RightCare Index for Somerset 2010-11

ISBN - 978-0-9556187-7-2

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE DIREC TORY FOR SOMERSET 2010-11

Learning Disabilities Find the assistance you need

NHS Somerset Information on your NHS

Your Community Hear from Social Care and the independent sector

Get Around

Motability and accessible recreation

Elder Care

Home Care and Care Homes All you need to know!

Somerset

2010/11

NHS - Care Homes - Meal Provision - Care At Home Nursing Agencies - Sheltered Housing - Disabilities - Advocacy Learning Disabilities - Charities - Mental Health - Motability - Day Services Leisure & Recreation - Adult Social Care - And More!

Care choices have you at a loss?AND Call on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details 1 CONSULTED

BY THE HEALTH CARE SEC TOR - PROFESSIONALS, PROVIDERS, AND AUTHORITIES

Careford Lodge

A relaxing atmosphere with high standards of care...

Careford Lodge is a purpose built Residential home set in 5 acres including a paddock to enable residents to enjoy the horses and the country views.

The registered manager, Lorraine, has been with the home for over 10 years and has a team of loyal and trained staff. All rooms are a generous size having a full en-suite and some with complete wet rooms. The gardens and general maintenance

are kept to a high standard and a highly qualiďŹ ed chef runs the kitchen with innovative menus. Regular outings are arranged and daily activities organised.

Enquiries to Lorraine at the below address or Sue and Robin Hasler on 01305 775462 who will be pleased to answer any questions you have.

Church Street, Merriott, Somerset, TA16 5PR | Tel: 01460 75592

The Cyder Barn A relaxing atmosphere with high standards of care...

A beautifully converted former Blacksmith’s workshop, cottage and barn. The Cyder Barn is pleased to be able to offer 23 ensuite rooms with direct access into the landscape gardens and views across the orchard.

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Care choices have you at a loss? Call

The Cyder Barn offers a relaxed and homely environment and provides excellent standards of care, activities, entertainment and home cooked food for elderly clients looking for day care, long or short-term respite care or permanent care. on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

West Pennard, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8NH | Tel: 01458 834945 | Email: cyder@wpci.org.uk

Welcome...

Listings in this publication are organised by areas

Editors letter

Cheddar Highbridge Minehead

Wookey Hole Wedmore

Frome

Wells

Watchet

Shepton Mallet

Simonsbath

Glastonbury

Bridgewater

Street

Welcome to the second edition of RightCare Index care for Somerset. We are now published in Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall. Our main aims this year for Somerset are to be even more inclusive, accessible and informative to those interested in both health and social care on both a professional and private level.

Westonzoyland Dulverton

Castle Cary

Bishops Lydeard Wiveliscombe

Wincanton

Langport Queen Camel

Taunton Wellington

West Somerset Taunton Deane Sedgemoor Mendip South Somerset

Martock South Petherton Ilminster

Yeovil

Crewkerne Chard

All information in this publication is available via...

www.rightcareindex.com www.rightcareindex.com/ebooks

RightCare Index offers all the solutions that fall in line with the governments “personalisation agenda”. We embrace the power of choice and the right to an altruistic care approach for all.

Care homes and home care form a huge part of social care, which is why we dedicate quality editorial and detailed listings to these sectors. We must be reminded though there are hugely important aspects beyond these sectors. Further health and care decisions surrounding service users, families and professionals, to name just a few; NHS Health initiatives, social care, advocacy, mental health, learning disabilities, charities, leisure and recreation, meal provision, motability, disability and more. We champion a complete and wholesome approach to health and social care.

mail@rightcareindex.com

We embrace the power of choice and

0844 800 9708

the right to an altruistic care approach

Please contact us with any enquiries about care services in Somerset, or to obtain your FREE copy of RightCare Index for Somerset or other counties.

RightCare Index Details © RightCare Index August 2010. All rights reserved for RightCare Index titles. Reproduction of any part of this publication in any form is prohibited without prior permission from RightCare Index. RightCare Index has made every effort to ensure the information in this directory is accurate.

The company cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions.

RightCare Index does not endorse or support any institution listed.

Published by: RightCare Index, Unit 1 & 2, Mount Hawke Business Park, Mount Hawke, Truro, Cornwall, TR4 8GL 01872 321327. Publisher/Editor: Christine Rowberry. Media Design/Production Manager: Sophie Norman.

Website Design/Development: Martin Sanders & Dan Mitchell. Advertising Manager: Derek Phillips. Senior Sales Executives: Richard Hacking & Hayley Garwood. IT Manager and Listings: Robert Rowberry. Accounts Manager: Jenny Lucas. Distribution Managers: James Rowberry & Kate Scott. Distribution of this publication by any party does not constitute the support or recommendation of any of the products or services within the publication. RightCare Index or any of its distributors can not be held responsible for any errors or omissions regarding listings in this publication.

RightCare Index can not be held responsible for the cost of phone calls made to phone numbers provided in this publication. Please be aware call charges may vary. Please contact your provider for pricing information.

Development of the index remains holistic and offers opportunity to voluntary and charitable organisations. A truly comprehensive approach.

In order to remain topical and local we welcome any contact and information from both the public and private sector.

Please feel free to contact us with any useful information.

Christine Rowberry Editor, RightCare Index 0844 800 9708 All listings within the RightCare Index for care homes and home care providers are sourced from the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Neither Somerset County Council or RightCare Index can be held accountable for any errors, omissions or if a home varies from the facilities listed or in an advertisement.

Advertisements do not act as endorsement or recommendation by any of the afore mentioned parties. Information within the directory is correct at time of print (August 2010). This publication is not endorsed by Somerset County Council.

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Contents

Care for Somerset 2010-11

As a directory of care, it is the aim of RightCare Index to assist the public in their search for care and to enhance and individualise their lifestyles. Comprehensive listings are included in this publication and our website www.RightCare Index.com together with helpful information from appropriate sources.

Keep RightCare Index Free! - Please mention us when contacting our advertisers.

Cover photo credit: © Stephen Spraggon - www.spraggonphotography.co.uk

Your County Registered Care Providers Association Ltd • Local Authority • Somerset County Plan Accessing Care Services • ‘Putting People First’ • Direct Payments • Personalisation

NHS in Somerset NHS Services in Somerset • Emergency Duty Team • PALS • Red Cross Home From Hospital Service Continuing Healthcare • NHS Health Initiatives • Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance

Care Homes Finding and Paying for a Care Home and Considerations • Funding for Care Homes Syncope In The Care Home • Care Home Listings for Somerset

Care at Home Help at Home • Accessing Your Care and Support Needs • Telecare • Telehealth Care Direct • First Stop Advice Line • Listings for providers in Somerset

Nursing Agencies National Minimum Standards • Nursing Agencies in Somerset

Carers Carers’ Assessment • Help in a Crisis • Useful Contacts

Meal Provision Eat Well, Live Well • Key Messages from SCIE • Meal Providers Somerset

Learning Disabilities

©Stephen Spraggon

06 10 18 28 32 33 34 36

Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust • Down’s Syndrome Association • Employment Support Service • ARC National Autistic Society Learning Disability Care Homeson and Providers Care•choices have you at a loss?•Call

01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

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SafeGuarding Adults Different Types of Abuse • Somerset County Council Contacts

Mental Health Somerset Partnership NHS Trust • Support From Your GP Surgery • Somerset Community RightSteps • Emotional Health and Wellbeing Service • Older People • National Dementia Strategy The Alzheimer’s Society • Eating Disorders • Addiction Services • SANEline

Disabilities Compass Disability Services • SAIN • Radar Keys • Registration Pluss Employment for Disabled People • Wheelchair Provision

Day Services and Respite Day Services • Active Living Network • Respite Care • List of Providers Active Living Centre’s in Somerset

Advocacy The Advocacy Charter • A4e • OPAAL • Somerset Advocacy • Care Aware • Action for Advocacy FirstStop • Age UK • List of Advocates in Somerset

End of Life St. Margaret’s Hospice • Somerset Cancer Care

Motability The Motability Scheme • Motability Dealership in Somerset • Choosing the Right Car for You Ricability • Car Share Scheme • Blue Badge Scheme • Shopmobility • Road Tax Exemptions Customer Profile

Sheltered Housing Sheltered Schemes and Options • Renting and Buying Sheltered Housing Sheltered Housing Providers

Activity and Therapy Your Guide to Getting Out • Free Cinema For Carers • Map of Local Attractions • Blue and Green Gyms • Riding for the Disabled Association • Sailability • Alternative Therapists Somerset Wheelchair Sports Club • Equines Empowering People

Legal Services Lasting Powers of Attorney • Deputyship • Probate • Funding the Cost of Care Deprivation of Liberty • Management of Affairs

Information

41 42 46 48 52 55 56 60 62 66 68

Adult Social Care Contacts • Safeguarding Contacts • Somerset Hospital Contacts • Age UK Citizens Advice Bureau • Local and National Contacts • Further Information & Advice Publications Care choices have you at a loss? Call on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

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Your Somerset Registered Care Providers Association Ltd - Serving Care Providers in Somerset

Our Purpose is to:• Represent the interests, views and concerns of both proprietors and managers concerned with the provision of care to Commissioners of services, Government and Regulatory bodies.

• To foster and exchange ideas between members and to provide services that are of mutual benefit and assistance.

• To advise members on any matter relevant to the provision of care.

• Develop, monitor and evaluate, care strategy and policy and disseminate this to members.

Our Mission Our mission is to be a mechanism to enable access to information and advice, to encourage members to respond to need through the provision of quality services and work in partnership with other agencies and organisations.

How we do it By operating a not for profit company.

• By developing and maintaining robust relationships with Commissioners e.g, Local Authority, statutory and regulatory bodies and other agencies and organisations to represent members’ views and to negotiate on their behalf.

• By developing an interactive website to disseminate information and guidance to members.

• By responding to members’ individual needs on specific issues.

• By holding an annual and periodic seminars covering topical matters of interest to members.

• By preparing the ‘Who Cares Magazine’ and monthly newsletters keeping members up to date on topical issues.

• By preparing Policy and Procedures document templates for adaption and use by members.

• By providing continuous encouragement and support to members for improving quality of care provision.

A brief history We were founded in 1981 as a professional association representing care providers in Somerset, including Domiciliary Care and Nursing Agencies and have grown to become the largest representative body within the county. We incorporated the Association in 2008 to become a not for profit company with a corporate board of 7 members all of whom have experience of business and the care sector and who are firmly committed to the provision of quality care in the county. In 2010 we represent the majority of residential and domiciliary care providers in the county.

Your county needs you The more members we have the louder our voice and the stronger our position. So much of our work is to do with influencing the local interpretation of national policy and regulation including SCC and elected members, Members of Parliament, CQC and the PCT.

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Care choices have you at a loss? Call

Somerset County Council County Plan 2010 The County Plan sets out what Somerset County Council aims to achieve in the next three years. It details the Council’s promises to residents and the priorities for Somerset in the future. The promises are based on what local people say they want and need, and what the Council can afford to provide.

The promises are split into three main areas: People, Place and Prosperity and the council is fully committed to achieving them.

The authority has one clear message for everyone in Somerset – this Council understands the pressures people are under and will provide: “Opportunity when you want it; help when you need it.”

In terms of People the Council is bringing a new approach to the way the authority works with residents and businesses – it will listen more and respond better. The Council aims to recognise and reinvigorate an old fashioned concept - the neighbourhood - working with the voluntary sector and others to build communities: • where people look out for one-another, • where people are independent but have the confidence that Somerset County Council is there when they really need it, • where people have a real say in what happens in their own community, • and where people have the opportunity to prosper.

Somerset County Council works closely with partners including the NHS and the Police to ensure vulnerable children and adults feel protected and well looked-after. It also aims to be innovative and flexible, and change the way it works, making it easier to fulfil people’s hopes and ambitions. The Council wants to give more opportunities and more responsibility to the people who understand their communities’ needs best – the residents. The authority will encourage communities, charities and businesses to take over some of the services that traditionally have been carried out by them. To use their local knowledge and skills to bring improvements and to run those services more effectively.

At all times the Council is looking to be much more efficient and to deliver better value for money to council tax payers.

The People promises are: • Helping those who need it Giving elderly and vulnerable SOMERSE T COUNTY PLAN 20 10-2013 people the support they need to stay in their own homes for as long as possible.

• Reducing the size of the Council whilst increasing its flexibility, effectiveness and influence.

• Do-It-Online - Making life easier for our residents providing easily accessible information online.

• Reducing inequalities - In health, in wellbeing, in access and in education.

• Freezing Council Tax increase at zero per cent.

WWW.SOM ERSE

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

T.GOV.UK

The years and years ahead present huge challenges for all.

A huge financial squeeze across the public sector will mean that the Council will not have the same amount of money to carry on as before. Things will have to change. That’s why it is committed to reducing borrowing and cutting debt, why it will be relentless in its drive for efficiency and why it is bringing a new approach to the authority – understanding what residents really want and putting them at the heart of what the Council does.

(Extracted from Somerset County Council’s County Plan) If you have any specific questions or comments on this publication, please contact the Planning and Performance Team on: 01823 358281 or email: planningandperformance@somerset.gov.uk. This document is also available in Braille, large print, tape and on disc and it can translate it into different languages. To call a member of staff to discuss the details. Please contact 0845 345 9166. ©Crown Copywrite

Adult Social Care Adult Social Care supports adults of a working age and older people who have disabilities, mental health problems, a sensory loss or general frailty. Our aim is to actively promote independence and choice. We help people to live in their homes for as long as possible. When this is no longer possible we help people to choose a good quality care home. We support unpaid carers in various ways, for example by providing training, links to support groups and by funding short breaks.

We provide support in these areas: • Assessment of needs and care planning, co-ordination and review • Advice about social care, health, housing and money (by phoning us on 0845 345 9133) • Emotional and practical support • Protection of vulnerable adults • Residential and nursing care • Personal care at home • Community meals • Day Services and opportunities • Equipment to support independence • Adaptations to the home environment • Support for carers and providing breaks • Direct Payments • Financial assessments and benefits advice is available through the Financial Assessment and Benefit (FAB) Teams The Somerset Care Services Directory lists registered care providers in Somerset and provides information about how to access care services. For a paper copy please phone Somerset Direct on 0845 345 9133.

Assessment If you are facing a major change in your life because of an illness or disability we will talk to you and the people who matter to you so that we can understand your long term care needs. This process is called an assessment and is something you are entitled to. An assessment starts with a discussion to understand all your needs. With permission we will also talk to people closely involved with you: for example, your carer, family and friends.

Care choices have you at a loss? Call

Fair Access to Care Services We provide a range of services for adults with care and support needs to help them live as full a life as possible.

To make sure that the way people get our services is as fair as possible we use the following principles: • People with similar needs will be helped in similar ways • People will have equal access to services regardless of their age, the type of disability that they have, or where they live in the county.

Families and unpaid carer’s often provide the most support for vulnerable people. We take their needs into account. We do not take their willingness to continue care for granted. If you are a carer you have the right to have your own needs assessed independently form the needs of the person you are caring for.

About this Service The decision about whether you are eligible for services is based on an assessment of your needs and how they affect your life.

A key part of the assessment process is listening to your views and those of any person caring for you. The assessment will help us to understand the degree of need you are experiencing according to four bands: Critical, Substantial, Moderate or Low.

Who can use it?

If you are a Somerset resident and at least 18 years old we will help you if you have a care need that significantly affects your ability to live an independent life. We can also help you if you are caring for someone with care needs.

Not everyone who asks us for help can be given a service because we make sure we can help those in greatest need.

How do I use it?

Eligible needs We will only be able to help you with things that are ‘eligible needs’. Something is an eligible need if it affects you in areas of your life such as: personal care, staying independent, keeping safe, staying physically and mentally well or maintaining key relationships.

To make sure we can help people with greatest needs we also need to check that: • there isn’t another person or organisation who could reasonably be expected to meet your needs, and • the consequences of not meeting your needs would have a significant affect on your life

Ineligible needs ‘Ineligible needs’ are needs that do not have a significant affect on the key areas of your life, or are the needs that Social Care Services are not responsible to meet.

It may be that other organisations can help you with some or all of your ineligible needs, depending on what they are. We cannot help you directly with ineligible needs. Where we are able to, we will advise you on possible ways to get help in these areas, and put you in touch with relevant organisations.

Independent organisations offer a range of information and advice. Somerset Age Concern provides information and advice to older people. People with physical disabilities can approach A4e, the organisation that provides advocacy, Direct Payments and Short Breaks advice and information in Somerset. Carers can get advice and information from the Somerset Carers Team.

What happens next?

There are many different ways you can receive the help you need. When we have agreed with you what your eligible needs are, we will discuss the best way of meeting them. on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

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Your Somerset

To see the other priorities and promises in the County Plan visit the Somerset County Council website at: www.somerset.gov.uk/countyplan

•

You may want to use services that are directly provided by us • You may want us to purchase the services you need from other organisations • You may want us to give you money towards the costs of meeting your eligible needs so that you can arrange the help for yourself -this is called Direct Payments.

We will review your needs and any services that we have arranged for you at least once a year. If we find that your eligible needs have increased we will consider what additional services you require. Equally, we will consider reducing or stopping services that you no longer need.

What is covered?

We may arrange: • Support with some of the caring tasks in your home • Special equipment or changes at home to help you manage essential tasks or activities • Daytime activities • Meals services • Accommodation in a care home if you are unable to remain at home • Short term care to provide you with a different and enjoyable experience and allow your carers to take a break We work closely with other organisations that provide health, education, employment, housing and leisure services. The kind of help we arrange in partnership with these organisations aims to: • Help to develop or maintain skills you need to be as independent as possible • Support to develop employment skills and recreational opportunities, particularly where these help you to make better use of facilities in your community • Support for carers

How much does it cost?

There is no charge for the assessment of needs, but there is a charge for some services that we may arrange. Where there is a charge for any of the services you need we may have to carry out a financial assessment to see how much you have to pay. The amount you will be expected to pay will depend on your own level of income, savings and capital and may also depend on those of your husband or wife. If you feel we have got your financial assessment wrong you have a right of appeal.

How to appeal against your assessment We have an appeal process that can be followed in the rare event that you don’t agree with the result of your assessment. The appeals process is to resolve complaints received about a disagreement with the outcome of an assessment as a result of the criteria set by the Council as promptly as possible. The process is designed to be quick and fair.

The Process: If you don’t agree with the result of the second assessment, please let us know by writing to the person who assessed you. You should write to them within two weeks of when your assessment took place.

You should tell us why you believe the assessment is wrong and what you would like us to do. They will speak to a team manager who will contact you. The manager may ask someone else to visit you to make another assessment or arrange to speak to you about it in person.

If you do not agree with the result of the second assessment, or if you are still not satisfied after a discussion with a team manager, you can ask for it to be reviewed by the Social Care panel. This panel

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Care choices have you at a loss? Call

meets every month. You should tell us within two weeks of when your second assessment took place, or within two weeks of the discussion with the team manager. The panel chair, a senior manager, will write to you within two working days after the meeting to explain its decision.

If you are still not satisfied with the service we provide you can, of course, make a complaint at any time. Please write to: Somerset County Council, Comments, Compliments, Complaints, Customer Contact, FREEPOST NAT 9109, Taunton, Somerset TA1 4ZA Call: 0845 345 9166 Or email: generalenquiries@somerset.gov.uk

Direct Payments A Direct Payment is a cash payment made to an individual instead of Direct Care so that they can make arrangements that suit their particular situation. Since 2003 Social Services has had a legal duty to offer a Direct Payment to anyone who is eligible for Community Care services and meets the Direct Payment eligibility criteria.

A Direct Payment gives you choice, control, flexibility and more independence when arranging the help you need. If you wish, you can use a Direct Payment to pay for some of your care and ask Social Services to arrange the remaining care. This is a good way of seeing if a Direct Payment is what you really want.

Who can have a Direct Payment?

• Anyone over the age of 16 who has been assessed by a Social Worker as needing Community Care. This includes people with a physical disability, learning disability, people who use mental health services, older people and those with sensory loss • Parents of a disabled child can receive a Direct Payment to pay for care for their child • Carers aged 16 and over who have had a carers assessment • To receive a Direct Payment you must be able to manage the money either alone or with help. You can have as little or as much help as you need, someone else can manage the Direct Payment for you full time if necessary. The most important thing is that the person whom the Direct Payment is for decides how the money is used and who should be their carer • You must also give your consent. You cannot be given a Direct Payment if you do not want one. The law gives guidance on how someone with a learning disability might give consent • Some people cannot have a Direct Payment. These are mainly people who cannot arrange their own care under certain mental health or criminal justice legislation.

A Direct Payment is paid into a separate bank account, so that it is kept separate from your own money. It can only be used to pay for your assessed needs according to your Care Plan. ©Compass Disabilities Services www.wdpss.org.uk

Putting People First Putting People First (PPF) is a national programme to improve people’s experience of adult social care. Launched in 2007, PPF is a commitment to make sure anyone who needs care and support can exercise choice and control to live their lives as they want.

PPF puts people at the heart of the decision-making process.

It enables them to identify their needs and make choices on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

The four key components The Putting People First initiative is made up of four key components. These are: • Universal services: ensuring that anyone who requires care and support can find the services they need in their community • Preventative services: helping people to maintain their health and well being for longer • Choice and control: giving people as much control as they want over decisions which affect their care • Building social capital: recognising that individuals can receive care and support from their friends, families neighbours and community groups These four interdependent themes need to be in place to support the transformation of social care in England.

PPF proposes that all local authorities move to a system of Personal Budgets for anyone who is eligible for support.

Through this system, PPF aims to help individuals create bespoke care services, enabling them to receive care and support at the right time. It also seeks to reduce the pressure on local authorities by investing money in prevention, rather than offering care when people’s needs are highest.

Delivered by partners from central and local government and across the sector, PPF is a unique programme whose ultimate goal is the transformation of adult social care. It will enable close collaboration between the professional leadership, providers, regulators and service users. Together, these key stakeholders will work to ensure better health and well being for all individuals, families and carers who require help and support. ©Crown Copywrite

Putting ‘You First’ One of Somerset County Council’s jobs, working with our partners in health, social care and voluntary organisations, is to make sure you get the information, advice and help that you need. The way we approach this is starting to change and ‘You First’ is the name we are giving to these changes.

At some stage in our lives, chances are many of us will need a little extra help to stay fit, healthy and independent.

What is “You first” As the name suggests, it is all about putting you more firmly at the centre of what we do and how we do it. It

Your Somerset

about their support. It’s all about delivering high quality services tailored to individuals’ wishes, and ensuring better health and well being for everyone, including families and carers.

will impact on services for older people, people with physical or learning disabilities, people recovering from mental illness and in the wider community.

Everybody is different and will need something different when the time comes for that extra help. ‘You First’ is about giving people more choice and control over that support.

We will discuss with you what would be best for your particular circumstances, and help you make those choices by providing clear and accessible information and advice.

What will it look like? We are still in the early stages, but we are already doing things that show the way we want ‘You First’ to go. These include Direct Payments, the use of Assistive Technology and Dementia Support. Have a read of the case studies and see how we are already making a difference to people in Somerset. We will be building on these approaches over the coming year.

Why are we doing it? ‘You First’ is our response to a Government initiative launched to address the changes happening in our communities. More people are living longer, with increasing numbers having complex health conditions, such as dementia. At the same time people’s expectations are increasing. This means demand for care services has never been greater and is increasing more quickly than the funding available. Naturally, this means we need to make public money go further. We believe we can do this by changing the way we work through ‘You First’.

Greater Independence Most people want to be independent for as long as possible, so we are going to concentrate on what we can do to help people achieve this. If you have been unwell and need a stay in hospital, our emphasis will be on finding out what can be done for you or your family to help you recover and get you home again.

That could mean providing some support for someone caring for you, helping with your rehabilitation, or making adaptations to your home. And, of course, where people need longerterm care we will make sure that care is there for them.

Contact Us: We have offices in: Mendip: Frome and Glastonbury Taunton Deane: Taunton and Wellington Sedgemoor and West Somerset: Bridgwater and Minehead South Somerset: Chard, Langport, Wincanton and Yeovil Tel: 0845 345 9133 Email: adults@somerset.gov.uk Our offices are open: Mon - Thurs: 9.00am to 4.30pm, Fri: 9.00am to 4.00pm Sat & Sun: Closed ©Crown Copywrite

An Introduction to Personalisation from SCIE Personalisation means thinking about public services and social care in an entirely different way – starting with the person and their individual circumstances rather than the service.

It will require the transformation of adult social care and different approaches to personalisation are already emerging.

Personalisation or person-centred support applies to all adults using social care services, including those who fund themselves and people living in residential settings. http://www.scie.org.uk/adults/personalisationpub.asp A document by the Department of Health ‘Putting People First - A shared vision and commitment to the Care choices have you at a loss? Call

transformation of Adult Social Care” (right) gives a concise overview of the initiatives set by the government and is available from: www. dhcarenetworks.org. uk/_library/Resources/ALC/ OtherOrganisation/Putting_ People_First.pdf

Puttin

g Peop A shared le First vision to the and commitm transfo rmationent Adult So of cial Car e

Also see www.puttingpeoplefirst.org.uk/ for the latest news on personalisation. ©Crown Copywrite

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

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NHS in Somerset Bath

11 A&E

Your nearest NHS Hospitals

Weston-Super-Mare A&E 10

Cheddar 9

12

Burnham-on-Sea

MIU 8

Wedmore

1 MIU

Watchet

13 MIU

Wells

MIU 15

Shepton Mallet

2 MIU 16

Glastonbury

7 MIU

Bridgewater

Street

Westonzoyland

Bishops Lydeard

17

Castle Cary

Dulverton

Somerton

Wiveliscombe

6

Queen Camel

Martock

4

Wellington 21

South Petherton

Ilminster

MIU 3

MIU 18

Wincanton

Langport

5 A&E

Taunton

Hospital Key:

14

Frome

Highbridge

Minehead Simonsbath

Wookey Hole

22

Tiverton MIU 23

20

19 A&E

Yeovil

Crewkerne

Chard

Somerset Primary Care Trust Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

A&E MIU 1 2 3

Taunton & Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

4

Wellington & District Cottage Hospital

14

Chantry House Day Hospital

Yeovil & District NHS Foundation Trust

5

Musgrove Park Hospital

15

Shepton Mallet Community Hospital

Private Hospitals

6

Nuffield Health Taunton Hospital

16

West Mendip Community Hospital

Hospitals outside of the County

7

Bridgwater Hospital

17

Ridley Day Hospital

Accident & Emergency

8

Burnham-on-Sea War Memorial Hospital

18

Verrington Hospital

Minor Injuries Unit

9

Little Court Day Hospital

19

Yeovil District Hospital

10

Weston General Hospital

20

The Henford Centre

Minehead Hospital

11

Royal United Hospital

21

South Petherton Hospital

Williton Community Hospital

12

Willowbank Day Hospital

22

Crewkerne Hospital

Tiverton & District Hospital

13

Frome Community Hospital

23

Chard Community Hospital

There are many hospitals in Somerset, of which several are community hospitals. These provide services such as Minor Injuries Units and out-patient care but not usually Accident and Emergency. Please check the map for MIU and A&E hospitals before setting off.

See page 68 for all hospital contacts.

What are NHS foundation trusts?

NHS foundation trusts are not-for-profit, public benefit corporations. They are part of the NHS and provide over half of all NHS hospital and mental health services.

NHS foundation trusts are a result of the Government’s drive to devolve decision making from central to local organisations and communities. They provide and develop healthcare according to core NHS principles - free care, based on need and not ability to pay.

What makes NHS foundation trusts different from NHS trusts?

• they are not directed by Government so have greater freedom to decide their own

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• •

strategy and the way services are run; they can retain their surpluses and borrow to invest in new and improved services for patients and service users; and they are accountable to their local communities through their members and governors, their commissioners through contracts, and Parliament to monitor as their regulator.

NHS foundation trusts can be more responsive to the needs and wishes of their local communities – anyone who lives in the area, works for a foundation trust, or has been a patient or service user there, can become a member of the trust. These members elect the board of governors.

on 01872 4647 321 327 or see page 75 for more details NHS Direct - 0845 NHS Direct - 0845 4647

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Somerset Primary Care Trust

2nd Floor, Mallard Court, Express Park, Bridgwater, TA6 4RN www.sompar.nhs.uk

Wynford House, Lufton Way, Yeovil, BA22 8HR www.somersetpct.nhs.uk

The Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust was authorised on 1 May 2008. The predecessor organisation, Somerset Partnership NHS and Social Care Trust, was formed in 1999, and was the first integrated health and social care partnership trust in England.

Somerset Primary Care Trust aims to improve the health of the people who live in the county of Somerset. We provide some services ourselves by employing our own teams of nurses and allied health professionals, treating patients in their own homes and in our community hospitals.

We provide a wide range of specialist mental health and learning disability health and social care services to over 530,000 people across Somerset. We deliver • comprehensive mental health and social care services for older people; • comprehensive mental health and social care services for adults; • community and inpatient child and adolescent mental health services; • community based specialist health services for adults with learning disabilities; • community based specialist services: including Asperger specialist team, employment support, eating disorders team, personality disorders, and forensic services.

The Primary Care Trust also co-ordinates the planning and funding of all local NHS independent contractors including: • 75 GP Practices • 76 Dental surgeries • 91 Community pharmacies • 56 Optometric practices

NHS in Somerset

Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Tel: 01278 432000

Tel: 01935 384000

Somerset Community Health is a new organisation, which aims to develop a supportive and learning culture as we enable our staff to focus on excellent patient care. We deliver a wide range of community health services, ranging from Community Hospital provision to Primary Care Dental services. ©Crown Copywrite

©Crown Copywrite

Emergency Duty Team (EDT) Tel: 01458 253241

Somerset out-of-hours Medical Service Tel: 0845 408 8000

This local authority out of hours service is available from 5:30pm - 8:30am and deals with emergency or urgently distressing situations.

The team covers the Local Authority’s statutory responsibilities under mental health, child care and welfare legislation. It is provided on an out of hours basis, including weekends and bank holidays.

