Bolton

Health & Social CareSignposting Directory

2014/2015

Issue 1

ContentsContentS

Disclaimer

This Directory has been compiled to signpost people to primary health and social care providers throughout Bolton.

Whilst we have taken every care in compiling this publication, the publishers and promoters cannot accept responsibilityfor any inaccuracies.

All listings are supplied via the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and NHS Choices. Neither Healthwatch Bolton nor Health& Care Publications Limited can be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

All signposting services are up to date as of October 2014.A note on advertising: We offer businesses the chance to reach potential customers via this publication. It is our intention to clearly indicate that anadvertisement is being displayed and no endorsement or approval by the promoters of any product, service or supplier should be implied.

Healthwatch Bolton 1-2Get Involved 3Text your Views on Health & Social Care 4Your Clinical Commissioning Group 5 – 6Free NHS Health Check 7 – 8NHS - Know Your Rights! 9 – 10Healthy Living 11 Helping Bolton People to Stay Well for Longer 12Choosing A GP & GP Surgeries 13 – 14Pharmacies 15 – 16Dentists 17 – 18Opticians & Hearing Centres 19 – 20Complementary & Alternative Medicine 21 – 22Personal Health Budgets 23Advice on Funding for Healthcare 24Advice on Funding for Social Care 25 – 26Helping Bolton People with Social Care 27 – 28Are you a Carer? 29 – 30Independent Living at Home 31 – 32Recognising Mental Health 33 – 34Care in your own Home 35 – 36Choosing between Residential, Nursing & Independent Living 37 – 38Choosing the Right Care Home 39Residential Care Costs 40Residential & Nursing Care 41 – 42Help & Advice 43 - 44

Another quality publication by Healthcare PublicationsIf you require extra copies of this directory or are interested in advertising in future editions

please email Healthcare Publications on admin@healthcarepublications.org or visit www.hcpublications.org

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HeALtHWAtCH BoLton

What is Healthwatch Bolton?Healthwatch is the new, independent consumerchampion for health and social care in Bolton. Ourjob is to argue for the consumer interest for allthose who use health and social care services inthe country. Replacing Bolton LINk’s role, we arebacked up by a national body, HealthwatchEngland.

Healthwatch Bolton is a registered charity no:1157070 that brings together public engagement,consultation and health and social care consumeradvice services together in a single organisation tocreate evidence and insight to help improve localhealth and social care services.

What powers does Healthwatch have?• Healthwatch Bolton has a seat on the local Health and Wellbeing Board – the body that oversees health and social care in the country – and therefore can influence how services are setup and commissioned.

• We have statutory powers to enter and view health and social care services using our trained volunteers who undertake the role of Authorised visitor.

What does Healthwatch Bolton do?• Gathers the views and experiences of people within Bolton, about their health and social carepriorities

• Will produce reports which influence the way services are designed and delivered throughout Bolton

• Provides information, advice and signposting about local services

• Passes information, issues and concerns to health and social care regulatory bodies and escalate recommendations to Healthwatch England.

The Healthwatch network is a new kindof consumer champion in health and

social care. We will make sure the voiceof the consumer is heard and acted upon.With our independent statutory powers,the network as a whole has a fantasticopportunity to make a difference.

Healthwatch England looks forward tomaking sure the public’s voice is heardloud and clear by those who plan, runand regulate health and social care

services.

Anna Bradley, Chair of Healthwatch England

Information and Signposting ServiceHealthwatch Bolton also provide an informationand signposting service. This means that peoplecan contact us for clear, straightforward and up to date information about health and social careservices for example, how to register with a GP.We can also give advice on how to make acomplaint, however we do not investigate or dealdirectly with complaints. If you need help andsupport in making a formal complaint about an NHS service you can contact the IndependentComplaints Advocacy Service on 0808 801 0390 orvisit www.carersfederation.co.uk/ica

Outreach surgeries in the CommunityHealthwatch Bolton holds outreach surgeries in the community giving people greater access to the information and signposting service at a timewhich fits in better with their commitments.

Outreach surgeries give you the chance to talk tothe Information and Signposting Officer face-to-face if you are worried about how services areaffecting you or if you are wondering what isprovided by local health, social care or voluntaryservices to support your needs. To find out wherethe Outreach Surgery is being held please contactHealthwatch Bolton on 01204 394603. Please notethe Information and Signposting service will notprovide clinical or medical advice.

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HeALtHWAtCH BoLton

Healthwatch BoltonCall us on 01204 394603Or visit our website:

www.healthwatchbolton.co.ukOr email at:

info@healthwatchbolton.co.ukFollow us on : @HWBolton

Or like us on at: Healthwatch BoltonText your issues to us:

Text HWB (then your issue) to 88020

Have Your SayAllowing the public to ‘have your say’ and ‘makingyour voice count’ are the fundamental roles ofHealthwatch Bolton. Services should be and will bebased on children, young people and adults needsand experiences and accountable to local people.Every voice counts when it comes to shaping thefuture of services and improving them for today.

We’re here, ready to get started, so come and talkto us. Your words will make a difference and bycontacting us with your experiences we will makeyour voice count.

Healthwatch Bolton wants you to have your say in a variety of ways whether its by posting acomment on our website:www.healthwatchbolton.co.uk

Following us on Twitter: @HWBolton

Liking us on Facebook at: Healthwatch Bolton

Texting us: HWB to 88020

By contacting our information and signpostingservice: 01204 394603

What matters is making your voice count andyour local health and social care services areguided and shaped by your feedback.

Health related care is provided by the NHS.Social care is the responsibility of the LocalAuthority and is provided by a range oforganisations. Healthwatch Bolton would like to know what health and social care issues areimportant to you, your family and friends.

Tell us what you would like HealthwatchBolton to do for you:1.Are you happy with the Health and Social Care you are receiving?

2.Do you have a relative or friend living in a care home? Are you/they happy with the care they receive? Please tell us of your positive or negative experiences.

3.Can you get an appointment with your GP (doctor) when you need to?

4.Have you had to stay in hospital recently, if so, what was it like?

5.Do you or a relative suffer from a long-term illness: are you/they happy with the help and support you/they receive?

6.Do you know what services are available and how to choose the right one, when you need urgent care?

Thank you for giving us your feedback. This willhelp Healthwatch Bolton to continue to prioritiseits work.

Bolton

tell us yourexperiences

We’relistening

together we can make a difference

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Get InVoLVeD

Healthwatch MembershipHealthwatch Bolton is registered as a CharitableIncorporated Organisation with a 'by association'structure. This means that we are a membershiporganisation and that the membership have thepower to vote in the election of Trustees. Tobecome a member all you need to do is fill in amembership form which can be downloaded fromour website www.healthwatchbolton.co.uk orcollected from the Healthwatch office.

Get InvolvedAnyone can get involved with Healthwatch Boltonand contribute to its activities because everyone’sviews matter. You can do as much or as little asyou like – from filling in a survey, attending theoccasional meeting, signing up as a Healthwatchmember, becoming an authorised representative.There are also opportunities to become Trustees ofHealthwatch Bolton or a member of the Board ofEngagement and External Relations (BEER).

TrusteesThe Trustees are the legally accountablegovernance body of Healthwatch Bolton, they areresponsible for the development, management,accountability and sustainability of theorganisation and for complying with legalresponsibilities of Healthwatch Bolton. Trusteemeetings concentrate on the business of runningHealthwatch Bolton and deal with strategicdirection, monitoring progress, developingHealthwatch Bolton as a sustainable organisationas well as looking at policy, finance, fundraisingand legal and compliance matters.

Board of Engagement & ExternalRelations (BEER)In addition to the Trustee Board HealthwatchBolton has established a Board of Engagement andExternal Relations, this group works alongside theTrustees to develop relationships with importantplayers in the health and social care economy.Group members attend a variety of local strategicand scrutiny committees, represent organisationswith whom we have working partnerships and actas liaison people for particular aspects ofHealthwatch Bolton’s work. Members of the BEERattend for example the Health and WellbeingBoard and the Health and Social Care Overviewand Scrutiny Committee, as well as many others.

MembershipBeing a signed-up member of Healthwatch Boltongives you the right to vote as part of HealthwatchBolton’s constitution. You will also receive aregular newsletter and information and be invitedto the Members forum which normally takes placeonce a month. The members forum is HealthwatchBolton’s flagship event and consists of a keynotespeaker followed by various workshops relating tothe work of Healthwatch Bolton or hot topics.

