Monday 7 August 2023
wife
my wife is currently on Tarka Ward NDDH Barnstaple ,Devon
i sighlty uncomfortable with being told second hand information abour my wifes health through her daughthers,i wished to be informed of any reverant information about my wiffes health .
at some stage i expect she will get an assentment about coming home ,hopefully this will increase care visits and let us look into medical aids for helping her
yors
enids husband
mark
please reply
Care needs assessment
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/care/arranging-care/care-needs-assessment/
Care needs assessment
If you're finding it hard to manage and think you need social care, a care needs assessment is the first step. The assessment determines the kind of social care that would meet your care needs, whether this means adapting your home or moving into a care home.
How do I get a care needs assessment?
What does the care needs assessment involve?
How can I prepare for the assessment?
Will I be eligible for help from social services?
What happens after the assessment?
How do I get a care needs assessment?
Get in touch with the adult social services department of your local council and ask for a care needs assessment.
There’s no charge for a care needs assessment and you’re entitled to one regardless of your income, savings or level of need.
You can arrange a care needs assessment on behalf of a relative or friend, but they have to agree to the assessment (unless they don't have the capacity to make or communicate that decision themselves).
You can apply for a care needs assessment by contacting your local council.
If you’re a carer, you're entitled to a carer’s assessment, too.
Find your local council
You just need your postcode to get started.
Search now
What does the care needs assessment involve?
A social care professional will usually come to see you to find out how you're managing everyday tasks. You may be offered an assessment online or over the phone – if you feel this isn't right for you, ask for a face-to-face assessment. They'll consider:
your health, and what you can and can't do, or struggle to do
your cultural and religious background and support network
your current living arrangements
how you'd like to be supported
information about your needs from your carer, if you want them to be involved in your assessment.
The assessor will also talk to other professionals who care for you, like your GP or nurse, if you’re happy for the council to do so. This is to make sure everyone is on the same page with the support you need.
Your local council must do their best to help you. They should consider what support you need right now, and what might help in the future.
How can I prepare for the assessment?
Think about the kind of help you need. Be specific, for example:
‘I need someone to help me get up and dressed in the mornings’
‘I need help to shower regularly’
‘I need to be reminded to take my medication’
Think about your cultural, social, religious and emotional needs too, for example:
‘I want to go to my place of worship once a week’
‘I want to visit my brother twice a month’
Ask a friend or carer to be with you at your assessment if you can.
The local council must provide you with someone to support you if you can’t speak up for yourself or have difficulty understanding others. This only applies if you don't have a friend or carer there to help you.
Will I be eligible for help from social services?
Local councils have their own assessment procedures, but they follow national criteria to decide who's eligible for care and support. In making their decision, they'll look at whether you're unable to do, or have difficulty with, daily living tasks, and whether this has a significant impact on your wellbeing.
Do you have care and support needs as a result of a physical or mental condition?
Are you unable to achieve two or more desired outcomes?
Is there, or is there likely to be, a significant impact on your wellbeing?
The daily living tasks include things like:
eating properly
going to the toilet
being safe at home
keeping your home clean and safe
seeing family and friends
going to work, volunteering, education or training
using services in your area.
If you have eligible needs, your local council has a legal duty to meet them.
What happens after the assessment?
After the assessment, a care plan should be agreed with you and a copy given to you. This will detail what needs you have and what could help to meet those needs.
Then there will be a means test to find out how much you need to contribute towards your care and support.
Sunday 6 August 2023
Care after illness or hospital discharge (reablement)
Care after illness or hospital discharge (reablement)
If you or someone you know has been in hospital or had an illness or fall, you may need temporary care to help you get back to normal and stay independent.
This short-term care is sometimes called intermediate care, or aftercare. Reablement is a type of care that helps you relearn how to do daily activities, like cooking meals and washing.
Most people who receive this type of care do so for around 1 or 2 weeks, although you get free, short-term care for a maximum of 6 weeks. It will depend on how soon you are able to cope at home.
