

It must also consider other important issues, such as whether you are able or willing to carry on caring, whether you work or want to work, and whether you want to study or do more socially.

A carer’s assessment looks at the different ways caring affects your life, and works out how you can carry on doing the things that are important to you and your family. It covers your caring role, your feelings about caring, your physical, mental and emotional health, and how caring affects your work, leisure, education, wider family and relationships.

Your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing should be at the heart of this assessment. This means that you can tell the council how caring for someone is affecting your life and what you want to be able to do in your day-to-day life.

A carer’s assessment should also look at your own interests and commitments to see if and how they are disrupted by your role as a carer.

One of the most important parts of your carer’s assessment will be a discussion about your wishes concerning going to work, training or leisure activities.

Your decision to be a carer When your carer’s assessment is done, no assumptions should be made about your willingness to be a carer.

 In a survey, 8% of carers were receiving Disability Living Allowance as a result of their own disability or ill-health.

This can be a very sensitive area, because many of us feel that we have a duty to those we care for. We sometimes rule out other options because we feel we have no choice.

 35% of carers had missed out on state benefits because they didn’t realise they could claim them.

You have the right to choose: • whether to be a carer at all • how much care you are willing to provide • the type of care you are willing to provide

 Out of carers surveyed, 9% had missed out on Carer’s Allowance for 3–5 years, 10% for 5–10 years and 14% for over ten years, because they did not realise they were entitled to it.

3

When assessing your needs, social services must consider whether your role as a carer is sustainable.

The assessment is about your needs and therefore you should: • have a reasonably detailed discussion about all the matters relevant to you • have the assessment in private if you want to, at a convenient time and place for you • get relevant information, including about welfare benefits you could claim and details of other services • have a chance to identify the outcomes that you want; any services should be appropriate for you and meet your needs • be given flexibility and innovation in identifying services that may meet your needs • have an opportunity to give feedback about the assessment

Ask for an assessment ...

Sefton Carers Centre is the main provider of Carers Assessments providing information on your entitlements and community services available to you and person/s you care for.

For more information on how to get your Carer’s assessment ...

For more information and free registration please contact the Support Team on 0151 288 6060 Monday to Friday, 9am - 4.30pm 27-37 South Road, Waterloo, Liverpool L22 5PE www.sefton-carers.org.uk

Local carers’ support services Carers’ Centres and Carers’ Resources are organisations whose purpose is to give practical and emotional support to carers.

Sefton Carers Centre 27-37 South Road, Waterloo L22 5PE Tel: 0151 288 6060 Email: help@carers.sefton.gov.uk www.sefton-carers.org.uk Sefton Pensioners Advocacy Centre The Shakespeare Centre, 4th Floor, 43-51 Shakespeare Street, Southport PR8 5AB Tel: 01704 538 411 www.spacadvocacy.org.uk Carers UK Helpline: 0808 808 7777 Monday to Friday - 10.00am to 4.00pm Email: info@carersuk.org www.carersuk.org

The Care Act Care & Support for Adults in England

Know your rights ...

Well-being ...

Local councils must have services to meet different people’s needs. They must always think about your wellbeing.

Prevention ...

Stopping problems before they start. Local councils must think about services that stop problems before they start, or stop them from getting worse as early as possible.

Information and advice ...

Local councils must have good information to help people choose the right care and support.

Councils must give information and advice to everyone who wants it, not just people who have their care and support paid for by the council.

Having all the services people need ...

Local councils must make sure there are lots of different care and support services in their area.

Independent advocacy ...

Councils must involve you in assessments and in planning and checking your care and support. If you find it very difficult to be involved and there is no-one else to speak for you, they must find you an independent advocate.

Care when you leave hospital ...

If you need care from the council to stay safe when you leave hospital this needs to be ready on time.

Work and having a job ...

Councils must think about education, training and work when they look at the care and support you need.

Moving from children’s services to adults services ...

Before someone is 18, councils need to help them and their carers plan for the future and the support they might need as an adult.

4

Useful numbers for support in your area Access local services and information. Sefton Council provides social care to children, adults and older people.

Tel: 0151 934 3737 www.sefton.gov.uk

Sefton Carers Centre

Have your say on health and social care in Sefton.

Freephone: 0800 206 1304 • Tel: 0151 920 0726 www.healthwatchsefton.co.uk

We provide free advice, for unpaid carers living in Sefton.

Tel: 0151 288 6060 www.sefton-carers.org.uk

We offer a free, independent and confidential advocacy service to people aged 60 and over.

Tel: 01704 538411 www.spacadvocacy.org.uk

Need advice on things like benefits, debt, and housing but not sure where to get it? We want Sefton Advice Services to become your one-stop shop on where to find the right advice, at the right time, that's right for you. www.seftonadviceservices.org.uk

Free, confidential, impartial advice.

Tel: 0344 493 0012 www.seftoncab.org.uk

Sefton advocacy a voice for people in need

5

Sefton

Southport & Formby

Independent charity offering adults in Sefton a free advocacy service to support them with their concerns.

Tel: 01704 500500 www.seftonadvocacy.org

There are loads of opportunities every month to come and meet us at venues throughout the Sefton area.

Tel: 01704 512617 www.mssociety.org.uk/near-me/branches/

Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton is a charity dedicated to protecting and promoting the wellbeing of people aged 50+.

Tel: 01704 542993 www.ageconcernliverpoolandsefton.org.uk

British Red Cross Medical Loan Service We provide short-term loans of wheelchairs and toilet aids.

Bradbury House, Tower Street, Brunswick Business Park, Liverpool L3 4BJ Tel: 0151 702 5060 www.redcross.org.uk

Responsible for the planning and commissioning of health care services.

Tel: 0151 247 7000 www.southseftonccg.nhs.uk

Responsible for the planning and commissioning of health care services.

Tel: 01704 387028 www.southportandformbyccg.nhs.uk

The Alzheimer's Society Sefton offers advice, information and support people with dementia and those who care for them.

Tel: 01704 539967 www.alzheimers.org.uk

Information, advice and support to ex-service men and women and for those leaving the services.

Tel: 0151 261 9878 www.liverpoolveterans.co.uk

Providing financial, social and emotional support to members and veterans of the British Armed Forces, their families and dependants.

Tel: 0151 924 0721 www.counties.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/merseyside

The Silver Line is the only national confidential and free helpline for older people open every day and night of the year.

Tel: 0800 4 70 80 90 www.thesilverline.org.uk

Queenscourt Hospice is a local charity that provides support for the people of Southport, Formby and West Lancs.

Tel: 01704 544645 www.queenscourt.org.uk

Providing long-term, specialised end of life care for patients with a wide range of life-limiting conditions.

Tel: 0151 924 3812 www.jospice.org

Information, advice and support about abuse, neglect or financial exploitation.

Helpline: 080 8808 8141 www.elderabuse.org.uk

Relatives & Residents Association We support, inform and speak on behalf of older people in care.

Helpline: 020 7359 8136 www.relres.org

The Cinnamon Trust Contact Elderly Accommodation Counsel for information, advice and guidance on any aspect of care, support or housing for older people.

Freephone: 0800 377 70 70 www.eac.org.uk

The Cinnamon Trust - The National Charity for the elderly, the terminally ill and their pets Tel: 01736 757 900 www.cinnamon.org.uk

The Older People's Advocacy Alliance is the only UK based national organisation supporting independent advocacy services for older people.

Tel: 07952 100034 www.opaal.org.uk

We offer practical and emotional support to those that need us.

Tel: 0151 702 5700 • RNIB Helpline: 0303 123 9999 www.rnib.org.uk 6

Primary Care, GPs, GP Surgeries and Late Night Pharmacies in Sefton Accident & Emergency If you experience severe breathing difficulties, loss of blood, suspected broken bones or any other serious trauma, you are advised to go to an A&E department.

If you require emergency treatment call 999 or visit the emergency department immediately at: Southport and Formby District General Hospital Town Lane, Southport PR8 6PN T. 01704 547471 Aintree University Hospital Lower Lane, Liverpool L9 7AL T. 0151 525 5980 The Royal Liverpool University Hospital Prescot Street, Liverpool L7 8XP T. 0151 706 2000 Children’s Accident and Emergency Ormskirk District General Hospital Wigan Road, Ormskirk L39 2AZ T. 01695 577111

Urgent care services If your GP practice is closed and you have a minor injury or require urgent care, you can contact NHS 111 or visit an urgent care centre or walk-in centre.

Walk-in centres, urgent care centres and minor injuries units offer access to a range of treatment for minor illnesses and injuries including, lacerations, stomach upsets, burns and strains. You will be seen by an experienced nurse, without an appointment. X-ray is available at some locations.

Mon-Fri 5pm-9pm Weekends & bank holidays 9am-7pm.

Litherland Walk In Centre Open 365 days of the year, 8.00am-8.00pm Litherland Town Hall HC, Off Hatton Hill Road/Field Lane Liverpool L21 9JN T. 0151 475 4667 Knowsley NHS Walk-In Centre St Chads Clinic, St. Chads Drive, Liverpool L32 8RE T. 0151 244 3180

Emergency Dentist For emergency dental treatment when your dentist is closed.

