A guide to older peoples’ services in Warrington April 2012

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Contents

Welcome to the guide to older peoples’ services in Warrington 2012.

This guide provides information about care and support services for people over 65 and their carers across Warrington. It provides general information and also details of people and organisations you can contact to get further help and information.

Adult social care is changing in Warrington. We are working together with local people to personalise care and support services, helping people to stay independent for longer and giving them more choice and control over the services that they use.

As our older population continues to grow, we want to ensure that the support is there to help people retain, improve or regain their independence and quality of life.

You can find more information about adult social care services in Warrington on our website www.mylifemyway.co.uk. If you would like to speak to someone you can also contact our Access Social Care team.

Telephone: 01925 444239 (Monday – Friday, 8.30 am – 5.00pm)

In an emergency outside of these hours telephone: 01925 444400

Introduction

Healthy ageing Page 4

Emotional wellbeing Page 8

Support to live at home Page 12

Housing Page 19

Carers Page 25

Keeping yourself safe from harm Page 27

Moving home Page 30

Benefits information Page 37

Having a voice Page 38

Residential and nursing homes Page 42

Additional useful contacts Page 46

Our thanks go to Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd who have produced this directory at no cost to Warrington Borough Council

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People are living longer and it is therefore important that we look after our health so that we can remain active and healthy and take part in our community for as long as possible. This section highlights what you can do to keep safe and well.

Falls preventionAs you get older, physical changes and health conditions and sometimes the medications used to treat those conditions make falls more likely. In fact, falls are a leading cause of injury amongst older adults. Still the fear of falling doesn’t need to stop you from living your life. Instead, consider these top tips to reduce the risk of having a fall.

Keep active - You are more likely to fall if you have weak muscles and poor balance. Taking regular exercise like walking, housework and gardening can improve both.

See clearly - Eye tests are free if you are over 60. Get your eyes checked regularly.

Switch lights on at home when it gets dark. Also ensure you have bright lighting on the stairs and other dark areas in your home.

Manage your medicines - Some medicines can make you dizzy and increase your risk of a fall. If this is the case, or you take more than four different medicines, ask your GP or pharmacist to review them. Don’t take more of your medication than you are prescribed.

Look after yourself - Take your time getting out of bed or up from a chair because if you stand too quickly your blood pressure may drop suddenly making you light headed.

Make your home safer - Remove clutter on stairs or places where you walk and make sure there are no trailing wires. Mop up spills at once. Have hand rails by the toilet and bath and on the stairs. Store things you use a lot in places you can get to easily. Make sure there are no frayed edges on carpets.

If you do fall:

• Try to get up: problems people have following a fall are often from lying on the floor for too long and getting cold. If you can, try and get yourself up off the floor, use a piece of sturdy furniture to try and pull yourself up if it helps.

• Get help: try not to panic; try to attract attention by banging on the floor or wall. Use your personal alarm or call 999 if you can reach a phone.

• Keep warm: if you’re unable to get up tense your arm and leg muscles and cover yourself with a coat or whatever you can find.

If you have fallen and are fearful of falling speak to your GP

Healthy ageing

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Healthy ageingSurvival on the floor pack - always be prepared!

Get together your ‘survival kit’, keep it accessible and make sure it includes:

• Blanket

• Bottled water or carton drink

• Night light or torch and batteries

• Pendent alarm or whistle

• Plan how you will summon help

Falls emergency grab bag

If you are aged 65+ and have a history of falling or have a high risk of falling, be prepared by obtaining a free emergency grab bag. The bag helps you to be prepared in an emergency situation.

Telephone the NHS resource department on 01925 843730 for your free emergency grab bag.

Stay on your feet (for patients aged 65+)

The stay on your feet programme aims to improve physical activity, muscle strength, balance, flexibility, posture and prevent falls. It is for people who are able to stand unassisted and walk unaided.

The programme offers a variety of classes at various venues including an 8 week exercise programme which is free of charge. For more information telephone 01925 843715.

Stay safe in the summer! REMEMBER… heatstroke CAN killThe weather is becoming more extreme, winters are colder and summers can be very hot.

As you get older you still need to take care when the weather is hot, especially your skin - it is important to apply a high factor sun screen.

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Older people are still at risk from skin cancer and skin changes are sometimes overlooked by individuals and GP’s. It is important to look out for changes such as moles bleeding or changing colour or shape and report them to your GP as soon as possible.

When the weather is hot, stay in the shade, wear a hat and loose fitting clothing. Keep strenuous activities like housework, DIY or gardening to cooler parts of the day. And remember to drink plenty of fluids like water and fruit juice even if you don’t feel thirsty.

Drinking water regularly is good for you and it can make a valuable contribution to healthy ageing. Water is well known for its revitalizing properties. Even though water is essential to health, it gets frequently overlooked as one of the six basic nutrients, along with carbohydrate, fats, vitamins, proteins and minerals.

Dehydration can lead to confusion, urinary tract infection, low blood pressure, constipation and heart disease.

Tips for keeping hydrated

✓ Try to drink fluids regularly each day

✓ Start the day by drinking a glass of water when you get up in the morning

✓ Keep a check on your urine. As a general guide to hydration, it should be plentiful, pale in colour and odourless.

Alcohol and older peopleWhat’s different about alcohol for older people?

As we get older, our bodies change. On the outside you notice lines, wrinkles, extra weight. Your skin is perhaps not quite as strong or flexible as it used to be. On the inside you lose muscle, gain fat and break down alcohol more slowly.

This means that you become more sensitive to the effects of alcohol. You also react more slowly and tend to lose your sense of balance. So, even if you drink the same amount of alcohol, as you get older it is likely to affect you more than younger people.

The more you drink, the more likely it is that alcohol will harm your health; BUT there are sensible levels of drinking which, for most people, are unlikely to be harmful. For adults over 18 years old, the NHS recommends that:

• Men should not regularly drink more than 3-4 units of alcohol a day

• Women should not regularly drink more than 2-3 units of alcohol a day

However, the changes in our bodies as we get older mean that safe drinking levels for older people are probably less than this.

Healthy ageing continued

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Healthy ageing continued

Alcohol can also add to the effect of some medications, e.g. painkillers or sleeping tablets, and reduce the effect of others, e.g. medication to thin the blood (warfarin) – this can increase the risk of bleeding or developing a clot or blockage in your bloodstream.

Check with your doctor about whether you can drink with your particular health problems or medication.

About a third of older people with drinking problems develop them for the first time in later life. Bereavement, physical ill-health, difficulty getting around and social isolation can lead to boredom and depression. It can be tempting to use alcohol to make these difficulties more bearable. It may then become part of your daily routine and difficult to give up.

What can I do?

If you think that you have an alcohol problem, talk to your GP. If necessary they can arrange for you to see a counsellor, or refer you to an NHS alcohol team in your local area.

You can also contact:

ADS - This local service offers free, confidential advice, support, information and treatment for adults whose alcohol use is affecting their life. Telephone: 01925 428465

Drinkline - This national alcohol helpline offers confidential help and advice for alcohol related issues; including self-help material and advice on where to go for more help. Telephone (freephone): 0800 9178282 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Footsteps – This local organisation offers a confidential listening and support service for parents and family members who are concerned about alcohol or drug use in their family. Telephone: 01925 244524

For more general information about alcohol please visit www.nhs.uk/livewell/alcohol. For information about local services please visit www.warrington.gov.uk/alcohol.

Healthy relationshipsAs people get older they may experience an added strain on their relationship brought on by unavoidable life changes such as retirement, financial constraints, family conflict, ill health and loss of independence.

As people are living longer, sadly partners may die, marriages break down and divorce rates are increasing. Many older people form new relationships, so keeping and maintaining a ‘healthy’ relationship is important for your wellbeing. Relationship counselling is available so it is important to speak to your GP. For more information please visit www.ageuk.org.uk/health-wellbeing/relationship-and-family

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Emotional wellbeingFeeling happy and content with life is important to our wellbeing and good emotional wellbeing enables us to enjoy life. Talking about depression and dementia is sometimes scary but if we are aware of the signs and symptoms, we can get help and support early, and ensure our emotional wellbeing remains healthy for as long as possible.