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text your VIeWS on HeALtH & SoCIAL CAre

Making a complaint about NHS or Social Care ServicesDo you need help to make a complaint about anNHS or social care service?

If so, we have produced ‘A Guide to Speaking Outand Getting Your Voice Heard’ which gives lots ofuseful advice regarding how to go about making aformal complaint, general advice and lots of otheruseful information.

If you would like a copy please contact us or you can download one from our website:www.healthwatchbolton.co.uk

Healthwatch Bolton has many ways inwhich you can give us your feedback on local Health and Social care providers in Bolton.You can text us your views on Health and Socialcare providers good or bad for instance:

TEXT US HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT ROYAL BOLTON HOSPITAL:• Waiting times• Staff attitudes• Cleanliness of facilities

Text BFT to 88020 and leave a comment

TEXT US HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT DENTISTS:Text to TEETH to 88020 and leave a comment

FOR ALL OTHER SERVICES INCLUDING: • Home care providers• Community services• Dentists• GP out of hours/111• GP Surgeries• Hospices• Mental Health• Opticians• Pharmacies• Residential homes• Walk-in centres

Text HWB to 88020

Calls charged at your standard network rate. The service is confidential and you do not need to share any personal informationabout yourself.

If you need assistance in making a complaintabout the NHS you can contact the IndependentComplaints Advocacy (ICA). When your healthcareis provided by the NHS you are allowed to make acomplaint using the NHS complaints process.

An NHS complaint might include something thathappened during care or treatment at:

• The hospital• Your General Practitioner (GP)• The dentist• The pharmacist• The optician• An NHS funded care home

Their details are as follows:

Greater Manchester ICA,Independent Complaints Advocacy5th Floor Arthur House, Chorlton Street,Manchester M1 3FHTel: 0808 801 0390Email: manchesterica@carersfederation.co.ukwww.carersfederation.co.uk

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nHS BoLton CLInICAL CoMMISSIonInG GrouP

Feeling poorly?For many people, the hospital’s accident andemergency department can seem like the bestplace to go for any illness or injury, but often youcan get more appropriate care from other services.How much do you know about the other options? Will you make the right choice if you, or a memberof your family, need urgent health care,treatment, or advice?

Self Care The first thing to consider is ‘self care’ – thissimply means taking care of yourself. Forexample, there isn’t anything GPs can do to treatcolds and other viruses - the best prescription is toget plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.

For a number of minor illnesses or injuries, homecan be the best place for you. So, make sure youalways have the basics at home, such asparacetamol, cough and cold remedies and a nitcomb.

As well as these, it is recommended that you havea well stocked medicine cabinet that includes thefollowing:

• Antiseptic• Plasters• Antihistamines• Anti-diarrhoea tablets• Indigestion remedies• A thermometer• Crepe bandages

Pharmacy Pharmacists are available without an appointmentand can advise on most minor illnesses. Visit forhelp with coughs, colds and sore throats,diarrhoea, the ‘morning after pill’, warts andverrucas, nits, and much more.

Most people know that a pharmacy deals withprescriptions, and offers a range of medicines andfirst aid equipment, but you might not realise thatall of Bolton’s pharmacies offer privateconsultation rooms, and you can be seen therewithout an appointment.

Pharmacists are able to offer expert advice withthe confidence of years of professional training;either offering help there and then, or telling youthe best place to go for further care. Many ofBolton’s pharmacies are open late and atweekends, and they are often the most suitable placefor help, advice and treatment of minor issues.

There are over 70 pharmacies in Bolton, soeveryone should have one within easy reach ofwhere they live.

Your Family Doctor GPs are highly trained and skilled medics who candeal with your complex, ongoing and urgentconditions.

They will offer same day access for ill children. GP surgeries are the only places that hold all yourhealth records, meaning their doctors can make aninformed decision straight away, based on yourindividual history.

People sometimes say that it is hard to get anappointment with a doctor at short notice, butBolton doctors always prioritise urgent conditions.Many GPs now offer telephone appointments,where appropriate.

Practice nurses can also help with many healthproblems, so you may be offered an appointmentwith them instead.

Out of HoursThe care and assistance available from a GPdoesn’t end at 6.30pm. Through the night and atweekends, an out of hours service providestelephone advice and face-to-face appointmentswith a doctor where needed.

If you need a GP when your practice is closed, callthe practice and the GP out of hours number willgiven out on the answer machine.

Accident and Emergency As the name suggests it’s for serious and lifethreatening conditions only, such as suspectedstrokes, heart attacks or serious injuries.Unnecessary visits to A&E cost the NHS around£500m each year, as well as making it harder fordoctors and nurses working there to see patientswith life threatening conditions.

A&E only holds your history of hospital visits, theydon’t have access to your family doctors’ records.

When you go to A&E, if the staff there feel there isa more appropriate place to get the best care, youwill be redirected to that service.

Unnecessary visits to A&E not only add to the strainon hard working A&E staff, but also reduce theresources available to treat those who needspecialist emergency care, which could mean theydon’t get essential treatment quickly enough.

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Free nHS HeALtH CHeCk

Everyone is at risk of developing heartdisease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease,and some forms of dementia. The goodnews is that these conditions can oftenbe prevented – even if you have a historyof them in your family. Have your freeNHS Health Check and you will be betterprepared for the future and be able totake steps to maintain or improveyour health.Why do I need an NHS Health Check?We know that your risk of developing heartdisease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease,and dementia increases with age. There are alsocertain things that will put you at even greaterrisk.

These are:

• Being overweight

• Being physically inactive

• Not eating healthily

• Smoking

• Drinking too much alcohol

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

Both men and women can develop theseconditions, and having one could increase your risk of developing another in the future.

• In the brain a blocked artery or a bleed can cause a stroke

• In the heart a blocked artery can cause a heart attack or angina

• The kidneys can be damaged by high blood pressure or diabetes, causing chronic kidney disease and increasing your risk of having a heartattack

• Being overweight and physically inactive can lead to type 2 diabetes

• If unrecognised or unmanaged, type 2 diabetes could increase your risk of further healthproblems, including heart disease, kidney disease and stroke

Who is it for?

The NHS Health Check scheme isavailable across Bolton.If a person is aged between 40 and 74 and hasn’talready been diagnosed with heart disease,diabetes, kidney disease, or had a stroke, theymay be invited by their GP for the NHS HealthCheck by letter, text or they may be offered theNHS Health Check when they are at their GP foranother reason.

Helping you prevent heart disease, stroke,diabetes, kidney disease and dementia

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Free nHS HeALtH CHeCk

Even if you’re feeling well, it’s worthhaving your NHS Health Check now.We can then work with you to lower yourchances of developing these healthproblems in the future.

What happens at the check?This check is to assess your risk of developing heartdisease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease,and stroke.

• The check will take about 20-30 minutes

• You’ll be asked some simple questions. For example, about your family history and choices which may put your health at risk

• We’ll record your height, weight, age, sex and ethnicity

• We’ll take your blood pressure

• We’ll do a simple blood test to check your cholesterol level

What happens after the check?We will discuss how you can reduce your risk andstay healthy.

• You’ll be taken through your results and told what they mean. Some people may be asked to return at a later date for their results

• You’ll be given personalised advice on how to lower your risk and maintain a healthy lifestyle

• Some people with raised blood pressure will have their kidneys checked through a blood test

• Some people may need to have another blood test to check for type 2 diabetes. Your healthprofessional will be able to tell you more

• Treatment or medication may be prescribed to help you maintain your health

Questions you may have

Why do I need this check? I feel fine!The NHS Health Check helps to identify potentialrisks early. By having this check and followingthe advice of your health professional, youimprove your chances of living a healthier life.

But don’t these conditions run in the family?If you have a history of heart disease, stroke, type2 diabetes, or kidney disease in your familythen you may be more at risk. Taking action nowcan help you to prevent the onset of theseconditions.

I know what I’m doing wrong. How can the doctor help me?If you would like help, we will work with you tofind ways to eat healthily, reach your healthyweight, be more active, cut down your drinking, orstop smoking.