T. 0161 476 9651

7

GPs & Surgeries Ainsdale Medical Centre 66 Station Road, Ainsdale, Southport PR8 3HW T. 01704 575133 Ainsdale Village Surgery 2 Leamington Road, Ainsdale, Southport PR8 3LB T. 01704 577866 Aintree Road Medical Centre 1B Aintree Road, Bootle L20 9DL T. 0151 9221768 Blundellsands Surgery 1 Warren Road, Blundellsands L23 6TZ T. 0151 9246464 Bootle Village Surgery 204 Stanley Road, Bootle L20 3EW T. 0151 9337447 Bridge Road Medical Centre 66-88 Bridge Road, Litherland L21 6PH T. 0151 9490249 Chapel Lane Surgery 13 Chapel Lane, Formby L37 4DL T. 01704 876363 Christiana Hartley Medical 5 Curzon Road, Southport PR8 6PL 01704 534137 Churchtown Medical Centre 137 Cambridge Road, Churchtown, Southport PR9 7LT T. 01704 224416 Concept House Surgery 17 Merton Road, Bootle L20 3BG T. 0151 4767962

GPs & Surgeries Crosby Village Surgery 3 Little Crosby Road, Crosby L23 2TE T. 0151 9242233 Crossways Practice 168 Liverpool Road, Crosby L23 0QW T. 0151 2930800 Cumberland House Surgery 58 Scarisbrick New Road, Southport PR8 6PG T. 01704 501500 Dr C A McElroy & Partners 15 Sefton Road, Litherland L21 9HA T. 0151 9284820 Dr F Vitty & Partners 42 Kingsway, Waterloo L22 4RQ T. 0151 9208800 Drs Misra, Bird & Kassha 133 Liverpool Road, Crosby L23 5TE T. 0151 9313197 Eastview Surgery 81 Crosby Road North, Waterloo L22 4QD T. 0151 9288849 Ford Medical Practice 91-93 Gorsey Lane, Litherland L21 0DF T. 0151 9492000 Freshfield Surgery 61 Gores Lane, Formby L37 3NU T. 01704 879430 Glovers Lane Surgery Glovers Lane, Netherton L30 5TA T. 0151 5242444

GPs & Surgeries

GPs & Surgeries

GPs & Surgeries

High Pastures Surgery 138 Liverpool Road North, Maghull L31 2HW T. 0151 5262161

North Park Health Centre 290 Knowsley Road, Bootle L20 5DQ T. 0151 9223841

The Grange Surgery 41 York Road, Birkdale Southport PR8 2AD T. 01704 565837

Hightown Village Surgery 1 St Georges Road, Hightown L38 3RY T. 0151 9293603

Norwood Surgery 11 Norwood Avenue, Southport PR9 7EG T. 01704 226973

Kew Surgery 85 Town Lane, Kew Southport PR8 6RG T. 01704 546800

Orrell Park Medical Centre Trinity Church, 47 Orrell Lane, Orrell Park L9 8BU T. 0151 5253051

The Hollies Elbow Lane, Formby L37 4AD T. 01704 877600 The Marshside Surgery 117 Fylde Road, Marshside, Southport PR9 9XL T. 01704 505555

Kingsway Surgery 30 Kingsway, Waterloo L22 4RQ T. 0151 9288668

Park Street Surgery Park Street, Bootle L20 3DF T. 0151 9441090

Lincoln House Surgery 33 Lincoln Road, Birkdale.

Southport PR8 4PR T. 01704 566277

Rawson Road Practice 136-138 Rawson Road, Seaforth L21 1HP T. 0151 9287576

Litherland Practice Litherland Town Hall HC, Hatton Hill Road, Litherland L21 9JN T. 0151 4754840

Roe Lane Surgery 172 Roe Lane, Southport PR9 7PN T. 01704 228439

Maghull Health Centre Westway, Maghull L31 0DJ T. 0151 5202487

Seaforth Village Surgery 20 Seaforth Road, Seaforth L21 3TA T. 0151 9491717

Maghull Practice Parkhaven Trust, Liverpool Road South, Maghull L31 8BP T. 0151 2830400

St Marks Medical Centre 42 Derby Road, Southport PR9 0TZ T. 01704 511700

Moore Street Medical Centre 77 Moore Street, Bootle L20 4SE T. 0151 9441066

The Corner Surgery 117 Fylde Road, Marshside, Southport PR9 9XL T. 01704 506055

Netherton Practice Netherton Health Centre, Magdalen Square, Netherton L30 5SP T. 0151 2476098

The Family Surgery 107 Liverpool Road, Birkdale, Southport PR8 4DB T. 01704 566646

The Strand Medical Centre 272 Marsh Lane, Bootle L20 5BW T. 0151 9221600 The Village Surgery Elbow Lane, Formby L37 4AW T. 01704 878661 Thornton Practice Bretlands Road, Thornton L23 1TQ T. 0151 2476365 Trinity Practice Southport Health Centre, 44-46 Hoghton Street, Southport PR9 0PQ T. 01704 512622 Westway Medical Centre Westway, Maghull L31 0DJ T. 0151 5261121

Late Night Pharmacy Asda Pharmacy Mon 8am-11pm Tues-Fri 7am-11pm Sat 7am-10pm Sun 10am-4pm 81 Strand Road, Bootle L20 4BB T. 0151 9554120 Asda Pharmacy Mon-Sat 9am-9pm Sun 11am-5pm Central 12 Shopping Park, Derby Road, Southport PR9 0TY T. 01704 502260 Boots Mon-Fri 9am-8pm Sat 9am-7pm Sun 11am-5pm 12 Central Shopping Park Derby Road, Southport PR9 0TQ T. 01704 536937 Bridge Road Chemist Mon-Fri 7am-11.15pm Sat 8am-8pm Sun 8.15am-3pm 54-56 Bridge Road, Litherland L21 6PH T. 0151 9206361 Cambridge Road Pharmacy Mon-Sat 8am-11pm Sun 9am-7pm 137 Cambridge Road, Churchtown, Southport PR9 7LT T. 01704 227065 LloydsPharmacy Inside Sainsbury’s Mon-Sat 8am-9pm Sun 10am-4pm St Georges Place, Lord Street, Southport PR9 0AF T. 01704 531046 Tesco Instore Pharmacy Mon-Fri 8am-10pm Sat 8am-8pm Sun 10am-4pm Town Lane, Southport PR8 5JH T. 0345 6779628

8

Hospital discharge - Know your rights ...

If you go into hospital, you may be worried about whether you’ll cope when you leave.

You shouldn’t be discharged from hospital until:  You are medically fit (this can only be decided by the consultant or someone the consultant has said can make the decision on their behalf ).

A care plan will be drawn up, detailing the health and social care support for you, and you should be fully involved.

 You have had an assessment to look at the support you need to be discharged safely.

The care plan should include details of:  the treatment and support you will get when you’re discharged

 You have been given a written care plan that sets out the support you’ll get to meet your assessed needs.

 who will be responsible for providing support, and how to contact them

 The support described in your care plan has been put in place and it’s safe for you to be discharged.

 when, and how often, support will be provided

A hospital’s discharge policy should state how patients and carers are involved in discharge planning.

If you have limited capacity to make your own decision, the Mental Capacity Act will apply.

It is worth thinking about appointing a deputy or enacting a welfare power of attorney before you go into hospital.

If you’re due to go into hospital in a planned way, such as for an operation, planning for what happens afterwards should happen before you ever arrive at the hospital.

For unplanned admissions, such as if you’ve had a fall and hurt yourself, discharge planning should begin on the day you’re admitted to hospital.

If you are likely to have ongoing health and social care needs when you leave hospital, the assessment may be carried out by a multi-disciplinary team of health or social care professionals.

Depending on your needs, the multi-disciplinary team could include a social worker, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, mental health nurse or dietitian.

You should be fully involved in the assessment process, and your views should be listened to. With your permission, any family carers will also be kept informed and given the opportunity to contribute

We’re here for you and your family with information and support every step of the way.

Tel: 0800 090 2309

www.mariecurie.org.uk 9

 how the support will be monitored and reviewed  the name of the person who is co-ordinating the care plan  who to contact if there’s an emergency or if things don’t work as they should  information about any charges that will need to be paid (if applicable)

What might be in a care plan?  The types of support in someone’s care plan will depend on their assessed needs and preferences. A care plan could include:  Community care services from the local authority, such as reablement services. An assessment for these must be arranged if it seems that you may need them.  NHS continuing healthcare.  NHS funded nursing care.  Intermediate care This is short-term care that’s provided free of charge for people who no longer need to be in hospital but may need extra support to help them recover. It lasts for a maximum of six weeks and can be provided in someone’s home or in a residential setting.  Other NHS services, such as rehabilitation or palliative care.

For confidential cancer information and support call us free

Tel: 0808 808 00 00 Monday–Friday 9.00am–8.00pm

www.macmillan.org.uk

 Equipment such as wheelchairs, specialist beds, or aids and adaptations for daily living.

Residential care, nursing homes and hospital

 Support from voluntary agencies Some organisations such as Age UK and the Red Cross provide “home from hospital” services that can help with household tasks or shopping while you settle back home.

In some circumstances, people may have to move to a home directly from hospital. On discharge from hospital, you have the right to choose the residential care or nursing home that best meets your needs. You cannot be moved directly into a home against your will.

When you are discharged from hospital

The home you move into must meet your assessed needs. If your needs are complex or you need specific care related to your disability, illness or age, this might take some time. Pressure should not be put on you to make your decision quickly.

On the day of discharge, the person co-ordinating the discharge should make sure that you (and a carer if you have one) have a copy of the care plan.  transport is arranged to get you home  any carers will be available if needed  your GP is notified in writing  you have any medication or other supplies you’ll need  you’ve been trained how to use any equipment, aids or adaptations needed  you have appropriate clothes to wear  you have money and keys for your home  If you are being discharged to a care home, the care home should also be told the date and time of your discharge, and have a copy of the care plan.

