Signposting healthcare in york

Issue 1

Health & Social Care Support Directory 2014 Covers services in York

CONTENTS Contents About Healthwatch York Healthwatch community champions Have your say on health & social care Advocacy support Vale of York clinical commissioning group Looking after your health Choosing a GP GP surgeries Pharmacies Dentists Opticians & hearing centres Independent living Advice on paying for care Legal terms & support What about carers?

Care in your home Choosing between residential, nursing & independent living Choosing the right care home Residential & nursing homes Help and advice from Healthwatch York partners Appointment reminder

Disclaimer This directory has been compiled to cover health and social care options throughout City of York.

Whilst we have taken every care in compiling this publication, the publishers and promoters cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies.

All listings are supplied via the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and NHS Choices. Neither Healthwatch York nor HealthCare Publications can be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

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

All signposted services are up to date as of December 2013.

If you need any of these listings in a larger font size please contact the Healthwatch York office.

ABOUT HEALTHWATCH YORK What is Healthwatch?

What powers does Healthwatch York have?

Healthwatch has been set up by the Government to make sure everyone has a say on health and social care services. A local Healthwatch has been set up in every area of England and in York your local Healthwatch is delivered by York CVS.

Healthwatch York has a seat on York’s Health and Wellbeing board. This body oversees health and social care in York, and can influence how services are designed and delivered.

Why does York CVS run Healthwatch York?

York CVS has lots of experience in making sure people have a voice. They also work with a wide range of voluntary organisations, who have built relationships of trust with people who use their services. York CVS believes that Healthwatch York can bring these elements together to improve life for people in York.

If you would like to know more about York CVS and how we could help you, please email info@yorkcvs.org.uk or call 01904 621133.

You can also find our website at www.yorkcvs.org.uk What does Healthwatch York do?

Healthwatch York can help you and your family get the best out of local health and social care services by: • Providing information about local services to make sure you know how to access the help you need • Signposting you to independent complaints advocacy if you need support to complain about a service you’ve received • Listening to your views about local services and making sure these are taken into account when services are planned and delivered. We want to hear what you think is working well and what isn’t

We have a place on the Quality Surveillance Groups that have been set up in the NHS to monitor the quality of the organisations which provide services.

Healthwatch York has the right to go into health and social care premises to collect the views of patients and residents who are using the services.

• Our trained volunteers go into health and social care premises to see and hear for themselves how services are provided • We collect the views of people who use services (patients and residents) at the point of service delivery and collect the views of carers and relatives • We report the findings and associated recommendations – good and bad – to providers, the Care Quality Commission, Local Authority and NHS commissioners and quality assurers, Healthwatch England and other relevant partners We pass information, issues and concerns to the organisations which regulate health and social care and escalate recommendations to Healthwatch England.

Who can be involved with Healthwatch York?

Anyone can be involved with Healthwatch York and contribute to its activities because everyone’s views matter. You can do as much or as little as you like – fill in a survey, attend an occasional meeting about an issue of personal interest, sign up to our mailing list, or become a volunteer.

There are lots of ways people can share their experiences with us. We want to hear from you, whether your experiences of health and social care have been good or bad.

HEALTHWATCH COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS Healthwatch York recruits volunteers who want to make a real difference to the way our health and social care services are run. Volunteer roles include Healthwatch Community Champions.

What are Healthwatch Community Champions?

Healthwatch Community Champions are volunteers who spread the word about Healthwatch York in their area and help residents get the best out of local services.

Could you be a Healthwatch York Community Champion?

If you want to help people in your area get the best out of local services, we want to hear from you. As a Community Champion, you will listen to local people, and give out information about local organisations and groups who provide advice and support about health, social care and wellbeing.

You will: • Identify local events and activities to attend • Work with Healthwatch York to establish a regular drop-in event at a community venue in your local area • Gather information about the experiences of local residents in health and social care services in York • Help identify local organisations and groups who can provide advice and support about health, social care and wellbeing How to become a Healthwatch York Community Champion We need as many Community Champions as possible. If you would like to volunteer with Healthwatch York as a Community Champion, or you would like to find out about our other volunteering roles, contact the Healthwatch York team for an application pack or for an informal chat.

Training and support is available for all our volunteer roles.

Call us on 01904 621133 or email us at healthwatch@yorkcvs.org.uk.

Freepost RTEG-BLES-RRYJ Healthwatch York 15 Priory Street York YO1 6ET

HAVE YOUR SAY ON HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE Healthwatch York gives people and communities a stronger voice to influence and challenge how health and social care services are provided locally.

We seek views from all sections of the community, working with a range of partner organisations.