If I am assessed as being at ‘low risk’,does this mean I won’t develop theseconditions?It is impossible to say that someone will or won’tgo on to develop one of these conditions.But takingaction now can help you lower your potential risk.\

Will everyone have this check?This check is part of a national scheme to helpprevent the onset of these health problems.Everyone between the ages of 40 and 74 who hasnot been diagnosed with the conditions mentionedwill be invited for a check once every fiveyears. If you are outside the age range andconcerned about your health, you should contactyour GP.

Helping you prevent heart disease, stroke,diabetes, kidney disease and dementia

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nHS - knoW your rIGHtS!

You have the right to expect your NHS to assessthe health requirements of your community and to commission and put in place the services tomeet those needs as considered necessary, and inthe case of public health services commissioned bylocal authorities, to take steps to improve thehealth of the local community.

You have the right, in certain circumstances, to goto other European Economic Area countries orSwitzerland for treatment which would beavailable to you through your NHS commissioner.

You have the right not to be unlawfullydiscriminated against in the provision of NHSservices including on grounds of gender, race,disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, belief,gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity ormarital or civil partnership status.

You have the right to access certain servicescommissioned by NHS bodies within maximumwaiting times, or for the NHS to take allreasonable steps to offer you a range of suitablealternative providers if this is not possible.

You have the right to be treated with aprofessional standard of care, by appropriatelyqualified and experienced staff, in a properlyapproved or registered organisation that meetsrequired levels of safety and quality.

You have the right to expect NHS bodies tomonitor, and make efforts to improve continuously,the quality of healthcare they commission orprovide. This includes improvements to the safety,effectiveness and experience of services.

You have the right to be treated with dignity andrespect, in accordance with your human rights.

You have the right to have any complaint youmake about NHS services acknowledged withinthree working days and to have it properlyinvestigated.

You have the right to discuss the manner in whichthe complaint is to be handled, and to know theperiod within which the investigation is likely to becompleted and the response sent.

You have the right to accept or refuse treatmentthat is offered to you, and not to be given anyphysical examination or treatment unless you havegiven valid consent. If you do not have thecapacity to do so, consent must be obtained from aperson legally able to act on your behalf, or thetreatment must be in your best interests.

Everyone has the right to information andeducation about how to take care of themselvesand what they are entitled to within the healthand social care system.

Healthwatch Bolton helps individuals to gain accessto, understand, and use information to promoteand maintain good health and make the best use oflocal services and care support.

We can:• Explain your rights and what standards to expectfrom services

• Help you find out about funding for health & social care

• Help you to access services and find your way through care ‘pathways’ – find the right service for you

• Put you in touch with Support Groups, Voluntary and Community Organisations

• We can register your concerns and provide information on making complaints

• Pass on your reports of excellent services and care

• If you need advocacy we can refer you to the Independent Complaints Advocacy (ICA)

You have the right to receive NHS services free ofcharge, apart from certain limited exceptionssanctioned by Parliament.

You have the right to access NHS services. You willnot be refused access on unreasonable grounds.

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You have the right to be given information aboutthe test and treatment options available to you,what they involve and their risks and benefits. You have the right of access to your own healthrecords and to have any factual inaccuraciescorrected.

You have the right to privacy and confidentialityand to expect the NHS to keep your confidentialinformation safe and secure.

You have the right to be informed about how yourinformation is used.

You have the right to request that yourconfidential information is not used beyond yourown care and treatment and to have yourobjections considered, and where your wishescannot be followed, to be told the reasonsincluding the legal basis.

You have the right to choose your GP practice,and to be accepted by that practice unless thereare reasonable grounds to refuse, in which caseyou will be informed of those reasons.

You have the right to express a preference forusing a particular doctor within your GP practice,and for the practice to try to comply

You have the right to make choices about theservices commissioned by NHS bodies and toinformation to support these choices.

You have the right to be involved in discussionsand decisions about your health and care, includingyour end of life care, and to be given informationto enable you to do this. Where appropriate thisright includes your family and carers.

You have the right to be kept informed of progressand to know the outcome of any investigation into your complaint, including an explanation of theconclusions and confirmation that any actionneeded in consequence of the complaint has beentaken or is proposed to be taken.

You have the right to take your complaint to theindependent Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman or Local Government Ombudsman, ifyou are not satisfied with the way your complainthas been dealt with by the NHS.

You have the right to make a claim for judicialreview if you think you have been directly affectedby an unlawful act or decision of an NHS body orlocal authority.

You have the right to compensation where youhave been harmed by negligent treatment.

You have the right to choose the organisation thatprovides your NHS care.

With all the changes to health and care servicesit’s not always clear where you should go to reportan urgent issue, to make a complaint, or forfurther information.

Healthwatch can help you find the right services tosuit your needs through our Information &Signposting Service.

We cannot give you advice or make specificrecommendations but we can help you make aninformed decision in finding the right health andsocial care service whether it is provided by theNHS, the Council, a voluntary or communityorganisation.

Contact Us:Office telephone: 01204 394603

Email us at: info@healthwatchbolton.co.uk

Visit our website: www.healthwatchbolton.co.uk

nHS - knoW your rIGHtS!

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HeALtHy LIVInG

The choices we make about how we livecan have a significant effect on ourhealth. Eating a healthy diet, doingregular exercise, not smoking and notdrinking too much alcohol can help youstay well and enjoy a long life. Keeping fit and healthy can be a challenge if youare living with a long-term condition, but it willmake a big difference to your wellbeing. If you’vebeen thinking about making changes to yourlifestyle, such as stopping smoking, losing weight,eating healthily, drinking a little less alcohol, ordoing more exercise, there’s plenty of help andsupport available.

Talking to your GP and other healthcare workers,including pharmacists, is the first step. They’llhelp you look at your lifestyle and suggest changesthat are suitable for your condition and anytreatment you’re having. Your health or careworker can also let you know about local servicesthat can help you.

For example, if you want to start exercising butyou're unsure how to, your GP can put you on theExercise on Referral scheme. These schemes arerun with local gyms and fitness centres and caninclude swimming. Ask at your GP practice formore information.

Your GP can also help you if you want to stopsmoking, for instance by enrolling you in a clinicwhere you’ll get support from other people whoare also trying to stop. Nicotine replacementtherapy and other stop smoking treatmentsprovided by your GP can also help you resistcravings and boost your chances of quittingsuccessfully.

You're never too young or too old to switch to ahealthier lifestyle. Children who learn healthyhabits at a young age will benefit from themthroughout their life. And giving up bad habits canimprove your health at any age.

Stop Smoking for goodGiving up smoking is probably the best thing youcan do to improve your health. Research showsthat smoking is responsible for almost one in fiveof all deaths in the UK. This means that smokingcauses an estimated 110,000 deaths a year.

Smokers are almost twice as likely to have a heartattack as people who have never smoked. Smokingalso increases your risk of developing many cancersand lung disease.

Rethink your drinkingDrinking too much alcohol could increase your riskof getting 14 major diseases, including mouth andthroat cancers, liver cirrhosis, strokes and mentalhealth problems.

Alcohol is believed to be responsible for as many as22,000 premature deaths in England and Walesevery year. But it’s not just binge drinkers who areat risk: regularly drinking more than the recommendedlimit can cause significant health problems.

Get active, feel fitter, live longerWhatever your age, there's strong scientificevidence that being physically active can help youlead a healthier and even happier life.

Adults should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activityeach week. Young people (5-18) should do 60minutes every day.

If you do this, it can reduce your risk of heartdisease and stroke by up to 50% and lower your riskof early death by up to 30%.

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HeLPInG BoLton PeoPLe to StAy WeLL For LonGer

Plans to help people stay well for longerin their own homes are taking a stepforward.Bolton Council is working with its health partnersto deliver an integrated health and social caresystem in order to improve services closer to homeand prevent unnecessary hospital stays.

Together with NHS Bolton Clinical CommissioningGroup, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and GreaterManchester West NHS Mental Health FoundationTrust, the council is to establish new IntegratedNeighbourhood Teams (INT) and expand its StayingWell Project to help older residents in the borough.

Currently, there are more than 44,000 people aged65 and over in Bolton, and more than 13,000 ofthese are at risk of developing future health andsocial care needs.

Predictions show that around 3,500 people have a high risk – 50 per cent likelihood - of beingadmitted to hospital within the next 12 months.That’s six and a half times more likely than theaverage resident.

A further 11,000 people aged 65 and over have a20 per cent likelihood of being admitted tohospital, which is two and a half times more likelythan the average resident.