DepressionDepression is not a natural part of ageing. However there are reasons why older people may become depressed; loss of family and friends, feeling lonely, feeling unwell, loss of mobility, retirement, confusion and memory problems as well as having to cope with managing money and living in a house that may become difficult to look after.

People do not always realise that they are depressed especially if they have felt ‘low’ for some time. There are some signs to look out for and if you recognise any of them it is important to visit your GP as they will be able to help you.

Know the signs

• A persistent feeling of sadness

• Tiredness and loss of energy

• Loss of appetite

• Feeling of restlessness

• Poor sleep patterns—not sleeping/sleeping too much

• Loss of self confidence and self-esteem

• Avoiding people or not taking part in day to day social activities

• Poor concentration

• Not being able to enjoy things you used to enjoy and look forward to

What will help depression?

Most people suffering from depression can be treated at home; having to go into hospital is the exception rather that the rule. Treatments can help.

• Medication such as anti- depressant drugs

• Talking therapies such as counselling, support groups/discussion groups

• Social intervention such as visiting social groups, support in addressing housing/benefits or worries that may be affecting you

Remember, you don’t have to be ashamed of feeling depressed, it is an illness and CAN be treated.

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Emotional wellbeingServices that may help:

Creative remedies – provides a programme of free arts activities to improve health and wellbeing of people experiencing mental health problems.

Telephone: 01925 416872, website: www.creativeremedies.org

Positive thoughts classes - can help you deal with negative thoughts. Telephone: 01925 416872

Five Ways to WellbeingTo encourage people to improve their own wellbeing the Five Ways to Wellbeing have been developed. These are simple everyday things you can do that will help you feel better about yourself.

Connect - Make time for the people around you, such as family, friends and neighbours. Building connections with other people will mean you can share the good things in life and you’ll get more support in times of need.

Be active - Go for a walk or do some gardening, or maybe even have a dance! Being active can make you feel good. It doesn’t matter if you only do a bit, just choose something you enjoy!

Take notice - Become more aware of the world around you; for example, notice the changing seasons and the differences they bring. Also think about what’s important to you and why; and look at how you could make more room for it in your life.

Keep learning - Learning new things can make you feel more confident as well as being fun. Try something new, such as learning how to cook your favourite food, or take on another goal you’ll enjoy achieving.

Give - Seeing yourself as part of the wider community can be very rewarding. Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Other ways of giving are to volunteer your time, or to help out at the local community group.

If you are concerned about your own, or someone else’s mental health then speak to your GP or contact the GP out of hours service in an emergency, telephone: 01925 650999.

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DementiaDementia is a term used to describe the deterioration of the brain function that results in loss of memory, reduced language skills, impaired reasoning and loss of daily living skills.

Dementia is progressive, which means the symptoms will gradually get worse. How fast it progresses depends on the individual. Each person is unique and will experience dementia in their own way.

There are over 100 different types of dementia; the most common types are Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. People who have dementia can often have good quality of life for a number of years. However, the symptoms generally get progressively more severe with time.

Know the signs

An early dementia diagnosis is crucial to enable people to get the right support and treatment needed which can improve a person’s quality of life and help to maintain independence for longer.

Fortunately, the signs and symptoms of dementia can be spotted early and these include:

• Struggling to remember recent events, although a person can easily recall things that happened in the past

• Finding it hard to follow conversations or programmes on TV

• Forgetting the names of friends or everyday objects

• Difficulty recalling things that have been heard, seen or read, repeating things or losing the thread of what you are saying

• Problems with thinking and reasoning

• Feeling anxious, depressed or angry about memory loss

If you recognise any of the signs above contact your GP, they are there to help.

Many older people go undiagnosed and miss out on valuable support and treatment which could help. Early diagnosis enables people to:

• Access advice, information, support and treatment (emotional, practical and financial) from social services, voluntary agencies and support groups

• Plan and make arrangements for the future

• Improve access to correct medication

Emotional wellbeing continued

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Emotional wellbeing continued

Coping with dementia

There is no one right way to do things, what is right for you may not be right for someone else.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Having an insight to what dementia is may help you to cope better

• Don’t give up on life

• Keep a sense of humour, it’s no laughing matter having dementia, but you could soon be laughing again

• Be positive; you may not do things exactly how you used to but you CAN still do them

• Look after yourself; what you eat is really important

• If people talk to you and you can’t remember their name, keep the conversation going to give your brain time to think, they may even give you a clue that helps!

• Enjoy the present until you are ready to think about the future

Warrington Alzheimer’s Society dementia advisor/support service can provide information and emotional support at the point of diagnosis and beyond. Telephone: 0151 420 8010, website: www.alzheimers.org.uk

Making decisions – who decides when you can’t?

The Mental Capacity Act provides a statutory framework to empower and protect vulnerable people who are not able to make their own decisions.

People may have difficulties making decisions some or all of the time. This could be because they have mental health problems, dementia, a brain injury or learning difficulty.

The Act makes it clear who can make decisions, in which situations and how they should go about this. It also enables people to plan ahead for a time when they may lose the capacity to make decisions in the future. You may wish to make an advance decision to refuse treatment or create a lasting power of attorney.

More information is available on the council’s website at www.warrington.gov.uk/MCA. You can also visit the website for the Office of the Public Guardian at www.publicguardian.gov.uk or telephone them on 0300 456 0300.

Fearful about the future and not sure where to turn?Research shows that people who have a long term health condition, or a diagnosis of a terminal illness, or are living in chronic pain are at a greater risk of suicide, also people who live alone and people who are recently bereaved.

If you are worried but you don’t know where to turn the Samaritans could help. They offer emotional support 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those that could lead to suicide. Telephone: 08457 90 90 90, website: www.samaritans.org.uk

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Support to live at homeThere are many different services available that may help you to stay independent, or become more independent, and enable you to live at home. Some of these services can be purchased direct, such as meals and equipment to help you live safely at home. Alternatively you can contact adult social care so we can assess your needs and identify what services may help you.

Equipment and adaptations to help youIf you are finding it difficult to wash and dress, cook and prepare meals or are struggling to have a shower or bath, there is a variety of equipment available that can help make looking after yourself easier and safer.

Examples of equipment you may find useful are:

• A perching stool enables you to sit up to the sink to have a wash, brush your teeth, have a shave or comb your hair.

• If you have difficulty keeping your balance while carrying items from room to room a trolley can be used to transport a variety of items around your home.

• Simple readily available items such as a travel kettle, electric tin opener or jar / bottle opener to very specialist or ‘made to measure’ equipment such as a wheeled commode / shower chair or a hoist

Equipment to help with managing day to day tasks is now much more widely available both on the high street (e.g. Argos, B&Q or local chemist shops) and in specialist shops (e.g. Miller Care).

The Centre for Independent Living (CIL) showroom and the Mobility and Independent Living Store in the Golden Square are both operated by Warrington Disability Partnership and display equipment that you can try before buying. They also operate the local Shopmobility service which is available at Legh Street car park and Warrington market. You can also visit the Disability Information Point at Warrington market for advice and information.

Warrington Disability Partnership, The Centre for Independent Living, Beaufort Street, Warrington, WA5 1BA

Telephone: 01925 240064

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www.theoldrectorynursinghome.com

A small family owned nursing home with a twenty year tradition of providing care, comfort and compassion within a safe homely environment, while maintaining dignity and quality of life...

Set in two acres of land adjacent to Bridgewater Canal in picturesque Grappenhall Village.Experienced qualified staff provide twenty four hour care.Respite and recuperation accommodation and care available.

Please get in touch with any questions or queries you may have about The Old Rectory Nursing Home.We will be more than happy to help...

A past rectory to St Wilfrid’s Church, restored to provide accommodation for nursing care.