We go out to where people will be – Healthwatch staff and volunteers attend a wide range of community and city events and we are also invited to attend a variety of meetings. We are happy to do a talk, have an information stall or hold a focus group – whatever people want that helps spread the word about us!

Every voice counts when it comes to shaping the future of services and improving them. We want to know what health and social care issues are important to you and your family.

Please tell us: 1. Are you happy with the health and social care you are receiving?

2. Do you have a relative or a friend living in a care home? Are they/you happy with the care they receive?

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

4. Have you had to stay in hospital recently? If so, what was your experience like?

5. Do you or a relative suffer from a long term illness; are you/they happy with the help and support you/they receive?

6. Do you know what services are available and how to choose the right one, when you need urgent care?

7. If you could wave a magic wand to fix one thing in health and social care what would it be?

With your support Healthwatch York can make a difference to the quality of local services.

You can be involved in a number of ways: • Tell us about your experiences of health and social care services • Sign up to our mailing list and receive regular updates and surveys from us • Join us as a volunteer

Contact us There are lots of ways people can get in touch with Healthwatch York:

Write to us at: Freepost RTEG-BLES-RRYJ Healthwatch York 15 Priory Street York YO1 6ET Phone us on: 01904 621133 Email us: healthwatch@yorkcvs.org.uk Visit our website: www.healthwatchyork.co.uk Follow us on @healthwatchyork Like us on Facebook

ADVOCACY SUPPORT What is Advocacy?

“Advocacy is taking action to help people to say what they want, secure their rights, represent their interests and obtain services they need. Advocates and advocacy schemes work in partnership with the people they support and take their side. Advocacy promotes social inclusion, equality and social justice.”

Advocacy supports people to have a strong voice, to speak up about matters that are important to them and promotes independence and choice.

Advocacy at York Mind York and District Mind have delivered an advocacy service since 1997. In 2011 we merged with Our Celebration and became York Mind. In April 2013 we launched a new service called York Advocacy which provides advocacy services across the City of York.

We work with a wide variety of people including those with learning disabilities, physical and sensory impairments, mental ill-health, and older and young people.

Our services include: NHS Advocacy – If you have a complaint or concern about the care and treatment you have received from an NHS organisation or service we can support you to feedback your experiences or make a complaint.

General Advocacy – If you are aged between 18-65, have a disability, mental ill-health or are a vulnerable person with an issue for which you need support, contact advocacy to see how we can help you.

Self-Advocacy – Are you an individual or group of people who want to self-advocate and speak up about issues that affect you? We can support you to form your own self advocacy group.

Our advocacy services are free, confidential and independent. Advocates listen to what you want and act on your behalf at all times. Advocates can support vulnerable people in many ways including helping you to access advice, information and services, go to meetings and appointments with you, help you to write letters and challenge decisions that you do not agree with.

If you need advocacy you can contact us directly on 01904 414357 or by email at office@yorkadvocacy.org.uk or via our website www.yorkadvocacy.org.uk

“I was respected and my advocate really listened to me” “The advocate was kind and treated me like a real person.

Both advocates were excellent”

If you need support to contact us you can ask family, friends or other professionals to contact us on your behalf and we will then get in touch with you.

VALE OF YORK CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUP As part of the changes to the NHS brought about by the Health and Social Care Act 2012, Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) and Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs) ceased to exist on the 31 March 2013.

Healthcare is changing. Improved, joined-up systems that support safe and responsive high quality services will provide local people with the opportunity to manage their own health and, when needed, quickly access an integrated system of professional health advice, diagnosis and care.

NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is leading on this work locally. Made up of GP practices, the CCG is an NHS organisation led by clinicians who see patients every day and understand the needs of the community and the impact that local services have on patients’ health.

The CCG serves towns and cities including York, Selby, Tadcaster, Easingwold, Pocklington, Pickering, Kirkbymoorside, Terrington and Helmsley. The area takes in 34 GP practices and a population of nearly 333,000 people. We are responsible for the monitoring of commissioned healthcare in the Vale of York and the planning and design of many of the health services.

Our main areas of responsibility • • • • •

Planned hospital care Urgent and emergency care Rehabilitation care Community health services Mental health and learning disability services • Tackling inequality including children’s health and wellbeing

VALE OF YORK CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUP Our vision is to achieve ‘the best health and wellbeing for everyone.’ Our partners and the strong relationships we have with them are central to the CCG achieving this goal. We will continue to value their support whilst we face up to a number of challenges and develop our ambitious plans.

Our priorities Our key priorities are based on the health needs of local people, the discussions we have with patients and the public and feedback from GPs, other clinicians and partners. The priorities allow us to make positive steps towards improving the health of the Vale of York community by re-balancing the local health economy, education and prevention through effective commissioning.