The Integrated Neighbourhood Teams and StayingWell Project are in place to identify people whowill benefit from early intervention in thecommunity which will hopefully give themindependence, a better quality of life and reducetheir need for further specialist health and social care.

Integrated Neighbourhood Teams of communitynurses, social workers, physiotherapists,occupational therapists, community psychiatricnurses and GPs are working together to supportresidents with a 50 per cent likelihood of hospitaladmission - those with long term health conditionsand the frail elderly.

The Staying Well Project focuses on residents witha 20 per cent likelihood of hospital admission, andincludes people with long term conditions thatthey are currently managing at home withmedication or other therapies. The Staying WellProject forms part of an early intervention teamwhich provides advice, information and signpostingto appropriate services & organisations.

The Deputy Leader of Bolton Council, CouncillorLinda Thomas, said: “With a growing, ageingpopulation and increased pressure on resources,we have to think differently about the way wedeliver health and social care.

“A lot of people with long term conditionscurrently manage their conditions at home but areat an increased risk of being admitted to hospitalwithin the next 12 months. These new teams willbe able to target support to those people whoneed it, and thus help to prevent unnecessaryhospital stays.

“By identifying people in the community andoffering some form of early intervention andlifestyle enhancements, we will hopefully reducethe number of people who may develop an eligibleneed in the future and thus relieve some of thepressure on our borough’s health and social caresystem.”

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CHooSInG A GP & GP SurGerIeS

Choosing a GP can seem a daunting task, especially if you have just moved into an area and don't knowanything about the local health services. But there are some easy ways to find the doctor to suit you. It'simportant to be registered with a doctor because you'll need them to refer you for specialist hospital andcommunity treatment services. A surgery may refuse an application to join its list of patients if: you don'treside in the surgery area, it has formally closed its list of patients, eg when a practice has more patientsthan it can deal with, or not enough doctors - (this is less common than it used to be). If your application isrefused, the surgery must write to you and give the reasons for this.

How do I find a surgery? Most surgeries operate a fairly strict catchment area system, and only thosewho live within the area may be able to register. This isn't to be awkward, but ensures a GP can visit aperson at home in an emergency in reasonable time.

Surgery Address Area Postcode Telephone

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CHooSInG A GP & GP SurGerIeS

How do I register?This is straightforward and far easier than most people realise. Simply take your NHS medical card along toyour chosen surgery. You will then be asked to sign a registration form. Not all NHS trusts issue medicalcards. If you don't have one, the receptionist will give you form GMS1 to fill in. Once you've completed andreturned the forms, your local NHS will transfer your medical records to your new surgery and write to youto confirm your registration as a patient with the surgery. Many surgeries ask a new patient to attend a‘registration medical’ that checks your general health.

What if I can’t get an appointment?If you can't get a doctor's appointment or have a non-urgent health problem or query, you can contact anurse by ringing 111 at any time.

Surgery Address Area Postcode Telephone

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PHArMACIeS

Make sure you have repeat prescriptionsIf you or someone you care for requires medicines regularly, make sure you order and collect repeatprescriptions in good time to ensure you or your family have enough medicine to last i.e. weekends, Bankholidays and breaks away.

Many of the calls to out of hours health services are for emergency repeat prescriptions when people haverun out of their medication - a situation that could be avoided with some forethought and planning. Bythinking ahead for your regular medication you are helping our busy out of hour’s doctors and nurses.

Pharmacy / Chemist Address Area Postcode Telephone

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PHArMACIeS

If you have the symptoms of a cough, cold, or think you’ve got the flu a pharmacist is thebest place to go, as they can usually provide you with the help and information you needon the spot.

They can also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight or giving upsmoking.

For opening times and NHS SERVICES available from your Pharmacy Please scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit www.nhs.uk

Pharmacy / Chemist Address Area Postcode Telephone

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DentIStS

Dentist Address Area Postcode Telephone

Dentist Finding Helpline - Greater Manchester Local Area TeamTel: 0113 825 5264 (this number is charged at local rate).

Emergency Dentist based at Lever Chambers Centre for Health, Ashburner Street, Bolton, BL1 1SQ (close tothe Octagon Theatre Car Park and Moor Lane Bus Station). This service provides out-of-hours dental care inan emergency. This is not a walk-in service. It is by appointment only. When you phone, trained staff willassess whether you have a dental emergency. Emergencies are usually: Dental injuries caused by falls,Bleeding or a Swollen face. The Emergency Dentist is available on 01204 463222, weekdays from 5:15pm to8:30pm. Bank Holidays and Weekends, 9am to 11:30am.

Daytime Rotational Occasional Treatment Service (ROTS) 01204 462882 - This service provides a limitednumber of appointments with NHS dentist within Bolton for one-off dental care for people without a regulardentist who need treatment promptly. NHS dental charges apply.

Patients attending the Lever Chambers Emergency Dentist will pay NHS Band One treatment cost of £18.50 - regardless of whatever treatment they receive. Additional charges apply if they are issued with a prescription. Lever Chambers Emergency Dentist does not provide permanent fillings. This service isavailable seven days a week. The Rotational Occasional Treatment Service (ROTS) is made up ofapproximately 20 local dental practices offering three/four slots (not at the same practice). NHS dentalcharges range from £18.50 to £50.50.

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NHS DENTAL CHARGESBand 1 course of treatment

£18.50 This covers an examination, diagnosis

(eg X-rays), advice on how to prevent futureproblems, a scale and polish if needed, andapplication of fluoride varnish or fissuresealant. If you require urgent care, even ifyour urgent treatment needs more than oneappointment to complete, you will only need

to pay one Band 1 charge.

Band 2 course of treatment£50.50

This covers everything listed in Band 1above, plus any further treatment such asfillings, root canal work or if your dentist

needs to take out one or more of your teeth.

Band 3 course of treatment£219.00

This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2above, plus crowns, dentures and bridges.

NHS DENTISTRYKNOW YOUR RIGHTS

You're entitled to have all clinically necessarytreatment on the NHS. This means that the NHSwill provide any treatment that you need tokeep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy

and free of pain.

If your dentist says you need a particular type oftreatment, you should not be asked to pay for itprivately. Your dentist is not allowed to refuseyou any treatment available on the NHS but then

offer the same treatment privately. Also, any treatment provided on the NHS has to be

of the same high quality as treatments provided privately.

Depending on what you need to have done, youshould only ever be asked to pay one charge foreach complete course of treatment, even if youneed to visit your dentist more than once tofinish it. You will not be charged for individual

items within the course of treatment.

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oPtICIAnS & HeArInG CentreS

Opticians Address Area Postcode Telephone

Hearing Centres Address Area Postcode Telephone

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Regular eye tests are important because youreyes don't usually hurt when something iswrong. A sight test is a vital health check foryour eyes that can pick up early signs ofeye|conditions before you're aware of anysymptoms – many of which can be treated iffound early enough.

What your eye test will showA sight test will show if you need to get glassesfor the first time or change your current glasses.

A sight test will also include a generalhealth check that can pick up earlysigns of eye disease before you’reaware of any symptoms. Some healthconditions can affect the eyes such as:Diabetes, Macular Degeneration or Glaucoma

Your Sight TestIt’s recommended that adults have their eyestested every two years, unless their ophthalmicpractitioner advises them to have a sight testmore often than that.Your employer may payfor this test for you so ask for advice on this,and if you are over 60 your test is free ofcharge.

GWV

G S B EN O I H WJ H E R L CN O S Z L E P HU L Y T H B X G O

S W M B W G C P T T

O H D C W N Y Z W A V

H N U O C I C R T W W D Q

tell us yourexperiences

We’relistening

together we can make a difference

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CoMPLeMentAry & ALternAtIVe MeDICIne

• Slipped discs• Leg pain and sciatica• Pain or problems with hip, knee, ankle and foot joints

• Pain or problems with elbow, wrist and hand joints

• Fibromyalgia

HomeopathyHomeopathy is used for an extremely wide rangeof health conditions. Among the most commonconditions that people seek homeopathictreatment for are:

• Asthma• Ear infections• Hay fever• Mental health conditions, such as depression, stress and anxiety

• Allergies, such as food allergies• Dermatitis (an allergic skin condition)• Arthritis• High blood pressure

OsteopathyOsteopathy is a way of detecting, treating andpreventing health problems by moving,stretching and massaging a person’s muscles and joints.