Carers’ involvement in hospital discharge If someone you know is in hospital and about to be discharged, you should not be put under pressure to accept a caring role or take on more than you’re already doing if you are already their carer.

Consent to treatment Doctors must seek and obtain your consent to carry out a test or treatment before it takes place.

So you can make an informed decision, they should clearly explain any proposed examination, treatment or investigation, including the risks and benefits.

The right to refuse treatment You have the right to refuse treatment, even if others consider your decision unwise, as long as you understand the consequences of your decision

Welfare benefits while in hospital Your State Pension doesn’t change, no matter how long you are in hospital.

If you receive Attendance Allowance (AA), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you should notify the Department for Work and Pensions as these benefits will be suspended after you have spent 28 days in hospital.

You should be given adequate time to consider whether or not this is what you want or are able to do. If necessary, you should ask for other arrangements to be made while you are reaching a decision

PALS

Patient Advice and Liasion Service

Parkinson's is a support and research charity, working to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's.

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

Offers confidential advice, support and information on health-related matters.

PALS, CMCSU, 3rd floor, Bevan House, 65 Stephenson Way, Liverpool, L13 1HN

Tel: 0808 218 2333 10

NHS care - Know your rights ...

NHS continuing healthcare funding

Challenging an NHS assessment

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

Following an NHS assessment for continuing healthcare or NHS-funded nursing care if you or your relative are dissatisfied with the result you can ask the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) - who decide who is eligible for NHS continuing healthcare - to reconsider its decision.

There are certain circumstances under which an assessment for NHS Continuing Healthcare should be automatically triggered.

These include: • When the individual is ready for discharge from hospital prior to a local authority funding assessment • When going into a care home with nursing before receiving an NHS funded nursing care assessment • When an individual’s physical or mental health appears to decline significantly

What costs are covered?

NHS continuing healthcare or continuing care covers personal care and healthcare costs, such as paying for specialist therapy or help with bathing or dressing.  It may also include accommodation if your care is provided in a care home, or support for carers if you’re being looked after at home.  If you need nursing care as an adult, you might get NHS funded nursing care. You might get this even if you don’t qualify for NHS continuing healthcare or NHS continuing care.

Information and advice service NHS England recognises that information and support are vital to all individuals involved in the CHC process and so has funded an independent information and advice service through a social enterprise called Beacon.

This service is supported by a consortium of leading voluntary sector organisations including Age UK, Parkinson’s UK and the Spinal Injuries Association.

Information and advice is accessible in the form of free and comprehensive written guidance, and individuals are also able to access up to 90 minutes of free advice with a trained NHS continuing healthcare adviser 0345 548 0300. www.beaconchc.co.uk

11

You will need to write to the CCG within six month of receiving the assessment.

South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group 3rd Floor, Merton House, Stanley Road, Bootle L20 3D T. 0151 247 7000 www.southseftonccg.nhs.uk Southport & Formby Clinical Commissioning Group 5 Curzon Road, Southport PR8 6PL T. 01704 387028 www.southportandformbyccg.nhs.uk Reasons for being unhappy with a decision might be because:  the NHS decides not to proceed with a full assessment of your relative’s eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare or NHS-funded nursing care  after a full assessment, the NHS says that your relative doesn’t qualify for care, but you think that they should  you have concerns about the process used to reach the decision If you can’t resolve the issue with the Clinical Commissioning Group, you need to escalate your challenge by requesting a referral to an Independent Review Panel (IRP), arranged by NHS England.

If you are still dissatisfied with the decision of the IRP, then you should be given information on how to refer your relative’s case to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, who make final decisions on complaints about the NHS in England, including where there is a dispute about what happened.

They will do this fairly and without taking sides.

The service is free.

Helpline: 0345 015 4033 8.30am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday www.ombudsman.org.uk

End of life care End of life care should help you to live as well as possible until you die, and to die with dignity.

The people providing your care should ask you about your wishes and preferences, and take these into account as they work with you to plan your care. They should also support your family, carers or other people who are important to you.

You have the right to express your wishes about where you would like to receive care and where you want to die.

People are considered to be approaching the end of life when they are likely to die within the next 12 months, although this isn’t always possible to predict. This includes people whose death is imminent, as well as people who:

 have existing conditions if they are at risk of dying from a sudden crisis in their condition  have a life-threatening acute condition caused by a sudden catastrophic event, such as an accident or stroke

Where you can be cared for If you are approaching the end of life, you may be offered care in a variety of settings. The palliative care team will organise for you to be cared for according to your wishes.

You can receive end of life care:  at home  in a care home  in a hospital  in a hospice

 have an advanced incurable illness such as cancer, dementia or motor neurone disease  are generally frail and have co-existing conditions that mean they are expected to die within 12 months

Promedica24 UK Ltd

CQC overall rating

Good 12

Alzheimer’s Society Sefton Local Services

Alzheimer’s Society Sefton provides a free service for people living with dementia, their carers and families.

These include: Information service including email news updates, factsheets and leaflets

Dementia Support Workers providing personalised one to one support, information and sign posting for people with dementia their carers and families

Telephone support

A range of specialised dementia support groups throughout Sefton including Memory Cafes, Reading, Singing for the Brain™ and Active and Involved

One to one befriending service for people with dementia Support for carers including a carers information course Talks and awareness raising events Volunteering opportunities For more information on any of the above please contact the office and we will be happy to help

T. 01704 539 967 Join us alzheimers.org.uk

13

Memory Cafes Sefton 2018 Memory cafes are informal drop in groups where people living with dementia and their carers can get together to share and talk about things that are important to them. Alzheimer’s Society staff will be on hand to give information and support and we often have guest speakers covering a range of topics.

There is no need to book, just come along on the day and you will be made very welcome.

Lydiate

Southport

Lydiate Village Centre, Lambshear Lane L31 2LA

The Salvation Army, 57-63 Shakespeare Street PR8 5AJ

1.30pm - 3.30pm last Thursday of each month

1.30pm - 3.30pm third Thursday of each month

25 Jan 22 Feb 29 Mar

26 Apr 31 May 28 Jun

26 Jul 30 Aug 27 Sept

25 Oct 29 Nov

18 Jan 15 Feb 12 Mar

19 Apr 17 May 21 Jun

19 Jul 16 Aug 20 Sept

18 Oct 15 Nov 20 Dec

Nearest train station: Maghull (1.5 miles) Suggested bus service: 231 There are good parking facilities.

Nearest train station: Southport (25 min walk) Suggested bus service: 43 There are good parking facilities.

Formby

Crosby

Formby Methodist Church, Elbow Lane L37 4AF

Crossroads Cafe 17B Liverpool Road, Crosby L23 5SE

2.00pm - 4.00pm second Thursday of each month

10.00am - 12.00pm first Wednesday of each month

11 Jan 8 Feb 8 Mar

12 Apr 10 May 14 Jun

12 Jul 9 Aug 13 Sept

11 Oct 8 Nov 13 Dec

Nearest train station: Formby Suggested bus service: Circular There are good parking facilities.

3 Jan 7 Feb 7 Mar

4 Apr 2 May 6 Jun

4 Jul 1 Aug 5 Sept

3 Oct 7 Nov 5 Dec

Nearest train station: Formby Suggested bus service: X2, 53, 3A, 122, 62, 54, 471, 48 There are good parking facilities.

Alzheimer’s Society Sefton Suite 5, Gordon House, 3 - 5 Leicester Street, Southport PR9 0ER T. 01704 539 967 E. seftonoffice@alzheimers.org.uk alzheimers.org.uk 14

Dementia awareness

People with dementia can feel vulnerable as their condition progresses and they increasingly rely on other people to do things for them. It is important that people who have dementia feel reassured and supported, while retaining some level of independence.

People with dementia live in your area, probably on your street, possibly amongst your friends and close neighbours. People with dementia may visit your shop, business or workplace.

Common signs of dementia are confusion, forgetfulness, struggling to find words and repetitiveness. This can make everyday situations stressful.

A person with dementia may need extra assistance to help them use your services or help them with everyday things.

Speak clearly • Speak clearly, calmly and slowly to allow the person time to understand information.

• Use simple, short sentences and avoid direct questions.

• Keep choices to a minimum and don’t raise your voice.

• Where possible, talk in a non-distracting place or find a quiet corner.

Think about your body language •

•

People with dementia may find it difficult to understand what is being said, but can be quick to interpret the message on people’s faces and may still be aware of body language.

Make sure you are at the person’s level, use a friendly tone and respect personal space.

Show respect and patience • Adapt what you are saying if the person with dementia does not understand.

• Don’t rush, and try to go at their pace.

Listen •

•

Listen carefully to what the person has to say, giving plenty of encouragement, whilst looking out for other clues of what they might be trying to communicate.

Allow them time to find the words to tell you what they want.

Noise • A person with dementia may have difficulty listening if there are a lot of different noises around them.

Lighting • Make sure the lighting is sufficient so the person with dementia can see you and everything around them clearly.

• Turn up the lights or move to a well-lit area.

15

Finding the way • People with dementia may have forgotten where things are or they may not recognise everyday objects.

• Sometimes people with dementia may forget where they are going or become disorientated.

• They may not be able to follow simple directions and may need you to go with them to where they want to go.