Focused on delivering clinical outcomes and reducing health inequalities we are driving a change in culture and behaviour. Our transformation programme will ensure that we have the processes in place to achieve outcomes in the following areas: • Prevent people from dying prematurely • Enhancing quality of life for people with long term conditions

Getting involved with the CCG Open, honest, two-way conversations - at the right time. That’s how we like to talk. We want to give local people the opportunity to have their say and shape the decisions about healthcare priorities and the services that deliver them. Here’s how you can join the discussion:

• Helping people to recover from episodes of ill health or following injury

My CCG - for alerts and invitations to take part in surveys and events

• Ensuring people have a positive experience of care

Online - www.valeofyorkccg.nhs.uk

• Treating and caring for people in a safe environment and protecting them from avoidable harm

Your local GP surgery - Join your local Patient Participation Group Public meetings - Everyone is welcome to join our public meetings Governing Body meetings - observe the meeting and submit questions Follow us on Twitter - @valeofyorkCCG Phone us - 01904 555870

LOOKING AFTER YOUR HEALTH

York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust provides a comprehensive range of acute hospital and specialist healthcare services for approximately 530,000 people living in and around York, North Yorkshire, North East Yorkshire and Ryedale – an area covering 3,400 square miles.

In April 2011 we took over the management of community-based services in Selby, York, Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale and in July 2012 acquired Scarborough and North East Yorkshire Healthcare NHS Trust, bringing Scarborough and Bridlington Hospitals into the organisation.

Our annual turnover is over £400 million. We manage ten hospital sites, 1,127 beds (including day case beds) and have a workforce of over 8,000 staff working across our hospitals and in the community.

Our mission is to be trusted to provide safe, effective, sustainable healthcare for the communities we serve.

Getting involved There are many ways you can get involved with the hospital, including working for us, becoming a volunteer, or joining the Foundation Trust as a member. You can find out more about getting involved on our website: www.york.nhs.uk or via our switchboard 01904 631313.

Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust was formed on the 1st February 2012. The Trust provides mental health and learning disability services in Leeds, York, Selby, Tadcaster and Easingwold with some specialist services being provided across the whole of North Yorkshire.

The purpose of the Trust is to improve the health and lives of people who use our services; we aim to provide excellent quality mental health and learning disability care that supports people to achieve the best they can for their health and wellbeing. We continually strive to combat discrimination and directly promote positive images of mental health and learning disability issues through our ‘Time to Change’ and ‘Get me?’ campaigns.

As a Foundation Trust we are accountable to our governors and members who help shape our plans for the future. The Council of Governors is made up of people who use our services, carers, staff, members of the public and representatives of our partner organisations. They are elected by and represent our 17,000+ members.

Service users are at the heart of our organisation.

We constantly strive to provide the best possible care and support that we can, working closely with other related organisations to provide effective, accessible and modern mental health and learning disability services.

Working in partnership with our local communities, our core purpose is to improve the mental health and well being of the people who use our services.

For more information visit our website at www.leedsandyorkpft.nhs.uk Or you can contact us at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Communication and Engagement Team Trust Headquarters 2150 Century Way, Thorpe Park Leeds LS15 8ZB Follow us on Twitter: @leedsandyorkpft

LOOKING AFTER YOUR HEALTH During the winter months, the demand for NHS services increases significantly as cold weather means there are more slips, trips and injuries.

Generally more of us feel unwell during the winter as we spend more time indoors and coughs and colds are passed around our family, friends and colleagues at work.

This all adds up to more of us having an accident or becoming unwell with a winter bug, meaning more people want to see their GP, attend accident and emergency or call 999.

Healthwatch York say there is no need to panic when feeling under the weather. “Most healthy people with a winter illness do not need to see their GP, attend A&E and absolutely do not need to call 999 – so our message this winter is ‘keep calm’.

By doing this, not only are you helping to reduce the spread of winter viruses to other vulnerable patients in NHS waiting rooms – you are also keeping appointments available for people who have serious health conditions that must see a doctor or nurse.”

When should I Self – Care?

Self care is the very best choice you can make for treating very minor illnesses or injuries. Many people make appointments to see their doctor or nurse when they could treat their symptoms from a well-stocked medicine cabinet, or by visiting a pharmacy. Make sure your medicine cabinet is well stocked with: • Anti-diarrheal medicine • Paracetamol or aspirin • Rehydration mixture • Indigestion remedy • Thermometer • Plasters

When should I go to the hospital?

Going to the emergency department can seem a good idea if you are unwell and unsure what to do for the best. But you may get faster and more appropriate help if you seek advice or treatment from an alternative source. This means contacting your GP, visiting your local pharmacy, or calling NHS 111.

Our emergency department is put under additional pressure by people who could seek help elsewhere.