If you need care for longer than 6 weeks, you may have to pay for it.
When you can get free short-term care and how to get it
After leaving hospital
Care can help you recover from an illness or an operation.
Hospital staff will assess your health and help you to decide if you need further help to recover. If they think you do, they will arrange care before you leave hospital.
Speak to the person in charge of you going home (discharge co-ordinator) to make sure this happens.
Information:
Contact social services if you have been discharged and care hasn't been arranged.
The hospital will not get involved after you leave.
After a fall or short illness
Care can help you avoid going into hospital if you do not need to.
If you or someone you know falls or needs help because they're ill, speak to your GP surgery or social services.
They may be able to arrange for someone to come to your home and discuss what you need.
If you have started to find everyday tasks difficult
You can get help with daily tasks. This can help you learn new ways of doing things before needing paid home help.
If you find everyday tasks difficult, you can apply for a needs assessment at GOV.UK. This will identify the type of care or equipment you need.
What care you'll get
A team with a mix of people from the NHS and social services will help you do the things you need to do to stay independent.
This might include getting dressed, preparing a meal, or getting up and down stairs.
They might care for you at first, but will help you practise doing things on your own.
Your team might include:
a nurse
an occupational therapist
a physiotherapist
a speech and language therapist
a social worker
doctors
carers
They'll start with an assessment that looks at what you can do. You'll agree together what you want to do and set out a plan.
The plan will include a contact person who's in the team and the times and dates they'll visit you.
What happens when aftercare finishes
When aftercare finishes, your team should work with you and your family or carers to agree what happens next.
This should include:
other care you might need, such as home help
how you can refer yourself again if you need to
what you should do if something goes wrong
information about what other types of support or equipment might help
Ask your team's contact person about what happens next if your aftercare is coming to an end.
How to move, lift and handle someone else
How to move, lift and handle someone else
If you look after someone who has an illness or disability, you may need to help them move around.
In the bedroom:
getting in or out of bed
turning over in bed
sitting up in bed
In the bathroom:
bathing
showering
using the toilet
Elsewhere:
sitting in a chair
standing
walking
getting up from the floor after a fall
getting in and out of a vehicle
Common carers' injuries
It's essential to know about safe moving and handling so you don't hurt yourself or the person you look after.
The most common injuries carers get are back injuries. Injuring your back will limit your movement and your ability to care for someone. It could take a long time for you to recover.
Lifting someone incorrectly can also damage fragile skin, cause shoulder and neck injuries, increase existing breathing difficulties, or cause bruising or cuts.
Lifting checklist
If you regularly lift or move someone, it's best to get training or have someone demonstrate the correct techniques.
Before attempting to move someone, ask yourself:
do they need help to move?
do they require help or supervision?
have you told them you're moving them?
how heavy are they?
are you healthy and strong enough to move them?
is there anyone who could help you?
how long will it take?
is there enough space around you?
are there any obstacles in the way?
are you wearing suitable clothing and shoes – for example, if you're on a slippery or damp surface?
If you've assessed the situation and have decided to move the person, make sure you:
never lift above shoulder height
keep your feet stable
have a firm hold
keep any weight close to your body
keep your back straight and bend your knees
lift as smoothly as possible
How the council can help
Your local council has an obligation to help carers avoid health and safety risks.
Contact your local council and ask for a needs assessment for the person you look after, as well as a carer's assessment to help you.
For advice and guidance on moving and handling, ask for an occupational therapy assessment.
Training
Your council may run free training courses on safe handling.
If it doesn't offer manual handling courses, ask for a direct payment so you can pay for a course of your choice.
Equipment
The council may also provide free equipment – such as hoists, stand aids, transfer boards or slide sheets – to make moving someone safer and easier.
Buying equipment to lift or move someone
If you decide to buy any equipment, get advice beforehand from an occupational therapist or a social worker.
Try any equipment before you buy it. If you're considering buying an expensive item, ask to use the equipment for a trial period in the home of the person you're looking after.
The Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) has information on buying different types of equipment used to move or lift someone safely
Getting a care needs assessment
Getting a care needs assessment
If you think you, or someone you know, needs help to cope day-to-day, the first step is to get a needs assessment from your local council.
You'll need to have this assessment before the council can recommend a service such as:
equipment like a walking frame or personal alarm
changes to your home such as a walk-in shower
practical help from a paid carer
day care for your child if either you or they are disabled
access to day centres and lunch clubs
moving to a care home
The needs assessment is free and anyone can ask for one.
How to get a needs assessment
Contact social services at your local council and ask for a needs assessment. You can call them or do it online.
Apply for a needs assessment on GOV.UK
What happens in the assessment
Someone from the council such as a social worker or occupational therapist will ask you how you're managing everyday tasks like washing, dressing and cooking.
They might ask you to describe how well you do certain things like making a cup of tea and getting out of a chair.
If it seems you may need some alterations in and around your home such as grab rails in the bathroom, you might also be referred for a separate assessment of your home.
The needs assessment can happen:
face-to-face
over the phone or online
Assessments usually last at least an hour.
How to prepare for your assessment
This is your chance to have your say.
Give as much detail as you can about all the everyday tasks you struggle with, even the little ones like turning taps on and off. Leaving out things might reduce the care recommended for you.
Which? Later Life Care has a checklist of typical questions you might be asked in the assessment regardless of your age.
Independent Age has a step-by-step guide to getting help from your council which may help you prepare for the assessment.
Have someone with you
Have a friend or relative with you, if possible. It will help if you're not confident explaining your situation. They can also take notes for you.
If you can't have a friend or relative with you, you could use an advocate. Advocates are people who speak up on your behalf. They can help you fill in forms and sit with you in meetings and assessments. They're often free.
Telephone help
If you want to talk to someone over the phone about needs assessments, call:
your local council's social services department – find your local council on GOV.UK
Age UK's free helpline on 0800 055 6112
Independent Age's free helpline on 0800 319 6789
The Family Rights Group's free helpline on 0808 801 0366
Getting the results
After the assessment, the local council will decide whether you need help, and you'll get the results of the assessment.
It identifies what kind of care and support would help you, such as a paid carer or meals delivered to your home (meals on wheels).
Paying for care
You'll generally be expected to pay toward the cost of social care.
If the assessment identifies you need help, you will have a financial assessment (means test) to see if the council will pay towards it. This will be arranged for you.
What if I'm told I don't need care?
If the needs assessment finds that you don't qualify for care and support, the council should still give you free advice about where you can get help in your community. Ask if this doesn't happen.
How to complain about a needs assessment
If you disagree with the results of your needs assessment or how it was done, you have a right to complain.
First complain to your local council. Your council should have a formal complaints procedure on its website. It should also tell you about it at your assessment.
If you're not happy with the way the council handles your complaint, you can take it to the local government and social care ombudsman. An ombudsman is an independent person who's been appointed to look into complaints about organisations.
Care homes Moving into a care home is a big decision and it can cost a lot of money. Before choosing a care home for you or someone you know, it's worth considering all of the options.
Care homes
Moving into a care home is a big decision and it can cost a lot of money. Before choosing a care home for you or someone you know, it's worth considering all of the options.
When to consider a care home
A care home may be the best option if you or someone you know:
is struggling to live alone – even with help from friends, family or paid carers
had a needs assessment that suggested a care home is the best choice
has a complex medical condition that needs specialist attention during the day and night
Care homes can reduce the stress of looking after your health and care. This may help you focus on other things, like your social life and general wellbeing.
Which? Later life care: when to consider a care home
Other ways to get care and support
Many people feel they don't need to move into a care home, or are worried about moving out of their home.
You may want to consider other options, which could be cheaper or help you feel more independent.
Making changes to your home:
adapting your home – for example, adding stairlifts, hand rails or extra security
using household gadgets and equipment – to help you cook, clean and get dressed
Hiring a carer or getting more support:
hiring a care worker – where someone comes to your home to provide help and care
supported living services – where you live in agreed accommodation, with staff that visit you to provide help and care
Moving to a new home:
more independent housing options include extra care housing or retirement villages
If you decide a care home is the best place to meet your health and care needs, you'll need to choose which type of care home is right for you.