Conditions commonly treated with osteopathy:

• Lower back pain• Neck pain• Shoulder pain• Arthritis• Problems with the pelvis, hips and legs• Sports injuries• Problems with posture caused by driving, work or pregnancy

HypnotherapyHypnotherapy is a type of complementarytherapy that uses hypnosis, an altered state ofconsciousness.

When might it be helpful?

• Irritable bowel syndrome• Losing weight and quitting smoking• Skin conditions• Anxiety, pregnancy and childbirth

If you're thinking about whether or not touse a complementary or alternativemedicine, the first step is to learn asmuch as possible about the treatment.

The availability of complementary andalternative treatments on the NHS islimited. Some, such as acupuncture, maybe offered by the NHS.You should find out:What is the evidence that this treatment is safe foryou to take? For example, Ginseng has beenassociated with higher blood pressure and may beinappropriate if you already have raised bloodpressure (hypertension).

If you are using complementary or alternativemedicine to treat a health condition - what is theevidence that the treatment works for yourcondition?

AcupunctureThere is no one health condition or set ofconditions that acupuncture is meant to treat.Instead, Acupuncturists use the treatment for anextremely wide range of health conditions.

Sometimes, patients combine acupuncture withconventional treatments that have been prescribedby a GP or Hospital Consultant. If you are beingtreated by an Acupuncturist for a health condition,it is advisable to discuss this with your GP.

Acupuncture is often used to treat musculoskeletalconditions (of the bones and muscles) and painconditions, including:

• Headache and migraine• Chronic pain - including neck and back pain• Joint pain• Dental pain• Post-operative pain• Post-operative nausea and vomiting

ChiropracticChiropractic treatments are often used formusculoskeletal conditions (affecting themuscles, bones and joints).

Conditions commonly treated by chiropractorscould include:

• Lower back pain• Neck pain• Shoulder pain and problems

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23

PerSonAL HeALtH BuDGetS

Can I have a personal health budget aswell as a personal budget for social careand support?Yes. If you already have a personal budget for careand support from social services and your NHSteam agrees, you can also have a personal healthbudget and ask for both to be combined.

Do I have to have a personal healthbudget?No. If having a personal health budget does notwork for you, your local NHS will provide the careyou need as it has always done.

What is the difference between apersonal health budget, a personalbudget, an individual budget and a direct payment?A personal health budget is for your NHShealthcare and support needs.

A personal budget is for your social care andsupport needs.

An individual budget includes your social care andsupport needs plus other funding, such asindependent living.

A direct payment is one way of managing thesebudgets, where you get the cash to buy the agreedcare and support you need.

Key Points• Personal health budgets should help people get a better service from the NHS. They should not make things worse.

• You do not have to have a personal health budget if you do not want one.

• You should have as much control over decisions as you want.

• NHS and social care organisations should work in partnership with you and with each other.

• If you are not able to have a personal health budget, you can still speak to your NHS team about how your needs can be met in another way that is more personal to you.

Personal Health BudgetsPersonal health budgets are being introduced bythe NHS to help people manage their care in a waythat suits them.

They have been piloted in a number of placesacross England and, from April 2014, anyonereceiving NHS continuing healthcare will have aright to ask for a personal health budget.

What is a Personal Health Budget?A personal health budget is an amount of money tosupport your identified health and wellbeingneeds, planned and agreed between you and yourlocal NHS team. The aim is to give people withlong-term conditions and disabilities greater choiceand control over the healthcare and support theyreceive. Personal health budgets work in a similarway to the personal budgets that many people arealready using to manage and pay for their social care.

Together with your NHS team (such as a GP) youwill develop a care plan. The plan sets out yourpersonal health and wellbeing needs, the healthoutcomes you want to achieve, the amount ofmoney in the budget and how you are going tospend it.

You can use a personal health budget to pay for awide range of items and services, includingtherapies, personal care and equipment. This willallow you more choice and control over the healthservices and care you receive. You don’t have tochange any healthcare or support that is workingwell for you just because you get a personal healthbudget, but if something isn’t working, you canchange it.

Who can have a Personal Health Budget?The first group to be able to ask for a personalhealth budget, from April 2014, are people gettingNHS continuing healthcare, which is NHS-fundedlong-term health and personal care providedoutside hospital. Local NHS organisations can offerpersonal health budgets to other people if theythink an individual will benefit. It is theGovernment’s long-term aim to introduce a right toa personal health budget for people who wouldbenefit from it.

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ADVICe on FunDInG For HeALtHCAre

There are several options for funding care andfinding out which ones apply to you can becomplicated. These options depend on your needfor care and support, as well as your personal andfinancial circumstances.

The main sources of support are the NHS and yourlocal Social Services Department.

NHS CareThe NHS is responsible for funding certain types ofhealthcare and equipment you may need. In somesituations, the NHS is also responsible for meetingcare needs. This is usually when someone’s need ismainly for healthcare rather than social care. NHScare could be provided in hospital but it can be insomeone’s own home or elsewhere in thecommunity.

When care is provided through the NHS there is nofinancial assessment and no care charges to pay.However, people are only eligible for NHS care incertain circumstances.

NHS Continuing HealthcareIf you or the person you care for has very severeand complex health needs, they may qualify forNHS Continuing Healthcare. This is an ongoingpackage of care that’s fully funded by the NHS.

Nursing CareIf someone goes into a residential care home butneeds some element of nursing care, they’ll get apayment from the NHS to help pay for their nursingcare. This is called a registered nursing carecontribution (RNCC).

Intermediate CareSome people can be eligible for intermediate carefrom the NHS. This is provided on a short-termbasis and is intended to help people to recoverfrom an injury or illness, and stay independent.Intermediate care is often provided to elderlypeople who are being discharged from hospital,and may help someone to keep living in their ownhome rather than moving into a care home.

AftercarePeople who were previously detained in hospitalunder certain sections of the Mental Health Actwill have their aftercare services provided free.

The Independent Living Service aims to promotethe independence of disabled/sensory impairedresidents of Bolton, by offering assessments with aview of providing advice, rehabilitation, equipmentand/or adaptions and long term support.

The team consists of Disability Officers,Occupational Therapists, Disability AdaptationsOfficers, Community Assessment Officers, aTelecare Co-ordinator, and a Rehabilitation Officerfor the visually impaired.

We complete assessments for people experiencingdifficulties with activities of daily living due to aphysical/medical/sensory condition that are bothcomplex and non-complex in nature and usuallyrequire the provision of equipment from theintegrated Community Equipment Store and/orrehabilitation and possible long term supportservices.

Our Disability Adaptations Officers are qualifiedjoiners who complete some of the minoradaptations needed within people’s homes.

Our Telecare Co-ordinator offers assessments andsupport for people experiencing difficulties withdaily living who would benefit from provision ofassistive technology and our Rehab Officer for thevisually impaired supports people requiringrehabilitation following visual loss.

We also have an integrated Community EquipmentStore which provides a range of disabilityequipment from walking aids, toilet equipmentthrough to beds and mattresses.

Provision of equipment and/or adaptations isreliant on an assessment which is based on need.These assessments are holistic, taking intoconsideration, the service users’ medical condition,the environment, the ability and health of thecarer and any other carer’s which may be involvedsuch as Homecare.

HOW TO CONTACT US:Monday to Friday 9am until 5pmNumber: 01204 337020Fax: 01204 337817Minicom: 01204 337945Email request:independentlivingservices@bolton.gov.uk

Supporting Independence for Disabled People

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ADVICe on FunDInG For SoCIAL CAre

If someone isn’t eligible for free care from theNHS, their main source of support will be Adult’sSocial Care. In this case, there are rules thatdetermine whether or not they have to make afinancial contribution. These rules vary dependingon whether the care is provided in a care home orin their own home.

Local Authority Community CareIf you or the person you're looking after hasdifficulty with their personal care, they shouldconsider getting support from Adult’s Social Careby having a community care assessment of theirneeds.

Your income (including any benefits) and capitalwill be taken into account when calculatingwhether you have to pay anything towards the care that you or they will receive.

In some cases a person may have a mixed packageof care, including some that is NHS-funded andsome that is provided by Adult’s Social Care, forwhich they may be charged.

Normally, an assessment is carried out before aservice can be provided by the Adult’s Social Caredepartment of a local authority. However, if theservices are needed urgently, the local authoritycan provide a service without carrying out theassessment.