Better use of all these services will help to ensure that only patients with a real emergency come to hospital, giving us more time to dedicate to those patients who really need us.

When should I go to the Pharmacist?

Go to a pharmacist if you have the symptoms of a cough, cold or think you’ve got the flu.

You can speak to any pharmacist for advice on how to treat lots of minor injuries and common complaints such as coughs, colds, bites, stings, aches and pains. They also offer help and provide advice with healthy living issues such as losing weight or giving up smoking.

When should I see my GP? • General medical advice and treatment for an illness or injury that won’t go away • Routine health checks – Travel advice – Prescriptions • Help managing long-term medical problems • Immunisations and tests • Referrals to a specialist or a hospital

When should I call NHS 111?

• you need medical help fast but it's not a 999 emergency • you think you need to go to the emergency department or need another NHS urgent care service • you don't know who to call or you don't have a GP to call • you need health information or reassurance about what to do next

When should I use A & E? The emergency department is for ambulance traffic and critical or life-threatening situations only, and you should only go there or call 999 if immediate emergency care is needed.

CHOOSING A GP Choosing a GP can seem a daunting task, especially if you have just moved into an area and don't know anything about the local health services. But there are some easy ways to find the doctor to suit you. It's important to be registered with a doctor because you'll need them to refer you for specialist hospital and community treatment services.

A surgery may refuse an application to join its list of patients if: • You don't reside in the surgery area • It has formally closed its list of patients, eg when a practice has more patients than it can deal with or not enough doctors - this is less common than it used to be • If your application is refused, the surgery must write to you and give the reasons for this How do I find a surgery?

Most surgeries operate a fairly strict catchment area system, and only those who live within the area may be able to register.

This isn't to be awkward, but ensures a GP can visit a person at home in an emergency in reasonable time.

How do I register?

This is straightforward and far easier than most people realise. Simply take your NHS medical card along to your chosen surgery. You will then be asked to sign a registration form.

Not all NHS trusts issue medical cards. If you don't have one, the receptionist will give you form GMS1 to fill in.

Once you've completed and returned the forms, your local NHS will transfer your medical records to your new surgery and write to you to confirm your registration as a patient with the surgery. Many surgeries ask a new patient to attend a ‘registration medical’ that checks your general health.

What if I can’t get an appointment?

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

GP SURGERIES

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GP SURGERIES

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PHARMACIES If you have the symptoms of a cough, cold, or think you’ve got the flu a pharmacist is the best place to go, as they can usually provide you the help and information you need on the spot.

They can also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight or giving up smoking.

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

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Pharmacy

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DENTISTS Emergency Dental Service For emergency dental treatment call 111 NHS dental charges from 1 April 2013 Band 1 course of treatment – £18.00 This covers an examination, diagnosis (eg X-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, a scale and polish if needed, and application of fluoride varnish or fissure sealant. If you require urgent care, even if your urgent treatment needs more than one appointment to complete, you will only need to pay one Band 1 charge.

Band 2 course of treatment – £49.00 This covers everything listed in Band 1 above, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or if your dentist needs to take out one or more of your teeth.

Band 3 course of treatment – £214.00 This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures and bridges.

Dental charges depend on the treatment you need to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy. You will only ever be asked to pay one charge for each complete course of treatment, even if you need to visit your dentist more than once to finish it. If you are referred to another dentist for another, separate course of treatment, you can expect a second charge.

Some minor treatments are free.

Always ask your dentist whether the treatment they're recommending is available on the NHS and how much it will cost before you go ahead.

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OPTICIANS & HEARING CENTRES Regular eye tests are important because your eyes don't usually hurt when something is wrong.

A sight test is a vital health check for your eyes that can pick up early signs of eye conditions before you're aware of any symptoms – many of which can be treated if found early enough.

What your eye test will show A sight test will show if you need to: • Get glasses for the first time • Change your current glasses A sight test will also include a general health check that can pick up early signs of eye disease before you’re aware of any symptoms. Some health conditions can affect the eyes such as: • diabetes • macular degeneration • glaucoma Your sight test It’s recommended that adults have their eyes tested every two years, unless their ophthalmic practitioner advises them to have a sight test more often than that.

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INDEPENDENT LIVING Aids and Adaptations If you or a member of your family has difficulty living in your home due to a long-term illness or disability, you may be able to get help by adapting your home to better meet your needs. You can apply to City of York council for a disabled facilities grant. The grant helps you adapt the home to make it suitable for a disabled person.

Depending on your income, you may need to pay towards the cost of the work to the property.

You could get a grant from your council if you’re disabled and need to make changes to your home, for example to:

Assistive Technology can help vulnerable people and their carers live more independently in there own homes.

