NURSING & RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICES
Our specialist service is designed to offer TIMELY INFORMATION AND REAL SUPPORT AT A DIFFICULT TIME.
These days many more older people are able to remain living at home with the help of a range of support services. However, there are still many others who for a variety of health and social reasons will need to consider moving to a Care Home that can offer 24 hour care. (This can be either in a Nursing Home or in a Residential Home depending on the type and extent of a person's care needs.)
The choices and decisions involved in planning long term care can be fraught with problems and pressures from all sides. Crucial decisions are frequently made at a time of crisis, often following illness or an accident.
- We aim to enable the person moving to a care home, and close relatives or carers, to gain a better understanding of the choices and options open to them, of their rights, as well as the obligations of the various statutory agencies (Health, Social Services, and the Pensions Service) involved in this process.
- Informed support helps people feel less stressed and more in control of their lives.
- We offer our services to those living in the community, in Hospital or already resident in a Care Home.
- We can also assist someone who wishes to move to or from one area of the country to another- likely to involve dealings with different Local Authorities and Health Authorities.
What you can expect from our service:
- A free, confidential and independent service available to anyone over the age of 55 years resident in the South Lakeland area.
- You will be treated with respect and what you tell us will be completely confidential.
- Our information will be accurate and up to date.
- We will explain the relevant rules, financial regulations as they apply, legal frameworks, rights, choices and options available to you.
- We will support you, and if you wish we can assist you to put your views or wishes to the 'authorities', by acting alongside you, writing or speaking on your behalf - acting as your independent Advocate.
We will not act without your permission.
- We can offer support and Advocacy with sorting out problems and complaints about a wide range of issues, including the quality of care services you are receiving. (See below under 'Complaints' for more details of this aspect of our work).
- We will meet you in your own home, our town centre Kendal office or at one of our rural outreach posts, in hospital or another suitable place of your choice where we can speak in private.
- In the case of aspects of your situation that are beyond our expertise or authority, we will signpost you in the right direction to obtain specialist help. (For example, although we can tell you about the relevant legal framework, explain your rights, and describe financial regulations and how they apply, we are not qualified lawyers or financial advisers)
Some common worries and questions ……
- Where do I start?
- What will it cost and who will pay?
- What help can I expect from the statutory authorities?
- Will my house have to be sold?
- What Welfare Benefits are available?
- Do I get a choice of which care home to go to?
- What is the difference between a Residential home and a Nursing home?
- Can I move to or from another part of the country without affecting my rights?
- How much home-based support is possible?
- Who makes the decisions if someone is ill or has memory problems and can't organise things themselves?
- Where can I get clear and accurate advice?
Help with complaints:
Our independent status means that we are in a good position to assist with complaints - ranging from small concerns to more serious issues.
Our aim is to help our clients to make a complaint in a constructive and effective way. We have considerable experience of working through the formal complaints procedures of Health, Social Services and different Care Homes, as well as liaising with the CSCI (Commission for Social Care Inspection), the responsible body for the inspection of National Care Standards in Care Homes and other care services.
How to contact the Nursing and Residential Care Advisor
Just ring our Helpline on 01539 728180 between 9.30am and 4.00 pm Monday to Friday, and you will be directed to our Adviser - Jenny, or to a Resource Adviser who will take basic details and refer a message for Jenny to get in touch with you.
IN ADDITION, There is normally an NRC Advice Surgery on Thursday afternoons at our Finkle Street main office in Kendal, between 1.00 and 3.30pm - it is best to ring and book a slot.