The local authority uses the community careassessment to decide whether a person needs acommunity care service and, if they do, whether it can be provided by the local authority.

The assessment considers what types of servicesare needed by the person being assessed.

A wide range of services could be needed, fromaids and adaptations in the person's own home tocare workers or residential care.

Where there are disputes about the process of theassessment or the care plan, there are ways thatdecisions can be challenged. For more informationon challenging decisions, speak to your localHealthwatch team.

The local authority is obliged to carry out acommunity care assessment when they becomeaware that someone may be in need of communitycare services. This may mean that an assessment is offered even if you or the person you look afterhave not specifically requested one.

Direct PaymentsIf you are assessed as needing community careservices and qualify for Adult’s Social Care fundingthey must offer you direct payments as an option.

If someone isn't able to manage their own directpayments, it's possible for another person tomanage the direct payments on their behalf.

Direct payments are part of a move towards‘personalised’ social care so that people have morechoice and control over the support they get,letting you choose and buy the services you needyourself, rather than having it arranged for you byAdult’s Social Care.

It's important to know that if you receive a directpayment to pay a care worker or personalassistant, you become an employer and have legalresponsibilities.

Direct Payments can be made to:• Disabled people aged 16 or over (with short or long-term needs)

• Disabled parents for children’s services

• Carers aged 16 or over (including people with parental responsibility for a disabled child)

• Elderly people who need community care services

Choosing Direct Payments

The choice of direct payments is voluntary. If youdecide to have direct payments, you can changeyour mind about this at any time. If you no longerwant direct payments, contact your local Adult’sSocial Care and ask them to arrange services instead.

It's possible to try direct payments by askingAdult’s Social Care for a direct payment for someof your support while you continue to get yourother support directly from Adult’s Social Care.

Direct payments can only be spent on things thatwill meet the assessed needs of the person gettingthem. If you spend a direct payment on somethingthat doesn't meet your needs, Adult’s Social Carecan recover the money from you.

Everyone who gets support from Adult’s Social Careshould have their needs reassessed at least once a year.

To contact Access Bolton for an assessment,to be re-assessed or for further informationplease call 01204 338027.

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27

HeLPInG BoLton PeoPLe WItH SoCIAL CAre

Day CareWe provide day care for people aged 65 and overwho are finding it difficult to manage in their ownhomes, because of frailty or ill health. Daytimesupport at a centre can often mean you can stay inyour own home and within the community youknow. Keeping you independent through supportivecare is the aim of the service and our staff aretrained to be sensitive to individual needs.

Day centres are busy places, based in the heart ofthe community, where a variety of activities takeplace.

These are some of them:

• Personal care • Bathing service (if need identified)• A hot meal (special diets can be catered for) • Arts and crafts • Mental stimulation – games, quizzes reminiscence sessions

• A chance to meet and chat with others • Physical activities to promote health and mobility - gentle exercise

• Therapy session

Access is through assessment, where an assessmentworker visits to talk to you and find out what helpyou need. We cannot help everyone. We aim tohelp those who have the greatest need and wemeasure this using certain standards, which we call‘eligibility criteria’. Once it has been agreed aservice can be offered, an introductory visit will bearranged.

Intermediate Care at HomeReablement’s focus is to provide short termsupport to people who have a physical or mentalillness, injury or disability up to a maximum of sixweeks so they may recover their ability to liveindependently in their own home either withtraining, equipment or ongoing support.

To be eligible for our service you must be:

• Aged 18 or over• Live in your own home within Bolton• Able to live safely on your own with minimal riskto your physical and mental health

• Assessed by a Care Manager

If you are eligible we will work with you to identifyan individual programme designed to meet yourspecific needs and desired outcomes in regainingyour independence so you can live in your ownhome for as long as possible. If you have a shortterm illness or disability which causes difficultieswith your personal care, mobility, householdactivities, getting in and out of bed or to and fromthe toilet we could help you to:

• Identify your abilities and rehabilitation needs necessary for; regaining and building confidence;dealing with day-to-day tasks; getting advice; and accessing support programmes, longer term care and agency help

• Cope with day-to-day tasks such as:• Bathing, personal care and continence• Moving safely around your home• Using equipment and technology• Making food and drinks• Taking medication

• Get out and about with transport and mobility help to go shopping, pick up your pension, meet family and friends and access leisure and employment opportunities.

We work closely with you, and your carers, to buildyour confidence to live more independently in yourown home, getting you back on the road torecovery as quickly as possible.

If you or your carer needs our help we can becontacted through our helpdesk on 01204 338027.

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HeLPInG BoLton PeoPLe WItH SoCIAL CAre

Short Term Residential CareWilfred Geere HouseShort term care is to provide a break for you andthose who may care for you at home, to enableyou to maintain independent living in yourcommunity.

Wilfred Geere House is a newly refurbished carehome for people with dementia or a cognitiveimpairment. We have many single rooms for short term care.

All admissions are determined by a socialworker/care professional assessment, which isregulated by the eligibility criteria held by AdultSocial Care.

Intermediate Care Bed Based ServicesDarley Court, Shepherd Cross Street, Bolton, BL1 3EJ Tel: 01204 337833

Darley Court is a 30 bedded intermediate care unitproviding care when a further episode ofrehabilitation, completion of treatment orrecuperation is needed following discharge fromhospital. Care provision is in partnership betweenthe Local Authority and the NHS 24 hours a day 7days a week. The Unit is also able to provide careand support to service users in avoiding the needfor a hospital admission or long term care when afaster period of recovery can be supported throughnursing, social work or therapy intervention.

The team at Darley Court is multi-disciplinary andincludes Nurses, Care Supervisors, Therapists,Pharmacist, Medical staff, Social Workers andAssistants with the aim of supporting andimproving patients' independence and confidencethrough a structured programme of care andrehabilitation enabling people to return home andlive as independently as possible for as long aspossible. Catering is provided in-house and hasbeen commended for its excellence. Length of stayat Darley Court is dependent on the rate of serviceusers' progress in achieving identified goals but isnormally less than 30 days.

Laburnum Lodge, Breightmet Fold Lane, Breightmet, Bolton, BL2 6PP Tel: 01204 335455

Laburnum Lodge is a newly refurbished 32 beddedintermediate care unit providing 24 hourresidential care for service users who requirecontinuation of care and rehabilitation but who nolonger need 24 hour access to medical/nursingcare. The NHS work in partnership with the LocalAuthority and support the Unit by providing nursingand therapy input during care daytime hours. Theaim of the Unit is to support service users to regaintheir independence and return home following aperiod of rehabilitation and recuperation and liveas independently as possible. Catering is providedin house. Length of stay at Laburnum Lodge isdependent on the rate of service users' progress inachieving identified goals but is normally less than30 days.

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Are you A CArer?

Do you look after a relative, friend or neighbour?There are over 30,000 people in Bolton who lookafter family members, partners or friends becausethey are ill, frail or have a disability.

The contribution of carers to the well-being ofthose they support is enormous. Many of us willassume the role of carer at some point in our lives,but until we assume the task it’s hard tounderstand how demanding it can be.

That’s why there is advice and help available forcarers in Bolton and why Bolton Council, the NHSand local carers’ organisations are workingtogether to make sure that carers can ask forinformation and support in a number of ways.

Bolton Carers Support Local voluntary organisation Bolton Carers Supportadvises and helps carers from across the BoltonBorough. You can join the mailing list and you willreceive a copy of their regular newsletter; ‘CarersContact’.

If you need information or advice you can ring theCarers Helpline from 11am to 3pm on Mon, Tuesand Thurs, on 01204 363056. At other times, youcan leave a message and staff will return your call. Advice is available on practical issues ranging suchas welfare benefits, housing and health and care,but the Carers Helpline is also there to provide alistening ear for carers for you to talk about howyou are feeling and the pressures you are facing. Bolton Carers Support can also signpost you toother sources of help, for example other localgroups or specialist agencies, for example formoney advice.

You can also click onto the Bolton Carers Supportwebsite at www.boltoncarersupport.org - there youwill find a growing suite of useful factsheets youcan view or download on topics of importance tolocal carers.

There are a growing number of support groups forcarers where you can meet with other people whoare in a similar caring situation to yourself. BoltonCarer Support will be able to tell you about thesegroups, plus other opportunities to meet othercarers such as meals out or short courses.