Telecare, which is part of assistive technology, can support anyone of any age who would like to feel safer and more independent in their own home. The service can increase confidence and provide reassurance to family and carers when they are not around.

Telecare may be of benefit to: • Older, infirm or disabled people • People who have been discharged from hospital and need additional support at home • People with sensory impairments • Vulnerable people of any age living alone There are many Telecare devices which automatically alert a 24-hour monitoring centre or your chosen carer, should you need assistance. There are also Telehealth solutions which monitor medical conditions in your own home, speak to your GP to find out more about Telehealth.

Telecare Technology Can: • Raise an alarm in case of a fall or emergency • Raise alerts for floods, smoke, carbon monoxide • Support a medication regime • 24-hour reassurance for family and carers in the knowledge that they will be alerted in the event of an incident • Telecare can also be of assistance to carers of people with Dementia, Physical Disabilities, Learning Disabilities and Long Term Care Medical Conditions

• widen doors and install ramps • improve access to rooms and facilities - eg stair lifts or a downstairs bathroom • provide a heating system suitable for your needs • adapt heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use How can I find out more about the aids and adaptations that would help me?

Contact your social services department at the City of York about what difficulties you are having at home. They will send an occupational therapist to carry out an assessment and provide advice on which equipment or housing adaptation needs suit you best.

City of York Council T: 01904 551550 Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm or visit the customer centre at West offices.

ADVICE ON PAYING FOR CARE Care and support services are means-tested and are not free to everyone. Most people have to pay something towards their own care and some will have to pay for all of the costs. Who pays depends on what your needs are, how much money you have, and what level and type of care and support you require.

There are several options for funding care, and understanding them, and which ones apply to you can be complicated. These options depend on your need for care and support, as well as your personal and financial circumstances.

You may need to pay for all of your own care, or you may be entitled to local authority funding, NHS care (free) or have entitlements to welfare benefits to help pay for your care and support.

The cost of care and support is likely to be a long-term commitment and may be substantial, particularly if you opt for residential care. If you or a member of the family need to pay for care at home or in a care home, it’s important to understand the alternatives. This makes advice tailored to your individual needs vital.

You can get advice from:

For most people needing social care services, the first place to start is by asking your local authority for an assessment of your social care (care and support) needs.

As part of this, the local authority may also carry out a financial assessment. This assessment will determine whether the local authority will meet all the cost of your care, or whether you will need to contribute towards your care cost or whether you will have to meet the full costs yourself. Some of the rules for this financial assessment are applied differently based on whether you need care in your own home or care in a residential home.

Get personal advice on care funding

Your local authority – through an assessment of your care and support needs as well as advice on which services are available locally.

Financial advice from a qualified, independent source – there are independent financial advisers who specialise in care funding advice. They are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and must stick to a code of conduct and ethics and take shared responsibility for the suitability of any product they recommend.

LEGAL TERMS AND SUPPORT Every day people make decisions about lots of things in their lives. The ability to make decisions is called mental capacity. People may have difficulties making some decisions either all or some of the time. This could be because they have a learning disability, dementia, a mental health problem, or could be the result of a head injury or a stroke or a temporary condition such as an illness, accident or the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Listed below are details about some of the legal terms and topics you may come across. You may need to contact a solicitor whom can give you impartial advice which you may have to pay for, or you can contact a advocate who can advise on your behalf.

Lasting Power Of Attorney: allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions about your personal welfare, including healthcare and your financial affairs.

The Court of Protection: can issue Orders directing the management of a person’s property and financial affairs if you are incapable of managing your own affairs and do not have a Lasting Power of Attorney.

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards: protects people in residential care or hospital who are unable to make decisions for themselves due to a brain disorder. If any of these people need to be restrained, restricted or deprived, in order to give them physical care or keep them safe, a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards authorisation may be required.

The Mental Capacity Act: • The act’s purpose is to allow adults to make as many decisions as they can for themselves.

• To enable adults to make advance decisions about whether they would like future medical treatment.

• To allow adults to appoint, in advance of losing mental capacity, another person to make decisions about personal welfare or property on their behalf at a future date.

• To allow decisions concerning personal welfare or property and affairs to be made in the best interests of adults when they have not made any future plans and cannot make a decision at the time.

• To ensure an NHS body or local authority will appoint an independent mental capacity advocate to support someone who cannot make a decision about serious medical treatment, or about hospital, care home or residential accommodation, when there are no family or friends to be consulted.

• To provide protection against legal liability for carers who have honestly and reasonably sought to act in the person’s best interests.

• To provide clarity and safeguards around research in relation to those who lack capacity.

WHAT ABOUT CARERS? Does someone rely on your help?

Carers provide regular, unpaid help to someone close to them due to frailty, physical or mental illness, addiction or disability. Carers may help with personal care (washing, bathing, dressing, feeding), medication, cooking, shopping, housework and giving emotional support.