Understanding the different types of care home
There are 2 main types of care home:
residential homes
nursing homes
Some care homes offer both residential and nursing care places. Care homes may be run by private companies, voluntary or charity organisations, or sometimes by local councils.
Residential homes
These provide accommodation and personal care, such as help with:
washing
dressing
taking medicines
going to the toilet
Some care homes also offer activities, such as day trips.
Nursing homes
These also provide personal care but there will always be 1 or more qualified nurses on duty to provide nursing care. These are sometimes called care homes with nursing.
Some nursing homes offer services for people that may need more care and support. For example, people with:
severe learning disabilities, severe physical disabilities or both
a complex medical condition that needs help from a qualified nurse – such as someone who has a colostomy or who is fed through a tube
How much will a care home cost?
The cost of a care home will be different depending on the type of care home you need and where you live.
Nursing homes usually cost more than residential homes as they provide nursing care.
The average cost of a care home in the UK is:
around £600 a week for a residential home
around £800 a week for a nursing home
How to pay for a care home
Before deciding how to pay for a care home, it's worth asking your local authority for a needs assessment. The council can then help you look at all your options.
Paying for your own care (self-funding)
You can choose to pay for care yourself if you're able to afford it or you don't want a financial assessment.
Read more about paying for your own care.
Financial help from your council
Contact social services at your local council and ask for a needs assessment. You can call them or do it online.
Apply for a needs assessment (GOV.UK)
It's important not to sell your home or cancel a tenancy before the council has made a decision.
Read more about when the council might pay for your care.
Financial help from your family
The council won't look at your relative's finances when they assess you. But if your family are able to help pay towards the cost of a care home, they can add to the money the council gives you. This is known as a top-up fee.
This means you could live in a care home that costs more than the council will pay. If your family have to stop paying, you may have to move out.
Telephone helplines
If you need advice about a financial assessment or financing a care home yourself, you could call:
The Society of Later Life Advisors (SOLLA) on 0333 2020 454 (for older people)
MoneyHelper on 0800 138 7777 (for all ages)
Choosing a care home
If the council is paying for your care home
You should be given a care plan by the council, which lets you know your options. The information in your care plan might also help you decide which care home best meets your needs.
You can choose which care home you prefer, as long as the council agrees it:
meets your needs
is not more expensive than another suitable care home
If you're paying for a care home yourself
You might have a lot of options if you're paying for care yourself.
It's important to do some research to make sure it's the right place to meet your needs. The council can also advise you on the best options.
How to find a care home
Your local council's adult social care services can give you more information about care homes in your area.
Find your local adult social care services
EAC Housing Care has a directory of care homes in the UK
How to decide if a care home is right for you
Things to consider before choosing a care home:
where it is (location) – for example, do you want to be near your family or local shops?
how much it costs
whether they offer the right services or activities you need
how visiting and leaving the care home works – for example, do you want to be able to go out on your own or with staff assistance?
Signs of a good care home include:
staff and managers with the right time, skills and experience to do their jobs
clean buildings, rooms and bathrooms
a wide range of activities for residents at home and outside
good quality food choices and options about where to eat meals
fast and easy access to health professionals, such as GPs and dentists
the care home makes sure any cultural, religious or lifestyle needs are met
feedback from residents is asked for and used to improve care
How to research a care home
To get more information about a care home you could:
phone them
visit their website
request a brochure
visit the care home
request a temporary stay
There are also organisations that inspect care homes to see how well they are doing. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates all health and adult social care in England.
You might see a CQC inspection rating when you visit a care home or search online. Their 4 ratings are:
Outstanding
Good
Requires improvement
Inadequate
You could also search for care homes on the CQC website to see their full reports.