01925 604611

Brampton Lodge is a state of the art facility designed from the ground up to provide quality care for all service users.

We provide long term care in three units:

• for thirty people with dementia who have residential or nursing needs

• for fifteen people with general nursing needs• for fourteen people who are having their needs assessed

through intermediate care.

• Specialist dementia care • Highly trained staff• End of life care • Single rooms, all en-suite

For further information please contact Belinda on 01925 606 780 or email belinda@careconcepts.co.uk.

Day Care Centre Brampton Lodge 01925 606 780

We can now provide a flexible package of care which can include half or full days in our day care centre. Transport and meals are provided and access can be made to the chiropodist and hairdresser who visit. General health checks and activities are also provided.

• Half days• Full days• Meals

• Transport• Outings• Hairdressing

• Chiropody• Bathing service

Brampton LodgeBridge Lane, Appleton, Warrington,

WA4 3AH Tel: 01925 606 780

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Warrington Home Information and Improvement Agency (WHiA) can arrange for grab rails and extra stair rails to be fitted for a small charge. Telephone: 01925 246812

If you are experiencing problems in several areas of daily living, or you feel you need more personal or professional advice, you can contact the Access Social Care team and request an assessment from an occupational therapist or specially trained community care worker. If you meet the council’s eligibility criteria they may recommend equipment or minor property adaptations that will help you manage day to day activities more easily.

Where appropriate they can arrange for equipment to be delivered and fitted in your home on a long-term loan basis or may arrange an adaptation to your property. If equipment or small adaptations do not solve your problems, larger property adaptations may be possible, such as having a stair lift installed. Telephone: 01925 444239

Major adaptationsMajor adaptations could include a stair lift, downstairs living accommodation or alterations to a bathroom or kitchen. Most social landlords will provide minor adaptations for their tenants but may offer rehousing before undertaking any major works. If you own your own home you may be eligible for a grant. For more information see page 24.

Useful technologyCarecall

The council’s social alarm service, Carecall, can help older and vulnerable people to remain living independently and safely in their own homes. It ensures that people are able to get assistance as quickly as possible in case of an emergency at home.

The Carecall service is linked to your home through your existing telephone line via a Carecall unit and a lightweight portable trigger worn as a pendant or on your wrist. Pressing the button can raise an alarm anywhere in your house or garden - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If needed the Carecall control centre will arrange for someone to come to your home or can contact your family, doctor or emergency services.

There is an installation fee and then a quarterly monitoring charge for Carecall, which is less than the cost of a daily newspaper.

Telecare

Telecare is a range of equipment and services that support your safety and independence in your own home. The equipment can sense risks such as smoke, floods and gas leaks, can remind you to take pills and even call for help if you fall. The Carecall control centre can be contacted automatically if any of these problems occur in your home or alarms can go off in the home to notify carers of a problem. You can

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view a range of Telecare equipment at Warrington Disability Partnership Centre for Independent Living (see page 12).

For more information about either Carecall or Telecare contact the Access Social Care team. Telephone: 01925 444239, website: www.mylifemyway.co.uk

Food shopping and ready prepared mealsIf you find it difficult to get out to the shops or supermarket then there are a range of options available to you to get food delivered to your home.

Most supermarkets now offer a home delivery service for all food items and orders can be placed on their websites or over the phone.

There are also several organisations that can deliver fresh or frozen ready prepared meals directly to your home. Most of these organisations cater for a range of dietary and cultural requirements including Halal, vegetarian, diabetic and soft diet. For more information about these organisations contact the Access Social Care team, telephone: 01925 444239, email: asc@warrington.gov.uk

Support to live at home/ domiciliary careSometimes support to live at home is called domiciliary care or home care. Some people need assistance with aspects of their personal care or daily living skills to enable them to live at

home, whether through sight or hearing loss, physical or learning disabilities, frailty or illness. This may be for a short time, following a period of illness or discharge from hospital, or they may continue to need help long term. The aim of this kind of help is to work with individuals and their families to remain as independent as possible within their own homes.

Many people arrange their own home care and a comprehensive list of local agencies can be provided by adult social care, telephone: 01925 444239 or visit our website: www.mylifemyway.co.uk. If you choose to make your own arrangements through a private home care agency please remembers to take care to choose one that is registered and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Telephone: 03000 616161, website: www.cqc.org.uk

Alternatively you can contact adult social care so we can assess your needs and help you identify what services may help. The cost of receiving domiciliary care following an assessment of need is subject to the council’s charging policy.

Neighbourhood and community activitiesNeighbourhood working is a key part of promoting wellbeing and maintaining independence for as long as possible. Each neighbourhood area has its own neighbourhood coordinator, community development officers and neighbourhood

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Support to live at home continued

wardens who support local voluntary groups and societies to provide a wide range of local activities, such as luncheon clubs and walking groups. Neighbourhood wardens can provide free safe and secure home checks and advise on personal safety equipment as well. Community development officers can support you if you are interested in volunteering or if you want to join a group or take part in an event.

Getting out and about

Many of these free activities are provided in local venues and can be a great way of meeting new friends and overcoming isolation, for example Fearnhead Community Centre have a bits and bobs craft club.

Being able to leave your home regularly for a few hours, and enjoy the company of others is really important to prevent social isolation. Council operated day centres, community and structured day care only represents part of what is available more widely in the community.

There are many examples of local social clubs and activities in your local area; within Warrington there are four neighbourhood coordinators who can inform you about local activities which may help you meet new friends.

Neighbourhood coordinator contact details:

East area - Diane White, dwhite@warrington.gov.uk, tel: 07821 232 561

South area - Ruth Whitworth, rwhitworth@warrington.gov.uk, tel: 07821 232 563

Central area - Chris Skinkis, cskinkis@warrington.gov.uk, tel: 07821 232 560

West - Grahame Harwood, gharwood@warrington.gov.uk, tel: 07821 232 562

The wellbeing mentors can also help you if you want to get out and about more and make a lifestyle change. They offer one to one support for six weeks to help you take up a new activity. Telephone: 01925 815468.

Public transport and specialist transport for disabled peopleConcessionary passes

If you live in England and are an older person, or an eligible disabled person, you are entitled to a concessionary bus pass allowing free off-peak local bus travel (9.30am until 11.00pm Monday — Friday and all day at weekends and bank holidays) anywhere in England.

In addition to the national scheme, local concessionary pass holders are entitled to the following special rates on journeys starting or ending in East and West Cheshire, Halton and Warrington:

• Monday – Friday before 9.30am: half fare

• Monday – Friday between 9.30am – midnight: free

• Saturday, Sunday and bank holiday: free

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Specialist transport for disabled people

Dial-a-ride is a local charity providing accessible door-to-door transport for disabled and older people. The service runs a number of minibuses with ramp access and grab handles. Guide or assistance dogs are also welcome. There is a small annual charge and you need to book your journey in advance. Dial-a-ride also offers the same fare concessions as public transport in the Warrington, Halton and Cheshire areas. For more details, telephone: 01925 419988.

Accessible taxis

A number of taxi services within the Warrington area offer vehicles that are accessible to disabled people. Information on local accessible taxis is available from Contact Warrington, the council’s one stop shop, telephone: 01925 443322 or online at the Warrington Access Guide www.warringtonaccessguide.org.uk

Sight and hearing loss (sensory loss)As part of the ageing process many people experience sight or hearing loss. If you are experiencing hearing difficulties you should initially go to your GP who can refer you to an audiologist if required. If you are experiencing difficulties with your vision you should make an appointment at a local optician, some opticians will offer home visiting services. Many also offer audiology testing as well.

If you are still struggling with your sight or hearing loss then there are a number of specialist services available in Warrington.

Warrington Borough Council’s sensory and telecare team provide services for people with sight and/or hearing loss to enable them to live as independently as possible. Following an assessment the team may identify and supply equipment and aids tailored to individual needs. For more information telephone: 01925 444239, email: asc@warrington.gov.uk

Other organisations that might be able to help:

Warrington Visual Impairment Centre aims to help people come to terms with sight loss. A home visiting service offers ongoing support with the aim of promoting independent living. They offer recreation and social activities, continued support and advice, and a small resource centre with equipment to aid independence.

Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Fairfield and Howley Neighbourhood Centre, Fairfield Street, Warrington, WA1 3AJ. Telephone: 01925 632700

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Support to live at home continued

Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP) can provide information and equipment for people with a sight and/or hearing loss. General information and advice is available about benefits, employment, direct payments, personalisation, education and training.

The Centre for Independent Living, Beaufort Street, Warrington, WA5 1BA

Telephone: 01925 240064, website: www.disabilitypartnership.org.uk

Hospital dischargeFollowing on from a stay in hospital some people may need short term support, this can be provided in a number of ways.

Intermediate care

Intermediate care is provided jointly by health and adult social services. It provides a range of re-ablement services and therapies to people over the age of eighteen that aim to:

• help people to remain as independent as possible in the community by providing short-term rehabilitation programmes in order to help people to reach their individual potential and to remain living in their own homes

• prevent inappropriate hospital admission and facilitate hospital discharge

• help people to remain as independent as possible and thereby reduce the need for long term care and support

• reduce the need for residential and nursing placements

For more information telephone: 01925 867905.

British Red Cross home from hospital service

The home from hospital service provides short-term care and support in the home for people after an accident or illness, giving them confidence to continue their daily lives.

They offer help with shopping and collecting prescriptions, support for carers and family members, safe and well checks, and help with light household chores. The service is available free of charge to all adults for a six week period.

Telephone: 01925 662668, website: www.redcross.org.uk

Hospital discharge team

If you are in hospital, or care for someone in hospital, and you think support will be needed on discharge you can ask the ward to refer you to the hospital discharge team. The team may be able to provide a social care assessment of needs to identify what services might be able to help when you get home.

On discharge from hospital, equipment and wheelchairs can be loaned from Warrington Disability Partnership Centre for Independent Living (see page 12).

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HousingAs we get older, our housing needs change. We may need support to be able to continue to live in our own homes, or we may want to move into housing, more suited to our needs.

The UK faces the challenge of providing support for older people both today and in the future; making sure that the right type of housing and support is available for future generations of older people to enable them to be independent, safe and comfortable at home.

Housingplus

Housingplus is Warrington’s one stop shop for all your housing needs. They can provide general housing advice and information on all aspects of housing including re-housing, downsizing, repairs, handyperson services, disabled facilities grants and energy saving advice for the home. They offer a drop-in service: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Address: The Gateway, 85-101 Sankey Street, Warrington WA1 1SR

Telephone: 01925 246868, email: housingadvice@warrington.gov.uk

Staying in your own homePreparing for the future

Age proofing your home is the best solution to making your environment safe and practical. Making simple changes gradually, when you can still afford it may ensure that costly repairs and alterations are completed before becoming urgent or hazardous.

Plan ahead:

• choose items that are efficient, reliable, easy to use/clean/carry and maintain

• high level sockets and low level light switches are more convenient

• keep decorating simple by choosing wallpaper that can be re-emulsioned

• install good lighting, wall lights and lamps make changing light bulbs easier

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Keeping warm at home

Warm Front install insulation and heating measures for people on certain disability or income-related benefits. To be eligible you must own your own home or rent it from a private landlord. For advice on accessing the Warm Front scheme visit the Eco Hut at Warrington Retail Market or telephone: 01925 657763 or 0800 316 2805.

The Eco Hut can provide free and impartial advice about energy efficiency in the home, available grants and best buys for energy savings and insulation. They can also advise on a range of home insulation offers that end in December 2012.

Keeping safe at home

Fire - Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service provide free home fire safety assessments on request and can also provide free smoke alarms for your home. Special smoke alarms are also available for people with a hearing loss and smoke alarms can be linked to the council’s Carecall social alarm service. Telephone: 01925 411310. You should also take some time to plan an escape route from your home, in the event of a fire this can save valuable time and save lives.

Carbon monoxide - is a highly poisonous gas that has no colour, taste or smell, making it impossible to detect without an alarm. Installing a carbon monoxide detector, and ensuring boilers, ovens and other appliances are properly fitted and maintained will help to keep you and your home safe.

Home security – increased home security measures include installing a visible intruder alarm or outside security lighting, keeping valuables out of sight, fitting window locks and ensuring that sheds and garages are kept securely locked. Advice and support regarding home security is available from neighbourhood wardens, Cheshire police and local police community support officers.

Bogus callers/distraction burglars – may trick their way into a home whilst the householder’s attention is elsewhere. Bogus callers come in all shapes and sizes: men, women and children. They often seem very plausible and genuine, sometimes posing as policemen, council officials or charity workers. Most utility companies have a password scheme, where you will be assigned a password that genuine officials will be able to quote when they call.

Keep your doors locked at all times, even when at home. Always stop and look to see who is calling before opening the door; fitting a door chain is strongly recommended and you may want to consider fitting a spy hole. Ensure you ask for and double check the caller’s ID. Remember – LOCK, STOP, CHAIN and CHECK.

The Carecall social alarm service (see page 14) offer a ‘bogus caller button’ which can be fitted near to the door. It can be used to summon help or provide verbal support in the event of an unexpected or unwelcome caller. Calls are automatically recorded and if necessary, can be used in evidence.

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Nuisance phone calls – the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is a free, central opt-out register where people can register their wish not to receive sales or marketing calls. It is a legal requirement that organisations (including charities, voluntary organisations and political parties) do not make calls to the numbers registered with TPS. To register telephone: 0845 070 0707.

iCAN - is the messaging system set up by trading standards for anybody living and working in Warrington who would like to be made aware of the latest consumer protection issues, such as rogue traders, doorstep/ car crime and scams. The system shares information quickly and accurately by telephone, text or email. Anyone can become a member of iCan, members will receive a newsletter and more general consumer advice material by post. For information telephone: 01925 443319.

Keeping safe in your garden

Simple measures such as improved lighting and maintenance of outdoor walking surfaces, e.g. uneven flags and potholes, can help reduce the risk of outside falls. Slippery paths covered in algae or moss are hazardous, as are overgrowing shrubs and trees and footpaths covered in wet fallen leaves, ice or snow. WHiA handyperson team may be able to assist with a one-off garden tidy, which is free to older people on certain benefits. A garden maintenance service is also available at

a charge. The neighbourhood wardens in your area may also provide help in certain circumstances.

Useful technology - Carecall and Telecare The council’s social alarm service, Carecall, can help older and vulnerable people to remain living independently and safely in their own homes. It ensures that people are able to get assistance as quickly as possible in case of an emergency at home. This can also be linked to telecare, equipment that can sense risks such as smoke, floods and gas leaks, can remind you to take pills and even call for help if you fall. For more information see page 14.

Repairs and home improvements if you are a tenantIf you are a tenant of a registered social landlord (sometimes known as RSL or housing associations), most repairs and improvements to your home will be their responsibility and issues should be reported directly to them. If you are a tenant in privately rented accommodation you should also report repairs directly to your landlord. Some RSLs offer specific services to help their older tenants; a handyperson scheme or gardening service, heating or home security advice. Contact your housing provider if you are struggling with the upkeep of your home.

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Repairs and home improvements if you are a homeownerWarrington Home Information and Improvement Agency (WHiA)

WHiA support older and disabled people to keep their homes in good repair, helping with improvements to make sure they remain healthy, warm, safe and secure. WHiA have developed a range of services, some of which are free and some which may carry a small fee. These include:

• Handyperson service to do small jobs around the home and garden

• Small adaptations such as grab rails or fitting a key safe

• Free and impartial advice about home improvements and repairs

• Trusted and vetted contractors to carry out the work

• Garden maintenance service

• Emergency repairs, from a dripping tap to a new roof

• Technical and financial advice

• Funding options

• Support through grant application processes

• Housing options advice, when moving home is your preferred option

• 60+ scheme offers financial assistance up to the value of £60 for essential repairs

WHiA can help with decorating, plumbing and heating, bathroom adaptations and building works, roofing, electrics, paths, fencing and much more.