Many people do not recognise themselves as carers. Carers can be any age. They are parents, grandparents, children, partners, friends or neighbours doing what needs to be done to maintain the quality of life for someone close to them. They may not realise that support is available to help them.

Caring can be rewarding, as well as demanding.

However, many carers can and do become mentally and physically exhausted by their caring role. This can cause their own health to break down and this is why it is important for carers to take stock of their own health.

If you are a carer then you are not alone! There are over 18,000 carers in York and there are a range of sources of information and support.

A few simple tips that can make a difference: • Ask for help: we all need help from time to time and carers are no exception. Help is out there!

• Know your rights: knowing what you are entitled to can help a great deal.

• Complete the Health checklist for carers: this will help you think about your own needs and how to look after yourself. It is available on the York Carers Centre website or you can phone them to ask for a copy.

• Tell your GP: your GP practice can record that you are a carer and ensure you are offered an annual flu vaccination and other support you may need.

• Have an assessment: this can sound a little daunting but is simply a conversation with you to find out about your caring situation and what would help you look after the person you are caring for.

Support for carers in York York Carers Centre is a good starting point for carers seeking help. They give free help to carers living or caring for someone who lives in York.

If you provide a substantial amount of care on a regular basis you have a right to an assessment.

To find out more contact the Customer Access and Assessment Team at City of York Council. There is a free carers’ information pack available online or contact York Carers Centre or City of York Council to request a copy.

City of York Council Customer Access and Assessment Team West Offices, Station Rise, York, YO1 6GA Email: adult.socialsupport@york.gov.uk Telephone: 01904 555111 www.york.gov.uk York Carers Centre 17 Priory Street, Nursery Block, York, YO1 6ET Tel: (01904) 715490 Email: enquiries@yorkcarerscentre.co.uk www.yorkcarerscentre.co.uk

CARE IN YOUR OWN HOME If you are finding it difficult to manage at home you could consider using the services of a home care provider. Home care providers employ care assistants who can help you with bathing, washing and dressing.

The staff who work for these agencies are trained in personal care and safety procedures, moving and handling, hygiene and infection control. If you require nursing care at home, many agencies employ registered nurses.

The Independent Living Scheme (ILS) in York provides support, advice and information for disabled people in York who want to live independently and have more choice and control over how their individual needs are met.

ILS is funded by the City of York Council to support individuals who are receiving Direct Payments and/or Personal Budgets which are used to arrange their own care.

Go to the ILS website for more information: www.ilsyork.org.uk or phone: 01904 427251 A list of the care agencies registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), who are located in the City of York can be found on the following page.

If you are thinking about arranging your own home care it is a good idea to ask any agencies you approach the following questions: • • • • • • • •

Are there different rates for weekends/evenings?

Are there any extra charges i.e. for the carer's travelling expenses?

What sort of services do you provide?

Will somebody visit me before the service starts?

If you provide me with a service, can I contact you out of office hours? If so, how?

Are your carers trained?

Do you take up references on your carers?

Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission?

CARE IN YOUR OWN HOME

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

Older People Care homes for older people may provide personal care or nursing care. A care home which is registered to provide personal care (see the section on care home regulation below) will offer support, ensuring that basic personal needs, such as meals, bathing, going to the toilet and medication, are taken care of. In some homes more able residents have greater independence and take care of many of their own needs. Some residents may need medical care and some care homes are registered to provide this.

These are often referred to as nursing homes. Some homes specialise in certain types of disability, for example, dementia.

Adults Aged 18-65 There are also residential care homes that provide care and support for younger adults with, for example, severe physical disabilities, learning disabilities, acquired brain injury, progressive neurological conditions or mental health problems.

Care can be provided for adults with more than one condition and some homes have expertise in providing care for adults with alcohol or drug dependency.

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

Choosing between residential care and independent living Social services normally encourage younger adults who they assess for support to be as independent as their circumstances allow. The care plan for adults with disabilities will consider what independent tasks they can carry out and how they can be helped to achieve more. Even if adults have very severe disabilities their needs are reviewed from time to time to check whether residential care or a very high level of support is still appropriate.

Supported living may be an option for younger adults. This allows people to live independently in the community but with basic support. The support offered includes help with setting up a home and managing finances, and assistance with cleaning and shopping.

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

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

NURSING & INDEPENDENT LIVING

Choice of Accommodation The law says that where the local authority is funding accommodation it must allow the person entering residential care to choose which care home they would prefer. Social services must first agree that the home is suitable for the person’s needs and that it would not cost more than they would normally pay for a home that would meet those needs. If the person chooses to go into a more expensive home, a relative or friend may be able to ‘top up’ the difference in cost.