In Somerset, an out-of-hours medical service is available when your local GP surgery is closed. The service is for urgent medical situations only - if you, or a member of your family, become ill and you are concerned. If it is a medical emergency - then you should call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

The service is available between 6.30pm and 8.00am, Monday to Friday, and throughout weekends and bank holidays.

Taunton & Somerset NHS Foundation Trust Tel: 01823 343536

Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Tel: 01935 475122

Musgrove Park Hospital is part of Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.

We are the largest General Hospital in Somerset and serve a population of over 340,000. Each year 34,000 patients are admitted as emergencies; 10,000 patients are admitted for elective surgery; 28,000 are seen for day case surgery; 300,000 outpatient appointments are held; 49,000 attend Accident and Emergency; 3,000 babies are born in the Maternity Department and 170,000 diagnostics tests are carried out.

Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust provides acute care for a population of about 180,000, mostly in South Somerset, North and West Dorset, and parts of Mendip and has 345 beds. Increasingly, however, patients are using patient choice and deciding to come to YDH from as far afield as London and Portsmouth.

Each year more than 30,000 patients are admitted as inpatients or day cases; more than 90,000 people attend outpatient appointments; around 40,000 people are treated in Accident and Emergency; and some 1,300 babies are born in the Maternity Unit. The Foundation Trust has over 7,000 members and over 1,800 staff.

Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, TA1 5DA www.tst.nhs.uk

©Crown Copywrite

Higher Kingston, Yeovil, BA21 4AT www.yeovilhospital.nhs.uk

©Crown Copywrite

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Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS) The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is here to help when you need advice, have concerns or don’t know where to turn.

As a patient, relative or carer, sometimes you may need to turn to someone for help, advice and support.

This is where the Patient Advice and Liaison Service comes in. This service is free and confidential.

Our aim is to help sort out any problems or concerns you may have when using health services, agree the best way forward to deal with a problem and get it resolved as quickly as possible.

We will do this by: • offering advice and support to patients, their families and carers • providing information on NHS services • listening and responding to concerns, suggestions or queries • talking to staff, management and other organisations on your behalf • helping sort out problems quickly on your behalf

We will always ask for your permission before personal information is discussed with others. Only in exceptional cases where your safety or that of others must be considered will we have to pass on information.

We will always tell you if we have to do this. ©Crown Copywrite

Contact Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS): NHS Somerset, Freepost RRKL-XKSC-ACSG, Yeovil, BA22 8HR Tel: 0800 0851 067 email: pals@somerset.nhs.uk

Red Cross Home From Hospital Service Our trained volunteers offer short-term practical and emotional support to people returning to their home after any period of stay in hospital.

We can: • Take you home & settle you in • Support and help rebuild confidence • Shopping & escort shopping • Make support visits • Collect prescriptions and pensions • Sit with you if your carer needs to go out • Companionship

Our help really can make a difference There is no charge for this service; you may like to make a donation after having used the service. Our volunteers are trained and work to the fundamental principles of the Red Cross.

Our volunteers will NOT provide: • Personal care (i.e. toileting) • Administer medication or change dressings • Lift or move someone • Domestic care • Witness legal documents • Receive payment for services • Provide advocacy Confidentiality will be maintained at all times, any information will be kept in strict confidence. Once you have used the service you will be sent a monitoring form to tell us what you thought of the service and whether you wish to make any donation.

Our volunteers will carry out a risk assessment so as to

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minimise potential hazards and to prevent any accidents occurring. We would appreciate your co-operation with this.

How can I get this help?

If you are in hospital, ask the person who is arranging your discharge, they will pass your details on. You can also contact us direct, on the number below. We can take referrals from anyone; you just need to contact the duty Coordinator.

You can call us about a relative, friend or neighbour.

Contact Details: The Home from Hospital Coordinator can be reached on: 01823 273707 Home from Hospital, British Red Cross, Red Cross House, Livingstone Way, Taunton, TA2 6BD The office is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. www.redcross.org.uk The British Red Cross is a ‘Caring in Crisis’ organisation, which helps many people each year to return to their homes following a stay in hospital. We aim to support and help rebuild people’s confidence to enable them to live independently. The service is available throughout Somerset and includes the areas of Taunton, Yeovil, Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Crewkerne and Chard and all community hospitals. For further information or to have a confidential talk about the service please contact the coordinator.

The British Red Cross also provides other services such as Medical Equipment Services, Skin Camouflage and Transport and Escort to find out about any of these please contact the British Red Cross in Somerset on 01823 273700 or for Medical Equipment please call 0845 3313331.

NHS 4647 on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details NHSDirect Direct- 0845 - 0845 4647

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NHS Continuing Healthcare What is NHS-funded Continuing Health Care?

This is a term used to describe care arranged and funded by the NHS. It is provided where a person has particularly complex health needs and requires regular supervision. Patients may be eligible for NHS Funded Continuing Health Care for varying lengths of time. Care needs will be reviewed regularly to ensure that the level of care funded by the NHS remains appropriate.

Who does Continuing Health Care apply to?

People aged over 18 years needing continuing health care because of illness or disability. In all cases eligibility depends on an assessment of your health care needs and not on diagnosis or prognosis. These health care needs may change over time: Therefore continuing eligibility will need to be determined by re-assessment at agreed intervals. Patients/Service Users may therefore move in and out of eligibility for continuing health care funding during the course of their illness/disability.

Where patients have been assessed as needing NHS Continuing Health Care for either a physical or mental health problem Somerset Primary Care Trust (or ‘PCT’) is responsible for arranging and funding the right level of care. Care may be provided in a care home or your own home, If you have difficulty understanding any of these terms, please ask the health care professional or social worker providing a service to you to explain or contact the Continuing Health Care office on: 01935 385233 / 385231 How is care provided if you are not eligible for NHS funded Continuing Healthcare?

If you are not eligible for NHS Continuing Health Care, Social Services will arrange for your placement in a nursing home, a residential home or arrange for care in your own home. This will depend on the type of care agreed during the assessment.

The NHS will assess and pay for the funded nursing care element of nursing home fees, but you will have to make a contribution towards the other costs. However, you will still be entitled to all community health services without charge.

How is the decision about this care made?

The Multidisciplinary team caring for you will complete an assessment of your care needs, Including the NHS funded Continuing Healthcare Screening checklist. These will then be used to complete Decision Support Tool which will inform a decision about eligibility for Continuing Healthcare. This tool, and all supporting documents for

the National Framework for Continuing Healthcare and NHS Funded Nursing Care 2007 are available on the NHS Somerset website www.somersetpct.nhs.uk Who will decide about Continuing Health Care?

Whether you are in hospital or having difficulties coping at home, an assessment of needs will be carried out that may involve doctors, nurses, social workers and other care staff and they will agree with you what care can be provided. Care may be provided jointly by both Social Services and the National Health Service (NHS). However, the assessment may recommend that, because your health needs are particularly complex and difficult to plan for, that regular supervision from NHS staff, such as a consultant, palliative care nurse/specialist, therapist or other member of the NHS multidisciplinary team is required.

In such cases your care may then be fully funded by the NHS. If, following completion of the Screening checklist, it is felt that the needs do not meet the need to undertake a full assessment, you will be informed of this. However, if your needs alter in the future, a fresh application can be made by contacting the Multidisciplinary team caring for you.

Application Process Following the completion of the multidisciplinary assessment and gathering of information, all applications will be considered by the Primary Care Trust Continuing Healthcare panel.

Decisions will be made on the information available about the individual health care needs of the patient/service user.

I don’t agree with the decision made about NHS Continuing Health Care If you are unhappy or unclear about the decisions being made regarding Continuing Health Care, you should raise these concerns as early as possible with the person providing a service to you. You can also ask the Primary Care Trust to review the decision by writing to The Director of Nursing If you remain unhappy about the decision following the PCT’s investigation, you may request an ‘Independent Review Panel’. The Panel will consider only matters relating to: • How the decisions for continuing health care were made; or • How the criteria were applied by the Primary Care Trust in the decisions made Further information on Continuing Health Care or for further information please contact: The Continuing Healthcare Manager, Wynford House Lufton Way Lufton Yeovil Somerset BA22 8HR Tel: 01935 385231 ©Crown Copywrite

Your Guide to Local Health Services Your Guide to Local Health Services is a leaflet that is produced each autumn by the Primary Care Trust and is delivered through peoples letter boxes. The leaflet aims to strengthen accountability and provide better information to the population of Somerset. Your Guide to Local Health Services gives details of the Local Health Services that are available, useful contact numbers and websites where you can find information. The booklet also gives

details of how we spend your money so that you can stay healthy and how we provide services to treat ill health.

If you missed it in the autumn it can also be found in public libraries and places where health services are provided such as GP surgeries and community hospitals.

The guides to local health services were correct at the time of going to print. ©Crown Copywrite

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Dept. of Health Physical Activity At every life stage it is important that we build physical activity into our daily routines. It is a basic foundation for healthier lifestyles.

Earlier this year we launched Change4Life. Its message is simple: We must all “eat well, move more and live longer”. What we need is a lifestyle revolution.

Be Active, Be Healthy forms part of this revolution. By working with policy makers, local government and grass roots organisations, we can help to put physical activity at the heart of every community, so that individuals are healthier, businesses more productive, and our environment is improved. With the support of the new Physical Activity Alliance, a range of initiatives across the spectrum of physical activity and new investment in the delivery infrastructure, Be active, Be Healthy will transform local communities and help us build a fitter healthier and happier nation.

Our Vision for Adult Social Care in England Our starting point is the principle that everyone in society has a positive contribution to make to that society and that they should have a right to control their own lives.

The vision we have for Social Care is one where: •

Alan Johnson Secretary of State for Health (Feb 2009)

•

Be Active, Be Healthy, Publication 2971707. Available through the Department of Health, 0870 600 55 22, www.dh.gov.uk

•

• •

services help maintain the independence of the individual by giving them greater choice and control the local authority and Director of Adult Social Services have key strategic and leadership roles and work with a range of partners, including Primary Care Trusts and the independent and voluntary sectors, to provide services which are well planned and integrated, make the most effective use of available resources, and meet the needs of a diverse community; local authorities give high priority to the inclusion of all sections of the community, and other agencies, including the NHS, recognise their own contribution to this agenda; services of high quality delivered by a well trained workforce or by informal and family carers who are themselves supported; we make better use of technology to support people, and provide a wide range of supported housing options; we provide services with an emphasis on preventing problems and ensure that social care and the NHS work on a shared agenda to help maintain the independence of individuals.

Independence, Wellbeing, Choice, Dept. of Health Publication, 2005

A plan for getting the nation moving

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The NHS belongs to the people. It is there to improve our health and well-being, supporting us to keep mentally and physically well, to get better when we are ill and, when we cannot fully recover, to stay as well as we can to the end of our lives. It works at the limits of science – bringing the highest levels of human knowledge and skill to save lives and improve health. It touches our lives at times of basic human need, when care and compassion are what matter most.

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NHS in Somerset

Why England needs a new care and support system Society is going through huge change. People are living longer than ever before, and the proportion of older people in our society is growing. We have different social values, and we expect more choice and control over all areas of our lives, including public services. And too often the existing system does not live up to the expectations of those who depend upon it. We have an ageing population. In the next 20 years, the number of people over 85 in England will double and the number over 100 will quadruple.

Similarly, advances in medical knowledge and practice mean that disabled people can live longer and can lead healthier lives. We expect over 1.7 million more people to have a need for care and support in 20 years’ time.

A radical rethink of the care and support system is needed to address these challenges. Otherwise, it is likely that families, including dependent children within the family, will be under pressure to provide inappropriate levels of care, and in some cases people will go without support. If we fail to get to grip with these long-term issues we will fail to provide quality of life for potentially large groups of people, and consequently demand for NHS services will increase inappropriately.

The Case for Change, Dept. of Health Publication, 2009

What does Change4Life do for you?

The Change4Life advertising campaign will make the subject of weight and physical activity a hot topic and will urge us to make changes to our diet and levels of activity.

The campaign talks about ‘fat in the body’ rather than ‘fat bodies’ and makes clear the link between fat and preventable illnesses. It also pins the blame on modern life, which affects all of us, rather than pointing the finger at parents.

Free Change4Life materials are now available for you to order or download to use to support the movement.

Who needs Change4Life

We all know it can be hard these days to live a happy, healthy life but Change4Life can help. After all, none of us are perfect. The way we live in modern society means a lot of us, especially our kids, have fallen into unhealthy habits.

Why should I join Change4Life?

Dignity in Care Launched by the Department of Health (DH) in November 2006, the ‘Dignity in Care Campaign’ aims to end tolerance of care services that do not respect people’s dignity by stimulating national debate around dignity in care and inspiring people to take action.

The objectives of the campaign are to: • Deliver a public/staff facing ‘Dignity in Care Campaign’ aimed at: »» Raising awareness and stimulating a national debate around Dignity in Care »» Inspiring and equipping local people to take action »» Rewarding and recognising those who make a difference • Create a common understanding of what dignified health and social care services look like • Communicate dignity as a priority through consistent messages and inclusion in key levers and guidance produced by DH and other stakeholder organisations

Would you like loads of ideas and help to give your family a happier, healthier future? Then you already know why you should join Change4Life. As part of Change4Life, you will receive tons of helpful information, games, tools, tips and a free welcome pack. You can also search for what is happening in your local community. We’ll update Change4Life all the time so don’t miss out – visit our website regularly. www.change4life.co.uk

* *Calls to 03 numbers should cost no more than geographic 01 or 02 UK-wide calls, and may be part of inclusive minutes subject to your provider and your call package.

Editorial taken from: www.dhcarenetworks.org. uk/dignityincare/DignityCareCampaign Where more information is available; including details about how to become a Dignity Champion. on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details NHS Direct - 0845 4647

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Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Any one, at any time could require the services of the Air Ambulance: no one is immune!

The Dorset and Sommerset Air Ambulance is a registered Charity. We receive no funding from the Government or the National Lottery so we rely entirely on the generosity of the public to support us.

We pride ourselves on having an outstanding air ambulance emergency service. Our team of highly trained paramedics and pilots use their knowledge, skill and cheerful enthusiasm to save lives every day.

It now costs £3,800 per day to keep YOUR Air Ambulance flying, which equates to approximately £1.4 million a year. In the decade since our launch we have attended over 7,000 incidents – many of them life-saving.

The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance celebrate its 10th anniversary during 2010. Reaching this milestone is an achievement in its own right and we would not be here today without your continued support.

During the past ten years, with your help, we have been able to provide one of the most outstanding air ambulance emergency services in the country. We hope that you feel proud, that with the support you give, many lives have been changed, and many lives have been saved.

Why The Air Ambulance Is Needed Every second counts when a person’s life is in danger.

The Air Ambulance can be anywhere within the two counties in under 19 minutes of an emergency call. We can easily reach isolated locations such as moorlands, hilltops, and cliff-tops, where there are no roads for land ambulances and we are not help up by traffic jams.

Our helicopter flies at approximately 150 mph. We can deliver medical care to patients in-flight and will transfer patients direct to the hospital which best meets their needs.

Raising Funds Because our service answers emergency calls 365 days of the year, our fund-raising has to be constant.

The money you raise today flies our helicopter tomorrow.

Whatever you decide to do, no matter how small, it will make a difference and help us to continue saving lives.

For more information on the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and details of how you can show your support or become a volunteer, please visit:

www.dorsetandsomersetairambulance.org.uk or call: 01823 669604

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on 01872 4647 321 327 or see page 75 for more details NHS Direct - 0845

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Taking the worry out of paying for care Our specialist care fees advisers can help you to: ◆ Arrange your finances to meet care costs over the long term. ◆ Understand your entitlement to local authority, health

authority or state benefits.

For over 15 years we have helped thousands of individuals and their families gain peace of mind in meeting the cost for the care of their choice whilst also preserving as much capital as possible.

For expert advice on all aspects of paying for care or a free copy of our long term care guide, call our care fees advice line.

Tel: 0800

99 88 33*

•

www.nhfa.co.uk

Opening hours Mon - Fri 8am-7pm Sat 8am-2pm *For quality purposes calls may be monitored and/or recorded.

NHFA is a division of HSBC Bank plc which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

AC12723

Care Homes This section provides information and things to consider before moving to a Care Home. Homes are listed alphabetically by district.

Introduction

Choosing where to receive the care you require can be a daunting task, particularly as it often involves leaving a home with which you are familiar and in which you may lived for many years.

Whenever we choose a new place to live, we do so on the basis of a mixture of logic and emotion. Logic dictates where it should be and how close to family and friends etc. The emotional element is based on whether or not it feels like home.

Written information and brochures can tell you about the practical issues but the “feeling of the place” is something you must establish for yourself.

The key advice is to visit the homes which meet your practical requirements. Prepare a list of the issues which concern you and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You will find care providers more than happy to discuss your needs and concerns.

Many of us have preconceptions about care homes and sadly, the image of care provision has not been well presented in the media. Television programmes and press articles tend to focus on the sensational and all too often it is the occasional problems which are highlighted. The vast majority of homes providing high standards and first class care are simply not newsworthy.

Everyone has their own idea of what is nice, what suits them and what meets their own preference. The question therefore needs to be “does it suit me?” and in this respect there is no right or wrong answer.

Who Provides Care?

There are three principal providers of residential and nursing care. Most local authorities own and operate homes of their own although the numbers of places they provide have declined over recent years. The voluntary and charitable sector provides a relatively small but important provision and the largest group is the independent or private sector.

How Do I Measure the Quality of a Home?

The difficulty with quality is that it can mean different things to different people and therefore it is extremely difficult to measure.

All establishments providing residential or nursing care have to be registered with the authorities and comply with the prevailing regulations. This ensures that the home complies with the requirements of health and safety, staffing levels, hygiene, drug administration and accepted good practice.

Homes are inspected regularly and the latest inspection report is available by asking the owner, manager or via the Care Quality Commission. It should however be remembered that the inspection process tends to examine systems and procedures rather than caring.

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How Much Will It Cost?

The cost of care will vary between homes and across each region of the country. Although cost is an important consideration, affordability is perhaps the more significant issue and getting advice on benefit entitlement and how best to manage finances is crucially important.

The CareAware Helpline can assist in this regard.

With the requirement for higher standards, increasing wage levels and rising operating costs, care fee inflation can be an issue and so it is also important to consider the future situation, particularly if the care need increases.

Demographic trends suggest that more of us will need residential care in the future and with home closures continuing, the availability of care beds can be expected to reduce and this in turn may lead to higher prices.

Are There Specialist Homes?

Some homes offer specialised care services. This may range from homes which provide male or female only accommodation to those which cater for particular problems and difficulties.

How to Find Potential Homes Some people are aware of the home they would prefer, perhaps through a recommendation or because a friend was resident there. However, many face the prospect of making a selection from scratch.

The local authority will provide a listing of all registered homes and there are the traditional information sources such as Yellow Pages etc. In addition, many homes are part of local regional or national care associations who produce directories and listings.

An alternative is the Care Quality Commission which took over from the Commission for Social Care Inspection on 1st April 2009. www.cqc.org.uk or 03000 616161.

CareAware Edition 04.09 Caring Solutions for Age Old Problems www.careaware.co.uk Other publications include ‘Finding and Paying for a Care Home’ by Help the Aged (now Age UK) (available by calling: 020 7278 1114 or by visiting their website: www.ageuk.org.uk/publications/) and ‘The Care Home Handbook’

by Counsel + Care which can be downloaded from: www.counselandcare.org.uk/helping-you/carehomehandbook or by calling 0845 300 7585

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

If you are moving to a care home or have been paying for your own care in a care home and think that Somerset County Council may be able to help you with the fees, we will have to look at your finances and work out how much you can afford to pay and how much help you might be able to have.

A member of staff from the Financial Assessment and Benefit (FAB) Team will contact you or the person who looks after your finances. They will arrange for a FAB officer to visit, at a time that suits you, to work out how much you will have to pay. Or they can send you a financial assessment form.

They will be able to help you with any questions you have about exactly how much you will have to pay. Most people have to pay something towards their care fees. For someone over sixty on Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit) this will normally be £110.30 a week. For someone under sixty on Income Support this will normally be £71.15. If you have more income the weekly charge will be higher than this. If you have savings of over £23,250 you will have to pay the full cost of the care. The FAB officer will look at your income and savings; they will ask to see evidence of these.

Top-Ups Somerset County Council sets weekly fee levels for different types of care each year (see table below). If you choose to go to a home that charges more than these levels a third party will have to pay the difference. This could be a family member, friend or charity. The law says that the resident is not allowed to pay the top-up from their income or savings, unless they own a property that is taken into account in the financial assessment.

For example, if you are an older person and choose to go to a residential home with quality premium charging £450 each week • The fee level set by Somerset County Council is £406.58 • A third party will have to pay £43.42 each week – the difference between £450 and £406.58 • The resident will pay as much as they can afford • Somerset County Council will pay the difference between the amount the resident can pay and £406.58. For example if the resident could afford to pay £120, »» £120 - resident to pay directly to the home »» £286.58 – Somerset County Council to pay to the home »» £43.42 – third party to pay directly to the home »» £450 – total fee Weekly fee levels from 12 April 2010 are: Category without

Premium Residential Care • Older people £307.26 • Very dependent elderly £382.68 • Specialised residential care £490.74 • Mental health (+ drug) £319.65 • Learning Disabilities £363.54 • Physical disabilities £413.06 Nursing Care (Includes the Free Nursing Care amount of £108.70) • Older people £522.27 • Mental health £451.38 • Learning Disabilities £458.13 • Physical disabilities £507.64

with Premium £331.15 £406.58 £490.74 £319.65 £387.44 £413.06

£546.16 £451.38 £482.02 £507.64

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Care Homes

Paying for Residential Care

Income Most income is taken into account including: • Occupational pensions • State retirement pensions • Income Support • Minimum Income Guarantee • Pension Credit • Other state benefits including Attendance Allowance / Disability Living Allowance (care component) • Income from property rental • Annuity income • Income from Trust Funds • Income from certain Bonds You will always be left with at least £22.30 each week for personal expenses.

The following will not be taken into account: • Disability Living Allowance (mobility component) • Winter Fuel Payments Savings You can only get help with care fees from Somerset County Council if you have less than £23,250 in savings. This includes things like: • Bank and building society accounts, including current accounts • Shares • Premium Bonds • Unit Trusts • PEPs / ISAs • Cash • National Savings Certificates • Bonds If you have more than £14,250 you will be asked to pay a contribution from your savings of £1 each week for every £250 you have over £14,250.

Property The value of your property will not be taken into account if it is still occupied by • Your husband, wife, or partner; • A relative who is over sixty or who is disabled; • A relative who is under sixteen and the law says you must support.

You may still be able to get help with care fees from Somerset County Council if the value of your other savings is less than £23,250. For more information ask to see the information sheet - Information for Residents with Property.

Provisional Charge You will be asked to pay a provisional amount for the first four weeks until your contribution has been agreed. This amount will depend on your age and whether you receive Attendance Allowance (AA) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA), care component.

The weekly amounts are: Age Not receiving Over 60 £110.30 25 - 59 £71.15 18 - 24 £57.55

low/mid rate £158.10 £118.95 £105.35

high rate £181.70 £142.55 £128.95

If we work out that this amount is too high then we will arrange to give you back any overpayments you have made. If we work on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

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out that you can afford to pay more than this, you will be asked to pay the new charge from four weeks after you went into residential care. If we find that your savings are over £23,250 you will pay the full fee backdated to the start of your stay.

Independent Financial Advice We advise all residents to take independent financial advice, as there may be several different ways of funding care available.

The following are examples of independent advisors:

Age Concern 0800 009966 www.ace.org.uk AgeUK 0800 169 6565 www.ageuk.org.uk Citizens Advice Bureaux South Somerset 01935 421167 Taunton 01823 282235 Frome 01373 465496 Sedgemoor 01278 455236 www.citizensadvice.org.uk West Somerset Advice Bureau 01643 704624 www.wsab.waitrose.co.uk The Nursing Home Fees Agency 0800 998 833 (NHFA) – Provides free advice and information on obtaining and paying for care www.hsbcpensions.co.uk/nhfa/pages/index.asp

Information for Residents with Property Will the value of your property be taken into account?

If you own your own home the value will normally be included as capital. It will not be included if your stay is temporary or one of the following people are still living there: • Your husband or wife or partner • A relative who is over 60 or who is disabled • A relative who is under 16 and who the law says you must support Somerset County Council (SCC) also has discretion to ignore (disregard) the value of your property in other circumstances.

What happens if the value is not included as capital?

If the value of your property is disregarded it will not be included when we work out how much you can afford to pay towards your care fees. You will still be expected to pay towards your care fees from your income and any other capital you have. This will only apply while the person who is still occupying the property continues to live there. You should let us know if this situation changes.

What happens if the value is included as capital?

For the first 12 weeks after admission.

Somerset County Council have to disregard the value of your property for 12 weeks from the date SCC decide to help with funding your care. This is to give you time to decide the best way to pay for your residential care. You will still have to pay towards your care fees from your income and any

20

Care choices have you at a loss? Call

other savings you have. A Financial Assessment and Benefit (FAB) Officer will visit you, or the person who deals with your finances, to work out how much you can afford to pay.

If the property is sold within the 12 week period and your share of the property is worth more than £23,250 you will be expected to pay the full cost of care from the date the property is sold. It is very important that you let us know if the property is sold during this time.

If you transfer or sell a property less than 6 months before you are admitted to residential care and this is done with the intention of avoiding residential care charges, Section 21 of the Health and Social Services and Social Security Adjudications Act 1983 applies. This means that Somerset County Council can charge the person who received the property, or assets arising from the sale of the property, for your residential care. You are therefore advised not to transfer your property to anyone else during the 12 week period.

The FAB officer will look at the options that are available to you after 12 weeks within the 12 week period. Some of the options are: • Continue to receive help from SCC through a Deferred Payment (see section below After the first 12 weeks) • Pay your care charges from your existing income or capital • Seek charitable/voluntary assistance to help with the costs It is very important that you decide whether or not you wish to ask for a Deferred Payment before the end of the 12 week period. If we do not hear from you we may place a legal charge on your property anyway under the Health and Social Services and Social Security Adjudications Act 1983. We advise you to take independent financial advice, as there may be other options available to you After the first 12 weeks.

After the 12 week period if you do not have enough income to pay the full costs of care you may have to sell your home to pay your care charges. If you cannot or do not wish to sell your home you can ask Somerset County Council to pay the shortfall in your care fees. This is called the Deferred Payments Scheme. This means that Somerset County Council will allow you to defer the part of your care fees that you cannot afford to pay and they will make sure your care is paid for. You will still be expected to pay towards your care fees from your income and any other savings you have. You, or your estate would only pay back the deferred contributions when you sell the property or when you leave residential care. Interest will not be charged during your stay but after you die interest becomes payable after 56 days (at 2% above base rate) but will not be charged for any time before that. A legal charge will be placed on your property. The agreement with Somerset County Council will be put in writing and signed and a copy given to you.

If Somerset County Council agrees to your request for deferred payments we advise you to get independent financial advice before arrangements are finalised. You should particularly check whether you qualify for income support or Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance.

If your property is going to be empty for any time you should to look into security, insurance and on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

This will be taken into account as income when we work out how much you can afford to pay towards your care fees, but it will reduce the amount that you have to repay to Somerset County Council. Your request for a deferred payment may be turned down because of other priorities.

The reasons will be given to you in writing and you will be told about how to complain about the decision. ©Crown Copywrite

Somerset County Council Factsheets: Paying for Residential care Information for Residents with Property More available on their website www.somerset.gov.uk Call: 0845 345 9133 or Email adults@somerset.gov.uk Or see page 72 for a list of different factsheets available

Care Homes

maintenance. If your property is occupied you should make arrangements to collect rental income.

One of the major concerns with Syncope is the potential injury that may be caused. Syncope is estimated to account for 10 - 20% of falls which cause injuries.

Syncope undetected 30% of patients aged 65 years and over who have experienced Syncope will not be aware that they are losing consciousness, they instead will report that they have fallen. This is due to a brief loss of memory in the time just before losing consciousness (medically termed retrograde amnesia).

As a consequence, doctors may be likely to diagnose a mechanical fall and patients will not be investigated for the actual cause, such as low blood pressure, or an arrhythmia (irregular, too fast or too slow heart rhythm. Unfortunately this may leave the loss of consciousness untreated.

SaFE

Stratford-upon-Avon

Syncope in the Care Home Common Causes and Preventative Advice on What is Syncope?

Syncope in Older People

Syncope is the medical term for a blackout that is caused by a lack off blood supply to the brain. This is very common, and occurs in roughly half of all people during their lifetime.

SYNCOPE is the medical term for blackout There are many causes of Syncope, but the most common is that is caused by a sudden lack of blood Reflex Syncope (also known as Neurally Mediated Syncope supply to the brain. In older people (65 years or Vasovagal Syncope. and over) there is often more than one potential Fainting may be simple, where the person gently collapses to cause of syncope. Syncope can have many the ground usually after feeling dizzy and sweaty. It may be different underlying causes; some can be more complex when patients experience symptoms such as complex whilst others can be easily treated. jerking of muscles or limbs and even incontinence, and some people may take a while to come around.

Medication An older adult (65 years and over) is particularly prone to Syncope. This is because older people are less able to deal with Syncope can be caused by a side effect of falls in blood pressure as the body’s mechanisms slow over some medications. The biggest culprits are the years.

heart and blood pressure medications, sleeping pills, anti-depressants and anti-inflammatory What can increase my chance of drugs. These medications can decrease fainting as an older adult? blood pressure and can increase your chance 1. Chronic medical problems, long term problems such as of fainting.

diabetes, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, strokes and mini strokes and Parkinson’s disease.

Prevention Advice: Once prescribed, your 2. Multiple Medications, this may be due to part of doctor should review your medications their own action or how they affect one another.

regularly to ensure they are not causing problems. Take medications as prescribed; do Syncope causes falls not take extra pills to make up for missed doses.

Though it is not widely known, Syncope cause a If you have any concerns, you can discuss significant amount of falls in older people. Syncope these with your healthcare professional. and falls are the most common reasons for older patients to attend Accident and Emergency.

Dehydration

Care choices have youifatyou a loss?

Call Syncope can occur have not drunk enough fluids.