Telephone: 01925 246812, email: whia@wha.org.uk, website: www.whia.org.uk or visit The Gateway, 85-101 Sankey Street, Warrington WA1 1SR

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If you are a home owner and your home is in need of major structural repairs you may be able to apply for financial assistance from Warrington Borough Council. This financial help is discretionary and dependent on funding being available. This is not a grant and the money would have to be paid back if you sold your home. For more information contact private sector housing, telephone: 01925 248483.

Equipment and minor/major adaptationsEquipment or adaptations can make a real difference to your ability to live independently if you are having difficulty managing at home. For more information see page 12.

Disabled facilities grant (DFG) The disabled facilities grant is a mandatory but means tested grant, administered by the council’s private sector housing team. The grant is intended to help older and disabled people to live as comfortably and independently as possible in their own homes through adaptations to their home. The council will need to make an assessment of your needs and of your finances to see if you are eligible for help.

WHiA can help you to apply for a DFG, they can also make arrangements for work to be carried out by approved contractors if you are not eligible for a DFG or for those who wish to undertake adaptations privately.

Other sources of financeVarious organisations and employers have benevolent funds available to ex-employees or those who worked in specific trades. If you were in the armed forces grants for repairs and adaptations may also be available from SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association), telephone: 01942 679822 or 0161 7284809, or the Royal British Legion, telephone: 020 32072153.

Equity release may help older home owners to generate income or a lump sum which could be used to fund improvements to make homes more suitable or comfortable. It is highly recommended that you seek legal and financial advice before pursuing this option, possibly via SOLLA (Society of Later Life Advisers), a not for profit organisation who will direct people to accredited members who are regulated by the financial services authority. Telephone: 0845 3032909, email: admin@societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk.

If you are on a low income you may be entitled to claim either housing or council tax benefit, the benefit service will be able to help and advise about this. See page 37 for more information.

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A carer is someone who, without payment, provides support to a partner, relative or friend who could not manage without his or her help. This could be due to older age, illness, disability or mental health or substance misuse problems. Many of us will be carers at some stage in our lives and it is a role that can be both rewarding and frustrating. Being a carer can affect your physical and mental health and can impact on your own opportunities to work, learn and take part in social activities. There are a range of services, activities and support available for carers in Warrington, including:

The carers emergency card

This free service lets you record what action would need to be taken for the person you care for should an emergency occur and you were unable to provide support. In case of emergency, a telephone call can be made to the Carecall social alarm service to activate your agreed emergency plan (such as contacting a relative for help).

Advice and support on health and well-being

Caring can often have a negative impact on a carers physical and emotional health and wellbeing. If you think any aspect of your caring responsibilities is having an impact on your health you should contact your GP. However, other support available includes:

• Advice, equipment and support from the council’s occupational therapists around ‘safer handling’ if your caring role involves manual tasks

• Wired Adult and Young Carers Service Warrington holds regular events that focus on improving carers emotional wellbeing, including activities like aromatherapy and massage

• Briefings and courses have been provided which cover aspects of caring which carers identify as important such as keeping well, managing medication and financial advice

Carers

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Carers support groups

Caring for someone can be difficult and sometimes very isolating. There are various carers support groups in the Warrington area that can help. These include:

• Wired Adult and Young Carers Service Warrington, tel: 01925 644212 or 0800 7316941

• The Alzheimer’s Society dementia cafés, tel: 0151 420 8010

• Allen Street support group, for carers who support people experiencing mental distress, tel: 01925 573489

• LGBT carers’ forum/group Manchester, tel: 0845 3 303030

• Carers friendship group for carers of people with dementia. tel: 01925 710318 / 820004 / 265686

Useful technology – Carecall and Telecare

This is a range of equipment and services that support the person you care for to live safely and independently in their own home and can provide carers with peace of mind. For more information see page 14.

The carers leisure pass

The carers leisure pass provides free access to Leisure Warrington’s six leisure centres, giving carers the opportunity to have some valuable ‘me time’. This could include going to the gym, swimming and fitness classes.

Carers assessments

If you are a carer you may be eligible for a carers’ assessment from adult social care services. To be eligible you must be providing regular and substantial unpaid support to someone who cannot manage without your help, and who is eligible for support from social services. A request can be made for a carers assessment even if the cared for person is not receiving social care services.

For more information about services and support for carers please contact the Access Social Care team. Telephone: 01925 444239, website: www.mylifemyway.co.uk

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We all take risks everyday and we can usually manage them very well. Unfortunately some adults are more at risk of neglect or abuse than others. When managing your own care needs or letting new people into your life, it is important to consider possible risks, no matter how small, and to have a plan on how to manage those risks.

There are different ways people can be abused or harmed, such as financially, physically, sexually, psychologically, people can also be neglected. Abuse can happen anywhere, even in a person’s own home, nursing home or a hospital. There are four main ways you can reduce the risk of being abused or harmed. These are, knowing your rights, thinking ahead and protecting yourself, being aware of local services, support and information and speaking up if you have concerns.

You have a right:

• to be safe from abuse

• be treated fairly and with respect

• to say what care you do or do not want

• to be given information about your care

• to be involved in making decisions about your care and your life

Some examples of how you can stay safe and protect yourself are:

• Never give your bank details or pin number to anyone

• Never sign anything you are not sure about or you don’t understand what it is about

• Keep any money or valuables you have at home locked away

• Do not isolate yourself, join local groups or activities or seek out support groups

• Make sure there is someone you trust who knows your wishes and who you can talk to if you need to

• Check the ID badge of people who come to your home. If you are worried do not let people inside your home

• If you are suffering from abuse keep notes about what is happening

• Make sure you do not rely on one person only to support or care for you. Gather a few people around you to help watch over your safety

Keeping yourself safe from harm

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• If you receive care in your own home or you live in a care home and you are worried about any aspect of your care or treatment, please do not stay silent. Make a complaint or speak to someone you trust. If no one visits you, you could talk to a professional or voluntary visitor, for example the chiropodist or hairdresser

• If you feel uncomfortable with the way someone gives you personal care or the way someone touches you tell someone you trust (this can be your doctor, friend or social worker)

• If you are employing a personal assistant make sure you obtain a Criminal Records Bureau check to find out if the person has a criminal record. The council will organise this for you

Remember, abuse is not your fault. If you are being neglected or abused (or you suspect someone you know may be), please report it to the safeguarding services.

The safeguarding services are here to support and protect you, whether social services organise your care or you purchase the care yourself. You will be listened to and taken seriously. Your views and wishes will be respected so that wherever possible you are supported to live life your way, with dignity and free from abuse.

Safeguarding services:

Access Social Care teamTelephone: 01925 444239Out of hours: 01925 444400To use the safeguarding process and obtain support

PoliceTelephone: 101Out of hours: 01925 652222In cases of immediate harm or danger call the police straight away on 999

National Domestic Violence HelplineTelephone: 0808 2000 247This freephone number offers advice and support 24 hours a daywww.refuge.org.uk

iCANTelephone: 01925 443319/442647Become a member of Warrington Consumer Alert Network. It can keep you updated on rogue traders and other local consumer safety issues

Care Quality Commission (CQC)Telephone: 03000 616161

For further information and guidance please visit the council website at www.warrington.gov.uk/safeguarding

Keeping yourself safe from harm continued

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Tel: 01925 752583 Fax: 01925 753169

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FREE NHS GLASSES are also available to those on eligible benefits.

Call IN-HOUSE MOBILE OPTICIANS on:01925 210 006 or 07969 585 007

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Moving home in later life can be quite daunting but may prove a better option if you are struggling with managing your home and garden or are paying expensive bills. Various options may be worth consideration, such as a smaller property, single storey or with essential facilities on one level, fewer steps, on a bus route and so on. If you are a RSL (housing association) tenant you could ask to move to a smaller or previously adapted property which may better suit your long term housing needs.