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

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

Temporary stays can give you flexibility when covering unexpected events, such as: • Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness • Support for newly disabled people and their carers • Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care • Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes What your choices are A list of all nursing and residential care homes within your locality can be found on the following pages.

Every care home in England must be registered with the national regulatory body Care Quality Commission (CQC).

They inspect each care home on a regular basis and write an inspection report for you to read. It is advisable to read this report before making a final decision.

To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit www.cqc.org.uk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CARE HOME All care homes vary in their quality, and it can be hard to know what qualities to look for when choosing a home.

A good care home will probably do the following: • Offer new residents and their families or carers a guide (in a variety of accessible formats) describing what they can expect while they’re living there. Ideally, residents of the home would have helped to produce the guide • Have a majority of staff who've worked there for a long time. They know the residents well, and are friendly, supportive and respectful • Involve residents, carers and their families in decision making, perhaps through regular meetings with staff

A bad care home might do the following: • Have a code of practice and a set of aims, but doesn’t make them a priority • Offers little opportunity to listen to residents, with most decisions made by staff • Have residents’ care plans that are out of date, and don’t reflect their needs accurately. This means that some residents aren't getting the support they need with their healthcare and personal care • Give residents little privacy. Staff often enter residents’ rooms without knocking, and they talk about residents within earshot of other people • Have staff who don’t make an effort to interact with residents, and leave them sitting in front of the TV all day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As a resident in a care home, you should expect:

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

• The right to be treated politely and with dignity • The right to privacy for yourself, and your relatives and friends when they visit • The right to deal with your own finances and spend your money how you choose

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

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

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

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

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

• The right to choose when you get up in the mornings and go to bed at night • The right to complain if you're unhappy with your care

RESIDENTIAL & NURSING HOMES

York Residential Homes

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York Nursing Homes

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HELP & ADVICE FROM HEALTHWATCH YORK PARTNERS

York FIS (Family Information Service) York Family Information Service provides free and impartial information to mums, dads and cares of 0-19 year olds (up to 25 for disabled children). Information is provided on childcare or any service that could support a parent or carer in their role.

Website: yor-ok.org.uk • Tel: 01904 554444 • E-mail: fis@york.gov.uk Text: ‘Call back’ to 07624 802244

IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services) IDAS is a charity which provides information, advice and support to all those affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. IDAS works throughout York and parts of North Yorkshire. The charity has links with other specialist domestic abuse services throughout North Yorkshire.

Website: www.idas.org.uk Tel: 03000 110 110 for advice, accommodation and support 24hr National Helpline: 0808 2000 247

YUMI - York Unifying Multicultural Initiative YUMI is a local, voluntary, intercultural network which links people with different beliefs, lifestyles and cultural roots. We share skills and talents, support each other, celebrate our traditions and achievements, and lead public events.

E-mail: info@yumiyork.org

Alzheimers Society - York & Selby Branch Provides information and support to people with dementia, their carers and families.

Activities include: • individual information and support, • carer education courses • peer support groups • dementia cafes Holgate Villa, 22 Holgate Road, York YO24 4AB Tel: 01904 658 106 • E-mail: yorkservices@alzheimers.org.uk

York Wheels York Wheels is a registered Charity and was set up to provide transport services for the benefit of the community. The service is aimed at people over the age of 60 and those who have mobility problems and cannot afford other modes of transport.

The volunteer car driver scheme allows customers to book a car in advance to collect them and take them to their destination. York Wheels also operates the Dial a Ride under a service level agreement with City of York Council.

Tel: 01904 726786 • York Hospital, Wigginton Road, York YO31 8HE

HELP & ADVICE FROM HEALTHWATCH YORK PARTNERS

CANDI – Children and Inclusion CANDI is the forum for parents and carers of children and young people who are disabled or who have additional needs, aged from 0- 25 in York and the surrounding area.

The forum is a group made up of parents and carers who work with local authorities, education, health services and other providers to make sure the services they plan and deliver really meet the needs of disabled children and their families.

CANDI is a registered Charity and has a committee of parents who lead the work and listen to the views of other parents to make sure they know what is important to them. We also arrange meetings and fun events and have a monthly newsletter.

All parents and carers of a child with any type of additional need or disability are welcome to join CANDI - you don’t have to commit lots of time.

E-mail: admin@yorcandi.org.uk Tel: 01751417291 or 07751 828369 Website: www.yorcandi.org.uk Address: C/O York CVS, 15 Priory St, York YO1 6ET

York Carers Centre York Carers Centre is an independent body that helps unpaid carers in York find the support they need. If you are a carer we can offer you a range of free help and support.

