June 18, 2009
Care News
After the recent Government re-shuffle the following names hold the posts:
- Care Services Minister is still Phil Hope
- Health Secretary is Andy Burnham
Scientists in Cambridge have devised a new memory test for Alzheimer's currently called the TYM (Test your Memory). In trials, results looked good though the test has as yet to be experienced on a national basis. The only place I can find a copy of the test and the scoring system is on an American website at http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com
Have a try, I passed!
The latest report with reference to care rationing came this week from the merged charity of Age Concern and Help the Aged. They released figures showing that almost 2/3 of top rated councils in England bar people with moderate needs from accessing social care. The actual number of councils is 35 out of 56.
David Rogers, chair of the Local Government Association's Community Wellbeing Board said that it was a sad situation but in ¾ of cases the financial situation did not allow councils to offer much more than the minimum. This results in services being offered in these councils to people with critical or substantial needs only.
In-House News
Prospective clients have been visited in Birmingham and Northampton.MH training and refresher training have taken place in Norfolk.
Client reviews have taken place in Cheshire, Wiltshire, Hertfordshire and Norfolk.
Mandy Gulatar, Manager for the South West has attended a training course on Medication Policies.
David Gifford has attended a review meeting with Carmarthenshire Social Services
A team meeting has taken place in Berkshire.
New posts have commenced in:
- The Channel Islands for an elderly lady requiring support. Care Manager is Katie Clarke on 01603 281917. Sal. £550.00 plus travel.
- Liverpool for an elderly lady with vascular dementia. Care Manager is Alan on 01603 281916. Sal. £582.00pw inc.
- Kent for an elderly man with dementia. Care Manager is Sam on 01603 281918. Sal £576.00 inc.
Interesting Information / Statistics
The NHS via a doctor or district nurse can provide a range of aids and equipment. However, as some of these aids are available commercially many people are unaware that they can have them under a prescription. These include elastic stockings, continence pads, pressure relieving cushions, wheelchairs, walking aids, hearing and vision aids, communication aids to name but a few.Other equipment can be accessed from social services. These can include equipment to help in preparing food such as kettle tippers, tap turners, furniture raisers, bath seats, raised toilet seats and hoists.
Provision can also be accessed for adaptations in the home such as attaching hand rails, changing the position of light switches or sockets and the supply of door entry systems.
Question of the week
"I have been offered Direct Payments by my local Social Services so that I can purchase my own care. However, after looking into it and finding out what I will have to do, I have decided I do not really want to. Can I refuse to have Direct Payments and insist that my local council keep arranging my care for me?"
Answer : Yes, everyone should have the opportunity to refuse Direct Payments if they prefer to receive services arranged by the authority. If however you do give the DD system a try you can change your mind at any time and go back to having your care arranged for you.
We hope you have enjoyed reading this and "see you next week".
Best Wishes,
Angela Gifford, Proprietor
Able Community Care.
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Able Community Care
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Norwich, Norfolk NR14 8TZ, United Kingdom
Opening Hours:
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Tel: +44 (0)1603 764567 | Fax: +44 (0)1603 761655 | Email: ablemg@aol.com
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