Feeling lost • Sometimes people with dementia may feel lost in familiar places or forget where they live.

Maintaining good health and nutrition • It’s important that the person you care for has a healthy, balanced diet and gets some exercise.

• The longer they stay fit and healthy, the better their quality of life will be.

Recognising and finding things •

•

•

People with dementia may have forgotten what they came into the premises or room for.

They may have a list but have problems finding the things they want.

Help them choose the right amount of things, particularly if they seem to be buying an unusually large amount of something.

Making choices •

•

•

While choice is good, for someone with dementia too much choice can be confusing.

Ask what the person would like, e.g. a coffee, and then suggest two or three likely options.

You could describe these options and remember to give a pause between each option to allow them time to think and make a decision.

Whose reality •

•

Past memories can often be stronger than present reality.

The person may be confused and say something that does not makes sense to you.

Being predictable •

•

The person with dementia may be confused if things have been rearranged, or by new people they meet.

Try to keep things the same or offer additional assistance if things have changed.

Every day can be different • For some people with dementia what they can do changes from day to day, so how you help them may need to be different every time.

• Look out for signs and offer to help when needed, bearing in mind the privacy of the person.

Dealing with incontinence in someone with dementia A person with dementia may simply forget to go to the toilet, or may forget where the toilet is. They may also have lost the ability to tell when they need the toilet.

How you can help It’s important to be understanding, retain a sense of humour and remember that it’s not their fault. You may also want to try the following: • Put a sign on the toilet door, such as a photo of the toilet.

• Keep the toilet door open and make sure that the person you care for can access it easily.

• Make sure they can remove their clothes – some people with dementia can struggle with buttons and zips.

• Look out for signs that they may need to go to the toilet, such as fidgeting and standing up and down.

• Get adaptations to the toilet if necessary

Helping someone with dementia with their personal hygiene People with dementia can become anxious about certain aspects of personal hygiene and may need help with washing. For example, they may be scared of falling when getting out of the bath, or they may become disorientated in the shower. The person you care for may not want to be left alone or they may resist washing, because they find the lack of privacy undignified and embarrassing

Helping someone with dementia sleep well People with dementia often experience disturbed sleep.

They may wake up during the night or be restless. These problems may get worse as the illness progresses Some medication can cause sleepiness during the day and interfere with sleep at night. Sleeping pills can be used with care in people with dementia. However, “sleep hygiene” measures are best for people with dementia – for example, no naps during the day, regular bedtimes, and avoiding alcohol or caffeine at night.

Providing Joined Up Services for People Living with Dementia

Care Home | Nursing Home Respite | Short Stay | Day Care

www.birchabbey.co.uk

Birch Abbey

CQC over a

ll rating

Good 55 Alexandra Road | Southport | PR9 9HD T. 01704 410010 birchabbey@ipersonally.co.uk

16

in care homes

Awarded Quality Hallmark for Excellence in Care

CEDAR GRANGE Dementia | Residential | Day Care | Respite

From your home to ours Cedar Grange is an elegant home in the true sense of the word; warm, comfortable, stimulating and welcoming. We pride ourselves on the quality of the care, surroundings we provide and on our attention to detail it's the little things that matter.

Visit us for lunch, tea or possible a respite stay and let us show you what real care is.

We provide high quality care, promoting individual choice, privacy and comfort in an elegant, stimulating, homely environment. Highly trained clinical & dementia care sta attending to every care need 24 hours a day.

Choice & Independence Contact us on: 01704 536286

Cedar Grange Care Centre

CQC overall rating

Good

1 - 7 Pilkington Road, Southport, PR8 6PD cedargrange@cedarscaregroup.co.uk | www.cedarscaregroup.co.uk 17

in care homes

Awarded Quality Hallmark for Excellence in Care

WOODLANDS MANOR Dementia | Residential | Day Care | Respite

From your home to ours Woodlands Manor oers an exciting and progressive specialist dementia environment.

With themed communal areas, a 1950s reminiscence lounge, beautiful peaceful gardens, daily activities, local trips and planned seasonal events.

Dedicated sta are always on hand to assist 24hrs a day with tailored support and care to meet the needs of the individual and we welcome you to join us for lunch, tea or a respite stay.

Let us show you the true meaning of what choice, independence and caring really means.

Woodlands Manor Care Home

CQC overall rating

Good

Choice & Independence Contact us on: 01704 544848

21 - 23 Chambres Road, Southport, PR8 6JG woodlands@cedarscaregroup.co.uk | www.cedarscaregroup.co.uk 18

Recognising mental health and support 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.

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 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.

•

According to the Alzheimer’s Society there are around 850,000 people in the UK with dementia. One in 14 people over 65 will develop dementia, and the condition affects 1 in 6 people over 80.

Coping with stress Stress, anxiety and depression can affect anyone, but the pressure and expectations of caring can make carers particularly vulnerable. In turn this can make caring more difficult to cope with.

Stress can affect your sleep and you can become more exhausted, tense, irritable and low. You can also feel as though you are losing control of your life and you have little way of regaining this control.

One of the first steps in dealing with stress is to acknowledge that it is happening and to think about the reasons. Starting to deal with the causes, even by taking very small steps, helps you feel more in control. The earlier you do this the better. Just talking about how you feel with someone can help you find a way to deal with it.

Joining a carers group could offer you the opportunity to share your experiences with other carers. Or you may prefer to use carers online forums such as those offered

by Carers Trust and Carers UK.

A mental health charity providing information and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health issue.

Mind Infoline:

0300 123 3393 or text 86463

www.mind.org.uk

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Dealing with depression Depression is when your feel persistently low or sad and can’t find any pleasure in life for weeks and months rather than just a few days. Many of us feel like this sometimes, but depression is when these feelings last longer than a few days.

Depression is an illness, with real and sometimes frightening symptoms. It’s not a sign of weakness or something you can ‘snap out of’ or deal with by ‘pulling yourself together’. If you think you may be suffering from depression you should see your GP as soon as possible.

Many people wait a long time before seeking help for depression from their GP. The treatment and support options for depression are very effective and the sooner you get help the sooner you can be on the way to recovery.

Keeping in touch and meeting people Carers can sometimes feel lonely or socially isolated as a result of their caring responsibilities, which in turn impacts on their health. You may have found that caring has affected the relationship you have with the person you care for, as well as relationships you have with others.

Whilst caring responsibilities can make it difficult, it is important that you try to keep up your social connections as these are good for maintaining your own wellbeing. This may include keeping in touch with family and friends – even if it’s just a quick phone call, joining online carer networks or visiting your local carers’ service.

It may also include taking a little time out to engage in any hobbies you have and doing the things that make you happy.

If you find that you don’t have any time to do the things you enjoy, then it is important to find ways to take a break from your caring role.

This service is aimed at people who have had a stroke and their family and friends.

Tel: 0303 3033 100 www.stroke.org.uk

Acknowledging resentment and guilt Like many carers, you may find yourself caught up in a cycle of resentment and guilt. You may no longer feel like your life is your own and may feel guilty for feeling that way. At the same time, you may feel that you should be doing more for the person you care for, or feel as though you aren’t doing a good job.

It’s important that you allow yourself to feel these perfectly normal feelings and not get overwhelmed by guilt. It is also important to try to find time to take care of your health and wellbeing, rest and re-energise, which may help you cope with some of these feelings.

Health and wellbeing There are things that can help to save time and improve your health and wellbeing: • you can do some things online such as access your GP records or make a GP or hospital appointment • check with the local pharmacy for services that might help: home deliveries, medication reviews and advice on medication can make life easier •

does the person you are caring for consent to having health information shared with you? Make sure this is clearly recorded in their GP and hospital records so that doctors can involve you in decisions about their care

•

don’t be afraid to ask questions. The GP, consultant or specialist nurse will be able to give you information about the illness or disability the person you care for has. The more information you have the more confident you will feel in your caring role. If there are aspects of the condition you find difficult to manage or cope with, such as incontinence, difficulties with eating or challenging behaviour, make sure you ask for help as soon as you need it

• you can ask your GP or local carer group for information about getting help with transport to and from the GP practice or hospital

When you are taking care of someone, it can be easy to forget to take care of yourself too.

There are things you can do to reduce the impact that caring can have on your physical and mental wellbeing.

Keeping active It’s never too late to get active. Any physical activity for ten or more minutes that is of at least moderate intensity (i.e. raises your breathing rate) is beneficial to health. Think about activities you could coordinate with your caring role, or do with the person you care for to help keep you both active. For example: walking, cycling and swimming. The ideal is at least 150 minutes (2 ½ hours) of physical activity each week, muscle strengthening and balance activities (such as yoga) twice a week, and breaking up time spent sitting.

Eating well and maintaining a healthy weight Choose a variety of foods high in fibre, vitamins and minerals, like fruit, vegetables and wholegrains. Try to have fewer foods and drinks that are high in fat, salt and sugars. It’s also important to keep hydrated – you should aim to drink 6-8 glasses of fluid a day.

Keeping alcohol consumption low Regularly drinking more than the recommended guidelines can damage your health. Men and women should not regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week. This is equivalent to 6 pints of 4% beer, or 6 medium (175ml) glasses of 13% wine, spread over several days. One good way to cut down the amount you drink is to have several alcohol-free days each week.

Stopping smoking Even after many years, it’s still worth stopping smoking.

Whatever your age, you can expect to see a range of benefits when you stop smoking. If you do smoke, it’s important to protect the person you care for and those around you from second-hand smoke by never smoking indoors or in the car. To quit, visit www.nhs.uk/smokefree, or call the smokefree helpline on 0300 123 1044.