Simple Advice for all types of Syncope Orthostatic Hypotension

Maintain your fluid intake (Low blood pressure) It is recommended that adults drink two litres (four pints) of water a day. It is best to take fluids first thing in Orthostatic Hypotension occurs when the the morning, before getting up and before meals. blood pressure falls excessively when standing.

Avoid excessive alcohol Orthostatic Hypotension can be age related Excessive alcohol intake will dehydrate your body but can be commonly due to medication. and exaggerate symptoms such as dizziness.

Have a little salt Prevention Advice: Elevate the top end of People with high blood pressure should avoid salt. your bed. Sleep with your head elevated 5-20 Counter-Manoeuvres degrees. This should help keep your blood If sitting for long periods of time, crossing and uncrossing your pressure up and decrease the sudden blood legs will help blood pump back to the heart. pressure drop when you get up.

Gentle exercise Staying active is really important. Mild exercise can help Patients with low blood pressure can wear encourage your veins to return blood back to your heart support stockings which will help reduce the Support stockings blood pooling in the legs and lower abdomen.

Patients with low blood pressure can wear support stockings, this can help reduce blood pooling in the lower part of the abdomen.

Postprandial Hypotension Elevate the top of your bed (Lowering of blood pressure after a meal) Sleep with your head elevated 5-20 degrees. This should keep your blood pressure up and decrease sudden pooling of blood Postprandial Hypotension is a drop in blood upon getting up.

pressure within two hours of starting a meal.

Postprandial Hypotension occurs when the If you are worried about Syncope, it is recommended that you circulation is needed to assist in digestion speak to your doctor first. For more information contact STARS on: and this leads to a drop in blood pressure.

01789 450564 info@stars.org.uk or visit www.stars.org.uk Symptoms of Postprandial Hypotension may be subtle with a slight dizziness or weakness 01872 321 after 327 oreating. see page 75 for more details 21 whenonstanding

Patient Information - Common Causes and Preventative Advice on Sy

Care home residents are vulnerable to Warwickshire episodes of low blood CV37 UK pressure. There are several reasons for this; 8YD they are less +44 (0) 1789 450564 active and sit for longer periods, they can be on medications info@stars.org.uk that affect blood pressure and they tend to drink less fluid www.stars.org.uk than healthy people. On top of that, people in care homes are more vulnerable to illness and are more prone to infection.

During illness, blood pressures tend to fall and in some people this becomes a big problem when they stand up (postural hypotension) causing them to fall and sometimes blackout.

Syncope and Falls in the Elderly

Syncope misdiagnosed Syncope is often misdiagnosed in the event of a fall because there are many risk factors for falls in older adults. People are very aware of deteriorating eye sight or ‘a knee giving way’ in older age a causes, but Syncope should also be investigated as a cause of falls.

It is recommended good practice that patientsSTARS with recurrent Box clinic.

175 unexplained falls should be referred to aPO syncope

Care Homes in Somerset Nursing Home

Day Care / Respite

Dementia

Physical Disability

Sensory Impairment

Residential Home

Number of places

Old Age

Mental Health

Terminally Ill

Elliscombe House Nurs Home Wincanton BA9 8EA 01963 33370

Nursing Homes in Somerset

41

Nursing Homes in Mendip

Nursing Homes in Sedgemoor

Arthur`s Court

Axbridge Court

Street BA16 0JG 01458 442319 40

Belmont Villa Care Home Frome BA11 1HJ 01373 471093 31

Catherine House General Frome BA11 1BL 01373 451455 67

Clare Hall Nursing Home

Ston Easton BA11 1BL 01373 451455 57

Fosse House Nursing Home Radstock BA3 4RA 01761 233018 37

Frome Care Village

Frome BA11 5JR 0870 2869464 60

Glastonbury Care Home

Glastonbury BA6 9PZ 01458 836800 64

Pondsmead Care Home Bath BA3 5HT 01749 841111 76

St Benedict`s Nursing & Res

Glastonbury BA6 9NB 01458 833275 61

The Glen Nursing & Res Home Shepton Mallet BA4 6JS 01749 830369 58

Axbridge BS26 2AA 01934 733379 36

40

Torrwood Care Centre

Wells BA5 3BW 01749 675533 82

Burnham Lodge Nursing Home

Burnham-on-Sea TA8 2PN 01278 783230 23

22

Bridgwater TA6 7EZ 01278 422144 38

Ferns Nursing Home

Yeovil BA21 4LW 01935 433115

Forest View Nursing Home Yeovil BA20 2JG 01935 428535

Horton Cross Nursing Home Ilminster TA19 9PT 01460 52144 47

Hillview Nursing Home

Burnham-on-sea TA8 2EX 01278 783192 40

Hurst Manor Nurs & Res Home Martock TA12 6JU 01935 823467 36

Holywell Nursing Home

Brent Knoll TA9 4BB 01278 760601 25

Immacolata House

Langport TA10 0NQ 01458 254200 49

Milton House

Bridgwater TA6 3RH 01278 422235 51

Ivelhurst Nursing Home

Langport BA21 3AD 01935 426777 43

Newton Lodge

Burnham-on-Sea TA8 2PN 01278 787321 12

Oak Lodge Nursing Home (page 25) Chard TA20 2HN 01460 67258 47

St Michael`s Cheshire Nur & Res Axbridge BS26 2DW 01934 732358 36

Preston Park Nursing & Res Yeovil BA20 2EF 01935 474023 33

The Burnham Nurs & Res Home Burnham-on-sea TA8 1LG 01278 781757 76

Sherborne House

Yeovil BA21 4HF 01935 423210 28

The Rosary Nursing Home

Bridgwater TA6 7JQ 01278 727500 103

The Knoll Nursing Home Yeovil BA21 3AE 01935 421822 33

Nursing Homes in South Somerset Castle House Nursing Home Somerton TA11 6DX 01458 223780

Care choices have you at a loss? Call

43

29

Drummuir Nursing & Res Home

22

Wincanton BA9 8BP 01963 33577

39

The Wells Nursing & Res Home Wells BA5 1PD 01749 673865

Elroi Manor Res & Nurs Home

The Orchards

Crewkerne TA18 7AF 01460 76267 33

Tyndale Nursing Home

Yeovil BA21 3AQ 01935 472102 27

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

Langport TA10 0BG 01460 281670 23

Wessex House

Somerton TA11 7AA 01458 273594 50

West Abbey House

Yeovil BA21 3UA 01935 411136 97

Frethey House

Taunton TA4 1AB 01823 253071

Gotton Manor Care Home Taunton TA2 8LL 01823 413118 60

Taunton TA1 2EH 01823 256650

Leycroft Care Centre

40

Calway House

Taunton TA1 3EQ 01823 333283 83

Camelot House

Wellington TA21 9HY 01823 666766 62

Chelston Park Nursing Home Wellington TA21 9PH 01823 667066 86

Dunkirk Memorial House Taunton TA4 3BT 01823 432407

Arthur’s Court

Street BA16 0JG 01458 442319 40

Avalon Court Residential Home Glastonbury BA6 8SZ 01458 851572 16

Centenary House

Shepton Mallet BA4 5PD 01749 342727 16

Critchill Court

Frome BA11 4DP 01373 461686 50

Ruishton Court Nurs & Res

The Firs Nursing Home

Taunton TA2 6AQ 01823 275927

22

Taunton TA1 2BB 01823 279151

37

The Manor Nursing Home Taunton TA1 5HF 01823 336633

69

Linden House Nursing Home Wellington TA21 0DW 01823 667711

86

Wey House Nursing Home Taunton TA4 1BT 01823 337391

34

Mountbatten Nursing Home

37

Taunton TA1 4QW 01823 333019 27

Murley House Nursing Home Taunton TA1 4RA 01823 337674 105

Nursing Homes in West Somerset Eastleigh Care Home

Minehead TA24 8DT 01643 702907

Orchard Court Nursing Home Taunton TA1 3RY 01823 351155 44

42

Mamsey House Nursing Home Williton TA4 4NJ 01984 633712

Orchard Portman Nurs Home Taunton TA3 7BQ 01823 336457 40

33

The Winsor Nursing Home

Minehead TA24 5AW 01643 707870

60

Residential Homes in Mendip

(See ad on page 25) Wellington, TA21 9NS 01823 662032

33

Aspen Court Care Home

(See ad on page 26) Taunton TA3 6SG 01823 480276 www.care-south.co.uk

Robins Close Nursing Home

Taunton TA3 5LT 01823 443443

30

Taunton TA3 7RE 01823 601447

Beauchamps Country House

Wellington TA21 8NE 01823 662513

61

Hamilton Park

Nursing Homes in Taunton Deane 42

Popham Court 74

41

Holly Bank House

Taunton TA2 7PB 01823 346000

Care Homes

Vicarage House

43

Residential Homes in Somerset Rowden House

Field House

Shepton Mallet BA4 4LU 01749 342006

39

39

Southlawns

Fletcher House

Wells BA5 1TN 01749 678068

Greenhill Grange Res Home Frome BA11 4HR 01373 471688

Shepton Mallet BA4 5TZ 01749 342809

The Cyder Barn (inside front cover)

Wells BA5 1JX 01749 672043

Care choices have you at a loss? Call

St Cecilia Care Home 17

25

23

Street BA16 0JJ 01458 443635 40

58

Mellifont Abbey

Frome BA11 3EA 01373 462271

Glastonbury BA6 8NH 01458 834945 35

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

23

Care Homes in Somerset Nursing Home

Day Care / Respite

Dementia

Physical Disability

Sensory Impairment

Residential Home

Number of places

Old Age

Mental Health

Terminally Ill

The Laurels

Cheddar BS27 3TN 01934 742649

Kathleen Chambers

Burnham TA8 2PG 01278 782142

20

The Old Rectory [Nunney] Frome BA11 4LZ 01373 836747

Glastonbury BA6 9EQ 01458 831524 21

28

Kingsleigh

Burnham TA8 2HJ 01278 792768

Ashcott Lawns

Bridgwater TA7 9PJ 01458 210149 17

Beaufort House

Burnham-on-sea TA8 2BY 01278 786320 32

Broughton Lodge

Burnham-on-sea TA8 2HN 01278 782133 16

Cambrian Lodge (see ad on back cover) Portishead BS20 7HP 01275 848844 26

Chatham House

Bridgwater TA6 7QZ 01278 427758 26

Court House Retirement Home Cheddar BS27 3RA 01934 742131 29

Friarn House Res Care Home Bridgwater TA6 3LJ 01278 445115 16

Frith House

Burnham-on-sea TA8 1AA 01278 782537 83

Greenhill House

Cheddar BS27 3HY 01934 742280 26

24

Burnworthy House

S. Petherton TA13 5AD 01460 240116

23

37

Oak Trees

Bridgwater TA6 6JF 01278 451125

Careford Lodge (See ad inside front cover) Merriott TA16 5PR 01460 75592

68

18

Stratton House

Residential Homes in Sedgemoor

Yeovil BA20 2JA 01935 472793

40

24

The Tudors

Beechwood House Care Home

Burnham-on-Sea TA8 2BZ 01278 787735 24

Bridgwater TA6 4NG 01278 422763 51

Bridgwater TA6 5AT 01278 422535 26

Castle Cary BA7 7EE 01963 359700

Compton View Care Home Yeovil BA21 4NB 01935 476203 18

The Old Vicarage [Stockland] Bridgwater TA5 2PZ 01278 652352 26

Cool Runnings Too

Yeovil BA20 1DF 01935 414611 12

The Towans

Burnham on Sea TA8 2EZ 01278 782642 28

Fir Villa

Yeovil BA22 8DB 01935 850670 20

Tudor Lodge

Burnham on Sea TA8 2HW 01278 784277 27

Grovelands

Yeovil BA20 2BE 01935 475521 60

Wellfield House

Bridgwater TA7 9HT 01278 722405 21

Hazelwell Lodge

Ilminster A19 9BQ 01460 52760 35

Residential Homes in South Somerset Ashley House (See ad on back cover) Langport, TA10 9SA 01458 250386 25

Hendford Care Home

Yeovil BA20 2RG 0808 1783233 40

Highfield House

Castle Cary BA7 7AN 01963 350697 22

Mandeville TA11 6DZ 01458 223369

Care choices have you at a loss? Call

Cary Brook

45

The Limes

16

Wincanton BA9 9BE 01963 32150 44

Sydenham House

Beech Tree House

Carrington House

Holway House

Ilminster TA19 9PW 01460 53781 7

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

Oak Lodge

A place to call home...

Situated within the historic market town of Chard, Somerset, we’re six miles from Illminster and seven miles from Axminster.

Oak Lodge Care Centre isn’t just a place to stay; it’s somewhere to call home, with impressive facilities and a quality of life that’s second to none. Residents can expect the best possible care delivery from our experienced team in a positive, engaging environment, where they can maintain and exceed the lifestyles they’ve become accustomed to.

Key features: • • •

• • • •

Excellent facilities - Our rooms are comfortably appointed, fully furnished and decorated to a high standard.

Care options - We provide personal and nursing care for older people on a long term, convalescent and short stay basis.

A high standard of living - With all Majesticare Luxury care homes, we put residents’ choices first and we go the extra mile to sure sure they get the most from life.

Specialists in residential personal, nursing and dementia care Centre of excellence for dementia care Lively and Varied Social Calendar Quality Freshly Produced Meals

Oak Lodge Care Centre

Lordsleaze Lane , Chard, Somerset, TA20 2HN Please call 01460 67258 to find out more or organise a visit to our home Email: oaklodge@majesticare.co.uk Website: www.majesticare.co.uk

Oak Lodge is part of the Majesticare Luxury Care Home Group, benefiting from the expertise and enthusiasm of a management team with a combined experience of over 100 years of delivering excellence in care. You could not be in better hands!

25

Care South

Delivering quality care in Somerset Care South in Somerset

We provide high quality, innovative residential and home care throughout the county.

Whatever your age or needs, we work hard to combine your safety and security with freedom, respect and a great quality of life.

We work with everyone from young people and adults with physical or learning disabilities, to older people who need a helping hand with their everyday lives.

Home Care Somerset 01460 270500 Home Care Bath & NE Somerset 01761 422920

g in at s br ar et le ye rs Ce 10 me So in

Home care

Close care A development of mews cottages and apartments in the grounds of Beauchamp House offering independent living with the added security of care when you need it.

Beauchamp Gardens 01823 481500 Hatch Beauchamp, Taunton Somerset TA3 6SG

Nursing care

Beauchamp House is a listed Georgian manor house offering residential nursing care in a gracious country house setting.

Beauchamp Country House Care 01823 481500 Hatch Beauchamp, Taunton Somerset TA3 6SG

Alternatively, you can find out all about us at www.care-south.co.uk Care South is a registered charity dedicated to meeting the needs of the community 26

Head Office, 39 Commercial Road, Poole BH14 0HU 01202 712400

Nursing Home

Day Care / Respite

Dementia

Physical Disability

Sensory Impairment

Residential Home

Number of places

Old Age

Mental Health

Terminally Ill

Knights Templar Court

Templecombe BA8 0HR 01963 370317 20

Latimer Lodge

Yeovil BA21 3AQ 01935 474520 14

Moorlands Residential Home Crewkerne TA16 5NF 01460 74425 16

Portcullis House

Langport TA10 9RZ 01458 250800 44

South Cary House

Castle Cary BA7 7ES 01963 350272

Residential Homes in Taunton Deane Cedar Lodge

Taunton TA2 7PB 01823 286158 57

Yeovil BA21 5LD 01935 422980 38

Sunnymeade

Chard TA20 1LJ 01460 63563 50

Sunnyside Residential Home Chard TA20 1EZ 01460 61623 14

Wellington TA21 8RH 01823 663667 43

Woodlands Farmhouse

Taunton TA3 6DF 01823 481036 13

Elm Tree House

Taunton TA2 7PJ 01823 322408 9

Halcon House

Taunton TA1 2EP 01823 353447 17

Residential Homes in West Somerset Banbridge House

Minehead TA24 5QS 01643 702275 19

Holly Bank House

Taunton TA3 7RE 01823601447 22

23

Sunningdale Lodge

Wellington House

Moorhaven

Blenheim Lodge

Minehead TA24 5QB 01643 702275 www.blenheimlodgeminehead.co.uk/ 30

Taunton TA1 2JT 01823 331524 54

Netherclay House

Croft House

Williton TA4 4RR 01984 632536

Taunton TA1 5EE 01823 284127 42

Northway House Ltd

41

Dunster Lodge

Minehead TA24 6EW 01643 703007

Taunton TA2 7SN 01823 253999 29

19

Eastleigh Care Home

Minehead TA24 8DT 01643 702907

Nynehead Court

The Elms

Yeovil BA21 3QG 01935 425440 16

The Hollies

Castle Cary BA7 7AE 01963 350709 16

Vaughan Lee House

Ilminster TA19 0EX 01460 52077 30

Wisteria House

Yeovil BA22 8QD 01935 822086 13

Yew Tree Cottage Res Home Chard TA20 3DB 01460 64735 5

23

Wellington TA21 0BW 01823 662481 35

Glen Lyn

Minehead TA24 5DT 01643 702415

Pulsford Lodge

11

Wiveliscombe TA4 2LA 01984 623569 50

Somerset Abbeyfield Extra Care Taunton TA1 5HA 01823 334238 44

Mayfair Care Home

Minehead TA24 5AY 01643 706816 15

The Dene Lodge

Minehead TA24 6BQ 01643 703584

St George’s Residential Home Taunton TA1 3JR 01823 275268 20

The Rectory

Taunton TA1 3JH 01823 324145 23

33

Westerley

Minehead TA24 5JB 01643 702066 25

Wyndham House

Minehead TA24 5PR 01643 703934 50

All listings are available to view on our website www.rightcareindex.com Or, if you would like to advertise please call: 01872 321 327 email: mail@rightcareindex.com Care choices haveor you at a loss?

Call on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

27

Care Homes

Care Homes in Somerset

Care at Home “When asked, many older people would prefer to remain in their own homes if they needed care and indeed, for some time now, it has been government policy to encourage and enable this to happen. Whatever the reason for needing it there is a myriad of help, care and support available if you know where to turn to get it.” – First Stop

Introduction from Age Uk Most of us want to live independently in our own homes for as long as possible. As we get older, we may need support and assistance to enable us to do so.

This can take the form of personal care, making our home more suitable for our needs or financial assistance from benefits or elsewhere.

Help you might be able to get includes: • Personal care • Help to manage and feel safe at home • Financial assistance • Health services • The local authority social services department is the main state provider of assistance.

As an older person you will almost certainly be entitled to an assessment to establish what your needs are and suggest how those needs can be taken care of.

Each local authority sets eligibility criteria, which are rules identifying the services they will provide for different levels of need. Even if you do not want your authority to arrange services for you, the assessment is useful as a way of identifying what services might benefit you.

Contact your local authority social services department and ask them to carry out an assessment of your needs.

Please see page 7 for more details or your local Age UK partner can tell you how to contact them - call us free on 0800 169 6565 to find your nearest one.

Personal care Personal care means help with tasks like getting up and getting dressed, washing and bathing. Providers of this kind of care include social services, private care agencies and voluntary organisations.

Across the UK, agencies that provide personal care workers have to be registered with the regulatory body for care services in that nation and are regularly inspected to ensure that

28

Care choices have you at a loss? Call

minimum standards are met. If you need personal care or assistance with your essential daily tasks, you may be eligible for Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance.

Information on living independently and employing care workers is available from the National Centre for Independent Living website: www.ncil.org.uk

Help with your house and garden You may require help with housework, gardening, shopping, laundry and other day-to-day tasks. Many local authorities only offer limited assistance with these. Local voluntary organisations, including Age UK and Age Concern groups, may run services or you can employ someone privately.

Local voluntary services Local voluntary organisations and charities operate in most areas. They may deliver services on behalf of the local authority but can be particularly useful in covering activities that your local authority does not provide. Examples include gardening and handyperson services, befriending schemes and social activities.

There are around 400 local Age UK / Age Concern groups, each offering a range of services and activities to the communities in which they are based. Call Age UK advice free on 0800 169 6565 to find your nearest one.

Is there any help for people who look after me?

You may be helped by a family member or friend rather than a paid care worker. That person is a carer even if they do not realise it.

When looking at your needs, the local authority should not make assumptions about how much support your carer can provide. Nor should your carer feel pressured to do more than they can comfortably cope with.

Your carer is also entitled to ask for their own needs assessment.

Carers can receive services to help them carry out their caring on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

Short breaks for you or your carer You or your carer may need a break to recharge your batteries. Services provided to enable you to do this are known as respite care. It might involve a short stay in a care home or other residential establishment. Even a break for a short time, such as an afternoon to go to the cinema or attend a social club, can make a big difference to the person concerned. Ask your local authority for information about respite care, including how it is charged for.

Somerset County Council – Care Direct Care Direct is a service for people aged 60 and over and their carers and relatives. By making one phone call you can get information and advice to help keep you independent.

You can also contact Care Direct about: • • • • • • • •

Pensions, benefits and any other money matters Blue badges Care and Support for older people with disabilities and their carers Health and mobility aids Organisations that can help with other things Social services Your home Your health

How to get in touch:

Freephone 0845 345 9133.

Care Direct is a confidential service.

©Age UK 2010

Assessing Your Care and Support needs The need for care can arise for different reasons. It might be a permanent need as a result of a disability, illness or frailty in old age or, it might be just a temporary need to get over an accident or illness. Whatever the reason it is important to obtain a professional assessment of your needs.

The first port of call for this is your local social services department which has a duty to assess the care needs of anyone who has been identified as possibly needing community care services that can be provided by them. These could include home care at home, meals on wheels, day care, equipment and alterations to your home, care in a care home or respite care. There is no charge for an assessment from the council.

Alternatively, if you can afford it, there are also independent agencies that can do this privately. Professionals assessing your needs decide what services or support can be provided to meet your needs. These could range from home help to a live-in carer or from adapting your home to recommending alternative accommodation.

Sadly, many local authorities on tight budgets can only provide care to those people who have substantial or critical needs so it is a good idea to ask them to describe what procedures, priorities, and rules they use to decide whether they will

provide services, and if they will help to pay for them. Ask them to explain about how their rules apply to your situation.

There are no national eligibility criteria for community care services, but there is government guidance, on which each council must base its services on. Details of the services that your council provides should be available from the local council offices or in most cases available on their website. Your GP’s surgery or local Age Concern should also be able to help you understand the local eligibility criteria and how to access services.

The assessment is the first stage in getting the help and support you might need and must be carried out by your local council before they can provide or arrange any services for you. Even if you will be arranging for and paying privately for your care it is still a good idea to have a proper assessment to help you understand and decide what sort of care and support you need and is available.

To get an assessment you should contact your local social services department. If you are unable to do this your GP, community nurse, any other professional worker or a friend or relative, with your permission can contact social services on your behalf. ©First Stop 2010 Advice Line 0800 377 7070

Help keep the RightCare Index free - please mention us when contacting our advertisers. To advertise in our Cornwall, Devon, Dorset or Somerset Publications or on RightCare Index.com, call us on 0844 800 9708 or email us mail@rightcareindex.com Care choices have you at a loss? Call

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

29

Care At Home

role. Often what carers find most valuable is the opportunity to have a break from their responsibilities, even for a short time.

Financial support for carers is not generous. There is a benefit called Carers Allowance paid to carers who provide more than 35 hours’ care for a disabled person but the amount payable is low and any other income your carer has may affect their eligibility.

Carers can often benefit from sharing their experiences with other carers. There may be a group in your area where carers can support each other – Visit the Carers UK website: www.carersuk.org or call them free on 0808 808 7777 for information about help available to carers.

‘My befriender comes in for a chat, a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit. It is the highlight of my week.’

Telecare

Telehealth

What is the community alarm service?

TeleHealth assists patients to monitor themselves. In most cases this can be done very easily, and from the comfort and security of home, without the need to attend clinics or hospitals. All they need is an easy to use Broomwell monitor and a telephone or computer connection.

TeleHealth offers significant advantages to patients, those in the medical profession and the NHS itself. As well as our professional services for surgeries and walk-in centres, Broomwell HealthWatch offers patients TeleHealth Monitoring Service, for key state-of-health indicators such as: • ECG Home Monitoring • Arrhythmia Monitoring • Blood pressure Monitoring • Weight Monitoring (CHF) • SpO2 and Peak flow Monitoring (COPD)* • Glucose Monitoring*

The service provides a home safety and personal security system that enables you to live independently in your own home.

It operates by telephone 24 hours a day through to your local response centre. Each Community Alarm Service charges a weekly monitoring and equipment fee. Benefits of the Community Alarm Telecare Service: • Instant response by skilled operator who respond to your call and take appropriate action to get you the help you need when you need it.

• Personal friendly service • Operators who stay with you online until help arrives • Complete reassurance in having a 24 hour service • Easy installation using a wireless system

How does the service work?

CARDIAC DIRECT*

The service operates through a telephone link 24 hours a day, between your home and the Response Centre. All that is required is a telephone line and an electrical power point.

If a sensor is activated, a message is sent to the response Centre where trained operators take the most appropriate action. This may be by contacting a member of your family, neighbour, doctor or the emergency services. ©Crown Copywrite

A service which enables cardiac patients to call the centre at night and at weekends, when surgeries are closed. This will usually entail the centre giving patients advice and reassurance *available subject to demand.

Monitoring key state-of-health indicators There are many benefits for patients at home. For instance, those suffering from chronic heart disease (CHD) or those who are simply ‘anxious’ about their heart condition don’t have to keep going back to hospital. They can now be monitored at home using Broomwell Healthwatch equipment issued either by the discharging hospital or GP. TeleMedical monitoring can save a great deal of inconvenience and time spent travelling to and from medical centres, save time waiting to be seen and waiting for results, and just as importantly, reduce worry.

Magna West Somerset

0800 1386107 St Peter’s House, Bridge Street, Williton, Taunton TA4 4NR careline@magna.org.uk Sedgemoor Lifeline Officer 01278 435776 Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater TA6 3AR customerservices@sedgemoor.gov.uk www.sedgemoor.gov.uk/lifeline Taunton Deane Helpline 01823 257185 Control Centre, Kilkenny Court, Station Approach, Taunton TA2 7QL

ricability

Care at Home in Somerset Care at Home in Mendip

Lifeline Homecare Ltd.

Bath and Mendip Homecare Ltd Radstock BA3 5DZ

Lifeways Community Care

01761 232107

Glastonbury BA6 9LZ 01458 833324

Care at Home in Sedgemoor

Candlelight Homecare Ltd

Oakville Homecare

Brunelcare

Glastonbury BA6 9DS 01458 832692

Glastonbury BA6 9JY 01458 831201

Frome BA11 3BQ 01373 461438

Bridgwater TA6 4SY 01278 439177

Castle Care Wessex

Quality Home Care Services

G.H Quality Care Ltd.

Wells BA5 3HY 01749 673452

Bridgwater TA6 6AD 01278 445068

Somerset Care At Home Ltd. Mendip Frome BA11 4DP

Somerset Care at Home Bridgwater Bridgwater TA6 3DG

01373 473703

01278 444051

Somerset LD Domiciliary Services (East 1&4)

Somerset LD Domiciliary Services (West 3)

Frome BA11 5DL 01373 836767 www.completecareathome.com

Convivium Care Limited Holcombe BA3 5HQ 01761 239029

Flourish Homes

Shepton Mallet BA4 5NF 01749 334455

30

Frome BA11 4BS 01373 456500 (East 2) Glastonbury BA6 9NX 01458 832415

Care choices have you at a loss? Call

Bridgwater TA6 3EU 01278 454900

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

Covenant Care - Domiciliary Care Agency Wellington

Care South

Gatchell Oaks Care (GO Care)

Somerset TA18 8AB 01460 270500

Jenny Hall Private Home Care Services Chard TA20 4HB 01460 63918

Kylemore Care Services Ltd. Yeovil BA20 1HB 01935 471751

Libertas Care Limited

Crewkerne TA18 7BQ 01460 78726

Managed Care Ltd.

Langport TA10 9AE 01458 253738

Prestige Nursing Ltd

(See ad below) Yeovil BA20 1EE 01935 433193

Somerset Care at Home Ltd Yeovil BA20 1HG 01935 423409

Somerset Care at Home Ltd, South Somerset Chard TA20 1PH 01460 261222

Care At Home

Care at Home in South Somerset

TA21 0DW 01823 661002

Taunton TA3 7EG 01823 270694

Way Ahead Community Services Ltd Taunton TA1 1BW

Mencap North Somerset Supported Living Sc

01823 321123

Neroche Care Ltd

Care at Home in West Somerset

Taunton TA1 1SW 01823 288061 Taunton TA3 6AD 01823 481199

Netherclay Home Care Ltd

Wellington TA21 8YA 01823 668400

One to One Home Care Ltd

Wellington TA21 0LS 01823 674309

C L Lifestyles

Williton TA4 4JR 01984 634846 Taunton 01823 338935 www.cllifestyles.co.uk

Prospects For People With Learning Disabilities

Carroll’s Home Care

Wellington TA21 8ST 01823 653620

Minehead TA24 6LW 01643 707370

Somerset Care At Home Ltd.

Mencap

Taunton TA2 6BB 01823 270250

Minehead TA24 8AB 01643 706022

Somerset LD Domiciliary Services (West 1)

Somerset Care at Home Ltd, Minehead TA24 6BA 01643 708962

Taunton TA1 2BD 01823 257980

Somerset Supporters Service Yeovil BA21 5EA 01935 847828

Wisteria Domicilary Care Agency Yeovil BA22 8QD 01935 822086

Care at Home in Taunton Deane Autism Solutions Ltd

Taunton TA1 5LZ 01823 277500

Barnardo’s Family Link Service Taunton TA1 5AW 01823 257917

Beauchamp’s Home Care (See ad on page 26) Taunton TA3 6SG 01823 481500 www.care-south.co.uk

Carewatch (Wyvern)

Taunton TA1 1NZ 01823 325554

Churchview Care Services

The homecare service where peace of mind comes as standard.

With over 60 years’ experience of providing both nursing and care to people in the privacy and comfort of their own homes, and with a wide range of services tailored to meet your requirements, Prestige Nursing is the only agency to offer you complete peace of mind for all your homecare needs.