Sheltered/retirement housing

Sheltered/retirement housing is either purpose built flats or a group of bungalows or flats. Homes are usually only offered to people over the age of 55. In most schemes, a manager can be contacted via an alarm system from the person’s home, to provide help if there is an emergency. If the manager is not on site this often links to a social alarm system, such as Carecall. Some scheme managers may offer additional support including making regular checks on your well-being, liaising with your local doctor and your relatives and managing the day-to-day running of the accommodation. Normally, scheme managers do not provide care services for residents or carry out tasks like shopping or cleaning.

Housing with care (extra care)

Housing with care is similar to sheltered/retirement housing but often offers a greater level of personal care, with up to 24 hour support if required. Housing with care can be an alternative to residential or nursing care and is also known as extra care sheltered housing or very sheltered housing. Ryfields village, for example, provides extra care alongside community facilities and social activities. Residents have the comfort of knowing support is available should their needs change over time.

Supported housing (residential or nursing care)

Occasionally complex needs cannot be fully met in standard accommodation. A range of accommodation is available that is specially designed for people with particular care and support needs, whilst ensuring that they can continue to live in their local community. This may include people with complex physical, sensory or mental health needs.

Different types of registration

Residential care is where a number of people live together looked after by trained staff. Care homes provide 24 hour support to people who can no longer be supported in their own home or in any other setting. They are independently run by a variety of private or not for profit organisations. Care homes can provide different levels of care, this is also known as the residential homes registration, for example:

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Moving homeResidential homes

Residential homes provide personal care to people in a homely environment. Many of the homes are purpose built to meet the needs of the people they provide care for. All homes have single bedroom accommodation, facilities for making drinks and snacks, and family and friends are welcome to visit. Some also have double rooms for couples. Standard residential care provides accommodation, meals and assistance with personal care whenever the need arises over a 24 hour period. If the person has any nursing needs, assistance may be provided by the district nursing service visiting whenever they are needed. ‘High dependency’ residential care indicates additional moving and handling needs such as requiring a hoist to transfer.

Elderly Mentally Infirm (EMI) residential homes

EMI residential homes provide the same service as residential homes but specialise in the needs of people with mental ill health, such as dementia.

Nursing homes

Nursing homes have qualified nurses to provide care to people with specific nursing care needs, injury or infirmity. It is the availability of full time nursing care which makes them different from residential homes.

Elderly Mentally Infirm (EMI) nursing homes

EMI nursing home provide the same service as nursing homes but specialise in the needs of people who have more complex mental health problems, such as a progressed dementia.

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Old Vicarage

The Willows

The Old Vicarage nursing home situated near the village of Burtonwood, Warrington is registered with the Care Quality Commission for the provision of residential and nursing care for the elderly.

The home is decorated to a high standard and has a large lounge and dining room on the ground floor, together with a small lounge/library area. On the first floor there is an additional lounge for relatives and visitors. All rooms have been tastefully decorated and are accessible by a shaftlift.

The home benefits from a large landscaped garden with patio areas with level access for wheelchairs.

The home is able to accommodate both permanent and short breaks and welcomes family and friends to visit.

“The Willows” is set within the grounds of The Old Vicarage and is an independent unit which provides care for elderly people with dementia.

This unit was commissioned in August 2011 and offers 25 ensuite rooms decorated and furnished to a high standard.

The Willows also has a dedicated Activities room and hairdressing salon.

The Willows benefits from a small enclosed patio garden with raised flowers beds designed to facilitate ease of access and orientation for those experiencing the effects of the confusion caused by dementia.

Our Philosophy

At “The Willows” we are endeavouring to ensure that the quality of life for older people with dementia is captured and maintained in a safe and homely setting.

For more information please call 01925 229944Or email theoldvicarage@camelothealthcare.co.uk

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Paying for residential and nursing care if you own a property or landWill I need to pay for my care in a residential or nursing home?

You will usually have to pay something towards your care in a residential or nursing home, for the majority of people this may mean that most of your income will be used to pay the fees. You will not need to pay for the nursing element of any care you receive as this will be paid for by the NHS.

What are the fees for and why do they seem so expensive?

A home’s fees cover all accommodation costs and utility costs, food, social activities and care costs. There are also national quality standards which can mean homeowners having to spend money to make sure that they meet the standards.

What help can I get if I make my own arrangements for residential or nursing care?

If you decide to make your own arrangements, you will have to pay all of the home’s fees. If you think that you only have enough money to pay for a residential home for up to three years (at the time of writing this means at least £50,000) it would be advisable to contact adult social care. If you choose a more expensive home than adult social care would normally pay for and your money runs out, you may have to move to a different home if your family cannot pay the additional cost in the future.

Getting advice that’s right for you

If you have a savings or a property, it may be that you will need to fund your own care. If so you should seek independent financial advice and always check if the adviser is a member of the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA). They are specialists in the financial needs of older people and have taken steps to become independently accredited which can offer added reassurance. SOLLA members will help you with the practical help and guidance needed to make the right financial choices at the right time about some of the most important financial decisions you may ever make. Telephone: 0843 303 909, website: www.societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk

What help can I get from adult social services to pay for my care home fees?

Adult social services must have carried out an assessment and arranged for you to be cared for in a care home. The amount of help we can give you depends on your capital (things that you own such as savings, premium bonds and your house) and your income (money you get regularly such as your pension).

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Rules about capital or savings

If you have more than £23,250 capital, the law says that you can afford to pay all the residential or nursing home fees yourself. If you have under £14,250 capital, then the council will pay all your fees on your behalf. If you have between £14,250 and £23,250 capital, then you would be expected to pay some but not all of the fees.

Rules about income

If you are receiving assistance from the council to pay your care home fees, you will still get a weekly allowance of £22.30, which comes from your welfare benefits. It is money you can spend, as you want - for example on toiletries, newspapers and stamps. It is likely that you will need to use most of the rest of your income to pay the home’s fees. If you have made additional provision for your retirement by a private pension or savings we will disregard a small proportion of it so that you will receive a higher personal allowance while in residential care than someone who has made no extra provision for their retirement.

Further information about moving into residential or nursing care

If you are considering moving into nursing or residential accommodation, it can seem like there is a great deal to think about and it may be quite daunting. Some of the questions you may have thought about could include:

• What happens if I own my own home?

• How will moving affect my welfare benefits?

• What services do my fees pay for?

• What happens if I choose a more expensive home than the council would normally pay for?

• How will I pay the fees?

• What if a person I am helping to go into residential care is unable to manage their own finances?

You can find more information on the council’s adult social care website: www.mylifemyway.co.uk or contact the Access Social Care team to speak to someone. Telephone: 01925 444239.