A UK wide charity that helps people in financial hardship to gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and support services.

Revitalise is a national charity providing short breaks and holidays (respite care) for disabled people and carers.

www.turn2us.org.uk

www.revitalise.org.uk

Tel: 0303 303 0145 20

Taking a break from caring If you provide care for a relative, friend or neighbour, there will be times when you need to take a break: to attend appointments or simply to take time out.

Being a carer can be very demanding, taking up a lot of emotional and physical energy. Carers often feel worried or guilty about taking time off. But taking breaks from caring is very important, for both the carer and the person being cared for.

It is important not to let your caring role take over your life. Ideally, you should find a balance between caring and looking after yourself, particularly if you have other commitments, such as your own home, family or a job. It is important to look after your own health too.

You will be able to provide better care if you are not exhausted and run down.

For your relative: respite care can also have positive benefits for the person being cared for. In some cases it can provide specialist medical care that you are unable to provide – for example, to help them recover from an operation or illness. Attending a day centre or going on a ‘respite holiday’ can be enjoyable, giving your relative the opportunity to meet new people and take part in different activities.

Planning ahead for respite care Remember that the need for respite care can occur suddenly, so there won’t always be lots of time to research and make decisions. So, it is worth checking what’s available in the area, before you need help. You might want to make a list of local agencies who can provide care at short notice or local care homes that offer respite care

Consider your relative’s interests: if you are trying to arrange day care or a short break for your relative, talk together about what they would enjoy. Try to match clubs to their hobbies and interests.

Visit potential respite providers: before making any decisions, try to visit the day centres or care homes on your shortlist to get an idea of what they are like.

If possible, take your relative with you and make sure they understand what is going on. If you are arranging emergency respite care, there may not always be time to visit.

Check the room: if you are considering residential respite care, ask to take a look at the particular room your relative might stay in as well as any communal areas.

Background checks: make a background check by checking the Care Quality Commission (or relevant regulatory body in your country) for information about the care provider Meet prospective carers: if possible, try to meet any carers that might provide care while you are away.

Make sure that you and your relative are happy with them Respite care can have positive benefits for both you and your relative. But there are potential difficulties that need to be considered The benefits of respite care

Checklist for considerations when choosing respite care

 A well-earned break for carers from the day-to-day responsibilities of caring.

If you are choosing respite care, there are some things you should do before making a decision on the provider.

 Time for carers to focus on their children, jobs, home and personal health and wellbeing.

Ensure you make decisions jointly: any decisions about respite care should be made with your relative, wherever possible. Talk to them about their preferences and discuss the options. Explain why the respite care is needed and what is involved.

Specific needs: make sure that any day centres or respite care can accommodate your relative’s needs.

For example, if your relative is in a wheelchair, make sure that the chosen day centre is accessible. Or, if your relative has dementia, make sure that any staff employed to take care of them have the necessary experience and training to deal with this.

21

 A holiday or a trip to a relative’s house can provide a welcome change of scenery for your relative, particularly if they are stuck at home most of the time.  Specialist care can be given to suit your relative’s needs.  Help with funding is available in many cases.  An opportunity to introduce alternative services or carers that may be needed in the future (for example, if the situation deteriorates or an emergency occurs).

The drawbacks of respite care  It can be difficult for carers to admit that they need or want time off.  It might be difficult for some people, particularly those with dementia/Alzheimer’s to deal with changes to routine. In some cases, it might be easier for them to remain at home, with a substitute carer, than to move somewhere else.  There may be additional respite care costs to consider that aren’t covered by local authority funding.  Availability for respite care may be limited in some areas.  There might be waiting lists for respite care.  Care homes may not have space to accommodate short-term stays, particularly at short notice.  Some benefits, such as carer’s allowance may be affected if you take breaks over a certain amount of time.  The person being cared for may reject alternative forms of care.  The person being cared for may become depressed or agitated if not being looked after by their usual carer.

When arranging residential or domiciliary respite care you should be given a contract stating the details of care and any other terms and conditions.

This should include information about notice periods, cancellation clauses and (if applicable) bank holiday payments. It is important to read this carefully before signing.

If you are not offered a written contract make sure you ask for one.

Financing respite care Local authorities will only pay for respite care for those that they have assessed as needing it.

This can be determined by your relative having a needs assessment or you having a carer's assessment.

Contact Sefton Carers’ Centre Tel: 0151 288 6060 Monday to Friday, 9am - 4.30pm 27-37 South Road, Waterloo, Liverpool L22 5PE www.sefton-carers.org.uk

Sefton Limited New Directio n CQC o Home Services v

erall

Good

rating

22

How domiciliary care services can help Domiciliary care services provide careworkers or personal assistants who can visit your relative at home to help with a wide range of jobs, including:  getting out of bed in the morning  washing  dressing  maintaining personal appearance, such as brushing your relative’s hair  help and support with toileting, helping using continence aids  preparing meals and drinks  help with eating and drinking  picking up prescriptions giving, or prompting to take, prescribed medication  health-related tasks, as agreed with medical practitioners or community nursing nurses  nursing care from a registered nurse  shopping (either with, or on behalf of, your relative)  collecting pensions  helping with money, managing and paying bills  getting out of the house and meeting friends  supervision and companionship  getting settled for the evening and going to bed.  cleaning: regular kitchen or bathroom cleaning or one-off spring cleans, vacuuming the home or cleaning floors, tidying and dusting  doing the washing-up  laundry  dog-walking  gardening  general home maintenance.

Assistance can make a huge difference, not only to the life of your loved one, but also to you as a carer. The level of support and care in the home that each person needs will vary.

Your relative might need assistance with some, or all, of the above tasks; they might need care for only one hour a week, a couple of hours a day, or to have a full-time or live-in careworker.

23

Home care services can be used temporarily – for example, while your relative recovers from an illness or operation – or long term. One of the benefits of home care services is their flexibility, which allows your relative to choose the right level of help and support for them.

Local authorities have an obligation to provide some services, including personal care or preparing meals for those who have no other way of getting a meal, but they are unlikely, in most cases, to provide help with household tasks except where it is part of a more complex care arrangement.

If your relative needs help with cleaning and gardening, or personal assistance to help with shopping and paying bills, it is likely that they will have to look elsewhere, although local authorities can be helpful in providing advice and information.

When to consider domiciliary care Your relative might want to consider domiciliary care, either through a home care agency or home help services, if:  they are finding it difficult to cope with daily routines, such as washing, dressing or getting out and about  they prefer not to move into sheltered housing or a care home  their property still meets their needs and is suitable and safe for them to live in (or can be adapted to suit).

Your relative’s need for help might come suddenly, as a result of an illness or fall, or their situation may have been changing gradually over time. Whatever the reason, if your relative is considering care at home, the first step is to get a free needs assessment from the social services department of your local authority.

Even if your relative plans to arrange or pay for home care services themselves, a needs assessment is really important. It gives a professional assessment of the type of care and support needed, and can make you aware of a range of options you may not have known were available.

Live-in care might suit your relative for a number of reasons including if they need help with: • Companionship • Personal care, such as washing and dressing • Taking medication when other aids aren’t effective • Cooking / Housework • Support to manage the risk of falls and other risks at home • Caring for a pet • Trips out, such as to the doctor or hairdresser • Continuing to enjoy some lifelong passions.

This option is also attractive to people who may become confused by a new environment and find it difficult to adapt to change. This particularly applies to people living with dementia, where continuity, routine and familiar surroundings are very reassuring, important and improve quality of life. Live-in care also provides the supervision that someone living with dementia might need to keep them safe.

Many live-in careworkers are specially trained to deal with such conditions as Dementia, Parkinson’s, Stroke, MS or Palliative Care.

Some providers also offer live-in nursing staff. For couples, the cost of live-in care can be significantly less than a residential setting and loving partners are able to stay together. In some cases where one has dementia, they are separated in residential settings.

Cost: it isn’t cheap to have live-in carers on call 24 hours a day, although with the introductions of personal budgets and direct payments it can be possible for live-in care to be state-funded, depending on eligibility.

Also, live-in care fees can be lower than the price of a residential home. The arrangement can be particularly cost-effective for couples, because they pay once for a live-in carer, and twice over for places in a care home.

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

Care at Home

Care at Home

Holistic Health Service  GOOD 4 Rose Hill, Southport PR9 0SN T. 01704 808300

Sefton New Directions  GOOD The Investment Centre, 375 Stanley Road, Bootle L20 3EF T. 0151 9343987

Promedica24 - Liverpool  GOOD 54 St James Street, Liverpool L1 0AB T. 0151 808 0369

Home Instead Senior Care Hawthorn House, 63 Scarisbrick New Road, Southport PR8 6PA T. 01704 547938

Allcare Community Care Crown House, 10-16 Coronation Walk Southport PR8 1RE T. 01704 550482

Home Instead Senior Care 37 Liverpool Road South, Maghull, Liverpool L31 7BN T. 0151 5261225

Bluebird Care Sefton Formby Business Centre, 42 Duke Street, Formby L37 4AT T. 01704 832199

Mountbatton Care Ltd 62-68 Strand Road, Bootle L20 4BG T. 0151 9205797

Care Concern (NW) 284 Liverpool Road, Birkdale, Southport PR8 4PE T. 01704 560131

Outreach Sefton Ltd Unit 301, Crown House, 10-16 Coronation Walk, Southport PR8 1RE T. 01704 517470

Care Connect UK Byron House, 1 Byron Road, Blundellsands, Liverpool L23 8TH T. 0151 9249824

WarrenCare Limited 3TC House, 16 Crosby Road North, Waterloo L22 0NY T. 0151 9241999

Caremark (Sefton) Weld Parade, Southport PR8 2DT T. 01704 563333 Delta Care Ltd 93 Tulketh Street, Southport PR8 1AW T. 01704 500048

Notice: Always read the most recent CQC inspection report.