Speak to your GPGP practices in Bolton are recording their patientswho are caring for someone and can help to ensurethat you get the information and support you needto care for your loved one. If you are doing moreand more to support the person you care for pleaselet your GP know.

It is important not to let your own health suffer, or you may not be able to carry on providing thesupport you want to be able to give.

If the person you are looking after needs moresupport, or you feel that you need help withyour caring role, you can find out more aboutthe help that may be available from Adult SocialCare at Bolton Council. Friendly staff at AccessBolton will take the time to listen to you and canadvise you about the following issues and manymore:

• How to get help at home, such as Community Meals or Home Support

• Specialist help, for example for mental health ormemory problems

• Adaptations or equipment in the home • Sensory difficulties –problems with eyesight or hearing

• Social activities or luncheon clubs • Information about short breaks orresidential care

To ask about support from Adult Social Care,phone Access Bolton on 01204 338027.

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31

InDePenDent LIVInG At HoMe

Suggestions for making life easy:

External Adaptations• Handrail at front or rear entrance of dwelling• Provision of whirly clothes line or path leading to clothes line

• Widening of paths around the property• Defining steps for people with visual impairments

• Outdoor lighting• Paved areas for wheelchairs

General Internal Adaptations• Additional stair rail• Changing door knobs to lever handles• Lowering of Yale locks• Re-siting of electrical sockets at a convenient level

• Additional power points• Provision of intercom & door unlock systems• Provision of rocker light switches• Adjustments to or additional lighting• Relocation of clothes hanging rails• Accessible window openings• Provision of letter cages or delivery shelves in entrance hall

Kitchens and Bathrooms• Lowering or replacement of high wallhung cupboards

• Additional storage space in kitchen• Lowering of cooker mains switch• Installation of extractor fan with accessible controls

• Level access shower• Overbath shower• Provision of non-slip/tactile surface• Provision of storage space for wheelchair• Ramps• Special baths• Special toilets• Step in shower• Widening doors for wheelchair access

Major Adaptations• Bathroom extensions (ground floor showers & W.C’s)

• Bedroom extensions• Hardstandings• Major internal rearrangements• Re-design or re-organisation of existing kitchen• Stairlifts• Vertical through floor lifts

Around one in five adults in the UK isdisabled, and more than 1 million ofthose live alone. With the right supportand facilities, leading an independent lifewith a physical or learning disability isnow more achievable than ever.

Aids and Adaptations If you or a member of your family has difficultyliving in your home due to a long-term illness ordisability, you may be able to get help by adaptingyour home to better meet your needs. You canapply to your local council for a disabled facilitiesgrant. The grant helps you adapt your home tomake it suitable for a disabled person. Dependingon your income, you may need to pay towards thecost of the work to the property.

You could get a grant from your council if youare disabled and need to make changes to yourhome, for example to:

• Widen doors and install ramps

• Improve access to rooms and facilities - eg stairlifts or a downstairs bathroom

• Provide a heating system suitable for your needs

• Adapt heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use

How can I find out more about the aidsand adaptations that would help me?

Contact Bolton’s Adult Social Care Team on 01204338027 about what difficulties you are having athome. They will send an occupational therapist tocarry out an assessment and provide advice onwhich equipment or housing adaptation needs suityou best.

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33

reCoGnISInG MentAL HeALtH

Mental health, emotional wellbeing and resilienceis all about how we cope with what life throws atus. It concerns the way we feel about ourselves,conduct relationships, handle stress or deal with loss.

Good mental health and resilience arefundamental to good physical health, relationships,education and work, as well as being key toachieving our potential.

Mental health factsAt least one in four people experience adiagnosable mental health problem in any oneyear, and one in six experiences this at any one time.

• More than half of those with a common mental health problem have both depression and anxiety.

• There are approximately 570,000 people with dementia in England, a figure that could double in the next 30 years.

• Nearly 850,000 children and young people aged five to 16 years have a mental health problem – about 10% of the population. Fewer than one in 10 accesses treatment.

Common mental health problems such as anxiety,depression, panic disorders, phobias and obsessivecompulsive disorder can cause great emotionaldistress, and can affect how you cope with day-to-day life and your ability to work.

Less common conditions, such as psychosis, canmake you experience changes in thinking andperception severe enough to significantly alteryour experience of reality. These conditionsinclude schizophrenia and affective psychosis, suchas bipolar disorder, and can have the same lifelongimpact as any long-term physical condition.

Admitting you are struggling does not mean youare "mentally ill", that doctors will automaticallyput you on medication, or you will have toimmediately tell your employer you are mentallyunwell. Many issues can be managed without thehelp of a GP by using the variety of sources of helpnow available, whether it's through books, localorganisations or online.

Even if you need professional help, there arechoices you can make along the way. Mental illnessis treatable and, with appropriate support andtreatment, people do recover. Many move on withtheir lives and are able to care for their family,contribute to the local community, and get backinto employment or training.

How your GP can help You should make an appointment to see your GP ifyou've been feeling depressed for a few weeks oryour anxiety is having an impact on your daily life,such as stopping you from going to work orshopping.

Mental health services are free on the NHS, butyou will usually need a referral from your GP toaccess them.

Support and advice for people living with mental illness.

Tel: 0300 5000 927 (Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm)www.rethink.org

Information on child and adolescent mentalhealth. Services for parents and professionals.

Tel: Parents' helpline 0808 802 5544 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm)www.youngminds.org.uk

Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.

Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm)www.mind.org.uk

Confidential support for people experiencingfeelings of distress or despair.

Tel: 08457 90 90 90 (24-hour helpline)

www.samaritans.org.uk

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35

CAre In your oWn HoMe

Home care isn’t for everyone but frequent visitsfrom carers and a few home modifications canhelp you retain your home comforts andindependence.Receiving care in your home is an increasinglycommon alternative to staying in hospital ormoving into a care home.

Depending on your needs, you can receive helpand support that allows you to stay in your ownhome as long as possible. Not only do you avoidany upheaval and stay in familiar surroundings, itcan also be a more economical alternative toresidential care.

How much you have to pay will depend on:• Your health and mobility• What level of help and support you require• The value of your assets

What home care services are available?• Regular visits from home care workers to help with daily tasks and personal care

• Meals delivered to your home• Equipment and home modifications to help with mobility and accessibility, such as getting in and out of the bath, and getting up and down stairs

• Personal fall and panic alarms that are monitored around the clock

• Support for health needs, such as incontinence• Day care and transport to take you there• Gardening and handyman services

If you only need a few hours help a day and yourhouse can be adapted to your needs, care at homemay be the most practical and cost-effectivesolution.

Your local authority may pay some or all the costs, but you might also have to pay for all the servicesyourself. Make sure you claim all the benefits you’re entitled to – Attendance Allowance and Disability LivingAllowance (or Personal Independence Payment) are the most common.

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Care Provider Address Area Postcode Telephone

CAre In your oWn HoMe

Carers Direct helplineCall the Carers Direct helpline on 0300 123 1053 if you need help with your caring roleand want to talk to someone about what options are available to you. If you are busy at

certain times of day, you can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that isconvenient to you. The helpline is open from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and from 11am to 4pm, atweekends. The helpline is closed on bank holidays. Calls are free from landlines and mobiles within the UK.

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CHooSInG BetWeen reSIDentIAL,

There are many types of residential care homesavailable. These include permanent care homes forolder people, homes for younger adults withdisabilities and homes for children. They may beprivately owned or run by the voluntary sector orlocal authorities. You may want to consider indetail the many options for residential care beforeyou make a decision.

Older peopleCare homes for older people may provide personalcare or nursing care. A care home which isregistered to provide personal care will offersupport, ensuring that basic personal needs, suchas meals, bathing, going to the toilet andmedication, are taken care of. In some homesmore able residents have greater independenceand take care of many of their own needs.Someresidents may need medical care and some carehomes are registered to provide this. These areoften referred to as nursing homes. Some homesspecialise in certain types of disability, forexample, dementia.

Adults aged 18-65There are also residential care homes that providecare and support for younger adults with, forexample, severe physical disabilities, learningdisabilities, acquired brain injury, progressiveneurological conditions or mental health problems.Care can be provided for adults with more thanone condition and some homes have expertise inproviding care for adults with alcohol or drugdependency.

These homes offer permanent residence or providecare for a temporary period until the adult is able to live independently or move to a different typeof accommodation.