Flexible and comprehensive care designed with you in mind We care for a variety of individuals • Children and Young People • Older People • Elderly Mentally Infirm • People with Learning Disabilities • People with Physical Disabilities • Older People in Supported Living Schemes • People with Learning Difficulties in Supported Living Schemes

Taunton TA2 6NA 01823 339906

Contact Care Agency Ltd

• Personal care • Companionship • Holiday Care • Nursing Care • Specialist Care

• Domestic care • Respite Care • Live-in care • Home from Hospital • Support with Daily Living

Brought to you by Yeovil: 01935 433 193 Plymouth: 01752 213 213 Exeter: 01392 314 072 Email: info@prestige-nursing.co.uk Web: www.prestige-nursing.co.uk

Taunton TA1 3JD 01823 350150

County Nursing Ltd

We offer a wide range of services to help support your care needs

Registered by the CSCI

Greenview House, 5 Manor Road, Wallington, Surrey SM6 0BW

Taunton TA1 1SA 01823 332411 PN051 Homecare advert 182x275 v3.indd 1

Care choices have you at a loss? Call

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

8/4/09 12:30:09

31

Nursing Agencies Agencies in this section are listed in their local authority areas. For more information about services in your area or about a particular agency, please contact them directly.

Nursing Agencies Nurses agencies send nurses to visit you at home when you need specialist or medical care, usually after leaving hospital. The frequency of the visits can vary from several times a day to once a week.

About 95% of the nurses supplied by nurses agencies are provided to people in hospital or a care home. However, some nurses are provided to people in their own home.

Care Quality Commission website: www.cqc.org.uk There are two types of nurses agency. The first type simply acts as an employment or introductory agency which places self-employed nurses into employment with people who need nursing help at home. The other type of agency employs, trains and supervises its own staff.

Nursing Agencies in Somerset Allied Healthcare Group

Yeovil BA20 2SU 01935 412907

County Nursing Ltd.

Taunton TA1 1SA 01823 332411

Newcross Healthcare Solutions Ltd Taunton TA1 1JH 01823 282850

Prestige Nursing Ltd (see ad on page 31) Yeovil BA20 1EE 01935 433193

Somerset Care at Home

Bridgwater TA6 3DG 01278 444051

Staff Guardian

Minimum Standards A set of guidelines to help providers, inspectors and service users understand the expected minimum level of service. These guidelines are not enforceable by law, but providers should abide by them. They also give service users the ability to judge care providers to ensure the correct service is employed.

You could expect a nursing agency to provide a wide range of services for example: • Ad hoc, • Emergency cover, • Joint planning to manage seasonal shortages, • Bank management, • Permanent recruitment.

The NMS publication can be ordered from the Department of Health by calling 0870 155 54 55

“ Our staff now feel much safer when working on their own” Joan, Sedgemoor Citizens Advice Bureau

Staff guardian is an innovative staff protection software that makes the working environment safer for lone workers allowing you, as an employer, to know where they are, and what they are doing, every minute of the working day.

Manage your overheads easily by automatically tracking and calculating mileage reports, saving you time and money

Tel: 0844 811 2380 Email: info@staffguardian.com Web: www.staffguardian.com

32

Care choices have you at a loss? Call

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

Carers

Carers “Carers look after family, partners or friends in need of help because they are ill or have a disability; the care they provide is unpaid.”Carers UK What Help is there for Carers?

There is a range of services and information available to Somerset’s carers. In Somerset, you are a carer if you give up your time without pay, to look after a family member, a friend, or a neighbour who is ill, frail or has a disability. You can be a parent carer, a young carer, or a carer for an older person.

Apply for carers assessment We may be able to give you some advice and information on the phone. When you contact us we will ask you for information about you and your needs. A Carers Support Worker can come and see you and the person you care for, if you wish, to give you the best advice. This is an assessment of your needs as a carer, not your ability to care.

If your assessment shows that providing a service to either you or the person you care for would be best, then we will help to arrange this. You can apply for a Carers Assessment or assistance by calling Somerset Direct: 0845 345 9133 A Carers Assessment is an opportunity to talk about your needs. It is your chance to tell about the things you think could make caring easier even if the person you care for refuses help. To work out how to help you best, a social worker or Carers Support Worker will ask you about: • The help the person you care for needs • The help you are providing at present • Any difficulties that you may have • What you think would make life easier for you.

Help in a Crisis - Service for carers in Somerset.

Do you care for a family member or friend who has a disability, mental health problem or is an older person? Help in Crisis is available to all carers who may need help at short notice.

You may be able to use the service if you: • need to be confined to bed at home or admitted to hospital due to illness or accident • are in a state of exhaustion and need immediate rest and sleep • are in an emotional or physical state of distress and immediate relief is vital to your mental or physical well-being • are needed in a family crisis.

The Service is only available for these situations and is free.

When is the service available?

Between 8.30am and 6.00pm, Monday to Friday, for single sessions of four or eight hours. For help outside of these hours, contact: The Emergency Duty Team: Tel: 01458 253241 Care choices have you at a loss? Call

Who provides the service?

Registered care providers. The provider may vary depending on the area where you live.

How do I get this help?

Contact your: Social Worker, Carers Support Worker, Local Community Nursing Team (based at your local doctors’ surgery), phone Somerset Direct on 0845 345 9133 What happens if I need regular support?

If you need continued support, this might be available through our Sitting Service. Please contact your Social Worker, Somerset Partnership Team or phone Somerset Direct on 0845 345 9133. Somerset Direct can tell you how to contact your local Carers Support.

You and the person you care for may qualify for benefits. For Carers: Carers allowance, Carers Premium, and for the person you care for: Attendance Allowance (over 65), Disability Living Allowance, Independent Living Allowance. You may also qualify for more. The rules for these benefits are complicated so it is important that you get help to find out what you qualify for.

Call Somerset Direct on 0845 345 9133. You will find a comprehensive list of documentation for carers here: www.

Somerset.gov.uk/Somerset/socialservices/pi/carersservices/

Carer Support - St John Ambulance with support from Somerset County Council provide a carer support programme to help people in a caring role. The programme is provided free of charge and includes lunch. Open to all carers over the age of 18 who provide voluntary care. For anyone finding it hard to leave their ‘charges’ free, sitting can be arranged by request. Call 01823 345922 or jude.glide@somerset.sja.org.uk

SomersetCarers.org is a website network offering good advice and information for carers.

Here you can find details on independent support groups across areas in Somerset and details from authorities such as PCT, NHS and Somerset County Council, as well as info on education for carers. There is also a newsletter you can subscribe to, visit www.somersetcarers.org for a great starting point on help for carers.

Somerset Young Carers Project Tel: 01458 831668 - Age 8-18 Please visit www.somersetyc.org.uk if you are a young carer... you are not alone, and help is nearby.

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

33

Meal Provision Eat Well, Live Well A healthy balanced diet contains a variety of foods including plenty of fruit and vegetables, plenty of starchy foods such as wholegrain bread, wholegrain cereals, pasta and rice, some proteinrich foods such as meat, fish, eggs and lentils and some dairy foods. It should also be low in fat (especially saturated fat), salt and sugar.

These practical tips can help you make healthier choices.

The two keys to a healthy diet are eating the right amount of food for how active you are and eating a range of foods to make sure you’re getting a balanced diet.

1. Base your meals on starchy foods – Starchy foods should make up about a third of the food we eat. They are a good source of energy and the main source of a range of nutrients in our diet. As well as starch, these foods contain fibre, calcium, iron and B vitamins.

2. Eat lots of fruit and veg – Try to eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and veg every day. It might be easier than you think. You can choose from fresh, frozen, tinned, dried or juiced, but remember potatoes count as a starchy food, not as portions of fruit and veg.

3. Eat more fish – Most of us should be eating more fish - including a portion of oily fish each week. It’s

34

Care choices have you at a loss? Call

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

an excellent source of protein and contains many vitamins and minerals. Aim for at least two portions of fish a week, including a portion of oily fish. You can choose from fresh, frozen or canned - but remember that canned and smoked fish can be high in salt.

Cut down on saturated fat and sugar – we need some fat in our diets. What is important is the kind of fat we are eating. Try to cut down on food that is high in saturated fat and have foods that are rich in unsaturated fat instead, such as vegetable oils, oily fish, avocados, nuts and seeds.

Try to eat less salt – no more than 6g a day. Remember to check the label to find out the figure for salt per 100g.

High is more than 1.5g salt per 100g (or 0.6g sodium) Low is 0.3g salt or less per 100g (or 0.1g sodium) Get active and try to be a healthy weight – It’s not a good idea to be either underweight or overweight. If you’re worried about your weight, ask your GP or a dietitian for advice.

Drink plenty of water – We should be drinking about 6 to 8 glasses (1.2 litres) of water, or other fluids, every day to stop us getting dehydrated. Alcohol – Alcohol is also high in calories, so cutting down could help you control your weight.

Women can drink up to 2 to 3 units of alcohol a day and men up to 3 to 4 units a day, without significant risk to their health.

Don’t skip breakfast – Breakfast can help give us the energy we need to face the day, as well as some of the vitamins and minerals we need for good health. Missing meals doesn’t help us lose weight and it isn’t good for us, because we can miss out on essential nutrients. © www.eatwell.gov.uk/

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

Abel & Cole

08452 626262

Castle House Nursing Home

01458 223780

Chalmers Of Wells

01749 676241

The COOK Kitchen

01732 759010

(British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, 2006)

G.H Quality Care

01278 794625

Malnutrition is estimated to cost the UK over £7.3 billion a year. (BBC, 2006)

Home Farm Foods

01373 832723

Oakhouse Foods (See ad below)

01822 610077

SCIE: Social Care Institute for Excellence

Food and meal times are a high priority for older people • It is estimated that up to 90,000 people who receive home care services could be at risk of malnutrition.

(Grove. K. (2008), Sutton: UK Home Care Association)

• •

“

Malnutrition affects over 10 per cent of older people.

We need to ensure that older people are given the time, help and encouragement that they need to eat the food provided.

•

• • •

”

When malnourished older people are admitted to hospital they stay in for much longer, are three times as likely to develop complications during surgery, and have a higher mortality rate. (Age Concern, 2006, BBC, 2006) Routine screening for risk of malnutrition across health and social services is a key part of good nutritional care.

Preferences, dietary and cultural requirements need to be taken into account for planning meal times. © Crown Copywrite

Tavistock orders-tavistock@oakhousefoods.co.uk Westbury notley@oakhousefoods.co.uk

0845 8333858

Magna Meals On Wheels

01984 635114

Riverford

01803 762059

Somerset Local Food Direct

01278 794625

St George’s

01823 275268

Wiltshire Farm Foods

0800 773 773

Trowbridge Blandford

Frozen Meals

0845 257 1132

Groceries

01225 776793 01258 480180

FREE delivery

The Complete Home Meals Service At Oakhouse Foods we provide quality home delivered meals, desserts & groceries at affordable prices throughout Somerset.

Our freshly frozen meals are simple to cook straight from the freezer giving Please send me: ✁✂ Oakhouse Foods brochures (amount) ✁✂ Oakhouse Foods audio brochures (amount)

you a delicious hot meal with the minimum of fuss.

Our convenient grocery range also offers over 300 household essentials from breakfast cereals to bathroom cleaner.

Organisation: ..............................................................................................................................

SRCISum10

For more information call us on the number below or return the coupon to us.

✁ More information about your grocery service ✁ Please contact me to arrange a food demonstration

Name: .........................................................................................................................................

Address: ..................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................

With no minimum order, no obligation and no delivery charge you can simply order as and when you want to.

Postcode: .............................................................

Phone number:Care ...................................... email:at................................................................... choices have you a loss? Call

Please send coupon to: Oakhouse Foods, Pitts Cleave, Oakhouse Foods Tavistock, Devon, PL19 0PW Pitts Cleave,orTavistock, Unit 4/5, The Brunel Centre, Devon Cory Way, West Wilts Trd 0PWBA13321 Estate,PL19 Westbury, 4QT327 on 01872

!"#$%&'()**+()*,(%-+./.-+.-&($%0%-1

✃0845 257 1132

or see page 75 for more details

oakhousefoods.co.uk

35

Meal Provision

Providers in Somerset

Key Messages from

Learning Disabilities Included is information about life enhancing opportunities for training in Somerset. Information on accessing service and listings for learning Disability providers, supported living and Care Homes.

The Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust was authorised on 1 May 2008.

The predecessor organisation, Somerset Partnership NHS and Social Care Trust, was formed in 1999, and was the first integrated health and social care partnership trust in England.

We have continued to earn the reputation as a forward thinking, innovative trust, for example: • First trust to implement a comprehensive electronic patient record system • Internationally recognised Family Therapy and Family Support Model • Being part of a consortium providing services nationally for the Ministry of Defence • South West Regional provider of the Deaf Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service

Our vision is to be the mental health service provider of choice for the people of Somerset, and increasingly, for the South West.

Our goals are independence, recovery and social inclusion for the people who need our services. We will achieve these by providing excellent, innovative and user-responsive services in partnership with them, their families, carers and other agencies.

Our strategy to achieve this vision focuses on four strategic objectives: • continuous quality improvement; • service redesign to maximise efficiency and deliver effective care through partnership working; • innovation to ensure that we can deliver the mental health services the people of Somerset need, so they are not required to travel outside the county for care; • service expansion into primary care, the provision of secondary care and specialist services to neighbouring populations and wider health and social care services provision.

The Somerset Partnership NHS will work to ensure that: • •

36

All people involved with the organisation – staff, users, and carers - are valued and treated as individuals.

The Trust is committed to enabling people to live within the Care choices have you at a loss? Call

•

• • •

community, wherever possible, and to providing accessible and effective services to support users in doing so.

Services are provided in consultation with users and carers, and in partnership with other statutory and voluntary agencies.

Resources are used wisely to ensure best value and effectiveness.

The ways in which staff work are based upon appropriate research and best practice.

The Trust is committed to learning from the views of service users, carers, and others, and to implementing changes as appropriate.

We provide a wide range of specialist mental health and learning disability health and social care services to over 530,000 people across Somerset. We deliver: • comprehensive mental health and social care services for older people; • comprehensive mental health and social care services for adults; • community and inpatient child and adolescent mental health services; • community based specialist health services for adults with learning disabilities; • community based specialist services: including Asperger specialist team, employment support, eating disorders team, personality disorders, forensic services.

Services are provided in partnership with other statutory agencies and a range of voluntary sector providers. Community services are delivered in people’s homes and other non-NHS premises, as well as community team bases. ©Crown Copywrite

You can contact the Trust Headquarters for more information about any of their services, details are provided below:Office open from 8:30am until 5.00pm Monday to Friday.

Telephone: 01278 432000 Fax: 01278 432099 Email: ask@sompar.nhs.uk Please note, at present, due to technical difficulties, Hotmail accounts are unable to receive replies from NHS organisations.

If you require a reply or request information please ensure that you provide a non-Hotmail account or postal address.

Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, 2nd Floor, Mallard Court, Express Park, Bridgwater, TA6 4RN

The Emergency Duty Team (available 5:30pm - 8:30am) deals with emergency or urgently distressing situations Tel: 01458 253241 on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

We will support you

as an equal person

We will always be

kind to you

The Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Contact the team in your area:

employs staff that work in the Community Teams for Adults with Learning Disabilities.

Mendip

These are:

We will make sure

• • • • • •

you have the help

There are 2 specialist teams:

you need

• •

We will support

you to make choices

We will listen to you

happy, we will try

to make things better.

•

If you are not

The Rapid Intervention Team Health Action Planning Team

The teams provide support with: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Community Nurses Occupational Therapists Physiotherapists Psychiatrists Psychologists Speech and Language Therapists

Keeping you well Epilepsy Mental health Eating and drinking Getting around Work and things you do Communication How you feel Dementia Looking after your children Health Action Planning Teaching people to support you in the right way Things that make you upset or angry

Learning Disabilities

Frome Enterprise Resource Centre, Manor Road, Frome, BA11 4BS Tel: 01373 456500 Fax: 01373 456501

Somerset Coast Enterprise Resource Centre, Northgate, Bridgwater, TA6 3EU Tel: 01278 455571 Fax: 01278 444522

South Somerset Fiveways Resource Centre, Ilchester Road, Yeovil, BA21 3BB Tel: 01935 470600 Fax: 01935 470614

Taunton Six Acres Resource Centre, Six Acres Close, Roman Road, Taunton, TA1 2BD Tel: 01823 257908 Fax: 01823 353012

West Somerset The Seahorse Centre, Stephenson Way, Minehead, TA24 5EB Tel: 01643 705000 Fax: 01643 706444

Soluti ns N

Pointing you in the Right Direction

Down’s Syndrome Association Our aim is to help people with Down’s syndrome to live full and rewarding lives. They campaign about issues affecting people with learning disabilities.

Down’s Syndrome Association Langdon Down Centre 2a Langdon Park Teddington TW11 9PS E-mail: info@downs-syndrome.org.uk website: www.downs-syndrome.org.uk 0845 230 0372

Care choices have you at a loss? Call

Find the care you need with RightCareSolutions RightCareSolutions is a free service.

Available online, over the phone, and via email, its a great way to identify suitable services as listed by CQC*.

Be specific about the kind of care services you require, and we’ll deliver appropriate results suiting your needs.

Contact us if you are looking for Care Homes, Nursing Agencies, or Domicillary/Home Care...

See page 75 to fill out our written request form or... rightcareindex.com/solutions

01872 321 327

mail@rightcareindex.com *Results provided from The Care Quality Commision Listings

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

37

Employment Support Service The Trust is one of the nine new Centres of Excellence in supporting people who use mental health services into employment announced by the Sainsbury Centre on 9 November 2009.

The Employment Support Service aims to offer a bridge between the mental health service users in Somerset who would like paid work, local employers and other agencies such as JobCentre Plus.

Image: www.gradebook.org/

The team supports service users to access open employment, on a full or part-time basis, in the local job market. The service has adopted the Individual Placement and Support model, the key principles of which are: a clear focus on competitive employment; active job search; integration with mental health care (county-wide Community Mental Health Teams); responsiveness to user preferences, continuous and comprehensive assessment; time-limited support.

The service works closely with partner organisations such as JobCentre Plus, Westcountry Training and Consultancy Services, the Condition Management Programme, Adult Learning and Leisure and employers in the county, to actively promote the interests of service users who have experienced mental health difficulties and who wish to work.

We also offer the Pathfinder programme. This programme supports service users to find paid work within the Partnership Trust or the local health and social care community. This programme represents an opportunity for the Trust and statutory sector employers to demonstrate a commitment to employing mental health service users. Grahame Milroy also works with carers who wish to return to work, or to balance their work and needs as a carer if they are in work and finding it difficult to manage both roles.

Contact the team: Employment Support Service, Psychological Therapies Team Room, Foundation House, Wellsprings Road, Taunton, TA2 7PQ Tel: 01823 368350

The National Autistic Society The National Autistic Society (NAS) is the UK’s leading charity for people affected by autism.

We want a world where everyone understands autism and people living with autism get to live the life they choose.

Our mission is to change the world for people living with autism through education, campaigning, support and pioneering services.

Today we have over 19,000 members, 90 branches and provide: • information, advice, advocacy, training and support for individuals and their families • information and training for health, education and other professionals working with people with autism and their families • specialist residential, supported living, outreach and day services for adults • specialist schools and education outreach services for children

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Care choices have you at a loss? Call

ARC is a membership organisation, which supports providers of services to people with a learning disability to promote real change. Members’ services include daytime and leisure activities, support to people in their own homes, residential services, training for employment, special schools and colleges, staff training and information and advice.

ARC’s vision is to achieve excellence through diversity of provision for people with a learning disability.

It achieves this vision by: • campaigning on behalf of members • promoting best practice in services • providing information and support to members The ARC Avon, Somerset and Wiltshire branch meets 4 times a year. This year’s dates are 26th April, 24th June, 9th September, 11th November 2010.

Speakers include Learning Disability leads for each of the local authorities, CQC, and commissioners. Topics covered include LD Parliaments, Health Action Plans, and the National Minimum Dataset as well as local strategic plans.

To find out more contact ARC’s Regional Development Officer for the South West, Rod Landman, on: 01237 441 786 or rod.landman@arcuk.org.uk www.arcuk.org.uk or call: 01246 555 043.

Helpline: 0845 070 4004 • •

out-of-school services for children and young people employment training and support and social programmes for adults with autism.

A local charity with a national presence, we campaign and lobby for lasting positive change for people affected by autism and provide services in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The South West Regional Team Regional Coordinator: Rachel Pike The National Autistic Society, Church House, Church Road, Filton, Bristol, BS34 7BD

Tel: 0117 974 8400 | Fax: 0117 987 2576 Email: swregionalteam@nas.org.uk

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

Learning Disabilities

Learning Disability Care Homes Mental Health

Number of places

Old Age

Physical Disability

Sensory Impairment

These listing are of care homes with 5 or more beds, for smaller homes please see our website www.rightcareindex.com

Learning Disability Care Homes in Mendip

Porlock House

Amberleigh

Burnham TA8 2HG 012787 86607

6

Street BA16 0LS 01458 840865

Bendalls Farm

10

Nr Wells BA5 3EX 01761 241014

Cherrytrees

6

Frome BA11 4AW 01373 452965

East Court

17

6

9

Glastonbury BA6 8BZ 01458 832490

Street Farm

11

Cheddar BS27 3TH 01934 744930

The Old Police House

Rosewood Lodge & Brook House 20

Bridgwater TA6 3LH 01278 457676

Stafford Lodge

5

Burnham TA8 2PF 01278 228001

The Lodge

10

12

Highbridge TA9 3DQ 01278 786618

The Minster

10

Bridgwater TA6 6LX 01278 661528

The Old Vicarage

8

Bridgwater TA5 2HP 01278 653688

10

Learning Disability Care Homes in South Somerset

Yeovil BA20 2BD 01935 422176

13

Bridgwater TA6 7RQ 01278 453635 12

Highbridge TA9 4HQ 012787 60555 9

Frome TA8 2EX 01278 792962 17

Shipham BS25 1RD 01934 843000 7

Bridgwater TA6 6PY 01278 663871 7

Burnham TA8 2JQ 01278 788008

Knoll House

7

Highbridge TA9 4HQ 01278 761907

Lakeside House

7

Highbridge TA9 4HQ 01278 761909

Mendip House

9

Highbridge TA9 4HQ 01278 760555

Northcroft

8

Cheddar BS27 3BD 01934 744734

Northmead House

10

9

Ashleigh House [Taunton]

8

Bridge House

11

Catherine House

5

10

Castle Cary BA7 7HG 01963 350032

Braunton

Chard Manor

28

Wellington TA21 8TD 01823 662347

Elmsmead

12

Fiennes House

7

Langley House

14

Wiveliscombe TA4 2UF 01984 624612

10

Chard TA20 2DP 01460 261016 5

Huish House

12

Yeovil BA22 8UH 01935 863973

Lufton Manor College

74

Yeovil BA22 8ST 01935 403120 Yeovil BA20 2BG 01935 479721 10

Yeovil BA21 3ED 01935 425911

Selwyn House

Longrun House

15

Newholme

8

Taunton TA3 5JT 01823 442298

Oak Bungalow

10

Taunton TA2 2BD 01823 327715

15

Russett House

5

Taunton TA1 5AY 01823 272633

Langport TA10 9QP 01458 250247

Oaklea Care

Little Oaks Res Home

Taunton TA1 2DS 01823 322427

Church View

10

Yeovil BA21 3ED 01935 479143

Sharpe House

10

Stanway Close

5

Wiveliscombe TA4 2JS 01984 629220 Taunton TA2 6NJ 01934 429448

The Brambles

7

Taunton TA1 2BD 01823 327714

8

Chard TA20 4DU 01460 66340

The Maples

Drakes Place

Wellington TA21 8SZ 01823 661529

9

Springside

5

Taunton TA2 7BW 01823 323451

Taunton TA1 3EA 01823 333529

1 Church Road

Holly Tree Cottage

Ashbury

Churchview

Blackberry Hill

Greengates

12

Taunton TA1 5AP 01823 334132

Taunton TA1 2DS 01823 334797

Learning Disability Care Homes in Sedgemoor

Daneswood

52 Wellington Road

Taunton TA1 2EP 01823 286839

Bath BA3 4NQ 01761 241620

Cherry Trees

Learning Disability Care Homes in Taunton Deane

Taunton TA1 1BZ 01823 350813

8

Blackdown Polden Hse

15

Taunton TA1 2BD 01823 327713

Frome BA11 4NE 01373 836211

The Old Rectory

Umbrella Homes

Yeovil BA20 1UF 01935 862900

10

Burnham TA8 2HF 01278 782943

Shepton Mallet BA4 4PF 01749 344642

Jasmine

Red Gables

The Gables, Burnham

Wells BA5 1AR 01749 673122

Eldermere

10

Highbridge TA9 4HQ 01278 760555

8

Castle Cary BA7 7HP 01963 351991

The Old Farmhouse / The Briars

The Bungalow [Taunton]

6

Taunton TA1 2DR 01823 327050

The Dairy House

11

Taunton TA1 5AY 01823 272633

9 Chard TA20 1RU 01460 66058 Bridgwater TA7 8DD 01278 683478 Care choices have you at a loss? Call on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

39

Learning Disability Care Homes Mental Health

Number of places

Old Age

Physical Disability

Sensory Impairment

These listing are of care homes with 5 or more beds, for smaller homes please see our website: www.rightcareindex.com

The Knowls

14

Taunton TA1 4QW 01823 327080

The Saplings

7

Taunton TA1 3JS 01823 324832

The Wheel House

10

Learning Disability Care Homes in West Somerset Field House, Minehead

Northfield House Tidings 5

Wellington TA21 0DW 01823 669444

Westleigh House

Golden Gorse

Taunton TA1 1BZ 01823 284198

10

Minehead TA24 5UD 01643 702831

Minehead TA24 8BU 01643 708751

12

10

Williton TA4 4JR 01984 633810

Woodside Close

10

Woodcombe TA248RZ 01643 709432

8

TA24 5DP 01643 702767

Learning Disability Care Providers

Prospects

Autism Solution Ltd

One to One Ltd.

Lifeways

Taunton TA1 5LZ 01823 277500

Taunton TA21 2BD 01398 361403

Glastonbury 01458 833324

Somerset LD Domiciliary Services (East 3)

Mencap District Offices

Scope 020 7619 7202

Taunton TA1 1SW 01823 288061 Minehead TA24 8AB 01643 706022

Voyage 01543 437037

Yeovil BA21 3BB 01935 470600

Wellington 01823 653620

A Small and Personal Organisation providing quality and bespoke Supported Living Services across the South West. REAL people.......REAL lives

As part of providing integrated support to individuals with severe learning difficulties and other complex care needs, ALSW: • Delivers advice and support to other organisations • Develops transitional services • Creates bespoke accommodation options • Takes a lead from our clients as to the way we work We believe that our clients should truly be “part” of their communities and not just “in” them. To ensure this happens, we offer: • Assessments, service guidance and professional liaison provided by a clinically qualified team • Person-centred activities with carer, family or multidisciplinary team (MDT) involvement • Complete flexibility with respect to a client’s needs and developing their support options • Total commitment to client choice and independence • Active partnerships with other providers for seamless services

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Care choices have you at a loss? Call

• Services based on current best practice and research methodology • Support models that are adapted to ensure continuity for new clients • Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome

Physical Disability Acquired Brain Injury Mental Health Complex and Multiple Needs 24 hour Support to Enabling and Bespoke Services Housing available in all areas Want to know more or just want some advice? Call John or Sam on 01392 314631 or email hello@alsw.co.uk 1 Emperor Way Exeter Business Park Exeter EX1 3QS Visit us at www.alsw.co.uk

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

Everyone has the right to live their life free from violence, fear and abuse. Everyone has a right to be respected by other people. Everyone has a right to make choices about their life and things that affect them. You have these rights, whoever you are.

physical abuse sexual abuse verbal abuse emotional abuse financial abuse discrimination

Stopping all abuse Somerset County Council in partnership with the police and other health and social care providers has produced joint Procedural and Practice Guidance to protect and safeguard vulnerable adults.

You can view the guides online at www.Somerset.gov. uk/Somerset/socialservices/adults/safeguarding

Different Types of abuse?

Physical abuse. This is when someone physically hurts you.

This can be, hitting, kicking, pulling hair, pinching, scratching, shaking, giving someone too much or not enough medicine.

Sexual abuse. This is when someone is making you do sexual things that might make you sad, angry or frightened. This can be being touched where you do not want to be touched, in your private parts, being made to touch other people in their private parts, undressing or having sex when you don’t want to.

Emotional abuse. This is when someone says things to you that hurt your feelings or scare you. This can be calling you names, threatening you, laughing at you, treating you like a child, not letting you spend time with other people, or go out, or ignoring you.

Care choices have you at a loss? Call

neglect

are you or is some one you know be ing abused? what can you do ? tell somebody yo u trust like: doctor

nurse

police officer

care inspector

family & friends

social worker

care worker

to report abuse telephone:- Som erset Direct 0845 or, in an emergenc 345 9133 y dial 999

Financial abuse. This is when someone takes your money or things. This can be stealing your money or things, making you buy something you don’t want to buy, using your money to pay for their things, when you don’t have a choice in how your money is spent or when someone tells you that you have to give them your money or your home.

Neglect. This is not giving you the things you need. This can be not having your prescribed medicine when you need it, not being taken to the doctor if you are ill, being cold a lot of the time or hungry a lot, only having dirty clothes to wear, or not having your equipment when you need it (like hearing aids, walking frames, wheelchairs).

Discrimination. This is when people are treating you unfairly because you are different. This could be because of the colour of your skin, your religion, sex, age, disability, language, or because of your sexual orientation.

Get in touch today, call us 0845 3459133 or adults@somerset.gov.uk on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

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Safeguarding Adults

Safeguarding Adults

Mental Health One in four people suffer from mental health problems a year, depression and anxiety are the most common. Help and support is available for all types of mental health problems.

Somerset Partnership NHS Trust The Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust was authorised on 1 May 2008. The predecessor organisation, Somerset Partnership NHS and Social Care Trust, was formed in 1999, and was the first integrated health and social care partnership trust in England.