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Questions to ask when visiting a prospective home(A suggested list of questions to ask and things to look for when choosing a care home)

Section 1: Transport, fees and conditions

1.1 Will your family and friends find the home easy to get to? Yes/No

1.2 How much are the fees? £

1.3 Can you have a short stay in the home to see if you like it? Yes/No

1.4 Will you be given a written statement for what the home will do for you if you live there? Yes/No

Section 2: Accommodation

2.1 Are there communal sitting rooms both with and without TV? Yes/No

2.2 Do you like the furniture and decoration of the home? Yes/No

2.3 Is there a separate dining room? Yes/No

2.4 Are doors and corridors wide enough for wheelchairs, right through the home and to the outside? Yes/No

2.5 Are handrails provided in hallways, corridors and stairs? Yes/No

2.6 Is a lift or stair lift provided to the upper floors? Could you use it? Yes/No

2.7 Are the bathrooms near to the rooms? Yes/No

2.8 Are the bathrooms adapted to help people get in and out of the bath? Yes/No

2.9 Will you have to share a bathroom? Yes/No

2.10 Are there both showers and baths available for you to choose from? Yes/No

2.11 Is the call-bell system easy for you to use whenever you might need it? Yes/No

2.12 Do all residents have a bedside light that is easy to use? Yes/No

2.13 Can you adjust the heating in the bedroom easily? Yes/No

2.14 Can you open the window if you want to? Yes/No

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Section 3: Catering

3.1 What are the mealtimes? o Breakfast o Lunch/Dinner o Dinner/Tea

3.2 What happens if you want a meal or a snack at another time?

3.3 How wide is the choice of menu at each meal? o Set meal o Choice of two meals o Choice of three meals o More than three choices

3.4 Do you like the meals that are on offer? Yes/No

Section 4: Visitors

4.1 Are your visitors provided with a drink? Yes/No

4.2 Are your visitors welcome to join you for a meal? Yes/No

Section 5: Daily living

5.1 Can you choose when you get up and when you go to bed each day? Yes/No

5.2 What is the variety of activities and outings offered each week? Yes/No

5.3 Is the home equipped for people who cannot see or hear very well, for example with loop systems and good lighting? Yes/No

5.4 Do the resident appear active, sociable and happy? Yes/No

5.5 Will the home charge extra for accompanied visits to the GP or hospital? Yes/No

5.6 Are the laundry and room cleaning arrangements to your liking? Yes/No

5.7 Are there smoking and no-smoking areas? Yes/No

Section 6: Staff

6.1 Are the staff clean, tidy, cheerful and helpful? Yes/No

6.2 Do people such as chiropodists, hairdressers, opticians and dentists visit the home regularly? Yes/No

6.3 Is there a residents committee which meets regularly? Yes/No

6.4 Is there a residents notice board with up to date and interesting information on it? Yes/No

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Benefits informationAttendance allowance

This is a tax free benefit for people aged 65 or over who need help with their own personal care because they have a physical disability or mental health difficulty. It is not means tested and is paid at either a lower or a higher rate.

To qualify for the higher rate you will need to explain that you have night time care and/or supervision needs. For further information call the benefit enquiry line on freephone 0800 882200, textphone 0800 243355 or visit their website to apply online www.direct.gov.uk

Pension credit

If you are over 60 years of age and in receipt of state pension, you may be entitled to receive pension credit on top of your retirement pension and other income. Pension credit has two parts – guarantee credit which tops up pensioners’ income to a guaranteed level and savings credit to reward people who have saved or set up pensions for retirement.

For further information call the pension credit application line on freephone 0800 99 1234 or visit their website at www.thepensionservice.gov.uk

Warrington Borough Council benefit service

If you are on a low income you may be entitled to claim either housing or council tax benefit, the benefit service will be able to help and advise about this. The amount of benefit you get will depend on your income and who lives with you. You cannot get these benefits if you have

savings of more than £16,000 (unless you are receiving guarantee credit). However, we ignore any savings below £6,000. We also ignore any war pensions or war widows pensions.

Housing benefit

Housing benefit helps people who live in rented accommodation pay their rent.

You can make a claim for housing benefit if:

• you pay rent to a housing association - this includes Golden Gates Housing Trust

• you pay rent to a private landlord

• you pay rent for a mobile home/caravan/houseboat and or mooring/site fees

• you pay part rent and part mortgage – shared ownership. We can help with the rent.

Council tax benefit

Council tax benefit helps people on low incomes to pay their council tax bill.

There are several ways to make a claim for these benefits:

• The easiest way to claim these benefits is to fill our form in online. You can find the form at the residents page of our website www.warrington.gov.uk

• You can also collect a form by calling in at Contact Warrington, 26-30 Horsemarket Street or telephone us on (01925) 443210

• Alternatively, if you are aged over 60 you can also apply via the pension service, please telephone 0845 6060265

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Older people’s engagement group

The older people’s engagement group (OPEG) is the umbrella group in Warrington for older people’s resident and community groups, social groups and individuals, acting as a voice for older people in neighbourhoods and across the town.

OPEG works in partnership with the statutory services and other organisations to empower older people to get involved and influence the planning and delivery of services in Warrington.

OPEG meet in The Gateway, 85 – 101 Sankey Street, Warrington, WA1 1SR.

If you would like more information telephone: 01925 246966 or email: opegwarrington@googlemail.com

Warrington LINk/Healthwatch

Local Involvement Network (LINk) / Healthwatch gives you the opportunity to influence your local health and care services. Anyone can get involved, and it has been set up to make sure that people in the area get the health and social services they need.

Warrington LINk wants to hear about your experiences of health and social services and your ideas for improvements or changes. The LINk has the power to implement changes in your local services through how they are planned, designed and delivered.

Tell them your views by emailing

warringtonlink@theBHA.org.uk or write to them at:

Freepost RRXX-YBKS-TTYA, Warrington LINK BHA, The Gateway, 89 Sankey St, Warrington, WA1 1SR

The LINk also offer a care navigation service, they can give you information and advice about your choices within health and social care. Contact them if you need any information or go to one of their drop in sessions - every Thursday 4pm-6pm in the Gateway, Sankey Street. Telephone: 01925 246893

Make your experience countWarrington Borough Council is committed to providing high standards of service and we need feedback about our services. You can help us to do this by telling us when we do things well or badly and by suggesting ways to improve services.

The best way for us to make improvements is to listen to what you have to say and learn from it. Your comments, good and bad, will be welcomed.

Making a complaint if you receive a service arranged by the council

You should start by explaining your concerns to the member of staff with whom you are in direct contact. If that is not possible, or if you are still not happy, you should ask to speak to that person’s manager or the quality monitoring officer.

Having a voice

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Having a voiceMost problems can be sorted out in a straight forward way, through discussion.

If you are still not satisfied you may ask for the matter to be investigated as a formal complaint. For this you should contact either the manager of the service or the adult social care quality monitoring officer on telephone: 01925 444400

What can I do if I have arranged my own care?

You can contact the Local Government Ombudsman. They will consider all complaints regardless of how the care has been funded. Their job is to investigate complaints in a fair and independent way. In most cases they will only consider a complaint once the care provider has been given a reasonable opportunity to deal with the situation. It is a free service.

Telephone: 0300 061 0614 or 0845 602 1983

Email: advice@lgo.org.uk

Fax: 024 7682 0001

Text ‘call back’ to 0762 480 4299

Contacting the Care Quality Commission

Complaints about services that are registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) can be discussed by calling their customer services unit. Services that are registered with the CQC are care homes and agencies that provide care in your own home. For information about registered providers in Warrington contact the CQC customer services unit, telephone: 03000 616161.

If you have any comments about this guide that would help shape and improve future editions please let us know. Email: ServiceSupportAdmin@warrington.gov.uk Telephone: 01925 444167

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Remember you can still contact us by telephone Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm, on 01925 444239. In an emergency outside these hours telephone 01925 444400.

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Residential and nursing homesName Address Telephone/Fax Contact Name RegistrationApplecourt Care Home (Leyton Healthcare)

76 Church Street Warrington WA1 2TH

Tel: 01925 240245 Fax: 01925 240123

Ian Parker-Moore

Care Home with Nursing

Arlington House

88 Ackers Road Stockton Heath Warrington WA4 2EA

Tel: 01925 267576 Fax: 01925 267576

Rose Jewell Care Home Only

Birch Court Nursing and Residential Home (BUPA ANS Care Home)

Egerton Street Howley Warrington WA1 2DF

Tel: 01925 573772 Fax: 01925 240158

Tracey Scott Care Home with Nursing

Brampton Lodge (Care Concepts Limited)

Bridge Lane Appleton Warrington WA4 3AH

Tel: 01925 606780 Fax: 01925 212887

Belinda Marsh Care Home with Nursing

Brookfield Retirement Home

Brookfield Road Lymm Warrington WA13 0PZ

Tel: 01925 755363 Fax: 01925 753764

Sarah Nolan Care Home Only

Callands Care Home (Court Cavendish)