We also offer: • Benefits and other advice • Carers emergency card • Education, employment and training support • Newsletters • Carers discount card - for all carers registered with us • Support for young carers • Training for professionals Tel: 01904 715490 E-mail: enquiries@yorkcarerscentre.co.uk Website: www.yorkcarerscentre.co.uk

Young Carers Revolution Young Carers Revolution is a movement of change for young carers in York. By developing our voice and using it well, we can make a positive difference to issues which we face Tel: 01904 715490 E-mail: enquiries@yorkcarerscentre.co.uk www.yorkcarerscentre.co.uk

HELP & ADVICE FROM HEALTHWATCH YORK PARTNERS

York Carers’ Forum York Carers Forum is a user-led group of unpaid carers and former carers (over the age of 18) who live, work or care for someone who lives in the York area.

York Carers Forum supports and empowers unpaid carers and former carers by: • Raising awareness about unpaid carers' needs.

• Providing a focus across all carer groups.

• Gathering information for carers and sending it out in a free monthly newsletter and e- newsletter: "York Carers Voice".

• Drop-in meetings.

• Speakers and events.

• Providing respite such as mini massages or trips out.

• Working with related organisations to develop appropriate services that would benefit the carers of York.

York Carers FORUM, c/o York CVS, 15 Priory Street, York, YO1 6ET E-mail: yorkcarersforum@tiscali.co.uk • Tel: 01904 422437 Text: 07940 287242 • Website: www.yorkcarersforum.org

National Osteoporosis Society The National Osteoporosis Society is the only UK wide charity dedicated to improving the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and fragility fractures. Our mission is to: • Improve public awareness and understanding of osteoporosis.

• Influence health and social care provision to achieve excellence in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis to prevent fragility fractures.

• Provide caring support and information to enable people affected by osteoporosis to make a positive difference to their lives.

York support group phone: 01904 413623 Osteoporosis helpline: 0845 450 0230 or 01761 472721

York and District CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau) The CAB provides free, confidential, impartial and independent advice. We can offer help with a range of problems including debt, benefits, housing, employment, consumer issues, relationships and discrimination.

York CAB offers a comprehensive advice and representation service which means that you can ask us any question about your situation or concerns and we will do our best to offer you the advice and support you need. If we can't help you we will find someone who can.

York CAB • West Offices • Station Rise • York YO1 6GA E-mail: admin@yorkcab.org.uk Tel: 01904 623648 Website: www.yorkcab.org.uk

HELP & ADVICE FROM HEALTHWATCH YORK PARTNERS

Age UK York Age UK York provides a wide range of personal and practical support, including information and advice, arranging for respite care and friendly visitors, helping people after a stay in hospital, and holidays and other leisure activities. Age UK York also encourages older people to speak out about local and national issues.

You can contact Age UK York by phone, email or post.

The office is open from Monday to Friday 09:30 to 3:30.

Age UK York, Norman Collinson House, 70 Walmgate, York YO1 9TL Tel: 01904 627995 • E-mail: ageukyork@ageukyork.org.uk

MS Society York and District Branch The MS Society is the UK’s leading Multiple Sclerosis charity. The York & District branch is one of over 300 MS Society branches run by volunteers working alongside local staff. We offer a range of services including emotional and practical support, financial help, information and social events. We also raise funds every year to help people affected by MS. Tel: 01904 758577 • E-mail: yorkms@hotmail.co.uk

Friends of St Nicholas Fields St Nicks is a small charity located in Tang Hall, York encompassing an Environment Centre and a 24-acre nature reserve. Our aim is to help build a sustainable future for York by carrying out a range of projects including: a zero-carbon kerbside recycling collection service, an award-winning volunteer programme and events throughout the year. Our ecotherapy project, Bearing Fruit, focuses on increasing participants' well-being through practical outdoor work. This project was developed in response to recent research findings that physical activity outdoors can be beneficial for people with poor mental health.

Friends of St Nicholas Fields (reg. charity 1068909) York Environment Centre, Rawdon Avenue, York YO10 3ST Tel: 01904 411821 • E-mail: info@stnicksfields.org.uk www.stnicksfields.org.uk

Get Cycling Get Cycling CiC support cycling for health in as many ways as possible. We provide get-into-cycling sessions for businesses and community groups, bike try-out roadshows, fitness challenges, schools events days, and disability cycling services of all kinds. We have around 200 cycles for our events, and for hire Tel: 01904 636812 • E-mail: office@getcycling.org.uk

York & District Pain Management Support Group York & District Pain Management Support Group is a membership group. We are all living with long term pain, and have completed the pain management programme or attended the pain clinic at York Hospital.

For more information about us and our work, contact us on 01904 708490, e-mail us at info@ypmsg.org.uk or see our website at www.ypmsg.org.uk

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