We have continued to earn the reputation as a forward thinking, innovative trust, for example: • First trust to implement a comprehensive electronic patient record system • Internationally recognised Family Therapy and Family Support Model • Being part of a consortium providing services nationally for the Ministry of Defence • South West Regional provider of the Deaf Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service Our vision is to be the mental health service provider of choice for the people of Somerset, and increasingly, for the South West.

Our goals are independence, recovery and social inclusion for the people who need our services. We will achieve these by providing excellent, innovative and user-responsive services in partnership with them, their families, carers and other agencies.

Our strategy to achieve this vision focuses on four strategic objectives: • Continuous quality improvement; • Service redesign to maximise efficiency and deliver effective care through partnership working; • Innovation to ensure that we can deliver the mental health services the people of Somerset need, so they are not required to travel outside the county for care; • Service expansion into primary care, the provision of secondary care and specialist services to neighbouring populations and wider health and social care services provision; In delivering our services, we will work to ensure that: • All people involved with the organisation – staff, users, and carers - are valued and treated as individuals.

• The Trust is committed to enabling people to live within the community, wherever possible, and to providing accessible and effective services to support users in doing so.

• Services are provided in consultation with users and carers, and in partnership with

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Care choices have you at a loss? Call

• • •

other statutory and voluntary agencies.

Resources are used wisely to ensure best value and effectiveness.

The ways in which staff work are based upon appropriate research and best practice.

The Trust is committed to learning from the views of service users, carers, and others, and to implementing changes as appropriate.

What we do We provide a wide range of specialist mental health and learning disability health and social care services to over 530,000 people across Somerset. We deliver: • Comprehensive mental health and social care services for older people; • Comprehensive mental health and social care services for adults; • Community and inpatient child and adolescent mental health services; • Community based specialist health services for adults with learning disabilities; • Community based specialist services: including Asperger specialist team, employment support, eating disorders team, personality disorders, forensic services.

Services are provided in partnership with other statutory agencies and a range of voluntary sector providers. Community services are delivered in people’s homes and other non-NHS premises, as well as community team bases.

Contact Us Our Service Directory contains an overview of all our services and provides contact details. You can also contact Trust Headquarters for more information about any of our services Office Hours We are open from 8:30am until 5.00pm Monday to Friday.

Telephone: 01278 432000 Fax: 01278 432099 Email: ask@sompar.nhs.uk Please note, at present, due to technical difficulties, Hotmail accounts are unable to receive replies from NHS organisations. If you require a reply or request information please ensure that you provide a nonHotmail account or postal address.

Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, 2nd Floor, Mallard Court, Express Park, Bridgwater, TA6 4RN Or for out of hours emergencies contact: The Emergency Duty Team on 01935 383360 on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

Emotional Health and Wellbeing Service

There are many sources of help to be found via your local surgery. A GP is many people’s first point of contact when seeking help - a sizeable proportion of most GPs’ work is related to emotional problems.

Somerset Community RightSteps is a new, free and confidential service to provide mental health support quickly and easily.

The staff are experienced at assessing emotional distress and working with you to find the best ways to manage your difficulties. The service works with many organisations to help give you choices about meeting your individual needs.

A key element of the service is cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). CBT looks at how your thinking and behaviour are affecting the way you feel. It has a proven record of success in helping people manage a range of mental health problems. It helps you examine your beliefs about yourself and to view your situation differently. Building up your coping skills can improve your mood and enable you to face difficult or feared situations.

Types of support available: • Telephone support • Talking face to face with a therapist/counsellor • Advice and information including other organisations that can help • Employment support • Sessions with a skilled worker guiding you through self help materials based on CBT • Workshops to help you learn skills to deal with your difficulties • Referral to the Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

GPs’ can: • Talk through your problems with you • Talk about other sources of help in the community • Prescribe medication • Refer you to the Emotional Health and Wellbeing Service Refer you to the Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

RightSteps Somerset Community RightSteps is a new free and confidential service to help people in Somerset to access appropriate mental health support quickly and easily. We are a fast-acting service, providing the help you need when you really need it.

Somerset Community RightSteps is a flagship service joining together the clinical strength of an established local health service with the community-based face of the third sector.

We are working together in partnership with Turning Point, the UK’s leading health and social care enterprise, which provides services for people with complex mental health needs. We are also working together with Mind and Somerset Racial Equality Council (SREC), for specialist drop in clinics for people from black and other minority ethnic groups.

Our partnership provides a service that will improve the referral process, allow ease of access to services, reduce stigma and isolation, improve your choice, reduce inequalities in health, and support you in managing your own health.

We can help you deal with your difficulties by looking at the impact these have on different areas in your life. We provide support through talking to therapists and by providing you with practical solutions which will help you to make changes.

We are further developing our close relationships with GPs, secondary care mental health services, and local authority services, in particular Job centres. We deliver services that are flexible and responsive to your needs.

Our service has been shaped to respond to the key drivers of choice, control and flexibility, and seeks to support the fabric of people’s everyday lives rather than waiting until people hit crisis point.

Common problems: Depression, Anxiety and phobias, Stress, Relationship problems, Difficult life events, Self-image and identity issues, Unresolved bereavement/loss, Issues of abuse, Coping with traumatic events, Obsessive compulsive disorder Tel: 01278 727447 Email: Rightsteps@somcomhealth.nhs.uk

Care choices have you at a loss? Call

To book an appointment telephone 01278 727 447 during office hours.

Older People Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust provides specialist mental health services for older people with illnesses such as severe depression, severe anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia. A Recovery Care Plan Approach (RCPA) has been adopted to emphasise the involvement of people receiving services and the promotion of independence and wellbeing, so people can remain in their own homes wherever possible.

The multidisciplinary community service works closely with service users, carers, the voluntary sector (e.g Alzheimer’s Society) and the Local Authority and Primary Care Trust, to develop Care Plans to meet service users and carers individual support needs.

The service targets work with service users with: • Severe and complex mental health problems • A less severe degree of problem where there are risk behaviours or complex dynamics requiring specialist intervention • Marked behavioural difficulties as a consequence of mental health problems • Complex family/carer situations requiring specialist intervention.

The Teams access packages of care (e.g home care / home support / respite, etc) via the County Council Adult Social Care Service, and arrange Direct Payments and individual packages to support older people with mental health problems to maintain their independence in the community, and to access long term care where necessary and appropriate.

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

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Mental Health

Support From Your GP Surgery

National Dementia Strategy Launched on 3rd February 2009 to transform the quality of dementia care, including improved community personal support services and domiciliary care services.

The strategy aims to develop services for people with dementia and their carers that are fit for the 21st century, with services that meet the needs of everyone, regardless of age, ethnic group or social status.

The strategy is designed for: • People with dementia • Carers • Health and social care professionals • Anyone affected by dementia High-quality care and an equal quality of care, are involved in decisions about the care provided.

To find out more about the National Dementia Strategy visit www.dh.gov.uk/dementia or call 0300 123 1002

Somerset Dementia Strategy NHS Somerset is seeking your views on improving dementia services in Somerset.

Their consultation process is designed to enable patients, carers, members of the public, staff, partner organisations and stakeholders to give their views on the draft Somerset Dementia Strategy.

Your feedback will be used to inform the emerging Somerset Dementia Strategy and the key priorities.

If you would like a copy of the draft Somerset Dementia Strategy please telephone 01935 385020 and give your name, telephone number and the address to which you would like it to be sent. An electronic version can be found on the NHS Somerset website at www.somerset.nhs.uk/dementia.

Please forward your comments to: FREEPOST RRKL-XKSC-ACSG Dementia Engagement, Patient Experience Team, NHS Somerset, Wynford House, Lufton Way, Yeovil, BA22 8HR or e-mail: dementia@somerset.nhs.uk www.time-to-change.org.uk/get-involved/resources

The Dementia Gateway The Dementia Gateway is a new website on the Social Care Institute for Excellence’s (SCIE) website. The Gateway comprises a comprehensive set of resources on dementia aimed at staff, managers, carers, commissioners and people with dementia.

The goal of the Gateway is to increase good practice in care homes and within domiciliary care, and in turn to improve the lives of people living with dementia. The website contains practical tips, tools and activities on key areas in an accessible and user-friendly format. Visitors can check for quick updates, or look in detail at dementia issues and the site also includes free e-learning programmes, developed in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Society.

Sections of the site include: Getting to know a person with dementia, Eating well for health and enjoyment, Tackling difficult situations, Keeping active and occupied, Making living places safe and enjoyable In addition, the site offers access to a series of new films developed by SCIE for its Social Care TV service. These films cover dementia and other relevant topics such as nutrition and personalisation. www.scie.org.uk/publications/dementia/index.asp Tel: 020 7089 6840

Inpatient Wards for Adult Services Specialist inpatient treatment is provided in wards located in Taunton, Wells and Yeovil. The wards undertake assessment, treatment and care planning, with follow up in the community provided by CMHT’s, in coordination with other agencies.

Contact details for in-patient wards:

Taunton Rydon Ward, Cheddon Road, Taunton, TA2 7AZ

01823 333438

Holford Ward (Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit) 01823 333437 Cheddon Road, Taunton, TA2 7AZ

Yeovil

Alzheimer’s Society The Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading care and research charity for people with or affected by dementia.

Alzheimer’s Society is a membership organisation, which works to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia. In over 250 locations across the UK, Alzheimer’s Society staff and volunteers work together to provide help and information to people affected by dementia in their communities. Our branch services include day care and home care for people with dementia, as well as support and befriending services to help partners and families cope with the demands of caring. For your nearest Alzheimer’s Society Branch you can call the national helpline on 0845 300 0336 or visit us at www.alzheimers.org.uk

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Care choices have you at a loss? Call

Rowan Ward, 56 Preston Road, Yeovil, BA20 2BX

01935 410784

Wells Beech Ward, 01749 836609 / 836614 Priory Health Park, Glastonbury Road, Wells, BA5 1TH

SANEline

0845 767 8000

SANE’s national telephone helpline, SANEline, was set up in 1992.

SANEline volunteers currently handle an average of over 2000 calls every month from men, women and children affected by mental health problems as well as their carers and health professionals.

The lines are open 6pm to 11pm every day, calls are charged at local rate. Help includes practical information, crisis care and emotional support to anybody affected by mental health problems, including family and carers. on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

Crisis and Home Treatment services are provided to people living in the community who require intensive, daily support and who may be otherwise likely to be admitted in-patient care.

The Teams carry out pre-admission assessments with the Nursing teams on Inpatient units to see if it is possible to provide support at home as an alternative to admission, and also enable earlier discharge by providing intensive home support for a short period post discharge.

Services generally operate from 8:30am to 9:00pm (with a duty Doctor service available 24/7).

Contact details for the Team in your area: Mendip

Phoenix Ward Priory Park, Wells, BA5 1TH

01749 836722

Somerset Coast Glanville House Church Street, Bridgwater, TA6 5AT

01278 720220

South Somerset Rowan Ward 56 Preston Road, Yeovil, BA20 2BX

01823 368398

Alcohol and Drug Dependency The following services are available for the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals suffering from alcohol and drug addiction (chemical dependency), and to provide information and advice on alcohol and substance abuse.

Adapt Ltd, 01460 63644 2, Howards Row, Fore St, Chard, TA20 1PH Somerset Drugs Service, 01749 836660 Priory House, Glastonbury Rd, Wells, BA5 1TH Somewhere House, 68 Berrow Rd, Burnham-On-Sea, TA8 2EZ www.somewherehouse.com

01278 795236

Spirit, 01278 683475 4 Riverton Rd, Puriton, Bridgwater, TA7 8BW The LynK, Corporation St, Taunton, TA1 4AW

Eating Disorders Somerset & Wessex Eating Disorders Association “Somerset is unique in having a joint working partnership, which has developed an eating disorders service strategy based on the experience of both the voluntary and statutory sectors. An estimated 5000 people in Somerset have a clinical eating disorder; a further 5000 have an eating disorder that has a significant impact on their life and health. This includes women of all ages, the majority being between 14 - 35 years of age. Around 10% of sufferers are male.

Eating disorders are a severe and enduring mental illness, with the highest suicide and co-morbidity rates in mental health. Eating disorders impact on family and friends of sufferers so the real figure for need is around 50,000 in Somerset. These are the people SWEDA exists to serve.”

Extract from Somerset Eating Disorders Association’s ‘Case for Support’ ~ P. Roche, 2001.

We are based in Street and can provide services across Somerset and the surrounding counties. We can offer help and support to anyone in our area who is affected by eating disorders (sufferers, carers, friends, professionals etc.) our services include a Telephone Helpline and Drop-Ins amongst others.

01935 411605

Taunton Deane Foundation House, Wellsprings Road, Taunton, TA2 7PQ

Mental Health

Crisis and Home Treatment Services for Adults and Older People

01823 257359

Turning Point, 01935 383360 Maltravers House, Petters Way, Yeovil, BA20 1SP Care choices have you at a loss? Call

SWEDA is based on the principles of self help, we believe in enabling and empowering people to live with as normal and satisfying a quality of life as possible. We are motivated by the importance of honesty, openness, and trust in relationships with all users of our services, and SWEDA’s confidentiality policy aims to support these principles.

We believe that all people: • have the right to feel that they belong and that they are valued • should have the freedom and opportunities to make well informed decisions • have the power to change and manage their lives We aim to provide resources and informal, non-stigmatising services which reflect the needs of the community. We aim to encourage people to use SWEDA to seek information, support and guidance in order to enhance their opportunities and make informed choices about their lives through the provision of equality of access to our telephone helpline, drop in, Community Support Workers and library services.

Somerset & Wessex Eating Disorders Association (SWEDA) Strode House, 10 Leigh Road, Street, Somerset, BA16 0HA Tel (helpline): 01458 448600, Tel (office): 01458 448611 Web: www.swedauk.org

Other informative and supportive websites: www.b-eat.co.uk www.caraline.com www.bodywhys.ie www.disordered-eating.co.uk www.i-eat.org.uk www.something-fishy.org/ on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

45

Disabilities

Disabilities Information about Disability in Somerset and listings are provided for wheel chair and equipment provision. For physical disabilities in care homes please see listings in our care homes section from page 22.

Compass Disability Services Compass Disability Services is an innovative, enlightened and positive organisation. Its mission is “to enable disabled people to have equality of opportunity”.

Compass Disability Services is a user led organisation and our Board of Trustees, who are elected by our users, is comprised of at least 80% disabled people. We have adopted the Social Model of Disability as a way of working to remove barriers which exclude disabled people from equality of opportunity.

Our Values and Beliefs • We promote independence, choice and control • We support equality of opportunity for all people • We operate within and promote the Social Model of Disability • We aim to empower and enable disabled people • We promote equal access and inclusion to all services and facilities • We adopt a partnership working approach • We are a non-campaigning organisation Compass Disability Services works through consultation, representation and service provision to fulfil our mission.

We work in partnership with local government, the Health Service, Social Services, other voluntary sector and charitable organisations and anyone else who can benefit from our knowledge and expertise.

Compass Disability Services has a range of projects which have their own websites.

What does being a User Led and Disabled Peoples Organisation mean?

Compass Disability Services recognises and values our users, and ensures that disabled people have the opportunity to be involved in the development and direction of Compass Disability Services and all projects facilitated by them.

We aim to: • Value users as the experts on their own lives and learn from them • Give users a voice in the design, delivery and review of our services • Ensure that services are accessible and effective for all intended groups • Improve opportunities and outcomes for our users • We have developed and adopted a User Led policy to ensure that these aims are met.

So, what does the term ‘disability’ mean exactly?

There are nearly 7 million people of working age in the UK living with a disability, but the term ‘disabled’ means different things to different people. The range and breadth of disabilities that we all come across in our everyday lives is substantial; some are

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Care choices have you at a loss? Call

obvious, most are not. Nearly all organisations will work to the the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) definition of Disability.

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) definition of Disability is: ‘A person has a disability for the purpose of this Act if he or she has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.’ The terms used in this definition can be ambiguous, so it’s important to clarify them: What is an ‘impairment’?

An impairment affects the ability of the person concerned to carry out normal day-to-day activities, but only if it affects one of the following: mobility, manual dexterity, physical co-ordination, continence, ability to lift, carry or otherwise move everyday objects, speech, hearing or eyesight, memory or ability to concentrate, learn or understand, or perception of the risk of physical danger Points to note • the definition of disability is broad, and you may be surprised how many people might be considered ‘disabled’ under the Act. It is not just visible physical conditions, such as blindness or wheelchair use, but many hidden conditions, like learning disabilities, stress and depression that class a person as ‘disabled’ • the DDA also protects people with a range of conditions often not traditionally thought of as ‘disabilities’. For example, people undergoing kidney dialysis, or who have dyslexia, Chrones disease or a speech impairment • people with severe facial or bodily disfigurement are protected by the Act without the need to demonstrate any effect on ability to carry out normal day to day activities, provided it is long term or recurring (e.g. eczema) • since 2005, people with progressive disabilities have been covered from point of diagnosis. This means people who have been diagnosed with HIV, multiple sclerosis or any form of cancer Are there any exclusions?

• addiction to, or dependency on, drugs or alcohol unless it is a result of the substance being medically prescribed • seasonal allergic rhinitis (i.e. hayfever) except where it aggravates the effect of another impairment • tendencies to set fires, steal, physically or sexually abuse other people, exhibitionism or voyeurism • tattoos (which have not been removed) or non-medical body piercing. ©Compass Disability Service

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

Registration

The Somerset Access and Inclusion Network (SAIN) was established in May 2000 and is facilitated by Compass Disability Services.

SAIN’s aim is to bring together disabled people, their carers and organisations that represent disabled people, to access their views on various topics.

We are commissioned by various agencies, including the local authorities, health service and other statutory bodies, who would like to understand the wants and needs of disabled people when developing their services or facilities.

We gather the views of our members in various ways including invites to participate in focus groups, disability forums, questionnaires and site visits. We encourage the commissioning body to fund transport, care and communication support so that our events are fully inclusive.

The views gathered are fed back to the commissioning body who are then asked for their response. Some groups and forums meet on a regular basis, some are one-off events.

We hope that by adopting this cooperative approach with those commissioning our services that we are able to encourage their understanding of the needs of disabled people. In return we are able to see services and facilities around the county become more and more inclusive.

Membership of the network is free, all members receive a free copy of the “Networker” and can be involved in as many or as few of the projects as they wish.

Why not join the network today? complete an online membership form! www.sain.org.uk

The law requires every local authority to maintain a register of people with disabilities. Anyone who has a disability can apply to go on the register. With the help of a Register the local authority, through its Adult & Community Services Directorate, can recognise the general need of disabled people in Somerset.

Registration may help in the following ways: • Local concessions may be available, for instance, libraries, theatres, Further Education and Training and other social outlets.

• The National Bus Pass which entitles the pass holder to free off peak travel on local buses anywhere in England Tel: 01392 383688 or 01271 383688 for details.

• BT Textphone users are entitled to a rebate on their telephone bill for any typed part of the conversation. For more information call Freetext: 18001 0800 500 888.

And for people who are Registered Blind: • Reduction in television licence. Application forms are available from local post offices. Tax allowances.

Check with the Inland Revenue for updated figures.

You do not need to be registered for the following benefits: • You do not have to pay VAT on some goods, directly relating to your disability. (See HM Revenue and Customs - VAT relief for Disabled people). Your retailer can give you a claim form or you can print off your own from the HM Customs & Excise web site. Although you do not need to be registered you will need to sign a declaration that you have a disability.

• If you are a wheelchair user, and have adapted your house, you may be entitled to a reduction in your Council Tax. Ask at your local District Council Housing Department for more details.

If you have a disability and think you may qualify for registration, contact Care Direct on 0845 1551 007 who will be able to provide you with more information. ©Crown Copywrite

©Compass Disability Services

Employment At Pluss, we believe that everyone with a disability should have access to the independence and self-esteem that comes through working.

Pluss is a social enterprise that offers a range of training and recruitment services, and also direct employment in our own manufacturing and mobility equipment businesses.

For more information and a chat, contact us on 0800 91 777 92 or email working@pluss.org.uk or visit our website at www.pluss.org.uk ©Pluss.org.uk

Radar Keys The Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation (RADAR) is a national organisation of and for disabled people.

The National Key Scheme offers independent access to disabled people to around 7,000 locked public toilets around the country. It ensures that people who need them can always find a suitable and accessible toilet in a good clean condition.

Keys can be obtained from some Social Services offices, District Council offices, Tourist Information offices, branches of Age Concern, or you can order direct from RADAR. 020 7250 3222 | radar@radar.org.uk | www.radar.org.uk

Wheelchair Provision British Red Cross, (Upto 6 weeks loan) Red Cross House, Livingstone Way, Taunton TA2 6BD Tel: 0845 331 5000 Exeter Mobility Centre, (Assessment and Provision serving Somerset) Wonford Road, Exeter EX2 4DU Tel: 01392 403649 Independent Living, 8 Park Street, Minehead TA24 5NG Tel: 01643 709 000 M.C. Mobility, Honiton Road, Trull, Taunton, TA3 7JW Tel: 01823 336326 (See advert on page 57) Mobility 4 U, 3 Crown Walk, High Street, Taunton TA1 3PU Tel: 01823 333133 Pluss, Northgate, Bridgwater, TA6 3EU Tel: 01278 445446 St John Ambulance Somerset, (Wheelchair loan) St Johns House, 60 Staplegrove Road, Taunton TA1 1DH Tel: 01823 345920 Westworld Mobility, Unit 7, Townsend Shopping Park, Hitchen Lane, Shepton Mallet BA4 5TZ Tel: 01935 423006

© Crown Copywrite

Care choices have you at a loss? Call

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

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Disabilities

SAIN

Day & Respite Care Listings below include Day Care and Respite Centres throughout Somerset. Some home care agencies (page 30) and care homes (page 22) also provide these services.

Day Services

Respite Care

Day services are evoling in Somerset and are being taken out of the home, towards mentoring schemes.

When you are taking care of somebody you also need to think about caring for yourself. Depending on the type and intensity of care needed, your own health and well-being can be compromised by looking after someone else. In most jobs you get paid holidays - you should try to take some time off from caring too!

You can get some respite from your caring role in a number of different ways: 1. Residential respite: The Person you care for goes away to be looked after by someone else for a while – residential or nursing care or on holiday.

2. Domiciliary care: Someone comes into your home and takes over care for a while (a few hours or sometimes overnight) so you can go out or have some time to yourself.

3. You can sometimes get a break when the person you care for is involved in other activities – for instance at school, at a Day Centre.

Assessment of needs by the Local Authority The first step is usually to approach the local authority to ask for an assessment for the person you care for – and for you as his/her carer. The Local Authority social worker doing the assessments will consider the needs of the person you care for, and your needs as their carer, and consider what services they may be able to provide (bearing in mind local priorities and availability of services). They will also do a Financial assessment under their Charging Policy which means that you (or – more usually – the person you care for) may be charged for the services according to means.

Active Living Network The Somerset Active Living Network is made up of a group of community, voluntary and local government authorities who work together to enable Active Living to happen in Somerset. To help do this, there is an Active Living Board, which is made up of a number of partners. They represent the interests of the partner agencies involved with the Active Living Network and make sure that preventative and wellbeing services reach older people in Somerset.

To support the Active Living Centres there is a team of staff who work closely with them to: • Give advice about setting up activities; • Help groups provide useful information about day-to-day living; • Support volunteers who help with Active Living; • Help communities set up their own groups; • Link with partner agencies to support them to deliver well being services through Active Living Centres; • Work with Somerset clubs and groups providing opportunities to become part of their local Active Living Network and to access a range of information and activities.

We have a network of bases in Somerset where we co-ordinate Day Services. Access to these services is tailored to meet the assessed needs of the individual and their families.

© Copyright 2005 - 2010 The Princess Royal Trust for Carers

Day Services provide opportunities for life skills, access to leisure, multi-sensory rooms, education and other activities.

They all incorporate links with local communities.

Providers in Somerset

Services may not always be provided at our Centres, but may be in the person’s home or in the community.

Carers Group Somerset Partnership NHS Trust, Wells, BA5 1TH, 01749 836625

To access these services you first need to have a care assessment to see if you are eligible. If you would like to contact the Active Living team please go to the ‘Contact us’ page on their website: www.somersetactiveliving.org.uk/welcome/map or see pages 49 -51 for your nearest centre. ©Crown Copywrite

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Headway Day Centre Wells, BA5 1PD, 01749 674010 Bridgwater, TA6 3EX, 01278 422385 Yeovil, BA21 4JA, 01935 431067

Care First 0800 174319 Ridley Day Service Wincanton, BA9 9DQ, 01963 32006 Abbeyfield Minehead, TA24 5BN 01634 851294 Carers’ Support at Weekends Minehead, TA24 5EB 01643 705000

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

Mendip

Sunnyside Active Living, Frome Contact: Louise Olsson 07775406564 LOlsson@somerset.gov.uk Tues 9.30am -3.30pm

Beckington Active Living, Beckington, Contact: Louise Olsson 07775406564 LOlsson@somerset.gov.uk Mon 9:30am - 3:30pm

The Limes Active Living, Street Contact: Val McKenzie 07500 028405 Thurs 9.30am -3.30pm The Tannery Active Living, Street Contact: Sue Cornish 0779 4583204 Mon 9.30am -3.30pm

Crispin Community Focus, Street, Contact: Brenda Filburn 01458 447248 Mon - Thur 9 - 2pm, Fri 9 - 4pm Frome Assembly Rooms Active Living, Frome Contact: Gerald Franks 01373 461652 Mon and Thur 11.30am - 3pm

The Withys Active Living Group, Street Contact: Shari White 01458 840228 / 447624 swhite@flourishhomes.co.uk Fortnightly Wed 10am - 12noon

Frome Carers Group, Frome Contact: Christine Sitko 07917 837480 CSitko@somerset.gov.uk 2nd Thurs of each month 10.30am - 12.30pm

Wells Active Living, Wells, Contact: Louise Olson 0777 5406564 LOlsson@somerset.gov.uk Mon - Wed 10am - 3pm

Garton’s Mead Evercreech Active Living, Evercreech, Contact: Julie Russell 07809192997 jrussell@mendiphousing.co.uk Fri 2pm - 5pm - Gardening Club

Wells Active Living - Tai Chi, Wells Contact: Andy Legat 07989 530065 wsda.tcc@ukonline.co.uk Tues & Thurs 10 - 11am & 11.15 - 12.15pm 12 week courses

Glastonbury Opportunity Shop, Glastonbury, Contact: Terry Clay 01458 830304 admin@glastonburycdt.org Mon - Fri 11am - 2pm

Wells Carers Support Group, Wells, Contact: Maggie Charlesworth 07919 299204 MCharlesworth@somerset.gov.uk 2nd Tues of each month 10.30am - 12.30pm

Greenways Active Living Centre, Chilcompton Contact: Julie Russell 07809192997 jrussell@mendiphousing.co.uk Wed from 14:30 Please phone prior to visit to make sure staff are available Leigh on Mendip Active Living, Leigh on Mendip Contact: Graham Harris 01373 812889 gl.harris@tiscali.co.uk 4th Mon of the month 10am - 2pm Monmouth Close Active Living, Glastonbury Contact: Phillipa Willey 01458 835149 / 01749 673097 philippawilley@aol.com Mon 10am - 3pm Nightingale Close (Active Living), Wells Contact: Jenny Durose 01749 674315 jdurose@mendiphousing.co.uk Wed afternoons Pullen Court Active Living, Shepton Mallet Contact: Val McKenzie 07500028405 Wed 9.30am - 3.00pm Scotts Close Active Living Centre, Holcombe Contact: Julie Russell 07809192997 jrussell@mendiphousing.co.uk Fri 10.30am - 12noon Shepton Mallet Active Living, Shepton Mallet Contact: Maggie Charlesworth 07919 299204 1st Friday of each month 10.30am - 2.30pm St John’s Active Living, Glastonbury Contact: Lindsey Beach 01458 832738 / 01458 830060 Thurs 3.30 - 4.30pm Street and Glastonbury U3A, Street & Glastonbury, Contact: Wilton Wills 01458 833995 wiltonwills@gmail.com contact for further information including events and dates Street Carers Support Service Active Living Group, Street, Contact: Nicola Munning 07917 837482 NMunning@somerset.gov.uk 2nd Mon of each month 10.30am - 12.30pm Care choices have you at a loss? Call

Wells Singing for the Brain, Wells Contact: Jo Taswell 07595 271424 jo.taswell@alzheimers.org.uk 2nd Wed of the month 2.30pm - 4.30pm Sedgemoor

Berrow Active Living Centre, Berrow Contact: Carol Dyer 01278 782744 Mon 9.30am - 2.30pm Bridgwater Memory Café, Bridgwater Contact: Jo Taswell 07595 271424 jo.taswell@alzheimers.org.uk 1st & 3rd Fri of the month 10.30am - 12.30pm Bridgwater Senior Citizens Forum, Bridgwater Contact: Phil Sealey 01278 662683 1st Thurs of the month 10.30am - 12.30pm Burnham Active Living, Burnham-on-Sea Contact: Ken Hindle and volunteers 01278 787831 1st Friday of the month 10am - 12noon Cheddar Active Living, Cheddar Contact: Yvonne Spraggs 07827 230025 Thurs 10am - 3pm East Brent Active Living, East Brent Contact: Yvonne Spraggs 07827 230025 YSpraggs@somerset.gov.uk Fri 10am - 3pm Hamp Active Living, Hamp, Bridgwater Contact: Julie Raven 07811 837238 Mon - Fri 9 - 4pm Highbridge Active Living, Highbridge Contact: Richard Mathews 01278 780811 richard.mathews@morlandhall.org.uk The last Mon of each month 10.00am - 1.00pm Mark Active Living, Mark, Bridgwater.