Callands Road Callands Warrington WA5 9TS

Tel: 01925 244233 Fax: 01925 413433

Hermina Makau

Care Home with Nursing

Cotebrook House

Oughtrington Lane Lymm Cheshire WA13 0QY

Tel: 01925 752583 Fax: 01925 753169

Mrs Timms Care Home Only

Gainsborough House (London & Manchester Healthcare Ltd)

8 Gainsborough Road Warrington WA4 6BZ

Tel: 01925 241479

Mary McNeece Nursing Home/EMI Nursing

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Residential and nursing homesName Address Telephone/Fax Contact Name RegistrationGreen Park Care Home (Leyton Healthcare)

Southwold Crescent (Off Stocks Lane) Great Sankey Warrington WA5 3JS

Tel: 01925 791121 Fax: 01925 791140

Dianne Bailey Care Home with Nursing

Heathercroft Care Home (Ashberry Healthcare)

Longbarn Lane Woolston Warrington WA1 4QB

Tel: 01925 813330 Fax: 01925 818278

Jennie Blackledge

Care Home with Nursing

Heathfield Residential Home for Elderly Ladies

22 Alexandra Road Stockton Heath Warrington WA4 2EL

Tel: 01925 602195 Fax: 01925 211648

Louise Rowley Care Home Only

Heathside Elderly Persons Home (Warrington Community Living)

Honiton Way Penketh Warrington WA5 2EY

Tel: 01925 722109 Fax: 01925 721664

June Gilbody Care Home Only

Heathside Mews (Warrington Community Living)

Honiton Way Penketh Warrington WA5 2EY

Tel: 01925 790596 Fax: 01925 791093

June Gilbody Care Home Only

High Peak Care Home (European Care)

Main Lane Kenyon Warrington WA3 4AZ

Tel: 01925 764081 Fax: 01925 768888

Sharon Brennan

Care Home with Nursing

Holcroft Grange Residential Home (CLS Care Services)

Jackson Avenue Culcheth Warrington WA3 4DZ

Tel: 01925 766488 Fax: 01925 766582

Pauline Shaw Care Home Only

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Name Address Telephone/Fax Contact Name RegistrationKeate House Brookfield

Road Lymm Cheshire WA13 0GL

Tel: 01925 752091 Fax: 01925 754022

Wendy Johnson

Care Home Only

Lodge Lane Nursing Home (Warrington Community Care)

10A Lodge Lane Bewsey Warrington WA5 0AG

Tel: 01925 418501 Fax: 01925 638768

Jacqueline Harvey

Care Home with Nursing

Meadow View Care Home (Ashberry Healthcare)

Finlay Avenue off Ditchfield Road Penketh Warrington WA5 2PN

Tel: 01925 791180 Fax: 01925 728730

Carol Everton Care Home with Nursing

Rosevilla Residential Home

Penkford Lane Collins Green Burtonwood Warrington WA5 4EE

Tel: 01925 228637 Fax: 01925 594122

Peter Neserajah

Care Home Only

St Mary’s Continuing Care Home (Marantomark Ltd)

Penny Lane Collins Green Burtonwood Warrington WA5 4DS

Tel: 01925 294850 Fax: 01925 294855

Marie Mungins Care Home with Nursing

St Oswald’s Care Home (Four Seasons Healthcare)

12 Golborne Road Winwick Warrington WA2 8SZ

Tel: 01925 656337 Fax: 01925 573113

Yvonne Burutsa

Care Home with Nursing

Summerville Nursing Home (BUPA ANS Homes Ltd)

Hill Top Road Grappenhall Warrington WA4 2EF

Tel: 01925 265865 Fax: 01925 212620

Jan O’Hanlon Care Home with Nursing

Thelwall Grange

Weaste Lane Thelwall Warrington WA4 3JJ

Tel: 01925 756373 Fax: 01925 756668

Steven Pownall Care Home with Nursing

Residential and nursing homes continued

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Name Address Telephone/Fax Contact Name RegistrationThe Old Rectory Private Nursing Home

Church Lane Grappenhall Warrington WA4 3EP

Tel: 01925 604611 Fax: 01925 269000

Miss Valerie Eyes

Care Home with Nursing

The Old Vicarage Private & Residential Nursing Home (Camelot Healthcare)

Fir Tree Lane Burtonwood Warrington WA5 4NN

Tel: 01925 229944 Fax: 01925 290092

Sue Bellamy Care Home with Nursing

Three Bridges Care Home (Bond Healthcare)

Nook Lane Latchford Warrington WA4 1NT

Tel: 01925 418059 Fax: 01925 414818

Tammie Flanagan

Care Home with Nursing

Three Elms Residential Home (Minster Care)

Station Road Penketh Warrington WA5 2UG

Tel: 01925 723274 Fax: 01925 791985

Linda Briscoe Care Home Only

Waverley House (PAR Residential Homes Ltd)

27 Victoria Road Grappenhall Warrington WA4 2EN

Tel: 01925 602453 Fax: 01925 210736

Pamela A Roberts

Care Home Only

Westleigh (Warrington Community Care)

109 Walton Road Stockton Heath Warrington WA4 6NR

Tel: 01925 860584 Fax: 01925 213861

Alison Edwards Care Home Only

Westvale House (Barchester Homes)

Old Hall Road Old Hall Warrington WA5 9PA

Tel: 01925 571266 Fax: 01925 413438

Sylvia Sloan Care Home with Nursing

Westy Hall (CLS Care Services)

Marsden Avenue Latchford Warrington WA4 1UB

Tel: 01925 637948 Fax: 01925 651420

Katya Lyons Care Home Only

Residential and nursing homes continued

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At LM Healthcare we aim to set the standard in Elderly and Dementia Nursing Care. We understand that every resident is unique. Our specialist blend of healthcare development and operational skills helps us to meet their specific needs and expectations.At Gainsborough House we have created a warm and welcoming environment in a modern, high standard facility. Situated within its own grounds in the picturesque village of Stockton Heath, the brand new

Gainsborough House boasts numerous activity rooms, a hairdressing and beauty salon, several life-skill areas and a library. All bedrooms are fully furnished with en-suite facilities and flat screen TVs.Gainsborough House is the first of many developments for LM Healthcare – built with you in mind.

LM Healthcare are proud to announce the opening of Gainsborough House.

Every possible care has been taken to ensure that the information given in this publication is accurate. Whilst the publisher would be grateful to learn of any errors, they cannot accept

any liability over and above the cost of the advertisement for loss there by caused. No reproduction by any method whatsoever of any part of this publication is permitted without

written consent of the copyright owners.

Octagon Design & Marketing Ltd. ©2012 Britannic Chambers, 8a Carlton Road, Worksop, Notts. S80 1PH Tel: 01909 478822

Warrington Borough Council has not vetted the advertisers in this publication and accepts no liability for work done or goods supplied by any advertiser. Nor does Warrington Borough Council endorse any of the products

or services.

Age UK - 716-718 Knutsford Road, Latchford, Warrington, WA4 1JW Tel: 01925 268 773, web: www.ageuk.org.uk

Warrington Citizens Advice Bureau - The Gateway, 85 - 101 Sankey Street, Warrington, WA1 1SR Tel: 01925 246994

Birchwood Citizens Advice Bureau - 46 Benson Road, Birchwood, Warrington, WA3 7PQ Tel: 01925 824952

Lymm Citizens Advice Bureau - Lymm Library, Davies Way, Lymm, WA13 0QY Tel: 01925 753247

Jobcentre Plus – Nolan House, 10 Mersey Street, Warrington, WA1 2BL Tel: 0845 604 3719, web: www.direct.gov.uk

Stay on your feet classes – tel: 01925 843715

Warrington stop smoking services – tel: 01925 843713

Reach for health exercise scheme – tel: 01925 843714

Weight management service – tel: 01925 662255

Cook healthy, eat well course – tel: 01925 662255

Additional useful contacts

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Designed and published by: Octagon Design and Marketing Ltd, Britannic Chambers, 8a Carlton Road, Worksop, Notts S80 1PH. Tel: 01909 478822.