Ratings are updated regularly. All care providers listed are rated good or higher on CQC. Data correct at time of print date.

24

How to choose a good care home You need to make sure it’s got everything you need, in a place you’ll be happy, at a price you can afford. Deciding to make the move to a care home can be a difficult decision and families usually play a vital role in helping their relatives pick the right one.

Choosing a home in a hurry is never a good idea but often there can be pressure to find somewhere quickly, especially if a hospital is keen to discharge a patient.

If there is a strong possibility that your loved one may need greater levels of care in the future, it can be wise to choose a home where this extended care is possible.

If your funding is local-authority assisted, check that they will accommodate you at the local authority rate or whether a top-up would be required and always ask what extras you might have to pay for.

Some homes are very large and this can have its advantages, such as better entertainment facilities, including having a minibus and obviously, a wider social circle. If your relative is quiet and shy, they may be better off in a much smaller home.

There are four basic types of care homes Residential Care: Provide living accommodation with meals in a dining area and help with personal care, such as washing and dressing.

Nursing Homes: Everything that is in a residential care home together with medical care from a qualified nurse who is on site 24 hours a day.

Care homes with dementia care ( EMI): They are designed to make people with dementia feel comfortable and safe.

Dual-registered Care Homes Residential & Nursing: They accept residents who need both personal care and nursing care. This means that someone who initially just needs personal care but later needs nursing care won’t have to change homes.

Before making the final decision about a care home get as much information as possible so you can compare homes and make sure they meet your requirements.

Look at the latest inspection reports from the regulators, CQC for evidence of high staff turnover.

This might suggest that staff are not happy with their employment. If the home doesn’t treat its staff well, can you trust them to provide the best care for you or your relative? Always ask to meet the staff before entering into an agreement.

Your right to choose your care home and its location If the local authority assess your needs and assist with your care home placement, you should be told about your right to choose your care home and its location, subject to certain conditions. This is based on the choice of accommodation regulations.

Where you express a preference for a particular home and specified conditions are met, the local authority must provide, or arrange for, the provision of your preferred accommodation. Additional costs may need to be met by you or another person, called a ‘top-up’.

This right covers care homes and nursing homes, as well as assisted living and shared lives accommodation, in England.

Conditions for approval Once assessed as requiring a care home, you have a right to choose between different providers of that type of home as long as:

Try to Plan Ahead

 the home is suitable for your assessed needs

Visit a number of homes before making a final choice.

First impressions are important - are you greeted in a friendly way when you arrive? Is it clean ,pleasantly decorated and furnished? Are there any unpleasant smells? Spend enough time at the home to get a good idea of what it is like

 to move would not cost your local authority more than your personal budget for that type of home

Tips  Do residents appear happy and responsive?

Are they properly dressed and well-groomed?

Do they seem alert and interested?  Are chairs arranged in groups to encourage talking rather than placed in a circle round the outside of the room?  Is there more than one room where residents can sit or where they can be quiet or see visitors?  Does the manager have a friendly manner with staff and residents?  Are visitors welcomed at any time ?

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 the home is available, and  the care home is willing to enter into a contract with your local authority to provide care at your personal budget on the local authority’s terms and conditions.

Your choice must not be limited to settings or individual providers which your local authority already operates in, or contracts with, or those within the local authority’s geographical boundary.

If you choose a place outside your local authority area, they must arrange your preferred accommodation and should consider the cost of care in that area when setting your personal budget.

Written reasons for refusal If the local authority refuse to, or is unable to, arrange a place in your preferred accommodation, they must provide written reasons.

Care home contracts

A care home contract should cover:

Once you’ve decided on a care home, you’ll need to sign a contract to agree terms. Before you sign, it’s essential to read the contract carefully and understand what you’re agreeing to.

 the cost of care, including the notice period for any increases

 Self-funding: if your relative is paying for their own care, the contract will be between them and the care home.  Local-authority payment: if the local authority is funding your relative’s care, the contract will be between the local authority and the care home.

 any deposits or advance payments required  details of any trial period offered  what is and isn’t covered by the care home insurance  the type of accommodation provided  the level of care to be provided  any additional fees and charges that may be incurred

 Shared payment: if you or someone else is paying a top-up fee to the care home, there will be two contracts. One between whoever is paying the top-up and the local authority, and another between the local authority and the care home.

 the cost and details of any extra services, such as meals, laundry, personal care (eg hairdressing, chiropody), television and phone bills

If your relative is responsible for signing the contract, it might be helpful to suggest that you go through the paperwork together. If you have a power of attorney, you might need to sign on behalf of your relative

 the terms of cancellation of the contract, both on your part and on that of the care home, including the required notice period

Promenade THE

RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME

 what happens if residents are temporarily absent from the care home (eg in hospital)

 the complaints procedure.

The Promenade offers a high standard of residential care and provides a homely environment for those who wish to retire in comfort and security without losing their independence.

Its location and facilities make it ideal for both permanent care and respite holiday care.

Why choose us ...

Panoramic views overlooking the Marine Lake and King's Gardens Daily activities • Trips out in our coach • Free Wifi Separate licensed lounge / coffee bar • Hairdressing Salon

The Promenade Care Home CQC overall rating

Good

Supporting Carers with New Care Days at The Promenade

The Promenade care days give Carers a day off with the peace of mind knowing that the person you care for can enjoy a great day out, the opportunity to meet new friends and participate in various activities. Flexible morning, afternoon and full day sessions available.

Why not arrange a visit and see for yourself!

We think you'll find we're ideally suited to meet your needs.

Providing an excellent standard of care where everyone feels at home

Tel: 01704 538553

www.promenadecarehome.co.uk 10-12 Promenade | Southport | PR8 1QY 26

Paying for care - the means test explained

National Insurance contributions go towards things like your State Pension but they don’t count towards the costs of social care or residential care. This type of care is managed by your local authority, so you have to apply directly to them if you need or want help with paying for longterm care.

Currently, if your capital and income is above £23,250 you’re likely to have to pay your care fees.

How do deferred payment agreements work?

If your capital and income is under £23,250 you might get some help from the local authority, but you may still need to pay some fees.

The local authority will assess your income and capital to see how much you can afford to pay towards your care. They will then make up the shortfall of the money you need to fund the costs. You will sign a legal agreement with the council, saying that the money will be repaid when your home is sold.

 The means test is when the local authority looks at your income, savings and property to calculate how much you need to contribute towards the cost of your care and support. Your property will be included in the means test at its present market value, but less any mortgage or loan you may have on it and less 10% of its value where there would be expenses to sell it.  If you need care to stay in your own home the means test won’t include the value of your property.  Certain types of income, such as money from certain disability benefits and pensions, may not be counted in the means test. All other income can be taken into account.

In some cases, the local authority may also assume that your capital generates an income, which will also be taken into account.  It’s also very important to ensure that you get all of your benefits and entitlements. That’s because the means test will assume that you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to, even if you aren’t already claiming them.  If you and someone else jointly hold capital, such as a savings account, it’ll be treated as divided equally between the two of you.  After the means test the local authority should give you a written record of their decision of what you will have to pay and what they will pay, and how they calculated it.

Average cost of Residential Care in Sefton 2017/18: £77.00 per day £539.00 per week £28,028 per year Average cost of Nursing Care in Sefton 2017/18: £89.00 per day £623.00 per week £32,396 per year Average hourly cost of Home Care in Sefton 2017/18: £14.50 per hour

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The council usually ensures that the money you owe in care fees will be repaid by putting a legal charge on your property. It does this by contacting the Land Registry to place the charge. The charge is removed when the outstanding debt is repaid.

You can’t usually use more than 90% of the value of your home to pay for fees. This is to leave you or the executor of your will with enough money to cover the sale costs and to make sure the council gets their money back if house prices fall. You can usually only apply to join a deferred payment scheme after you have been in a residential home for 12 weeks or more. Short term stays in care aren’t covered.

The money must be repaid within 56 days if you sell your home or you leave the care home. If you die, the money must be repaid within 90 days of your death.

If there is a problem repaying the amount, you or the executor of your will should contact the local authority as soon as possible.

The local authority will charge an administrative fee to cover the costs of setting up the deferred payment. You may have to pay valuation costs on the property.

Independent financial advice If you or a relative is faced with funding residential care, it would be beneficial to seek independent financial advice.

An independent financial adviser (IFA) will review your relative’s financial situation to help them meet care costs and plan for the future.