Contact: Audrey Cox 01278 641576 Mon 10am - 3pm

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

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Active Living Centre’s in Somerset

Nether Stowey Active Living, Nether Stowey Contact: Margaret Harris 01278 734613 4th Thursday of each month 2.00pm - 4.00pm

Castle Cary Active Living, Ansford, Castle Cary Contact: Rebecca Thurgood 07823 597017 wincantonlah@aol.com Wed 9.30am-3pm

Nether Stowey Active Living (MDC), Nether Stowey Contact: Margaret Adam 01278 733188 Wed 9.30am to 3.30pm

Chard Memory Cafe, Chard Contact: Jo Taswell 07595 271424 jo.taswell@alzheimers.org.uk 1st & 3rd Wed of the month 10.00am - 12.00pm

North Petherton Café Connect POP-in, North Petherton, Contact: Heather Whittle 01278 663025 heather.whittle@virgin.net 2nd Tues of each month 10am - 12 noon Puriton Over 60 Club (WRVS) Active Living, Puriton, Bridgwater Contact: Brenda Burrows 01278 684772 Thurs 2.30pm - 4.30pm 2nd and 4th Thursday in the month Shipham Active Living, Shipham Contact: Patricia Ison 01934 842310 Patricia.ison@btinternet.com Fri 10.30am - 1pm Fortnightly - contact for more information St Mary’s Active Living, Bridgwater Contact: Audrey Washer 01278 455096 1st Tuesday of the month 11.45am - 1.30pm Somerset LD Domiciliary Services Bridgwater (West 2) 01278 455571 Sydenham Active Living, Parkway, Bridgwater Contact: Barry Keirle 01278 423327 Mon - Fri 9am - 4.30pm Victoria Park Active Living, Bridgwater Contact: Carol Ensor 01278 422255 carol.ensor@sedgemoor.gov.uk 1st & 3rd Wed of each month10.30am - 2.30pm Wedmore Active Living, Wedmore Contact: Susan Freeman 01934 741861 briansue@freeman2.eclipse.co.uk Tues 10.15am - 3pm West Huntspill POPPINS Active Living, West Huntspill, Contact: Ann Storar 01278 684730 Thurs 10.30am - 2.15pm Twice monthly Woolavington Thursday Group (Active Living), Woolavington, Contact: Yvonne Spraggs 07827 230025 Thurs 9.45am to 11.15am WRVS Lunch Club, Burnham on Sea Contact: David Munchin 01278 760326 Tues 12noon to 1.30pm South Somerset

Friday Club (Curry Rivel), Curry Rivel Contact: Karen Graham 07919 540375 kgraham@ somerset.gov.uk Fri 10am - 2pm Ashill Village Hall Seniors Luncheon Club, Ashill, Ilminster Contact: Somerset Direct 0845 345 9133 Please phone for days and times (Monthly) Barrington Active Living, Ilminster Contact: Rebecca Thurgood 01963 33588 wincantonlah@aol.com Fri 10am - 3pm Bruton Active Living, Bruton Contact: Vanessa Norton 07919 540615 VNorton@ somerset.gov.uk Mon 9.30am - 3pm Bruton Active Living, Bruton Contact: Sandy Buckley 01749 814 912 Sandrabuckley2008@btinternet.com 12.30 on 1st Fri & 14.00 on 2nd Fri of the month

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Care choices have you at a loss? Call

Crowshute Active Living, Chard Contact: Karen Graham 07919 540375 KGraham@somerset.gov.uk Wed 10am - 2pm Henhayes Centre Active Living, Crewkerne Contact: Tim Udall 01460 74340 info@henhayes.org.uk www.henhayes.org.uk Mon - Fri with some weekend activities 9.30am - 4pm Hinton St George Dorothy’s Tea Room, Hinton St George Contact: Karen Graham 07919 540375 KGraham@somerset.gov.uk Mon 10.30 am - 12 noon Huish Lunch Club, Preston Grove, Yeovil Contact: Vanessa Norton 07919 540615 VNorton@somerset.gov.uk 2nd & 4th Tues of each month Ilminster Active Living, Ilminster Contact: Maggie Charlesworth 07919 299204 MCharlesworth@somerset.gov.uk Thurs 10am - 12 noon Monthly Langport Active Living, Langport Contact: Anita Emery 01458 251222 Tues & Thurs 12.30 - 2.30pm Martock Active Living, Martock Contact: Elizabeth Turner 01935 823387 kgraham@somerset.gov.uk Thurs 10am - 3pm Milborne Port Tuesday Luncheon Club, Milbourne Port Contact: Maureen Lock 01963 250433 Tues 12 - 2 pm Newtown Active Living History Forum, Chard Contact: June Sheppard 01935 425278 trevstokes@supanet.com Wed 5 - 7pm Norton sub Hamdon Active Living, Norton sub Hamdon Contact: Rebecca Thurgood 01963 33588 wincantonlah@aol.com Thurs 10am - 3pm Round Window Club, Curry Mallet Contact: Vanessa Norton 01458 837320 / 07919 540615 VNorton@somerset.gov.uk Fortnightly Wed 10.30am – 2.30pm Somerton St Cleers Active Living, Somerton Contact: Marcelle Peskey 01963 33588 wincantonLAH@aol.com Wed 10.00am - 3pm South Petherton Active Living, Petherton Contact: Vanessa Norton 07919 540615 VNorton@somerset.gov.uk Wed 10am - 3pm Tatworth and Forton Active Living, Tatworth Contact: Sue Russell 01460 220339 boudiaxed@aol.com Please phone for days & times The Good Fellowship Club, Yeovil Contact: Beryl Garton 01935 475541 Thurs Afternoons

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

Taunton Pop-in United Reformed Church, Contact: Bettina Hather 01823 286776 turch@tiscali.co.uk Alternate Thurs 12.30 - 3.30pm

Bishops Lydeard Active Living, Bishops Lydeard Contact: Yvonne Spraggs 07827 230025 YSSpraggs@somerset.gov.uk Wed 10am - 3pm

The Frank Bond Centre Active Living, Taunton Contact: Carolyn Bulbeck 01823 274244 carolynbulbeck@tiscali.co.uk Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm

Creetown House Active Living, (in Partnership with Somerset Gay Health) Taunton Contact: Martin Jevon 01823 327078 Weekdays (for advice and information) times vary, usually 10.00-16.00

The Link Centre Active Living, Taunton Contact: David Baker and Maggie Lindsay 01823 350788 david@baker355.eclipse.co.uk Mon & Tues Mornings, Thurs all day Wellington Active Living, Wellington Contact: Sue Bellringer 07919 299175 Wed 10am - 3pm

Langley Luncheon Club, Waterrow, Taunton Contact: Shirley Collingridge 01984 624336 Tues 12noon to 2.30pm

West Monkton Active Living, West Monkton Contact: Yvonne Spraggs 07827 230025 Tues 10am - 3pm

Milverton Active Living, Milverton Contact: Yvonne Spraggs 07827 230025 YSSpraggs@somerset.gov.uk Fri 10am - 3pm

WHERE Active Living Centre, Wellington Contact: Barbara Ford 01823 665896 Barbara@westcountryhealth.org Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm Call for details of activities

Norton Active Living, Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton Contact: Colin Parsons or Jane Birch 01823 289717 or 01823 286814 jandrbirch@btinternet.com Craft Club: Wed 2 - 4.30pm weekly Lunch Club: 12.30pm 1st Mon of the month Oake & District Active Living, Oake, Taunton Contact: Sue Earthrowl or Kirsten Horton 01823 401043 or 01823 400570 earthrowle@dsl.pipex.com www.oakehall.org.uk Telephone for details Oake Active Living, Oake Contact: Yvonne Spraggs 07827 230025 YSpraggs@somerset.gov.uk Wed 10am - 3pm Orchard/Ruishton Active Living, Ruishton Contact: Yvonne Spraggs 07827 230025 YSpraggs@somerset.gov.uk Wed 10am - 3pm Parmin Close Active Living, Taunton Contact: Grace Poole 01823 286165 Thurs 10am - 3pm Priorswood Resource Centre, Taunton Contact: Lesley Thomas 01823 353643 Lesley.resource@btconnect.com Mon - Fri 9.30am - 12.30pm St Michaels Active Living, Taunton Contact: Yvonne Spraggs 078277 230025 YSSpraggs@somerset.gov.uk Mon 10am - 3pm Staplegrove Active Living, Taunton Contact: Sue Bellringer 07919 299175 Fri 10am - 2.30pm Stawley Rural Community Initiative, Ashbrittle, Stawley, Wellington Contact: Elizabeth Taylor 01823 673000 Thurs 11.30am - 2.30pm every 4th Thursday of the month - plus other activities on other days Taunton Memory Cafe, Taunton Contact: Jo Taswell 075952 271424 jo.taswell@alzheimers.org.uk Tues 10.30am - 12.30pm Taunton Pop-in Temple Methodist Church, Contact: Diana Oldham 01823 282762 diana@doldham.wanadoo.co.uk Alternate Wed 10.30 - 1.30pm

Care choices have you at a loss? Call

Wiveliscombe Active Living Centre, Wiveliscombe Contact: Yvonne Spraggs 07827 230025 YSpraggs@ somerset.gov.uk Mon 10am - 2.30pm West Somerset

Alcombe Active Living Friendship Group, Contact: Clive Wooldridge or Elaine Keen 01643 707238 or 01643 862845 clive.wooldridge@btinternet.com Fortnightly Wed 11am - 2pm (term time only) Dulverton Dance (Active Living), Dulverton Contact: Marion Silverlock 01398 341850 Tues 10.30am - 1pm (term time only) Minehead Singing for the Brain, Minehead Contact: Jo Taswell 07595 271424 Jo.taswell@alzheimers.org.uk Thurs 10.30am 12.30pm 2nd & 4th Thurs of the month Moor-ish Lunches WINN Club, Winsford Contact: Pam Gascoyne 01643 851306 pam@gascoyne.entadsl.com Last Wed of the month 11am - 2.30pm The Reading Room (Active Living), Minehead Contact: Lesley Culverhouse 01643 709199 lesley1.parks@orange.net Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm Plus weekly and monthly events Washford Active Living, Washford Contact: Janet Thomas 01984 640854 Tues 10am - 2pm West Somerset Inclusion Project, Minehead Contact: Deborah Melmoth 01643 708765 Mind.investsomerset@virgin.net Mon - Thurs 9.30am onwards for activities Office only open between 9.30 to 11.30am Williton Active Living (Corner Link), Williton Contact: Shirley Allnutt 01984 631944 shirley.allnutt@mypostoffice.co.uk Mon - Fri 9am - 2.30pm Withycombe Active Living, Withycombe Contact: Roger Hurst 01984 640060 3rd Wed of the month 10am - 12noon

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

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Day Care & Respite

Taunton Deane

Wincanton Active Living, Wincanton Contact: Rebecca Thurgood 07855 728339 wincantonlah@aol.com Tues 10am-3pm

Advocacy Advocacy is taking action to help people 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. (Action for Advocacy) Advocacy can help people become more aware of their own rights, to exercise those rights and be involved in and influence decisions that are being made about their future.

Crucially advocacy can empower people to speak up for themselves.

Independent or impartial?

People feel more able to speak to someone who does not have any control over their care or access to services. This makes it important that advocates are independent of those services.

Advocates are not impartial. They are there to express their client’s wishes as if they were their own. An advocate’s first duty is to support their client. It is important those advocates stay, and are seen to be, independent of those services.

Clarity Of Purpose The advocacy scheme will have clearly stated aims and objectives and be able to demonstrate how it meets the principles contained in this Charter. Advocacy schemes will ensure that people they advocate for, service providers and funding agencies have information on the scope and limitations of the schemes’ role.

Putting People First The advocacy scheme will ensure that the wishes and interests of the people they advocate for direct advocates’ work. Advocates should be non-judgmental and respectful of peoples’ needs, views and experiences. Advocates will ensure that information concerning the people they advocate for is shared with these individuals.

Empowerment The advocacy scheme will support self-advocacy and empowerment through its work. People who use the scheme should have a say in the level of involvement and style of advocacy support they want. Schemes will ensure that people who want to, can influence and be involved in the running and management of the scheme.

Equal Opportunity The advocacy scheme will have a written equal opportunities policy that recognises the need to be proactive in tackling all forms of inequality, discrimination and social exclusion. The scheme will have in place systems for the fair and equitable allocation of advocates’ time.

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Care choices have you at a loss? Call

Accountability The advocacy scheme will have in place systems for the effective monitoring and evaluation of its work. All those who use the scheme will have a named advocate and a means of contacting them.

Accessability Advocacy will be provided free of charge to eligible people. The advocacy scheme will aim to ensure that its premises, policies, procedures and publicity materials promote access for the whole community.

Confidentiality The advocacy scheme will have a written policy on confidentiality, stating that information known about a person using the scheme is confidential to the scheme and any circumstances under which confidentiality might be breached. The advocacy scheme will be structurally independent from statutory organisations and preferably from all service provider agencies. The advocacy scheme will be as free from conflict of interest as possible both in design and operation, and actively seek to reduce conflicting interests.

Supporting Advocates The advocacy scheme will ensure advocates are prepared, trained and supported in their role and provided with opportunities to develop their skills and experience.

Complaints The advocacy scheme will have a written policy describing how to make complaints or give feedback about the scheme or about individual advocates. Where necessary, the scheme will enable people who use its services to access external independent support to make or pursue a complaint.

Editorial from: The Advocacy Charter.

Developed in 2002 by Advocacy Across London (AAL). An accessable leaflet is available from the publication section of Action for Advocacy’s website: www.actionforadvocacy.org.uk/ on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

Advocacy

A4e

OPAAL DVD - Voices for

Somerset County Council has arranged for an organisation called A4e to provide an advocacy service for people of working age with physical disabilities and sensory impairments.

A4e will help people with: • Representation when their health and social care needs are assessed, including for continuing healthcare.

• Employment issues • Support with benefits appeals and tribunals • Housing issues • Getting the services they need. For example leisure, education, and transport.

• Making complaints against public bodies like the NHS or the County Council You should be able to see an advocate from A4e somewhere in the area where you live. If you cannot go to see an advocate, they may be able to visit you at home.

A4e Tel: 01823 339494 or Fax: 01823 339492

Somerset Advocacy

Older People’s Advocacy OPAAL UK has launched a DVD called Voices for Older Peoples Advocacy. The DVD can be used to: Introduce advocacy to older people who know nothing about it, including those who are considering whether an advocate could benefit them Introduce advocacy to people who are considering training as citizen advocates themselves To provide information to groups for example, with a group of social work students, a tenants association, or a neighbourhood planning group where there is a good opportunity to promote independent advocacy.

OPAAL UK are keen to ensure a wide audience for this work so do not make a charge for the DVD. However as they are hoping to further their Multi-Media work with older people they would welcome donations.

Postage and packing costs £1.50 for one DVD. If you require multiple copies please contact the administrator Jo Swinswood at jo@bjf.org.uk to obtain the correct price to meet your request. 01782 844036.

Somerset Advocacy provides free, independent and confidential support to adults in Somerset who have learning disabilities.

Somerset Advocacy helps people to speak up for themselves and speaks for people who are unable to represent themselves.

Somerset Advocacy can help people who are not happy about home, care, work, bullying, school/college, health care or transport. Somerset Advocacy can help people who want to move house, look for work, have relationships, and with leisure, day services, and choice.

If you have learning disabilities you can contact Somerset Advocacy by phone or Someone else can contact them for you. Somerset Advocacy Tel: 01823 322900

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Action For Advocacy

The CareAware Advocacy Service provides a ‘one stop’ facility to answer all of your care funding questions. The Advocacy service can provide information, advice and guidance on: • Understanding social services assessment procedures • Sourcing appropriate home care services and support • Finding and selecting a suitable care home • Establishing entitlement to state benefits • Maximising support from the local authority • Paying care fees, protecting assets • Ensuring your wishes are respected and using Enduring/Lasting Power of Attorney or equivalent 0161 707 1107 | www.careaware.co.uk

action

Since its launch in 2002, advocacy organisations from across the country have adopted the Advocacy Charter. In total over 75 organisations contributed to its development and many more advocacy organisations use it regularly as a tool to focus on key advocacy issues and guide their work.

Developed as a set of core principles for advocacy, the Charter is designed: • To inform advocacy practice and training • To raise awareness of the value of Advocacy • As a tool for negotiating with funding and commissioning bodies • As a quality assurance mechanism

for advocacy

To receive more information access us at: Tel: 020 7820 7868 Email: info@actionforadvocacy.org.uk Web: www.actionforadvocacy.org.uk Care choices have you at a loss? Call

In response to demand, four of the UK’s leading advice services have come together to launch the first ever joined up advisory service to provide through a single telephone number and website, a free, independent and good quality advice and information service about housing and care options for older people, their families and carers.

FirstStop provided jointly by Help the Aged, Elderly Accommodation Counsel, Counsel and Care and NHFA Care Fees Advice will be able to deliver advice and information in the areas which most older people will need advice about: Money and benefits, Care in any setting, from your own home to a care home, Housing options from adapting your own home or choosing retirement housing to care homes.

0800 377 7070 | www.firststopcareadvice.org.uk on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

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Advocacy Listings for Somerset A4e Tel: 01823 339494 Email: tauntonenquiries@a4e.co.uk Physical Disability and Sensory Impairment

Advocacy in Somerset Tel: 01823 253053 Mental Health Age UK Somerset Tel: 0845 643 4621 Older people Amicus Solicitors and Advocates Taunton: 01823 353 111 Minehead: 01643 701 888 Bridgwater: 01278 664060 info@amicuslaw.co.uk

Blackdown Support Group Tel: 01823 681036 Sick, Accidents, Disabilities, Older People

Citizens Advice Bureau - A full range of advocacy and information services across offices in Somerset. See page 69 in the information section for your nearest office.

Equilibrium Mental Health Consultants Tel: 01823 323363

IMCA (Independent Mental Capacity) Tel: 01458 253 053, IMCA: 0844 800 1041 Fax: 01458 250 256 Email: imca@advocacyinsomerset.org

Independent Complaints Advocacy Services (ICAS) Tel: 0845 120 3782 Complaints about NHS

Intercom Trust Tel: 01392 201015 Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender

Mendip Advocacy Tel: 05602 952956 Mental Health Positive Action South West Tel: 0800 3283508 Sexual Health

Shelter Taunton Tel: 0800 169 0317 Housing and homeless

Somerset Advocacy Tel: 01823 322900 Learning difficulties

Somerset Change Tel: 01823 353 086 Fax: 01823 252 541 Email: beverley.symonds@somersetchange.co.uk Web: www.somersetsurvivors.org.uk Domestic Abuse. We also run a voluntary perpetrator programme for men who are abusive to their partners and want to change their behaviour.

Somerset Gay Health Tel: 01823 327078 Somerset Racial Equality Council Tel: 01458 274200 South Somerset Women’s Refuge Tel: 01935 427594 SPAEDA Tel: 01458 440315 Resources for arts in education

Taunton Advocacy Unit Tel: 01202 708881

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Care choices have you at a loss? Call

Age UK Age UK Somerset Advocacy Services give help to older people in Somerset who are having problems dealing with a situation alone.

These problems might include financial worries, filling in Welfare Benefit Forms, dealing with letters that seem threatening or confusing or housing issues.

Problems might be complicated by Mental Health difficulties, such as short term memory loss, or varying forms of dementia.

Support may be needed by the family or carers too.

The important thing is to get your needs, wants, opinions and wishes heard. It’s about empowering, not taking over.

If the problem is complicated, our volunteer Advocates offer a listening ear and can research the information needed to allow you to make an informed choice. Once you have decided on the solution you prefer, then Age UK Somerset can offer independent support through to the conclusion.

This might mean helping to write a letter of complaint or visiting a solicitor or a doctor. An advocate can help you prepare and even go along to give moral support.

Our service is available to any older person, especially those who have no-one else to speak up for them.

Residential and nursing homes know about our service and welcome our involvement where we can help a client with a difficulty. Our volunteers receive training about mental health issues, and can offer the patience and time needed to make sure all parties are communicating and making the client’s needs their highest priority.

Age UK Somerset Advocacy Services have the Community Legal Service “Quality Mark”. This means that an outside auditor has judged the service to be free, independent and confidential and that its staff and volunteers receive regular training, supervision and support. Our thanks go to all volunteers who work in these services.

Advocacy services has two components – we are pleased to be able to offer a general information and advice service as well as one to one support via our advocacy service.

Most of our information and advice work is focused through offices in Taunton, Weston Super Mare and Clevedon. However, much of our work is done by telephone and this means that anyone can contact us wherever they are across our wide area, whether it’s Portishead, Porlock, Nailsea or Norton Fitzwarren, and some people use us on a regular basis.

“I experienced an excellent and friendly service as usual. It’s a joy to do business with you.”

Our one to one advocacy service can offer support and help in a wide variety of situations – it may be assistance in sorting out finances following a bereavement, or maybe giving support in making the decision to move into residential care.

Or it might simply be help in filling forms to claim benefits.

Our volunteer advocates are only a phone call away.

“I have found the staff in office to be caring, efficient and always helpful”.

To make use of any of our Advocacy Services, please telephone 0845 643 4701 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, or leave a message on the answerphone outside these hours. on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

End of Life

Taunton - 01823 259394 Yeovil - 01935 709480 www.somerset-hospice.org.uk

...committed to providing specialist palliative care, advice, support and respite...

St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice is your local charity committed to providing specialist palliative care, advice, support and respite to patients and their families living in Somerset and parts of neighbouring counties. Our care is available for those who have a terminal or life-limiting illness, for example cancer, motor neurone disease and chronic lung disease.

Through our medical expertise, nursing skills and

specialist support services, we offer physical, emotional, social and spiritual care to our patients and their families. Bereavement support is also available.

Our services are also available to patients where our specialist knowledge, skills and expertise will provide relief for their specific illness, such as symptom control, breathlessness management, lymphoedema treatment, physiotherapy and complementary therapies.

Head Office: St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice, Heron Drive, Bishops Hull, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 5HA, 01823 259394

Somerset Cancer Care is a division of St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice, and works with people living with cancer, at any stage.

Freephone 0800 7314608

Somerset Cancer Care offers a friendly and informal opportunity for people living with cancer to talk, either individually, or in a group, with others who have experience of cancer in their own lives or in the life of someone close to them. We are here to help you find a way forward. If you are living with cancer, or you are close to somebody who has cancer, you may be worried. At times like these, it can be difficult to find people who understand what you are going through.

Cancer Aid For Everyone (C.A.F.E) Informal drop-in centres, welcoming anyone affected by cancer, where patients and carers are able to offer each other strong support in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Our venues are very comfortable, with separate areas for privacy if needed.

Complementary therapies are increasingly recognised by the medical profession as being beneficial when practised alongside orthodox medical treatment. They can help us to release mental, emotional and physical stress by a variety of gentle and non-invasive methods. The following therapies are available; > Relaxing hand massage > Reflexology > Aromatherapy > Reiki > Relaxation / Visualisation Care choices have you at a loss? Call

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

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Motability

choice: a brand new car that’s just your style!

Motability, the national charity (registered charity no: 299745), has overall responsibility for the Motability Scheme: • We direct and oversee the Scheme.

Now I am ableWe’re to delighted you’re interested in the Motability Car Scheme and because • We raise funds to provide financial help to Scheme gotoout wherever and customers who would otherwise be unable afford • Around two-thirds of our customers butconcentrate nonMotability takes away the hassle of car ownership,drive, you can on whenever the type of car and any adaptations that they need. I want choosingdrivers can get a car as a passenger.

Similarly, parents a brand new car that suits the life you lead.

Elizabeth, London • We administer the Government's Specialised carers car canwill also on behalf a child.

Your newand Motability be apply an integral part ofofyour life for the next three Vehicles Fund which provides financial assistance for years, so investing a little time now will help you find the best possible ‘fit’. customers who need to travel in their wheelchairs.

Over 530,000 disabled people currently use the • We provide technical support to customers and Motability Scheme and 97% of them would recommend the adaptation and conversion industry. it to their friends. A further 1.3 million are eligible to The Motability Car Scheme is administered on a contract join but have not taken advantage ofEach doing so, simply With cars from 40 manufacturers now available Motability customer chooses a car according through Motability,they you’vemay got lots options. to theircan. own priorities. This guide uses the experiences basis by Motability Operations, a not-for-profit private because beofunaware that they Some makes and models will be more suitable than of thousands of Motability customers to highlight company owned by the major banks. The Wheelchair 95% of our customers choose to lease a car through others – but several manufacturers may produce some of the factors that will help you find the car equally suitable vehicles. that’s right for you. you: and Scooter Scheme is operated by Route2mobility, Motability’s Contract Hire agreement, which gives a limited company, under contract to Motability.

• A new car of your choice every 3 years The Motability Scheme enables disabled people to obtain • Insurance and personal accident cover a car, powered wheelchair or scooter simply by using their • Servicing and maintenance government-funded mobility allowances. Customers exchange • Full breakdown assistance from RAC their allowance for a worry-free mobility package, including: • Replacement tyres fitted by Kwik-Fit • Window or windscreen replacement at no extra cost.

• Car, powered wheelchair or scooter Our worry-free policy continues right to the end of your choice: threea brand new car that’s just your style • Insurance year lease with a seamless transfer to your new car. What’s • Servicing more, you can choose from over 4,000 cars - no wonder • Tyres 97% of our customers would be happy to recommend us.

• Breakdown cover • Adaptations and wheelchair accessible Some customers may prefer to buy their own car, in which vehicles are also available. case our Hire Purchase scheme might be for you. If you choose Hire Purchase, you negotiate the actual purchase The Scheme is open to anyone who receives one of price with your Motability dealer. With Hire Purchase, the following benefits, and has at least 12 months’ you will also be responsible for organising and paying for award length remaining when they apply: comprehensive insurance, breakdown recovery, your car tax • Higher Rate Mobility Component of disc, servicing and repairs. (If you choose to buy a car with Disability Living Allowance a Hire Purchase agreement, you will need to be receiving • War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement. the allowance for the full length of your agreement.)

‘‘

’’

a car that’s suited to you

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Care choices have you at a loss? Call

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

Audi Taunton Audi, Taunton

01823 285200

Westerly, Bridgwater/ Yeovil

01278 429122

01935 381700

Chrysler/ Dodge/Jeep Olds, Yeovil

01935 429700

Citroen Howards Citroen, Taunton Motorwell Citroen, Yeovil Avalon Motor Co Ltd, Glastonbury

01278 458363 01935 403040 01823 321321

Proton 01460 281230

Renault 01935 426048 01823 336636

Saab Rowcliffes, Taunton Astley Saab, Yeovil

01823 250400 01935 426701

Seat 01823 273420 01935 477771 01458 834354

Daihatsu Central Motors Ltd, Chard Lynx Daihatsu, Yeovil

Staceys Motors, Bridgwater Loders Peugeot, Yeovil Howards, Taunton

A K S Ltd, Yeovil Wellington Motors, Wellington

Chevrolet Rowcliffes, Yeovil/Taunton

Peugeot

Fivehead Service Station, Taunton

BMW/ Mini

Motability

Dealerships in your area

01460 64747 01935 472001

Carshop, Yeovil Taunton Seat, Taunton

01935 475529 01823 339449

M.C. Mobility

Vehicle Adaptation Specialists

01823 336326

Fiat/ Subaru Vale Motors, Wincanton

01963 34034

Ford Taunton Ford, Taunton Beaver Ford, Minehead Abbey Garage Ltd, Street Yeovil Ford, Yeovil Bridgwater Ford, Bridgewater Brakes Motor Company, Ilminster Tarnock Garage, Axbridge Chard Ford, Chard

01823 281000 01643 706868 01458 447147 01935 404900 01278 727910 01460 54331 01934 750320 01460 269100

01823 273400 01935 434035 01749 344422

Hyundai Vincents Hyundai, Yeovil Staceys Motors, Bridgwater

01935 700700 01278 458400

Kia Astley, Yeovil F J Chalke Ltd, Yeovil

01935 426701 01935 471800

Mazda Shires Garage & Engineer. Ltd, Taunton Lynx Mazda, Yeovil

01823 444410 01935 472001

Mercedes Benz Mercedes of Taunton, Taunton

•

M.C. Mobility, The Garage, Honiton Road, Trull, Taunton, TA3 7JW

Loders Skoda, Yeovil L.J.Irvine & Sons, Bridgwater

01935 410 300 01278 720130

Sukuki Vincents Car Sales Ltd, Yeovil Tracks of Taunton, Taunton

01935 700 700 01823 421606

Toyota Loders Toyota, Yeovil Somerset County Cars, Taunton

01935 421050 01823 289901

Vauxhall Rowcliffes, Yeovil/Bridgwater/Taunton The Downside Motor Co, Radstock Platinum Vauxhall, Frome Purseys Garage Ltd, Walton

01823 447555

Volkswagen

01935 700700 01823 289928

Silver Street Motors Ltd, Taunton Volkswagen Bridgwater, Bridgwater Loders of Yeovil, Yeovil Taunton Van Centre, Taunton

Mitsubishi Vincents Car Sales Ltd, Yeovil K & R Mitsubishi, Taunton

Hand Controls Brakes & Accelerators • Wireless Keypads • Wheel Chair & Scooter Hoists • Left Foot Accellerators And more, just ask...

•

Skoda

Honda Howards Honda, Taunton Ash Honda, Yeovil Shepton Mallet Motors, Shepton Mallet

We provide specialist vehicle adaptation services for drivers with disabilities. We are an accredited Motability Installer and pride ourselves on the quality and safety of our work. As well as installation we have a range of products to assist you in your travel. Whatever your requirement we are here to help.

01278 454000 01761 232345 01373 465881 01458 442275

01823 273500 01278 444 999 01935 420881 01823 273530

Nissan

Volvo

F J Chalke, Yeovil/ Wincanton 01935 471800 Wellington Motors,have Wellington 667511 Care choices you at a loss? Call01823

Taunton Motor Company, Taunton 01823 278171 Yeovil Motor321 Co327 Ltd,orYeovil 01935 472381 on 01872 see page 75 for more details

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measuring upfeel right...

Some cars just don’t That might just be because they are ‘different’ from Being able to compare key measurements, either your present car.

Or it could be that the vehicle really between your existing car and any potential new car, isn’t suited to your needs. Don’t ignore those first or between cars that you are considering, can be a instincts. If yougreat are less comfortable when trying help.than Motability has worked with Ricability, an out a new vehicle, there could be a simple solution to the independent consumer research charity, and their problem - or you may need to try different vehicle. panel of disabled people, to take over 65 Make sure your ‘new car feeling’ is a good one. Don’t settle for a car which has inconvenience or discomfort built in!