How to plan your move into a care home
Before you move, it may help to:
ask family or friends to help you move and settle you in
contact the benefits office, if you have one (including disability benefits, as these can be affected by care home stays)
make sure other services at your old address have been told you're moving
let friends and family know your new address and when you might feel up to receiving visitors
let the care home know about any health problems or disabilities you have
Complaining about a care home
You may need to make a complaint about a care home if you're not happy with the quality of care you or someone you know is receiving.
Speak to the care home operator or manager first
All care homes should have a way to listen to your feedback and complaints. This may be enough to help resolve the problem.
If you're not happy with the care home's response
Contact your local council directly if they are funding your care home.
If you're not happy with the council or care home's response
Contact your Local Government Ombudsman. They investigate all adult social care complaints. It doesn't matter if you're paying for the care home yourself or it's funded by the council.
Read about how to make a complaint on the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman website
If you need someone to speak up for you
There are people called advocates who can help if you're finding it difficult to understand your care or you're not able to speak up.
Advocates can help with things like:
writing letters or attending meetings for you
supporting you during assessments and other meetings
helping you make decisions
Read more about how to get an advocate.
Telephone help for care homes
If you want to talk to someone about making care home decisions, call:
Age UK on 0800 678 1602 (for older people)
Family Action on 0808 802 6666 (if you care for a child)
Read about other helplines and forums for social care and support
More in Care services, equipment and care homes
Care and support you can get for free
Household gadgets and equipment to make life easier
Personal alarms, monitoring systems (telecare) and key safes
Home adaptations
Walking aids, wheelchairs and mobility scooters
Driving and using public transport if you have mobility issues
Help at home from a paid carer
Moving to a new home: housing options for older people or people with disabilities
Care homes
Supported living services
Shared lives schemes
when-someone-dies
https://www.gov.uk/when-someone-dies
What to do when someone dies: step by step
Check what to do after a death - how to register the death, notify government departments and deal with the estate.
This step by step is also available as a Welsh (Cymraeg) guide.
Show all steps
Step1:Register the death,
Hide This Section
Register the death within 5 days
Check what to do if:
the death has been reported to a coroner
the death happened outside the UK
you're registering a stillbirth
someone is missing and you think they're dead
Step2:Tell government about the death,
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The Tell Us Once service allows you to inform all the relevant government departments when someone dies.
Use the Tell Us Once service to tell government
If you cannot use Tell Us Once, tell government yourself
You'll also need to tell banks, utility companies, and landlords or housing associations yourself.
Step3:Arrange the funeral,
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Arrange the funeral
Get help paying for a funeral
Get help paying for a child's funeral
Step4:Check if you can get bereavement benefits,
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You might be eligible for financial help.
Check if you can get:
Bereavement Support Payment if your partner has died
Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay and Leave if your child has died or you’ve had a stillbirth
Guardian's Allowance if you're bringing up a child whose parents have died
andDeal with your own benefits, pension and taxes,
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Your tax, benefit claims and pension might change depending on your relationship with the person who died.
Manage your tax, pensions and benefits if your partner has died
Check how benefits are affected if a child dies
andFind bereavement support and services,
Hide This Section
Get help with managing grief and the things you need to do when someone dies.
Find bereavement help and support
Find bereavement services from your local council
andCheck if you need to apply to stay in the UK,
Show This Section
Step5:Value the estate and check if you need to pay Inheritance Tax,
Hide This Section
To find out if there’s Inheritance Tax to pay, you need to estimate the value of the property, money and possessions (the ‘estate’) of the person who died.
Estimate the value of the estate to find out if you need to pay Inheritance Tax
Find out how to report the value of the estate
Pay Inheritance Tax if it’s due
Step6:Apply for probate,
Hide This Section
You might need to apply for probate before you can deal with the property, money and possessions (the ‘estate’) of the person who died.
Check if you need to apply for probate
Apply for probate
Step7:Deal with the estate,
Hide This Section
Pay any debts or taxes owed by the person who's died. You can then distribute the estate as set out in the will or the law.
Deal with the estate
Update property records
Saturday 5 August 2023
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