Where to find a specialist care fees adviser You can use The Money Advice Service Retirement Adviser Directory to find a specialist care fees adviser in your area: www.directory.moneyadviceservice.org.uk You can also visit the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) website: www.societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk

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Nursing Homes

Nursing Homes

Residential

Nursing Care

Nursing Care

Dementia Care

Dementia Care

Birch Abbey Dementia Care & Nursing  GOOD 55 Alexandra Road, Southport PR9 9HD T. 01704 410010

Ashcroft House  GOOD 10-12 Elson Road, Formby L37 2EG T. 01704 874448

Birch Abbey Dementia Care & Nursing  GOOD 55 Alexandra Road, Southport PR9 9HD T. 01704 410010

Woodlands Manor  GOOD 21-23 Chambres Road, Southport PR8 6JG T. 01704 544848

Abbendon Nursing Home 45 Scarisbrick New Road, Southport PR8 6PE T. 01704 538663

Holly Bank Nursing Home 27 Park Road, Southport PR9 9JL T. 01704 530748

Cedar Grange Ltd  GOOD 5-7 Pilkington Road , Southport PR8 6PD T. 01704 536286

Dalemain House 19 Westcliffe Road, Birkdale, Southport PR8 2BL T. 01704 568651

Argyle Park Nursing Home 9 Park Road, Southport PR9 9JB T. 01704 539001

Lakeside View 68-69A Promenade, Southport PR9 0JB T. 01704 545054

Afton Lodge Care Home 9-15 St Catherines Road, Bootle, Liverpool L20 7AL T. 0151 9226183

Good Companions EMI 113 Roe Lane, Southport PR9 7PG T. 01704 220450

Ascot Lodge Nursing Home 38 Chambres Road, Southport PR8 6JQ T. 01704 538470

Lyndale Nursing Home 9 Rawlinson Road, Southport PR9 9LU T. 01704 543304

Avalon EMI Care Home 24 Duke Street, Southport PR8 1LW T. 01704 541203

Hampton Court EMI 34 Scarisbrick New Road, Southport PR8 6QE T. 01704 532173

Avenswood Nursing Home 20 Abbotsford Road, Blundellsands, Liverpool L23 6UX T. 0151 9240484

Rowan Tree Lodge 30 Dover Road, Southport PR8 4TB T. 01704 566312

Benridge Residential Care 53 Queens Road, Southport PR9 9HB T. 01704 530378

Home Limited 36 Lancaster Road, Birkdale, Southport PR8 2LE T. 01704 568019

Barton Park Nursing Home 15-17 Oxford Road, Birkdale, Southport PR8 2JR T. 01704 566964

Tudor Bank Nursing Home 2 Beach Road, Southport PR8 2BP T. 01704 569260

Cherry Tree Lodge 40-42 Knowsley Road, Southport PR9 0HW T. 01704 534699

Phoenix House Care Home 54 Andrews Lane, Formby, Liverpool L37 2EW T. 01704 831866

Blair House Care Home 18 Roe Lane, Southport PR9 9DR T. 01704 500123

Warren Park Nursing Home 66 Warren Road, Blundellsands, Liverpool L23 6UG T. 0151 9320286

Cloisters EMI Residential 5 Abbotsford Road, Crosby, Liverpool L23 6UX T. 0151 9243434

Saint Jude Care Home 6 Warren Road, Blundellsands, Liverpool L23 6UB T. 0151 9248427

Dovehaven Nursing Home 9-11 Alexandra Road, Southport PR9 0NB T. 01704 530121

Westcliffe Manor 21 Westcliffe Road, Southport PR8 2BL T. 01704 562630

College Green Rest Home 14 College Road, Crosby, Liverpool L23 0RW T. 0151 9282760

Thomas Henshaw Court 105 Norwood Road, Southport PR8 6EL T. 0808 102 4138

Elm House Nursing Home 43 Cambridge Road, Southport PR9 9PR T. 01704 228688

Willow Gardens St Edmunds Road, Bootle, Liverpool L20 7AJ T. 0151 9224324

Craignair EMI Residential 3 Blundellsands Road West, Blundellsands, Liverpool L23 6TF T. 0151 9313504

Freshfields College Path, Formby, Liverpool L37 1LH T. 01704 870119

Notice: Always read the most recent CQC inspection report.

Ratings are updated regularly. All care providers listed are rated good or higher on CQC. Data correct at time of print date.

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Residential

Residential

Residential

Elderly Care

Elderly Care

Promenade Care Home  GOOD 10-12 Promenade, Southport PR8 1QY T. 01704 538553

Sefton New Directions Ltd  GOOD Chase Heys Resource Centre, 26 Chase Heys, Churchtown, Southport PR9 7LG T. 01704 214279

Annandale Rest Home 1 Victoria Road West, Crosby, Liverpool L23 8UG T. 0151 9243162

Sandley Court Care Home 39 Queens Road, Southport PR9 9EX T. 01704 545281

Connell Court 20-22 Weld Road, Southport PR8 2DL T. 01704 560651

Shandon House 20 Crescent Road, Birkdale, Southport PR8 4SR T. 01704 564801

Dovecote Manor 13-15 Alexandra Road, Southport PR9 0NB T. 01704 500412

St Vincent’s 33-35 Leicester Street, Southport PR9 0EX T. 01704 546386

Hawthorne Lodge 164-166 Hawthorne Road, Bootle, Liverpool L20 3AR T. 0151 9333323

The Glade 32 Lancaster Road, Birkdale, Southport PR8 2LE T. 01704 566699

Locharwoods Care Home 23 Carrs Crescent, Formby, Liverpool L37 2EU T. 01704 832047

The Hollies 7 Mornington Road, Southport PR9 0TS T. 01704 541506

Maryland Care Home 5-7 School Lane, Formby, Liverpool L37 3LN T. 01704 873832

The Shieling 286 Southport Road, Lydiate, Liverpool L31 4EQ T. 0151 5319791

Melrose Court 74 Cambridge Road, Southport PR9 9RH T. 01704 226177

Locharwoods of Birkdale 45 York Road, Birkdale Southport PR8 2AY T. 01704 564001

Peacehaven 101 Roe Lane, Southport PR9 7PD T. 01704 227030

By law, care providers have to display the ratings the Care Quality Commission give them.

They must display them in the places where they provide care, somewhere that people who use their services can easily see them. They must also show their ratings on their website, if they have one.

To read inspection reports visit www.cqc.org.uk Inadequate

Requires Improvement

Outstanding

Good

Outstanding The service is performing well.

www.cqc.org.uk

Inadequate

Requires Improvement

Good

Outstanding

Good The service is performing well and meeting our expectations.

www.cqc.org.uk

Inadequate

Requires Improvement

Requires Improvement

Good

Outstanding

Requires improvement The service isn’t performing as well as it should and we have told the service how it must improve.

www.cqc.org.uk

Inadequate

Requires Improvement

Good

Outstanding

Inadequate The service is performing badly and we’ve taken action against the peerson or organisation that runs it.

www.cqc.org.uk 30

Putting your affairs in order

It’s essential to plan for how your money should be handled in the event of an illness or death.

Good planning will help make sure you or your family are ready to meet any of the costs that might arise. It will also allow you provide for your loved ones and ease the burden on them.

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

Your will tells people who you want to be your executor – the person who sorts out your money and your will after you die. You can choose more than one person to be your executor, but ideally not more than four.

Professional executors like solicitors or accountants will charge for their services.

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

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

If you want to decide who gets what, you need to draw up a will. It’s possible to write one yourself, but even small technical mistakes can make a will invalid so it’s generally a good idea to get help from a solicitor or professional will writer.

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

Lasting Power of Attorney Nobody wants to think about a time in their future when they won’t be able to make their own decisions. It can also be a difficult subject to bring up with an older relative, but it’s something that everyone should think about.

If things aren’t set up properly in advance of when they are needed, it can lead to all sorts of complications.

Thankfully there are procedures in place to protect individuals and make it easier to deal with things, should the need arise.

A Power of attorney (POA) allows you to choose someone else to deal with third parties on your behalf, for example banks or the local council. Certain types of powers of attorney go further, allowing you to choose someone else to make decisions on your behalf, should you not be able to do so in the future.

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Property and financial affairs lasting power of attorney Use this LPA to give an attorney the power to make decisions about money and property for you, for example:  managing a bank or building society account  paying bills  collecting benefits or a pension  selling your home

Health and welfare lasting power of attorney Use this LPA to give an attorney the power to make decisions about things like:  your daily routine, for example washing, dressing, eating  medical care  moving into a care home  life-sustaining treatment

Who can be your attorney?

Your attorney needs to be 18 or over. They could be:  a relative  a friend  a professional, for example a solicitor  your husband, wife or partner When choosing an attorney, think about:  how well they look after their own affairs, for example their finances  how well you know them  if you trust them to make decisions in your best interests  how happy they will be to make decisions for you

Setting up a power of attorney Setting up a power of attorney is a big step. You should make sure you understand all the implications, and you may want to get advice from a solicitor.

You can get the forms and guidance you need to create a lasting power of attorney online at: www.gov.uk/government/collections/lasting-powerof-attorney-forms

Advance decision (living will)

Advance statement about your wishes

An advance decision to refuse treatment lets your healthcare team know your wishes, if you’re not able to communicate them.

An advance decision (sometimes known as an advance decision to refuse treatment, an ADRT or a living will) is a decision you can make now to refuse a specific type of treatment at some time in the future.

It lets your family, carers and health professionals know whether you want to refuse specific treatments in the future. This means they will know your wish if you are unable to make or communicate those decisions yourself. The treatments you are deciding to refuse must all be named in the advance decision.

You may want to refuse a treatment in some situations but not others. If this is the case, you need to be clear about all the circumstances in which you want to refuse this treatment.

You can refuse a treatment that could potentially keep you alive (known as life-sustaining treatment).