Measuring Up measurements of our most popular cars to help you Being able to compare key measurements, either between your find out more about car accessibility. Below are the existing car and any potential new car, or between cars that you top five measurements you could use when are considering, considering your newcan car:be a great help. Motability has worked with

Ricability, an independent consumer research charity, and their panel of disabled people, to take over 65 measurements of our most popular cars to help you find out more about car accessibility.

Below are things to consider when choosing your new car:

Carrying a w heelchair: Does your wheelchair fit? Test with the wheelchair folded and the car seats upright; and with the wheelchair partially folded and the rear car seats folded down.

Entry space: Can you easily and comfortably get into the car?

Seat Height:

Head room (door):

Door opening angle:

Are the seats at the right height to reach the controls and have good all-round vision?

When your seat is in the right position, is there comfortably enough headroom for you and for any passengers?

Does the door open wide enough for you to get in, but not so wide that you can’t then close the door?

Ricability Ricability is the trading name of the Research Institute for Consumer Affairs (RICA).

Weyou are a national research charity assess: start with a car know 10 dedicated to providing independent information of value to disabled and older consumers. Under our trading name of Ricability, we research and publish consumer reports. They are all based on rigorous research and provide practical information needed by disabled and older consumers. As the Research Institute for Consumer Affairs we also work with manufacturers, service providers, regulators and policy makers to improve products and services. Our aim is to increase their awareness of the needs of disabled and older consumers through specialist research. Please note our new address: Ricability, Unit G03, The Wenlock Business Centre, 50 - 52 Wharf Road, London, N1 7EU www.ricability.org.uk 020 7427 2460 Find a car -car measurement database. This car measurement database can help you draw up a shortlist of cars if you have a disability. It helps you find the car models that are easiest for you to get in and out of and stow a wheelchair or other equipment. It includes detailed measurement data on over 500 cars. New ones are added continuously.

• Car measurement database search for cars with particular dimensions e.g low sill, high seat, wide door • List of cars measured to see all the 500 + car models and print a factsheet that has measurements and photos

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Care choices have you at a loss? Call

• Things to look for tells you what dimensions are important • Explanation of ratings used by Motability Mobility address list -Address information for companies and organisations that provide mobility services and products.

Car controls -This guide is for disabled and older drivers who need to adapt the controls in their car. The range of controls is now so wide that almost anyone can drive, providing they meet DVLA requirements. It will give you a starting point to think about what type of adaptation you might need and to help you explore what is possible.

Getting a wheelchair into a car -This guide describes what equipment is available to help get a wheelchair into a car and transport it safely. It includes information about different types of hoists, racks and trailers.

Getting in and out of a car -Whether you’re in a wheelchair, or just find it difficult to get in and out of a car, this guide can help. It starts with advice on techniques you may find useful, and then covers aids for those who need more help getting from a wheelchair and into a car.

Motoring if you have a particular disability -Series of seven guides for people with particular disabilities with tips, information about adaptations and where to go for further help: Motoring after amputation, Motoring with arthritis, Motoring after brain injury, Motoring with cerebral palsy, Motoring with multiple sclerosis, Motoring after a stroke, Motoring with restricted growth. on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

Motability Shopmobility is a scheme which provides electrically powered wheelchairs, scooters and manual wheelchairs to help people who have limited mobility to shop and use the facilities/amenities of the area or shopping centre.

Bridgwater 52 Clare Street, Bridgwater, TA6 3EN Tel: 01278 434254 Visit www.carsharesomerset.com for more info

Blue Badge Scheme The blue badge scheme provides a national range of parking concessions for disabled people with severe mobility problems who have difficulty using public transport. You are automatically eligible to apply for a badge if you are over two years old and either: • receive the Higher Rate of the Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance • are registered blind • receive a War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement You may also be eligible for a badge if you are over two years old and either: • have a permanent and sustainable disability which means you cannot walk, or if walking is very difficult • drive a motor vehicle regularly, have a severe disability in both arms, and are unable to operate all or some types of parking meter • If you are a parent of a child who is less than two years old, you may apply for a badge for your child must be accompanied by bulky medical equipment or needs to be kept near a vehicle at all times.

The concessions provided under the scheme apply to on-street parking only. Badge holders may park for free and for as long as they need to at on-street parking meters and pay-and-display machines, unless there is a traffic sign specifying a time limit for holders of Blue Badges. Where a time limit is in force you must also display the special blue parking disc showing time of arrival.

Car/Road Tax Exemptions You may claim exemption from vehicle excise duty (road tax) if you’re receiving one of the following: • The higher rate mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance • The War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement If you’re not the driver, you can nominate someone else (a nominee) to drive the car for you. But the car must: 1. Be registered either to you or your nominee 2. Only be used for your benefit 3. Be insured for the nominee to drive If you don’t own a car, you can nominate someone else’s vehicle but it must be used only for your purposes for example shopping or getting prescriptions.

Vehicle excise duty (road tax) exemption can only apply to one vehicle. Once you get your tax exemption status and once you have your tax exemption disc, you can apply for a refund for any whole months remaining on your existing tax disc at the day the DVLA gets your application.

For DLA exemption call 0845 712 3456 For War Pensioners Scheme call 0800 1692 277 Information courtesy of www.disabledinfo.co.uk/

Care choices have you at a loss? Call

Street Clarks Village, Farm Road, Street, BA16 0BB Tel: 01458 440155 Taunton Shopmobility, 1st Floor, Multi Storey Car Park, Paul Street, Taunton, TA1 3PF Office: 01823 327900 Fax: 01278 444892 Helpline: 01278 445446 paul.martin@pluss.org.uk Weston-super-Mare The Sovereign Centre, High Street Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1HL Contact: John Barron Tel: 01934 420410 shopmobility@sovereign-centre.co.uk Yeovil Shopmobility, Basement Car Park, Quedam Shopping Centre, Yeovil, BA20 1EY Contact: Harry Gibson Tel: 01935 420889 yeovil@shopmob.eclipse.co.uk www.yeovilshopmobility.co.uk

Customer Profile Namik Ozturk suffered with heart disease for seven years before he received a heart transplant at Harefield Hospital, part of the Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust. Although the transplant saved his life, complications from having heart disease left the 47-year-old with walking and mobility issues but thanks to his Motability car, Namik now has the independence to get on with everyday life, doing things people may ordinarily take for granted.

He explains how the Scheme has helped him get on with life: “Motability has made a huge difference. Before joining the scheme, it was difficult to get around but now I am able to do a lot of things I was struggling to do before, like taking the children to school or even going to the hospital for regular appointments.

Without Motability it would be very difficult to have a normal life and I would have to rely on other people’s support.”

As a heart transplant recipient, Namik knows only too well how life changing being a donor recipient can be and is using his talent as an artist to raise money for charity. He is currently working on an art project ‘Permission to Live’, and has run an exhibition to raise funds for two charities close to his heart, Motability and the Royal Brompton & Harefield Charitable Fund.

His paintings capture his pre and post-operation emotions and experiences and he hopes his work will raise awareness of organ disease and donation, and support other sufferers and their families.

Source: Motability – January 2010 K.Baptist on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

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Sheltered Housing Sheltered Housing (Retirement Housing) in Somerset is listed in this section. It is likely that there will be a waiting list for rents and purchasing, it is advisable to contact the preferred scheme early.

Schemes and options Sheltered housing is often called retirement housing or wardenassisted housing. There are many different types of sheltered or retirement housing schemes, both to rent and to buy. Schemes usually consist of between 15 and 60 dwellings which may be bedsits, self contained flats, bungalows or luxury apartments.

Usually they are designed with older people in mind and to mobility standards, for wheelchair access for example.

Some schemes are simply housing designed to meet the needs of older people and linked to a community alarm.

But the majority of schemes have a Scheme Manager (or ‘Warden’) as well as a community alarm service. There are often communal facilities such as a lounge, laundry, guest flat and garden. Meals are not normally provided but a very few schemes include a restaurant, and quite a number arrange one hot meal a day. There is usually a minimum age, often 55 or 60, but occasionally 50.

Sheltered or retirement housing appeals to people who like living independently but want the reassurance of knowing that assistance is on hand if there is an emergency.

Scheme Manager (Warden) The scheme manager/warden is usually expected to: • Get to know older people living in their scheme; giving them information on availability and access to services and encouraging them to ask for additional support from statutory and voluntary organisations when appropriate. When in the building the scheme manager will also respond to the emergency alarm.

• Manage the scheme, e.g. looks after the maintenance of the communal areas.

However, the scheme manager is employed by the management organisation and the duties vary considerably between schemes. Some have a resident manager/warden and a 24- hour service; others have visiting or part time staff.

The scheme manager/warden is NOT expected to provide personal care for residents, nor to carry out tasks like shopping or cleaning. The scheme manager/warden’s salary and overheads account for a large part of the service support charges paid by both tenants and owner-occupiers.

Community alarms • Offer reassurance that help is at hand if needed • By pressing a button on a pendant or pulling a cord, a message is relayed to a monitoring

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• •

centre, staffed 24 hours a day If help is needed the centre will alert relatives or friends, or contact your doctor or the emergency services.

Alarm Systems are often used to provide assistance when the scheme manager/warden is not on duty or not in the scheme.

Is It Right For You? There are some important issues to consider when deciding whether sheltered or retirement housing is right for you. These included: • if you need additional support or services, is it possible to organise them in your current home?

• how do you feel about moving into smaller accommodation, the possibility of having to buy smaller furniture, getting rid of possessions and the loss of a private garden?

• how do you feel about living in accommodation exclusively occupied by older people?

• if you are considering moving to a new area, are you moving away from friends, family and surroundings you know well?

• although you will want to discuss this with loved ones, make sure the final decision is yours. Moving to please someone else is not a good idea.

Choosing a scheme Once you have decided to move to sheltered/retirement housing, you will need to consider which features are important to you. It is advised to visit several schemes and meet the scheme manager/warden and other residents.

You may want to consider: location, local facilities and transport, communal facilities, whether pets are allowed, design and accessibility of the building, noise, security, whether there is a residents/tenants association, cost of rent/service/support charge, whether the cooker and fridge is provided, what kind of heating system is there and how it is controlled and what will happen if you become frail and need help with domestic tasks and personal care.

Finding a scheme Phone EAC’s free Advice Line on 020 7820 1343, search directly on-line at www.housingcare.org or email at enquiries@eac.org.uk on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

Buying You may also consider purchasing property. Prices and types of property vary enormously. A small secondhand flat may be found for under £70,000 in parts of the country. Brand new properties cost more. Luxurious homes on sites with every amenity - swimming pools, golf courses and restaurants - can cost well into six figures.

Service charges are likely to apply as will ground rent which could vary from £50 per year to £300. Optional home care and meal services will normally be charged for separately if they are privately provided.

Information Sourced from the Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC). Visit www.housingcare.org, or call 020 7820 1343.

Soluti ns N

Pointing you in the Right Direction

Find the care you need with RightCareSolutions RightCareSolutions is a free service.

Its a great way to identify suitable services as listed by CQC*. Be specific about the kind of care services you require, and we’ll deliver appropriate results suiting your needs. See pg 75 to fill out our written request form or... rightcareindex.com/solutions

01872 321 327

*Results provided from The Care Quality Commision Listings

Care choices have you at a loss? Call

Sheltered Housing

Renting Most housing for rent is provided by local councils or nonprofit making housing associations (often called Registered Social Landlords or RSL’s). Local councils and RSL’s generally aim to offer their housing to people in the greatest housing need, at rents which are affordable - perhaps with the help of housing benefits. The criteria that applicants are generally expected to show include: • Some degree of housing need because of the physical condition of their present home; • Medical and/or social reasons for wanting to move, e.g. poor health, disabilities, loneliness, fear or isolation from friends & family; • That they are not easily able, for whatever reason, to buy rather than rent; • That (if they are not local already) they have good reason for wanting to move to the area they apply for.

In most parts of the country, councils and RSL’s receive applications from more people than they can assist. The cost of renting will be made up of a rent plus service, a charge to cover the services provided. Service charges in the majority of ordinary sheltered or retirement schemes is in the range of £20 to £40 a week. People wanting to rent sheltered housing and who have a low income should contact local authority to check their eligibility for housing benefit.

Companies offering sheltered housing for rent Abbeyfield Minehead Abbeyfield House, 55 Summerland Avenue, Minehead, TA24 5BN, 01643 851294 Albermale Centre Albermarle Road, Taunton, TA1 1BA, 01823 252945 Anchor Trust 01274 381600 Autism Solutions Unit 8, Cornishway East, Galmington, Taunton, TA1 5LZ, 01823 277500 Carr-Gomm Society Bridgwater, 14 Mary St, TA6 3LT, 01278 446308 Frome, Oak House, Keyford, 01373 472343 Taunton, Vivary House, Upper High St, TA1 3PX, 01823 289944 Wells, 24 Chamberlain St, BA5 2PF, 01749 679632 City of Wells Almhouses Priest Row, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2QE, 01749 673091 Housing 21 Area South Office, Longwood House, Love Lane, Cirencester, Gloucestershire 01285 659928 John Grooms Housing Association 0207 452 2000 Knightstone Housing Yeovil, Trinity Foyer, Peter Street, BA20 1PN 01935 414479 Taunton, Blackbrook Business Park, Blackbrook Park Ave, TA1 2PX, 01823 624200 MAGNA - West Somerset housing Association St Peters House, Bridge Street, Williton, TA4 4NR 01984 635112 Mendip Housing Road to Recovery Scheme PO BOX 3020, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5LB, 01749 334329 ReThink 2 The Crescent, Taunton, TA1 4EA, 01823 365301 Shelter Somerset Apsley House, Tower St, Taunton, TA1 4BH, 0800 169 0317 Stonham Minehead Lambrook House, 34 Tregonwell Road, Minehead, TA24 5DU 01643 704858 Taunton Town Charity The Committee Room, Huish Homes Magdalene Street, TA1 1SG 01823 335348 Wellington Rotary Housing Association The Old Vicarage, High Street, Wellington, TA21 8RF 01823 661145 Western Challenge Housing Association Spinnaker House, Grange Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 4GE 01425 283600

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

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Activity & Therapy Leisure facilities, recreation, rehabilitation and attractions are there to be enjoyed by everybody, regardless of impairment or age.

Physical activity is an important factor in improving and maintaining our health and wellbeing whatever our age. Regular exercise can reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, some types of cancer, obesity, hypertension, osteoporosis, musculoskeletal problems and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Recent research has highlighted the direct benefits of sport and physical activity in reducing the risks of a range of illnesses and lifestyle habits. ©Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership (2009) Contact: Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership, Hestercombe House, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton, TA2 8LQ Tel: 01823 410213

Live your Life to the Full - Being active in body and mind is a positive choice which can help you stay healthy and happy. Some of the benefits include: • • • • • • •

Enjoying the company of others.

Being part of a community that will support you Feeling good about yourself Learning new skills Taking part in local activities which will keep you fit and well Speaking up for yourself and your community Developing skills and sharing them with others

Active Living Centres - Places to meet and enjoy activities and new and different opportunities. A place to find out what is going on in your area from dance to reading groups, from Tai chi to Belly Dancing – whatever your choice – we can signpost you in the right direction. Access to information and advice on health, pensions, benefits, credit union, food co-ops, cooking. Active Living Centres promote a ‘café culture’ where people can enjoy eating and drinking together.

It’s free to come in and find out what is going on and there is no charge for getting information and advice. There will be a small charge for refreshments and some activities.

There are 55 Active Living Centres across Somerset, to find your nearest call Somerset Direct on 0845 345 9133, visit www.Somerset.gov.uk/popp or turn to page 49

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Care choices have you at a loss? Call

The Guide to Getting Out! The new Rough Guide to Accessible Britain contains details of over 175 of the UK’s best attractions catering for disabled people. Now in its second year, the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain was compiled by an army of disabled writers across the country, as well as readers of the first edition of the guide who answered a call from the publishers to give details of their favourite days out. It includes more hidden and off-the-beaten track attractions, and features additional ideas such as bars and restaurants to make the most of a day out.

Highlights of the new edition of the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain include: • Over 175 attractions and ideas for days out covered, including festivals, markets, bars, restaurants, sports arenas and events that are disability friendly.

• Reader Reviews by readers of the first edition of the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain.

• Things Not To Miss section highlighting the top five attractions in categories such as free, heritage, hidden, families and outdoors.

• Listings of useful organisations to make getting out and about even easier.

The book is FREE to Blue Badge holders by calling 0800 953 7070 or visiting www.accessibleguide.co.uk –not available in the shops.

Free Cinema for Carers Carers who look after a disabled person may be entitled to go to the cinema for free. The Cinema Exhibitors’ Association card (CEA) is a national scheme, however not all cinemas subscribe. To qualify for the card the person must be getting DLA and AA or registered blind, or the holder of a disabled persons rail card. Application forms are available from participating cinemas (see page map to the right) or can be downloaded from www.ceacard.co.uk, or by calling 0845 123 1292. on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

Riding Stables

(see free cinema for carers) 1 2 3 4

Odeon, Taunton, 0871 2244007 Scott Cinemas, Bridgwater, 0871 2303200 Cineworld, Yeovil, 0871 2208000 Strode Theatre, Street, 01458 446529

(Please check services with stables before visiting) 1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8

Alstone Court Riding, 01278 784582 Drakes Farm Riding, 01460 53918 Hillview Riding centre, 01460 72731 Horner Farm, 01643 862456

Periton Park Riding, 01643 705970 Pevlings Farm Riding, 01963 370990 Red Park Equestrian, 01984 632373 RDA Taunton, 01823 433614

Leisure Centres in Somerset (Please check details/services/times before visiting) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Blackbrook Pavilion Taunton 01823 333435 Bucklers Mead Sports Cen. Yeovil 01935 431716 Caryford Fitness & Leisure Cen. Castle Cary 01963 350600 Castle School Sports Cen. Taunton 01823 322934 Chilton Trinity Sports Cen. Bridgwater 01278 429119 CRESTA Chard 01460 64084 Crewkerne Aqua Cen. Crewkerne 01460 77665 Crewkerne Sports Cen. Crewkerne 01460 271683 East Bridgwater Sports Cen. Bridgwater 01278 456087 Frome Leisure Cen. Frome 01373 465446 Glastonbury Leisure Cen. Glastonbury 01458 830090 Golden Stones Pools and Leisure Cen. Yeovil 01935 474166 Huish Episcopi Sports Cen. Langport 01458 251055 King Alfred Sports Cen. Highbridge 01278 786868

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Kingsmead Community Sports Wiveliscombe 01823 322934 Preston Sports Cen. Yeovil 01935 412137 Princess Royal Sports Complex Wellington 01823 668718 Shepton Mallet Leisure Cen. Shepton Mallet 01749 346644 St. Michaels Hall Yeovil 01935 431715 Stanchester Sports Cen. Stoke-Sub-Hamdon 01935 825261 Tor Leisure Cen. Glastonbury 01458 832393 Wellington Sports Cen. Wellington 01823 663010 Wells Leisure Cen. Wells 01749 670055 Wells Sports Development Cen. Wells 01749 836222 Wellsprings Sports Cen. Taunton 01823 271271 West Somerset Sports Leisure Cen. Minehead 01643 708815 Wincanton Sports Cen. Wincanton 01963 824400

Alstone Wildlife Park Animal Farm Adventure Butlins Family Resort

Cheddar Showcaves Gorge

Brean Leisure Centre

Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company

King Johns Hunting Lodge

Admiral Blake Museum

Cheddar Crazy Golf

Cannington Countryside Centre

Bridgwater & Taunton Canal

Glastonbury Abbey 10

Cheddar Exmoor Falconry & Animal Farm

Frome

Burnham

14

Shepton Mallet

1

Porlock

5 4

26

Minehead

Williton 7

Exmoor National Park

15

5

Bridgwater

24 23 18

9 2

4

3

13

Ilchester

1

1

Wellington 17

Charlton Orchards

East Somerset Railway

6

2

2

Yeovil

Ilminster

20

6

7

16

Tropicquaria Wildlife Park

Chard

8

3

Castle Cary Museum

19 12

3

Ilchester Community Museum Fleet Air Museum

Cothay Manor Gardens The Shoe Museum

Shakespeare Glassworks

27

Wincanton

25 4

Dunster Castle

21

8

Taunton 22

11

Glastonbury

London Cigarette Card Company

Combe Sydenham Country Park Ferne Animal Sanctuary Chard & District Museum

Care choices have you at a loss? Call

South Somerset Museum Somerset Museum

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

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Activity & Therapy

Cinemas Participating in CEA

Wet and Well The Blue Gym project aims to promote physical and mental well being and strengthening of communities through encouraging people to get out and get active in the coastal and water environments.

The Blue Gym will act as an umbrella and a portal to the amazing range of activities that are already taking place in, on, under or around water. These range from walking on the coastal footpaths and beaches through to rock pool rambles and full immersion sports like swimming, sailing and surfing.

The NHS and PCTs will be encouraged to direct patients through the Blue Gym to activities they can take part in as an alternative or supplement to other forms of treatment.

The South West will be a test bed for the scheme especially in terms of research to prove that using the Blue Gym works! The Blue Gym will work with all organisations such as local authorities and sporting organisations to improve ease of access and engagement.

www.surfschool.co.uk

the

blue gym

scheme

www.waterborneporthleven.co.uk

The project is based at the Peninsula Medical School and funded and supported by Natural England, the Environment Agency and the Department of Health. chris@Hines62.wanadoo.co.uk

BTCV Green Gyms If gardening as a form of physical activity appeals to you or if you’re just looking for a way to connect more with the earth on a personal level, consider joining a Green Gym. Green Gyms provide a fun, socially interactive environment that offers a great way to get fit and connect with people in your community who are interested in doing something great for the planet.

BTCV is a conservation charity that runs Green Gyms, local programs whereby you are led through some warmup exercises followed by conservation or gardening work at your own speed, with the guidance of a trained leader.

Green Gyms are a great way to take care of yourself and the planet at the same time. According to BTCV’s website, “Physically active people are up to 50% less likely to suffer from a heart attack or stroke, but over 70% of us are not active enough to benefit.” You don’t need to be pumping iron all the time to lead an active lifestyle.

Visit www2.btcv.org.uk/display/btcv_somerset or contact: Paul Sherriff, Somerset Project Officer, BTCV, Unit 4, Brympton Way, Yeovil, BA20 2HP Tel/Fax: 01935 415 255 Email: P.Sherriff@btcv.org.uk

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Care choices have you at a loss? Call

RDA is proud to be celebrating 40 years of delivering opportunities for therapy, achievement and enjoyment to people with disabilities. Founded as a National organisation in 1969, RDA now has 500 Member Groups across the UK – together, these Groups help 23,000 people to take part in riding, carriage driving and vaulting activities.

RDA gives individuals the opportunity to: • Reach therapeutic goals • Achieve their personal ambitions • Combat social isolation • Develop life skills • Experience the outdoors • Connect with animals We recommend that you phone your Local County Chairman on 0845 450 7028 for further details on the groups in your area, volunteering or riding. Please remember that our County Chairmen are also volunteers so if you can not contact them immediately please do try again.

Burcott & District Group Tel: 0845 241 4306 Chard & District Group Tel: 0845 241 4324 Conquest Centre Group Tel: 0845 241 4341 Somerset Levels RDA Carriage Driving Group Tel: 0845 241 4351 Sparkford Group Tel: 0845 450 6823 Wookey Hole & Wells Group Tel: 0845 450 6981 on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

Wimbleball Sailing Club is a foundation site of RYA Sailability where a dedicated and enthusiastic group of club members volunteer to help those with disabilities have the experience and enjoyment of going afloat in a sailing boat. Between May and September, subject to favourable weather conditions, we can take you for a sail on Wimbleball Lake. If you have the ‘know how’ and skills, you may be able to get a sail on your own in specially designed or adapted boats. There will be a safety boat on standby.

The Club has a hoist by the water’s edge, to transfer sailors on and off boats, however the approach to the hoist is steep and bumpy so it may be necessary to transfer to an off road chair placed alongside your own.

We are at present at the planning stage of building a specialised toilet facility for the disabled, with full wheel chair access.

Wimbleball Sailability is a registered charity whose objective is to promote sailing and sail training in the disabled community.

• • • •

Truly safe boats available, no experience required, accompanied sail until you want to go solo.

There are boats to suit people with limited strength, dexterity, and balance.

The club operates on Wednesday & Friday at Wimbleball Sailing Club.

Helpers and friends welcome.

Wimbleball Sailing Club, Somerset Wimbleball Lake, Brompton Regis. Somerset.TA22 9NU. Contact: Jo Smith, 10 Seymour Street, Wellington Tel: 01823 433129 Email: Jo.smith@care4free.net Website: www.users.zetnet.co.uk/wsc

Somerset Wheelchair Sports Club (SWSC) The club was originally formed in the late 1990s through Barnados as Somerset Stingers Wheelchair Basketball Club.

It was run for many successful years at Castle Sports Centre before moving to Wellsprings Leisure Centre and now to the new indoor facility at Taunton Vale Sports Club.

Currently we have a three hour block booking on a Tuesday evening at Taunton Vale Sports Club: 6pm-7pm: Wheelchair Multisports - such as Badminton, Table Tennis, Football, Cricket, Basketball, Boccia 7pm-8:15pm: Wheelchair Basketball - mainly more experienced players but everyone welcome 8:15pm-9pm: Wheelchair Hockey - all welcome but it’s fast and furious Contact: Dave Cooke (Chairman), davec@dccs.co.uk www.somersetwheelchairsportsclub.org.uk Care choices have you at a loss? Call

Treatments & Therapies Cedar Falls Health Farm & Natural Therapy Centre Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, TA4 3HR Enquiries: 01823 433233 info@cedar-falls.co.uk www.cedarfalls.co.uk

The Courtyard

Heritage Courtyard, 17a Sadler Street, Wells, BA5 2RR Tel: 01749 673070 www.thecourtyardwells.co.uk

Denise Rees Holistic Therapy, Hylands Cottage,

Pitney Hill, Langport, TA10 9ES Tel: 07718763071 www.holistictherapylangport.co.uk

Glastonbury Natural Health Centre, 1 Hanover Square,

freedigitalphotos.net

Nine Springs Natural Health Centre

70 Hendford, Yeovil Tel: 01935 422488 reception@ninespringsclinic.org www.ninespringsclinic.org

Natural Healthcare Ltd.

Silver St, Glastonbury, BA6 8BT Tel: 01458 833382 greenway@globalnet.co.uk www.glastonburynatural health.co.uk

15 North Parade, Frome, BA11 1AU Tel: 01373 454595 www.naturalhealthfrome.co.uk

The Marlborough House Therapy Centre, 1 Middle

Pither’s Yard Natural Health Clinic, Castle Cary,

Street, Taunton, TA1 1SH Tel: 01823 272227 contact@mh-tc.com www.mh-tc.com

BA7 7AN Tel: 01963 350405 admin@pithersyardclinic.org www.pithersyardclinic.org

Equines Empowering People Is a new experiential learning centre which is now open for individuals with learning disabilities, autism, aspergers and mental health illness.

Through carrying out carefully planned non-ridden activities with the horses, clients can develop their social and emotional skills, self awareness, anger management, confidence, communication and problem solving skills. Clients will not only learn how to communicate with the horses but also identify personal obstacles and challenges.

There is an opportunity for learners to choose units and build credits towards a recognized qualification through the Open College Network, if they so wish. EEP is licensed through the EAQ network www.equineassistedqualifications.com The centre is based at Bickenhall Farm, Bickenhall,Taunton, TA36TX. Interested in receiving a brochure or finding out more information?

Then please contact Clare Sharland on: 07859 811654 or email e_e_p@btinternet.com

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

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Activity & Therapy

RYA Sailability at Wimbleball Lake

Legal Services Carers who look after elderly family members or those who are frail, disabled or have learning difficulties face an enormous challenge to obtain from Social Services and the NHS. Here are a few definitions of some the subjects you may encounter.

Lasting Powers of Attorney

Management of Affairs

Anyone who faces the possibility of losing mental capacity should make a Lasting Power of Attorney. An LPA appoints someone you trust to make decisions for you. Separate LPAs may be made for both financial and for welfare matters.

The process of making an LPA is quite involved because it incorporates safeguards minimising the risk of financial abuse.

If you are elderly or disabled and struggling to cope, it is ideal to have a caring adult son or daughter to look after your affairs. For those who are not lucky enough to have a carer, legal advisors can provide a good alternative. Such support mechanisms can; administer the person’s finances, ensuring that available state benefits are claimed, bills paid, and tax returns submitted; instruct outside agencies to assist, such as tradesmen, personal carers and social workers; do everything possible to enable an elderly person to remain at home, but if a move into residential care becomes inevitable; choose the best available residential home and manage the sale of the house.

Deputyship Where someone has already lost mental capacity, it is often advisable to obtain a court order so that a trusted person, called a “Deputy”, can manage that person’s finances and take decisions on their behalf. Papers are required to make an application to the Court of Protection for a Deputy.

©Carer’s Legal Centre 2009

Probate Probate is the court’s authority; given to a person or persons to administer a deceased person’s estate. The document issued by the Probate Service is called a Grant of Representation.

Funding The Cost of Care Caring for elderly and disabled people is expensive. There are several possible sources of funding. Sometimes you may be able to obtain all the care fully-funded by the NHS under Continuing Care. Sometimes funds will be available from your local authority, but on a means-tested basis. Some local authority services can be provided on a discretionary basis, and others are mandatory.

It may be possible to obtain funds against the value of your house through an equity release. We will guide you through the continuing care maze but also help you investigate other means of obtaining funding, and perhaps help you keep the house.

