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HELPLINE: 0845 017 7720
Sometimes people decide on a life-changing step like going into residential care without having full information about the range of options that may be available. This section is intended to help you locate the information you need to make a fully informed decision.
Why consider residential care?
For some people, residential care is a positive choice that can provide companionship and peace of mind in later life. Others prefer to remain in their own homes if possible, or, if they have to move, to continue to own or rent their home, but with additional support.
There is a huge range of services available to help people live in the way they prefer. In order to make an informed decision, it is worthwhile spending some time thinking about exactly what aspects life are becoming more difficult and the different ways in which the changing needs can be met.
Overview of care options:
http://www.housingcare.org/making-elderly-housing-choices/basic-options.aspx
Overview of residential care
http://www.counselandcare.org.uk/assets/library/documents/CandCguideComplete.pdf
Choosing the Right Service – advice from the Social Care Commission
http://www.csci.org.uk/pdf/Choosing%20the%20right%20service.pdf
Needs Assessment
Everyone over 65 who needs a care service is entitled to a “needs assessment” arranged by the Local Authority. This is free (although any services provided may be charged according to means) and offers a good opportunity to talk over the aspects of life that are becoming more difficult with someone who knows what facilities and services are available.
Information about needs assessment in Essex, Southend and Thurrock can be found here:
Essex:
http://www.essexcc.gov.uk/vip8/ecc/ECCWebsite/content/binaries/documents/leaflets/
Fair_Access_to_Care_Services_Eligibility_Criteria_April_04.pdf
Southend:
http://www.southend.gov.uk/resources/assesscareplanreviewjun08.pdf
Thurrock
http://www.thurrock.gov.uk/socialcare/adults/content.php?page=assessment_care_management
To request a needs assessment:
If you live in Essex, you can contact the Council through the call Centre (Contact Essex) on:
0845 7430 430 (e mail: contactessex@essexcc.gov.uk)
or go directly to the special call centre for social care (Social Care Direct) on
0845 603 7630 (e mail SocialCareDirect@essexcc.gov.uk)
If you live in Southend, you can contact the Council on:
Social care general enquiries: 01702 215000
If you live in Thurrock, you can contact the Council on:
01375 652865/8 (e-mail older.peoples.services@thurrock.gov.uk.)
If you would prefer to make private arrangements for help assessing need and reviewing options, many individuals and companies provide independent social work and occupational therapy services. (Occupational therapists can advise on aids, home adaptations, alarm systems and other equipment and techniques to make life easier and more secure) There is more information here:
http://www.essexcc.gov.uk/vip8/ecc/ECCWebsite/content/binaries/documents/leaflets/OT_a__.pdf
An internet search for “independent social workers” will produce many results.
We cannot recommend individual providers, but if you wish to check the credentials of any individual, you may wish to use this database, provided by the British Association of Social Workers:
http://www.basw.co.uk/Default.aspx?tabid=122
Association of Independent Care Advisers
http://www.aica.org.uk/
Independent Occupational Therapists
http://www.otip.co.uk/
What are the Options?
It is impossible to describe here the full range of services that may be available to help with the individual difficulties that may come with growing older.
This publication, an essential guide to care in Essex, Southend and Thurrock, gives an excellent overview of the possibilities:
http://www.carechoices.co.uk/e_books/essex.html
Different housing options are described here:
http://www.helptheaged.org.uk/en-gb/AdviceSupport/HousingChoices/CommunityCare/as_commcare_020707_
And information about adapting your home here:
http://www.essexcc.gov.uk/vip8/ecc/ECCWebsite/content/binaries/documents/leaflets/Adapting_your_home_booklet.pdf
The Local Authorities also run “tele-care” schemes to help improve your security at home. More information about the Essex scheme can be found here:
http://www.essexcc.gov.uk/vip8/ecc/ECCWebsite/content/binaries/documents/leaflets/DS07_1050_Telecare_Leaflet_.pdf
And for Southend, here:
http://www.southend.gov.uk/content.asp?content=10156
For more information about the services the Local Authorities can provide:
Essex
http://www.essexcc.gov.uk/vip8/ecc/ECCWebsite/dis/gui.jsp?channelOid=119370&guideOid=119394
Southend
http://www.southend.gov.uk/content.asp?content=4872
Thurrock
http://www.thurrock.gov.uk/socialcare/adults/content.php?page=older_people
As well as Local Authority services, many voluntary organisations is Essex offer services to older people. Some of the main ones are listed here:
http://www.ageconcernessex.co.uk/
http://www.stayingput.org.uk
HELPLINE: 0845 017 7720
| © 2008 The Relatives & Residents Association (Essex)