This includes treatments such as ventilation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which may be used if you cannot breathe by yourself or if your heart stops. You may want to discuss this with a doctor or nurse who knows about your medical history before you make up your mind

An advance statement is a written statement that sets down your preferences, wishes, beliefs and values regarding your future care.

The aim is to provide a guide to anyone who might have to make decisions in your best interest if you have lost the capacity to make decisions or to communicate them An advance statement can cover any aspect of your future health or social care.

This could include:  how you want any religious or spiritual beliefs you hold to be reflected in your care  where you would like to be cared for – for example, at home or in a hospital, a nursing home, or a hospice  how you like to do things – for example, if you prefer a shower instead of a bath, or like to sleep with the light on  concerns about practical issues – for example, who will look after your dog if you become ill By writing your advance statement down, you can help to make things clear to your family, carers and anybody involved in your care.

Specialists in the legal and practical issues that affect older people and their families.

The legal issues affecting elderly clients, their families and their carers can become complicated. We specialise in the wider and often sensitive issues around health, care and family that might affect plans for later life.

Our friendly approach is both compassionate yet professional and as a company we are committed to providing you with affordable high quality legal advice.

Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney are powerful legal documents. Make sure you get the right advice from a qualified legal professional.

Contact

Elizabeth Foggin TEP Solicitor

to make a personal appointment

T. 01704 870404

 Wills & Trusts  Lasting Powers of Attorney  Court of Protection & Deputyship  Elderly Client Services  Legal Advice for Carers  Lifetime & Inheritance Tax Planning  Probate & Estate Administration We are adaptable and able to provide a home or hospital setting visit if you have physical difficulties in being able to come to see us.

www.autumnyearslaw.co.uk

Email: liz@autumnyearslaw.co.uk 22-24 Chapel Lane | Formby | L37 4DU 32

Funeral plans and funeral insurance

Funeral plans and funeral insurance are two different ways of paying for a funeral in advance.

Funeral insurance policies are also known as ‘over 50s plans’. Here are some things to bear in mind if you’re thinking of taking one out ...

Funerals can be expensive, costing perhaps several thousand pounds, and many people worry that when they die, they won’t leave enough money for their funeral.

With a funeral plan, you arrange and pay for it in advance.

You can arrange a funeral plan for your own funeral or for someone else’s, as long as the funeral will be held in the UK. But a pre-paid funeral plan is not the only way to pay for a funeral. There are other options and ways to save on the cost of funerals.

How do they work?

You pay either a lump sum or instalments to the plan provider, or to a funeral director.

Your money is either invested: • Into a trust fund with trustees • In an insurance policy, which is then used to pay for the funeral whenever that turns out to be.

The aim of both methods is to safeguard your money until it’s needed, ensuring that it’s used to provide the funeral you have paid for.

What does a funeral plan cover?

Funeral plans usually don’t cover everything that is needed for a funeral.

What’s covered will vary from provider to provider, so you should check the details of any plan carefully before you buy it.

The cost of a burial plot is often not included, and neither are costs that are not usually met by the funeral director, such as the cost of flowers and catering. Also, some providers will only pay a contribution towards cremation or burial costs, leaving your family to pick up the rest of the bill.

Questions to ask the plan provider and your adviser • Are there any cancellation charges?

• What exactly is included in the plan and what potential costs are not?

• Could there be any other expenses for the funeral, and what happens if there are?

33

• Is it possible to cancel the plan if circumstances change, for example if you’ve arranged for your spouse’s funeral but you later separate?

• Does the plan allow you to choose the funeral director?

• What if your chosen funeral director goes out of business?

• What happens if the person the funeral is intended for dies abroad or away from home?

• Can the funeral director arrange a funeral of a different standard from the one you have chosen?

• If you pay by instalments, how long do you do this for and do you have to pay interest?

• What happens if there are outstanding instalments at death?

• What freedom do you have to change the details of your funeral plan?

• How does the funeral planning company know about the plan holder’s death?

Funeral insurance or over 50s insurance Another way to pay for your funeral in advance is to take out funeral insurance (sometimes known as an ‘over 50s plan’).

This is an insurance policy that will pay out a fixed sum towards the cost of a funeral when you die.

These insurance policies often offer poor value for money.

You have to keep paying the monthly premiums until you die (or in some cases, until you turn 90) by which time you might well have paid in more in premiums than the fixed sum that will be paid out on your death.

Also, if you miss a single premium, the policy will not pay out. And because it’s an insurance policy, not an investment, you can’t get the money you have paid in back, and you might have to pay a fee if you want to cancel the policy.

It might be better to pay into a standard savings account to pay for your funeral instead of taking out funeral insurance.

What happens if you can’t afford a funeral?

The local council or hospital can arrange a Public Health Funeral if: • There isn’t enough money in the estate to pay for it.

• There are no relatives or friends available to arrange the funeral.

There normally is a short service, but extras such as flowers, cars or notices in the local newspaper are not included.

If you’re getting certain benefits, you can also apply for Funeral Payment from the government to help you pay for the funeral.

Applying for Funeral Payment Funeral Payment is a government scheme for people on a low income who are receiving certain benefits, to help them pay for a funeral.

It won’t cover the whole funeral bill. As such, depending on where you live, you might have to pay up to a third of the cost of a simple funeral.

If you get a Funeral Payment, you’ll usually have to pay the government back from any money you get from the person’s estate, such as their savings.

If the person’s estate consisted only of personal belongings and a home that they shared with their surviving spouse or civil partner, the government normally won’t claim back this payment.

How do I claim?

You have three months from the date of the funeral to make a claim.

Visit www.gov.uk/funeral-payments for more information on eligibility and how to apply claim this benefit.

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34

Easy to learn ...

Our first aid information makes it easy to learn the skills you’ll need to help in an emergency.

For someone who’s unconscious and not breathing ...

Key skill: The delivery of chest compressions 1. Check breathing by tilting their head backwards and looking and feeling for breaths.

2. Call 999 as soon as possible, or get someone else to do it.

3. Push firmly downwards in the middle of the chest and then release.

4. Push at a regular rate until help arrives.

First aid for choking ...

Key skill: The delivery of back blows

Key skill: Cool the affected area 1. Cool the burn under cold running water for at least ten minutes.

2. Loosely cover the burn with cling film or a clean plastic bag.

3. If necessary, call 999 or get someone else to do it.

First aid for a broken bone Key skill: Imobilise the affected part 1. Encourage the person to support the injury with their hand, or use a cushion or items of clothing to prevent unnecessary movement.

1. Hit them firmly on their back between the shoulder blades to dislodge the object.

2. As soon as possible, call 999 or get someone else to do it.

2. If necessary, call 999 or get someone else to do it.

3. Continue supporting the injury until help arrives.

First aid for someone who’s unconscious and breathing

First aid for a heart attack

Key skill: Place the person on their side and tilt

their head back 1. Check breathing by tilting their head backwards and looking and feeling for breaths.

2. Move them onto their side and tilt their head back.

Key skill: Ensure they are sitting and call 999 immediately

1. The person may have persistent, vice-like chest pain, which may spread to their arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach.

2. Call 999 immediately or get someone else to do it.

3. As soon as possible, call 999 or get someone else to do it.

3. Make sure they are in a position that is comfortable for them (e.g. sit them on the floor, leaning against a wall or chair).

First aid for someone who’s bleeding heavily

4. Give them constant reassurance while waiting for the ambulance.

Key skill: Put pressure on the wound 1. Put pressure on the wound with whatever is available to stop or slow down the flow of blood.

2. As soon as possible, call 999 or get someone else to do it.

3. Keep pressure on the wound until help arrives.

35

First aid for burns

First aid for a head injury Key skill: Apply something cold 1. Ask them to rest and apply a cold compress to the injury (e.g. frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel).

2. If they become drowsy or vomit, call 999 or get someone else to do it.

First aid for a stroke

First aid for an asthma attack

Key skill: Carry out the FAST test

Key skill: Help them take their medication

1. Think FAST. Face: is there weakness on one side of the face?

Arms: can they raise both arms?

Speech: is their speech easily understood?

Time: to call 999.

1. Help the person sit in a comfortable position and take their medication.

2. Immediately call 999 or get someone else to do it.

First aid for poisoning and harmful substance

First aid for seizures (epilepsy) Key skill: Make them safe and prevent injury 1. Do not restrain them but use a blanket or clothing to protect their head from injury.

2. After the seizure, help the person rest on their side with their head tilted back.

First aid for diabetes Key skill: Give them something sweet to drink

or eat 1. Give them something sweet to eat or a non-diet drink.

2. Reassure the person. If there is no improvement, call 999 or get someone else to do it.

2. Reassure the person.

If the attack becomes severe, call 999 or get someone else to do it.

Key skill: Establish what? When?

And how much?

1. Establish what they have taken. When? And how much?

2. As soon as possible, call 999 or get someone else to do it.

3. Do not make the person sick.

First aid for someone who’s distressed Key skill: Ask if you can help 1. Show you are listening and calmly ask them how you can help.

2. Be considerate of what is going on around them and what they need.

Our Courses ...

We offer a range of first aid courses for people over the age of 16 who want to learn first aid for their day-to-day life. You don’t need to have any previous experience; just a willingness to learn and take part in practical exercises (led by our friendly trainers) which build your confidence in dealing with emergency scenarios.

For more information on courses available contact: 0151 702 5059 or visit Liverpool & Sefton District Office, Bradbury House, Tower Street, Liverpool L3 4BJ

For more information visit: redcross.org.uk/everydayfirstaid 36

sefton.gov.uk