Elderly care

Prevent, prepare and protect If you would like a free copy of our elderly care legal guide or want to speak to Anthony please contact him on 0845 209 1265 or email anthony.fairweather@clarkewillmott.com Clarke Willmott LLP, Blackbrook Gate, Blackbrook Park Avenue, Taunton TA1 2PG

Deprivation Of Liberty Sometimes elderly people who have lost mental capacity are required to move into Residential Homes in their own best interests. But mistakes are sometimes made, and it is believed that many people are kept in residential homes against their wishes and without sufficient justification. Since April 2009 Local Authorities have had a duty to ensure that Deprivations of Liberty are justified.

clarkewillmott.com Clarke Willmott LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registration number OC344818.

Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

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Care choices have you at a loss? Call

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

CW_ElderlyCare_Ad_133x90mm_V1.indd 1

22/7/10 10:28:52

The ability to get around is vital in order to live a full life yet thousands of blind and partially sighted people never leave home alone. Guide Dogs empowers visually impaired people to do that and relies on the support of the public to fund its services.

We breed and train guide dogs which provide life changing mobility and there are currently 4,500 working guide dog partnerships in the UK. A guide dog is trained to guide its owner in a straight line unless told otherwise, avoiding obstacles. It will stop at kerbs and steps, find doors, crossings and places which are visited regularly; it will guide its owner across the road but cannot decide where and when to cross safely which is the responsibility of the owner.

We promise

to provide a guide dog for as long as it is a safe and suitable means of mobility for a blind or partially sighted person and depend entirely on voluntary and legacy income to fund our services. The full lifetime cost of a guide dog from birth to retirement is £49,800 but guide dog owners only have to pay a nominal 50p for their dog to ensure no-one is prevented from having one due to a lack of funds.

To deliver the guide dog and other mobility services Guide Dogs relies on the skills and energy of around 10,000 volunteers who do everything from fundraising to boarding dogs in training. We also campaign passionately to break down barriers – both physical and legal – to enable blind and partially sighted people to get around on their own.

How to get in touch with Guide Dogs and find out more about …

Volunteering: 0845 371 7771 Ownership: 0845 372 7499 Donating or fundraising: 0870 240 6993 Visit www.guidedogs.org.uk Email guidedogs@guidedogs.org.uk The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG | Tel: 0118 983 5555

Information This section includes general information and advice regarding care, further information can and should be obtained. Useful local and national contacts are also listed.

Contact Adult Social Care

Hospital Contacts

Somerset Partnership NHS & Foundation Trust: 2nd Floor, Mallard Court, Express Park, Bristol Road, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 4RN Karen Howard-Grenville - 01278 432022 email: pals@sompar.nhs.uk

Bridgwater Hospital 01278 451501 Salmon Parade, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 5AH

Somerset Primary Care Trust: Freepost RRKL-XKSC-ACSG, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8HR Heather Stanton - 0800 0851 067 email: pals@somersetpct.nhs.uk

Chantry House Day Hospital Park Road, Frome, BA11 1EY

01373 451223

Chard Community Hospital Chard, Somerset, TA20 1NF

01460 238220

Taunton & Somerset NHS Trust Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 5DA Sandy Killock - 01823 343536 email: pals@tst.nhs.uk Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust: Higher Kingston, Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 4AT Ali Bott - 01935 384706 email: pals@est.nhs.uk

Patient Advice and Liasion Service (PALS) NHS Somerset Freepost RRKL-XKSC-ACSG, Yeovil, BA22 8HR Tel: 0800 0851 067 email: pals@somerset.nhs.uk

Burnham-on-Sea War Memorial Hospital 01278 773118 Love Lane, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset, TA8 1ED

Crewkerne Hospital 01460 72491 Middle Path, Crewkerne, Somerset, TA18 8BG Frome Community Hospital Enos Way, Frome, Somerset, BA11 2FH

01373 454740

Little Court Day Hospital 01278 786876 2 Pinnocks Croft, Berrow, Burnham-on-Sea, TA8 2NF Minehead Hospital 01643 707251 The Avenue, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5LY Musgrove Park Hospital Parkfield Drive, Taunton, TA1 5DA

01823 333444

Nuffield Health Taunton Hospital Staplegrove Elm, Taunton, TA2 6AN

01823 286991

Ridley Day Hospital 01963 32006 Verrington Hospital, Dancing Lane, Wincanton, BA9 9DQ

Safeguarding Adults Somerset County Council 0845 345 9133 adults@somerset.gov.uk Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 6:00pm Saturday 9:00am to 4:00pm Closed Sunday Somerset & Avon Police 0845 456 7000 Textphone users: 18001 followed by 0845 456 7000 or in emergencies 999 Textphone users - emergencies: 18000 For incidents that require an immediate police response. An operator will make a 999 call on your behalf.

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Care choices have you at a loss? Call

Royal United Hospital Combe Park, Bath, BA1 3NG

01225 428331

Shepton Mallet Community Hospital 01749 342931 Old Wells Road, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 4PG South Petherton Hospital 01460 240333 Hospital Lane, South Petherton, Somerset, TA13 5AR Tiverton and District Hospital Kennedy Way, Tiverton, EX16 6NT

01884 235400

Verrington Hospital 01963 828444 Verrington, Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 9DQ on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

Weston General Hospital 01934 636363 Grange Road, Uphill, Weston-Super-Mare, BS23 4TQ

Information

Wellington and District Cottage Hospital 01823 662663 Bulford, Wellington, Somerset, TA21 8QQ

Age Concern Frome offers local services to Frome and its surrounding parishes. These services include one-to-one shopping trips, mobility aids loans and lifts to medical appointments. Volunteer drivers are particularly needed and if you would like to help please apply directly to Age Concern Frome.

West Mendip Community Hospital 01458 836450 Old Wells Road, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8JD Williton Hospital 01984 635600 North Road, Williton, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 4RA

Citizens Advice Bureau

Willowbank Day Hospital 01749 836629 St. Andrew’s Cue, Glastonbury Road, Wells, BA5 1TH

Baltonsborough Mobile Advice Centre, 07976 618506 Village Hall Car Park, Ham Street, Baltonsborough, BA6 8PX

Yeovil District Hospital 01935 475122 NHS Foundation Trust, Higher Kingston, Yeovil, BA21 4AT

Burnham on Sea, 01278 455236 Manor House, 15 Manor Road, Burnham-on-sea TA8 2AS advice_sedgemoorcab@yahoo.co.uk www.sedgemoorcab.org.uk

Age UK Age Concern Somerset The Market House, Fore Street, Taunton, TA1 1JD Tel: 0845 643 4621 Fax: 01823 324 128 Email: info@ageconcernsomerset.org.uk We have two offices one in Somerset and one in North Somerset, from we run our services. If you do not know which service is right for you please start by calling the Information and Advice office of your choice. You can also send us an email to info@ageconcernsomerset.org. uk and it will be forwarded to the appropriate service.

Information and Advice offices: The Market House, Fore Street, Taunton TA1 1JD Tel: 0845 643 4621 Fax: 01823 324128 •

•

The Information and Advice offices also deal with Age Concern Insurance Services, Funeral Plans, Aid Call, Charity Flowers, Energy Services and the Age Concern Lottery but for Motor Insurance please ring: 0845 712 5816 For more complex problems, which might need a home visit please contact: Advocacy, Mental Health Advocacy & Welfare Benefits Office at: The Market House, Fore Street, Taunton TA1 1JD Tel: 0845 643 4701

•

For our exercise classes and healthy living advice please contact: Ageing Well Office, The Market House, Fore Street, Taunton TA1 1JD Tel: 0845 643 4702 Fax: 01278 785921

•

For Enquiries to Management or Administration please contact: Head Office, First Floor, Mansfield House, 26-28 Silver Street, Taunton TA1 3DJ Tel: 01823 286333 Fax: 01823 448976

Age Concern Somerset also works in partnership with: Age Concern Frome, St John’s Cottage, 1 Church Steps, Frome BA11 1PL Tel: 01373 465202 Email: fromeageconcern@tiscali.co.uk

Care choices have you at a loss? Call

Cheddar 01278 455236 Cheddar Medical Centre, Roynon Way, Cheddar, BS27 3NZ advice_sedgemoorcab@yahoo.co.uk www.sedgemoorcab.org.uk Coleford The Mendip Country Practice, Church Street, Coleford, BA3 5NQ www.mendipcab.org.uk

07969 991159

Coleford Mobile Advice Centre 07976 618506 Bristish Legion Car Park, Coleford, BA3 5PB Coxley Mobile Advice Centre, Memorial Hall, Coxley, BA5 1QZ

07976 618506

Crewkerne Outreach, 01935 421167 The Town Hall, Market Square, Crewkerne, TA18 7LN Crispin Community Centre, High Street, Street, BA16 0EZ

01458 448275

Evercreech Mobile Advice Centre Gartons Mead, Evercreech, BA4 6JH

07976 618506

Glastonbury, 01458 837444 1 Orchard Court, Archers Way, Glastonbury, BA6 9JB www.mendipcab.org.uk The Glastonbury Surgery Feversham Lane, Glastonbury, BA6 9LP

01458 833666

Hamp, 01278 455236 1 Edinburgh Road, Hamp, Bridgwater, TA6 6EH advice_sedgemoorcab@yahoo.co.uk Highbridge, 01278 455236 Alpha House, Market Street, Highbridge, TA9 3BP advice_sedgemoorcab@yahoo.co.uk www.sedgemoorcab.org.uk Meare Mobile Advice Centre, Abbots Close, Meare, BA6 9TF

07976 618506

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

69

Shepton Mallet, 01749 343010 Mendip Citizens Advice Bureau, 9/9a Market Place, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5AZ advice@mendipcab.org.uk www.mendipcab.org.uk Milverton Victoria Rooms, Milverton, TA4 1JU www.tauntoncab.org.uk

01823 282235

enjoy meeting people and want to become part of one of the largest humanitarian organisations in the world please contact the British Red Cross in Somerset on 01823 273700.

Connexions Centres Bridgwater 01278 423788 Wessex House, West Quay, Bridgwater, TA6 3HW bridgwater@connexions-somerset.org.uk

Shepton Mallet, 07969 991159 Park Surgery, Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5RT www.mendipcab.org.uk

Frome 1A Palmer Street, Frome BA11 1DS frome@connexions-somerset.org.uk

Sedgemoor Citizens Advice Bureau, 01278 455236 The Lions, West Quay, Bridgwater, TA6 3HW advice@sedgemoorcab.org.uk www.sedgemoorcab.org.uk

Wells 01749 686730 The Old Glasshouse, South Street, Wells, BA5 1SL wells@connexions-somerset.org.uk

South Somerset CAB (Chard), Crowshute House, Chard, TA20 2EZ

01935 421167

South Somerset Citizens Advice Bureau 01935 421167 40 - 42 Hendford, Yeovil, BA20 1UW CAB@southsomcab.org.uk Taunton Citizens Advice Bureau, 01823 282235 Sussex Lodge, 44 Station Road, Taunton, TA1 1NS advice@tauntoncab.org.uk www.tauntoncab.org.uk Taunton, 01823 282235 The Link Centre, 123 Outer Circle, Roman Road, Halcon, Taunton, TA1 2DE Taunton 01823 353643 Priorswood Community Centre, Priorswood Estate, Taunton, TA2 7JW www.tauntoncab.org.uk Wellington, Town Council Offices, 28 Fore Street, Wellington, TA21 8AQ Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells, BA5 2RB

01749 675677

Wells Health Centre, 07977 411223 Priory Health Park, Glastonbury Road, Wells, BA5 1TJ www.mendipcab.org.uk Wiveliscombe House 01823 282235 3 The Square, Wiveliscombe, Taunton, TA4 2JT Wookey Mobile Advice Centre, Buxton Close, Wookey, BA5 1JP

Taunton 01823 321212 1 Mendip House, High Street, Taunton, TA1 3SX taunton@connexions-somerset.org.uk Yeovil 01935 381800 Ground Floor, Prestleigh House, 38 – 40 Hendford, Yeovil, BA20 1UW yeovil@connexions-somerset.org.uk DeafPlus South Bath Centre 01225 446 555 7 Green Park Station, Bath, BA1 1JB info@visionplus.org.uk bath.office@deafplus.org (Phonelines open Mondays - Fridays 10am - 4pm) Somerset Office 01935 415 880 Adult Social Care Team, Old Kelways, Langport, TA10 9YE south.west@deafplus.org FEDS The Forum is established as a network to promote Equality and Diversity in Somerset and provide consultation, monitoring and facilitation support to public, business and voluntary sector bodies.

FEDS will encourage, through practice, that all the areas of equality are covered with particular reference to the Human Rights Act 1998 and the law covering discrimination relating to race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation and disability (the six equalities strands). www.feds.org.uk/ The Samaritans 25 The Park, Yeovil BA20 1DG

01935 476455

07976 618506

Local and Regional Contacts British Red Cross in Somerset 01823 273700 The British Red Cross is always looking for new volunteers for all its services. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Red Cross.

If you have any amount of spare time on your hands you could make a significant difference to people living in your area. If you

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01373 465302

Care choices have you at a loss? Call

Turning Point 01935 471826 We know we can’t reach everyone but by offering innovative services in the right place, at the right time it is our ambition to help alcohol and drug dependent people, people with profound learning disabilities, adults experiencing at least one diagnosable mental health problem in any one year and the people who live in the ten most under-funded health trusts in England and Wales which cover some of the poorest areas in the country with above-average levels of ill health.

35 Higher Kingston, Yeovil BA21 4AS www.turning-point.co.uk on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

Admiral Nursing DIRECT 0845 257 9406 The Admiral Nursing Direct Helpline, has been set up to provide people with an opportunity to talk through their worries and concerns about themselves, friends or relatives with dementia. Lines are manned by experienced Admiral Nurses and responds to requests for help with diagnosis, medication, support and care at home, professional carer support, and finance.The lines are open on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11am and 9pm. Callers can leave messages any time and request a call back, or email questions to us direct@fordementia.org.uk.

Action on Elder Abuse, 020 8835 9280 Action on Elder Abuse, PO Box 60001, Streatham, SW16 9BY www.elderabuse.org.uk | enquiries@elderabuse.org.uk The Alzheimers Society, 020 7306 0606 The UK’s leading care and research charity for people with dementia, their families and carers. www.alzheimers.org.uk | enquiries@alzheimers.org.uk Arthritis Care 0808 800 4050 Working with and for all people with arthritis to put them in control of their arthritis, and their lives.

CareAware 08705 134925 A non profit making public information, advisory and advocacy service elderly care funding advice. www.careaware.co.uk | enquiries@careaware.co.uk Care Quality Commission (CQC) 03000 616161 Care Quality Commission National Correspondence, Citygate, Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4PA www.cqc.org.uk Carers UK 020 7490 8818 Prevent carers from becoming emotionally drained, and from forgetting to take care of themselves. www.carersuk.org | info@carersuk.org Counsel and Care 0845 300 7585 National charity getting the best care and support for older people, their families and carers.

Twyman House, 16 Bonny Street, London, NW1 9PG Advise line open Mon - Fri, 10am-12noon and 2-4pm, except Wed afternoons. www.counselandcare.org.uk | advice@counselandcare.org.uk Cruse Bereavement Care Somerset and Sherborne Area Bridgwater/Burnham Branch Mendip Branch Taunton/Minehead Branch Yeovil/Sherborne Branch Somerset Young Cruse Bath and District Area Bristol and District Area www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk DIAL (Disability Information Advice Line)

Department of Health Department of Health, Richmond House 79 Whitehall, London SW1A 2NS Textphone: 0207 210 5025

0870 600 55 22

www.dh.gov.uk | dhmail@dh.gsi.gov.uk Directgov www.Directgov.uk Directgov is the UK government’s digital service for people in England and Wales. It delivers information and practical advice about public services, bringing them all together in one place. You can access Directgov on the web, on your mobile or on your television.

Directgov can help you with many things, for example: • finding local services such as NHS clinics, solicitors and nurseries • Carers and support etc The government uses Directgov to get information to the public in times of crisis or emergency.

Elderly Accommodation Council www.eac.org.uk

020 7820 1343

First stop 0800 377 7070 An information service for carers and older people, provides advice on care and housing in later life. www.firststopcareadvice.org.uk | info@firststopadvice.org.uk Hearing Dogs for the Deaf www.hearingdogs.org.uk

01844 348100

Help the Aged/Age UK 020 7278 1114 www.helptheaged.org.uk | info@helptheaged.org.uk Leonard Cheshire Disability 020 3242 0200 We campaign for change and provide innovative services that give disabled people the opportunity to live life their way.

66 South Lambeth Road, London, SW8 1RL info@LCDisability.org Mencap 0808 808 1111 The Learning Disability Helpline is a free, confidential service. Information on anything from money and benefits to services and support groups. helpline@mencap.org.uk Mind (National Association for Mental Health) Mind is the leading mental health charity in England and Wales. We work to create a better life for everyone with experience of mental distress.

Tel: 020 8519 2122 | Fax: 020 8522 1725 www.mind.org.uk | contact@mind.org.uk

01458 898211

The National Homecare Council 01379 678243 is a representative of public sector organisations concerned with the commissioning and direct provision of homecare services, supporting people in their own homes mary.humphrey@nationalhomecarecouncil.co.uk

01761 417250 0117 926 4045

National Osteoporosis Society 0845 450 0230 Advice & information, support group for people with osteoporosis. info@nos.org.uk

01736 759 500

NHS Direct

Care choices have you at a loss? Call

0845 46 47

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

71

Information

National Contacts

Nightlink 0808 8000 306 Free phone out-of-hours listening service for emotional distress and mental health. 8pm-1pm Fri-Mon Parkinson’s Disease Society www.parkinsons.org.uk

0800 800 0303

Police Enquiries Emergencies: 999

08452 777444

Stroke Association 0845 3033100 Advice & information for stroke patients & their families.

Bradley House, Harrier Way, Exeter EX2 7NY www.stroke.org.uk | southwest@stroke.org.uk

Someone to turn to...

Frank offers advice and guidance for people with concerns on drug issues. For yourself, family member or friend, Frank is a confidential advice service available online and by phone. They can advise of the nearest offices for help and offer solutions when there seems to be no way out.

0800 77 66 00 • frank@talktofrank.com • talktofrank.com

Stressline 0300 123 2000 If you’re feeling stressed because of job insecurity, redundancy, debt or financial problems, don’t wait for things to get really bad before you seek help. Lines are open daily, 8am-10pm Willow Foundation 01707 259777 The only charity of its kind providing special days for seriously ill 16 to 40 year olds throughout the UK. www.willowfoundation.org.uk info@willowfoundation.org.uk WRVS 029 2023 2668 A volunteering service which offers a range of practical services to help and support older people to live well, maintain their independence and play a part in their local community.

EMERGENCY SERVICES Fire, Police, Ambulance. If you are in or near an emergency call either of these numbers.

999 or 112

You can use either number in the UK, from a landline or your mobile. When in Europe it is well worth remembering 112.

Str

+4

STARS - THE BLACKOUTS Common CausesTRUST and Preventative Advi HELPING PEOPLE WITH ASyncope HELPING in HAND Older People

The STARS charity (Syncope Trust And Reflex anoxic Seizures) Orthostatic Hypo SYNCOPE is the medical term for blackout that is causedand by support a suddentolack of blood provides information people who suffer with (Low blood pres supply to the brain. In older people (65 years syncope and lossmore of consciousness.

Orthostatic Hypotension o and unexplained over) there is often than one potential cause of syncope. Syncope can have many different underlying causes; some can be

blood pressure falls excessive Orthostatic Hypotension ca

Remember – helpwhilst is at others hand. can If you or a family butsuffers can be commonly due to complex be easily treated. member from these symptoms – you are not alone. You can call our 24 Prevention Advice: Elevate Medication hour dedicated helpline – 01789 450564 – and talk in confidence your bed. Sleep with your h Syncope can beand caused by a side STARS effect ofteamdegrees. to one of our dedicated professional who willThis should help pressure up and decrease t some medications. The biggest culprits are listen andheart offerand help, advice andmedications, support ifsleeping needed. pressure drop when you get blood pressure

pills, anti-depressants and anti-inflammatory Patients with low blood pr drugs. These medications can decrease blood pressure and can chance Sometimes having someone toincrease talk to your – is all it takes. support stockings which wi blood pooling in the legs and of fainting.

Remember – you are not alone.

Postprandial Hypo Prevention Advice: Once prescribed, your (Lowering of blood pressu doctor should review your medications 01789 450564 | www.stars.org.uk jenni@stars.org.uk regularly to ensure they |are not causing Postprandial Hypotension is problems. Take medications as prescribed; do pressure within two hours o not take extra pills to make up for missed doses.

Postprandial Hypotension o If you have any concerns, you can discuss circulation is needed to as these with your healthcare professional. and this leads to a drop in Symptoms of Postprandial Dehydration Information for Carers - Help if thebe subtle with a slight dizzin when standing after eating.

Syncope can occur if you have not drunk person you care for goes into hospital enough fluids.

Prevention Advice: If you syncope after meals you are Prevention Advice: Make sure you are getting Information for Carers How we can brief help. walk after a meal or r enough fluids throughout the day.

It is back or sitting in a chair with recommended that adults drink two litres (four raised. These actions will pints) of water a day. It is best to drink first Information Carers blood pressure up and prev thing in the morning, beforefor getting up,- Other and in your feet. Large quantities before meals. help Increased fluid intake will available to you. (for example bread, potato support your blood pressure. Remember that be avoided. if you have been ill, exercising, or there has been warm weather you should increase- Your your rights Information for Carers fluid intake further.

Information & Advice Publications Listed here different publications produced by Somerset

County Council and other bodies which you might find helpful Somerset County Council

Help in Crisis

Carers

- Many available in Large Print

For further information contact STARS Somerset Carers Charter Information for Carers - Who is a carer?

Tel: 0845 345 9133 Fax: 01823 321380 adults@somerset.gov.uk www.somerset.gov.uk Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 8am to 6pm Sat 9am to 4pm Closed Sun

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Approved by: STARS Medical Advisory

The Heart Rhythm Charity

Information for Carers - Practical help information sheet one.

Information for Carers - Practical help information sheet two.

Care choices have you at a loss? Call

Affiliated to Arrhythmia Alliance www.heartrhythmcharity.org.uk

Founder and Chief Executive: Trudie Lobban Trustees: Susan Broatch Andrew Fear Rose Anne Kenny Cathrine Reid William Whitehouse Registered Charity No. 1084898 ©2009 Printed October 2009

Equipment

Companies that provide stairlifts in Somerset

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

Private providers of equipment for disabled people

How we can support you

Sitting Service

Our promises to you

Specialised Residential Care - A brief guide

Person Centred Planning About you, with you

Step down beds for rehabilitation

Short term care package Telecare: working in partnership

Residential short breaks for adults with learning disabilities

Your Rights, Records and Complaints

Supporting you as an equal person Accessing your records

Financial

We want you to be happy - Easy Words

Direct Payments - An introduction to arranging your care

What is abuse?

Application to access your records

Who can help you?

Compliments, comments and complaints about Adult Social Care

Your carers assessment

Fair Access to Care Services

Your community care assessment

Help with taking medicines

Your review

Know your rights

Direct Payments contributions Fairer Charging for Care and Support at Home The Financial Assessment and Benefits (FAB) Team

No response Independent Living Fund

Services

Personal held record

Information for people who pay for their own care

Blue Badge Scheme

Safeguarding adults

Information for residents with property

Care at Home Services

Your records

Paying for residential care

Changing Focus Choosing a Care Home - Some things you should think about

General Adult Social Care

NHFA Care Advice Line: 0800 99 88 33 www.nhfa.co.uk

Direct Payments advice and support Fuel Poverty

Infosheet 1: Choice and interim finance

Heatwave

Direct Payments - An introduction to arranging your care

Infosheet 2: Treatment of property

Livewire

Earmark

Infosheet 3: The Legal Framework

Help in Crisis

Infosheet 4: L A Charging Procedures

Learning Disabilities

Help in hospital and when you go home

Infosheet 5: Deprivation of Assets

About Direct Payments - Easy Words

The Home from Hospital Service

Infosheet 6: Case Studies / Top Ten Tips

An easy guide to stay safe

Home Support Services

Infosheet 7: Treatment of couples

Becoming an adult

The Meals at Home Service

Infosheet 8: NHS Nursing Care Contribution

Being bullied

Moving to a care home Your right to choose

Infosheet 9: Inheritance Tax (IHT)

Direct Payments Advice and Support

Infosheet 10: Enduring Power of Attorney Occupational Therapy Service

Find out what we write about you Out of hours service - Taunton Deane Help we can give you How we can help you

Short term care package to help prevent you going into hospital

Care choices have you at a loss? Call

Please turn the page for

Right

Solutions

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

73

Information

Equipment to help you use the bath or shower

Age UK Advice line: 0800 169 6565 www.ageuk.org.uk/publications

69 Water advice (Sep 09)

38 Treatment of property in the means test for permanent care home provision (Apr 10)

71 Park Homes (Oct 09) 39 Paying for care in a care home if you have a partner (Apr 10)

Consumer Income and Benefits

40 Deprivation of assets in the means test for care home provision (Aug 10)

3 Television licence concessions (Dec 09) 15 Income Tax (Apr 10) 27 Planning for a funeral (Feb 10) 33 Crime prevention for older people (Oct 08)

17 Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (Apr 10) 19 The State Pension (Apr 10) Briefing – Changes to women’s state pension age and the impact on other benefits and concessions (March 10)

Health

41 Local authority assessment for community care services (Aug 09) 46 Paying for care and support at home (Apr 10) 58 Paying for temporary care in a care home (Apr 10)

5 Dental care: NHS and private treatment (Aug 09)

21 Council Tax (Apr 10)

23 Help with continence (Feb 10)

34 Attendance Allowance (Apr 10)

44 Local NHS services (Sep 09)

48 Pension Credit (Apr 10)

60 Choice of accommodation: care homes (Aug 09)

61 Help with health costs (Jun 09)

49 The Social Fund (Apr 10)

78 Safeguarding older people

66 Resolving problems and making a complaint about NHS care (Aug 09)

52 Disability Living Allowance (Apr 10)

59 How to resolve problems and make a complaint about the local authority (Aug 09)

from abuse (Apr 10)

76 Intermediate Care (Nov 09)

Housing

53 Capital, income and meanstested benefits (Apr 10)

Legal

55 Carer’s Allowance (Apr 10)

7 Making a will (Sep 09)

56 Benefits for people under State Pension age (Jun 09)

14 Dealing with an estate (Oct 09)

1 Help with heating costs (Sep 09) 2 Buying retirement housing (Jul 09)

74 How to challenge a benefits decision (Nov 09)

22 Arranging for others to make decisions about your finances or welfare (Sep 09) 43 Getting legal advice (Sep 09)

8 Council and housing association housing (May 10)

75 Debt management (Nov 09) 62 Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (Jun 09)

9 Anti-social behaviour in housing (Oct 09)

Social Care 13 Funding repairs, improvements and adaptations (Sep 09)

72 Advance decisions, advance statements and living wills (Oct 09)

6 Finding help at home (Oct 09) 77 The law on age discrimination (Dec 09)

35 Tenants’ rights – rents (Aug 09) 42 Disability equipment and how to get it (Sep 09) 63 Finding private rented accommodation (May 10) 64 Retirement (sheltered) housing (May 10)

10 Paying for permanent residential care (Apr 10) 20 NHS continuing healthcare and NHS-funded nursing care (Sep 09)

Leisure, Learning and Work 4 Rights at work (Sep 09)

24 Self-directed support: direct payments, personal budgets and individual budgets (Jul 09) Supplementary Sheet (Nov 09)

65 Equity Release (Aug 09) 67 Tenants’ rights – repairs (Aug 09)

29 Finding care home accommodation (Oct 09)

68 Tenants’ rights – security of tenure (Aug 09)

37 Hospital discharge arrangements (May 10)

11 Help with looking for work or standing your own business (Nov 08) 26 Public transport and concessions (Nov 09) 30 Learning and Leisure (July 08)

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70 Dealing with disputes at work (Sep 09) 73 Driving and parking (Nov 09)

Care choices have you at a loss? Call

on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

Soluti ns

Pointing you in the Right Direction

Information

N

S

Find the care you need with RightCareSolutions RightCareSolutions is a free service.

Available online, over the phone, and via email, its a great way to identify suitable services as listed by CQC*. Be specific about the kind of care services you require, and we’ll deliver appropriate results suiting your needs. Fill out the form below if you are looking for Care Homes, Nursing Agencies, or Domicillary/Home Care.

Enquirers Details (if applicable)

Care Required

Title

Care Home with Nursing

Forename

Care Home without Nursing

Surname

Home Care

Email

Domicilary Care

Address

Learning Disabilities Supported Living

Post Code

Adult Placement Services

Telephone Number

Nursing Agency

Where did you hear about us?

Further Requirements Details of person requiring care Long Stay Title

Day Care

Forename

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Convalescent

Relationship to enquirer County of Residence Gender Age

Respite Nursing Care Languages Preferred Areas Further information

Please photocopy and send this form to: RightCareindex, Mount Hawke Business Park, Mount Hawke, Truro, Cornwall, TR4 8GL. Or contact us below...

rightcareindex.com/solutions

I authorise RightCareIndex to conduct the search on my behalf I authorise RightCareIndex to pass my details to relevant providers

01872 321 327

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Care choices have you at a loss?*Results provided from The Care Quality Commision Listings Call on 01872 321 327 or see page 75 for more details

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They always made sure you had the very best.

Now it’s their turn.

At South West Care Homes we believe we provide a level of care that is truly unique. We understand the value of the individual and appreciate how people, of all ages, value their independence and privacy.

All our homes are relaxed, feature properties where residents can live their lives how they choose, safe in the knowledge that help is on hand should they need it.

With homes throughout the South West we are the region’s leading independent provider of care for the elderly, with all our homes run by professional, passionate and caring staff.

We provide specialist services such as dementia care, disability support, as well as access to financial and legal advice.

For more information, give us a call or visit our website.

South West Care Homes, the care they deserve.

Kenwyn Crediton, Ashfield Exmouth, Ashley House Langport, Lake View Newton Abbot, Sunningdale House Perranporth, Manor House Plymouth, Michaelstowe Plympton, Cambrian Lodge Portishead, Beechmount Torquay, The Firs and Emily’s Witheridge Nr Tiverton.

0800 324 7007 www.southwestcarehomes.co.uk info@southwestcarehomes.co.uk