Choosing between residential care andindependent livingAdult Social Care normally encourage youngeradults who they assess for support to be asindependent as their circumstances allow. The careplan for adults with disabilities will consider whatindependent tasks they can carry out and how theycan be helped to achieve more. Even if adults havevery severe disabilities their needs are reviewedfrom time to time to check whether residentialcare or a very high level of support is stillappropriate. Supported living may be an option foryounger adults. This allows people to liveindependently in the community but with basicsupport. The support offered includes help withsetting up a home and managing finances, andassistance with cleaning and shopping.

For older people there are various alternatives toresidential care. These include sheltered housingand extra care housing schemes, which offerindependence with an increased level of care and support.

For many people there is also the choice of livingindependently at home with community caresupport.

Choice of accommodationThe law says that where the local authority isfunding accommodation it must allow the personentering residential care to choose which carehome they would prefer. Adult Social Care mustfirst agree that the home is suitable for theperson’s needs and that it would not cost morethan they would normally pay for a home thatwould meet those needs. If the person chooses togo into a more expensive home, a relative orfriend may be able to ‘top up’ the difference incost.

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nurSInG & InDePenDent LIVInG

Choosing a care homeCare homes may be arranged through the localauthority but many people will want to arrangethem independently. It is a good idea to visitseveral homes before making a choice. Make sure you spend enough time in each home to get a good idea of what it is like.

Respite and short term staysResidential care home stays don't necessarily haveto be permanent. Temporary stays can be arrangedfor respite care (in which you take a break fromcaring for somebody else), or as a trial periodbefore a permanent stay.

Temporary stays can give you flexibilitywhen covering unexpected events, such as:• Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness

• Support for newly disabled people and their carers• Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care

• Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes

What your choices areA list of all nursing and residential care homeswithin your locality can be found on the followingpages. Every care home in England must beregistered with the national regulatory body Care Quality Commission (CQC).

They inspect each care home on a regular basisand write an inspection report for you to read. It isadvisable to read this report before making a finaldecision.

To check up-to-date information on the Nursingand Residential care homes within your localityvisit www.cqc.org.uk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE

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CHooSInG tHe rIGHt CAre HoMe

All care homes vary in their quality, andit can be hard to know what qualities tolook for when choosing a home.

A good care home will probably do the following:• Offer new residents and their families or carers a guide (in a variety of accessible formats) describing what they can expect while they’re living there. Ideally, residents of the home wouldhave helped to produce the guide

• Have a majority of staff who've worked there fora long time. They know the residents well, and are friendly, supportive and respectful

• Involve residents, carers and their families in decision making, perhaps through regular meetings with staff

• Support residents in doing things for themselves and maximising their independence, including keeping contact with the outside community

• Offer a choice of tasty and nutritious food, which residents may have helped to prepare

• Take into account the needs and wishes of all residents, and provide a variety of leisure and social activities

• Be in a clean, bright and hygienic environment that's been adapted appropriately for residents, with single bedrooms available. A good environment encourages residents to personalisetheir room

• Have staff who respect residents’ privacy and knock before they enter someone’s room

• Be staffed by well-trained people, for example, nurses trained in dementia care

• Respect residents’ modesty and make sure that they look respectable, while recognising residents’ choice about what they wear

• Be accredited under the Gold Standards Framework for end of life care

A bad care home might do the following:• Have a code of practice and a set of aims, but doesn’t make them a priority

• Offers little opportunity to listen to residents, with most decisions made by staff

• Have residents’ care plans that are out of date, and don’t reflect their needs accurately. This means that some residents aren't getting the support they need with their healthcare and personal care

• Give residents little privacy. Staff often enter residents’ rooms without knocking, and they talkabout residents within earshot of other people

• Have staff who don’t make an effort to interact with residents, and leave them sitting in front ofthe TV all day

• Be in a poorly maintained building, with rooms that all look the same and have little choice in furnishings

• Need cleaning, with shared bathrooms that aren't cleaned regularly

• Deny residents their independence, for example,by not allowing someone to feed themselves because it takes too long

As a resident in a care home, you should expect:• The right to be treated politely and with dignity

• The right to privacy for yourself, and your relatives and friends when they visit

• The right to deal with your own finances and spend your money how you choose

• The right to eat food that's prepared in line withyour faith, and to worship when and where you want to

• The right to choose the food that you eat, and tobe given the time and space to relax and enjoy your meal

• The right to choose when you get up in the mornings and go to bed at night

• The right to complain if you're unhappy with your care

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www.ageuk.org.uk

www.carersuk.org

www.findmegoodcare.co.uk

www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

www.societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk

reSIDentIAL CAre CoStS

In some cases the residential care needed by theperson you're looking after may be paid for by theNHS under the NHS continuing care scheme. Thecare may also be provided free of charge becauseit is 'intermediate care'. It may be free because theperson you're looking after has previously been amental health inpatient. If this is the case, theservices are funded under the Mental Health Act.

Residential care is also free if the local authoritycould charge but decides not to do so. This canoccur if the stay in residential care is onlytemporary (normally less than eight weeks), or ifthe residential care is for a child. If none of theabove applies, the person you're looking after willbe given a financial assessment. This is also knownas a means-tested assessment. They will berequired to give information about their incomeand capital. There are rules that determine howincome and capital are treated. Some types,including benefits, can be disregarded. Thefinancial assessment will work out how much theperson you're looking after will be expected tocontribute towards the cost of their care home fees.

Owning PropertyThere are rules that explain how the property ofthe person you're looking after will be taken intoaccount In some cases it can be disregarded, this isthe case if a partner is still living in the property.

The capital limit for residential care is £23,250.Local authorities will investigate if they believethat the person you're looking after hasdeliberately reduced their capital to avoid payingcare home fees. There is a scheme called thedeferred payment scheme which allows someonewho goes into care to keep their property and stillget help from the local authority with paying carehome fees. The local authority recovers the feesfrom the proceeds when the property is sold. Thisscheme can also be used if there is a delay inselling a property.

Self-fundersAfter the means-tested assessment, the personyou're looking after may receive a decision thatthey will have to pay their own care home fees.People paying their own fees are referred to asself-funders. Self-funders will still receive adviceabout the arrangements for residential care. Oncea self-funder's capital reaches £23,250 the localauthority is responsible for helping out with thecare home fees. This will require another assessment.

Get personal advice on care fundingThe cost of care and support is likely to be a long-term commitment and may be substantial,particularly if you opt for residential care. If you ora member of the family need to pay for care in acare home, it’s important to seek advice tailoredto your individual needs.

The cost of your care will vary depending on itstype, intensity, specialisation, location andduration. For example, a place in a residentialcare home will cost hundreds of pounds a week.Decisions that have such financial implicationsshould be made with advice and only afterconsidering the costs of alternatives.

For example, the cost of a care home needs to beweighed against the cost of care and support thatmay help you remain in your existingaccommodation.

The costs of long-term care can be significant andhow you may wish to arrange to pay for it is a bigfinancial decision for most people. Cost can varyacross the country and different care homes willcharge different amounts based on the level ofcare needs, the quality of the accommodation, orthe area of England it is in.

Few of us will have the income or ready access tothe cash to pay for their ongoing care needs. Oftenpeople find that they need to sell or remortgagetheir home to pay for care or enter into an equityrelease scheme. Before taking such significantfinancial steps it is advisable to get properindependent financial advice. For advice on self-funding care, visit the Money Advice Service or theSociety of Later Life Advisers. You may also havepreviously arranged an investment or insuranceplan to fund your care. Again, it is worth takingindependent advice on these potentially significantfinancial arrangements.

Find out more about paying for care on thewebsites of:

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reSIDentIAL & nurSInG CAre

Residential Homes Address Area Postcode Telephone

Nursing & Residential Homes Address Area Postcode Telephone

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BOLTON COUNCIL ONE STOP SHOPBolton Town Hall, Victoria Square, Bolton, BL1 1RUwww.bolton.gov.uk

General Information and AdviceEnquiries: Monday to Friday (8.30am to 5.30pm) / Saturday (9am to 1pm) Tel: 01204 333333

Cashiers ServiceMonday to Friday only (9am to 5.30pm)

Reporting Anti-Social BehaviourCall in confidence: Monday to Friday (8am to 5.30pm)Tel: 01204 336500

If you call out of hours, leave a message and we will call you back. In an emergency always call 999.

Welfare Rights ServiceMonday to Friday (8.30am to 5.30pm)Tel: 01204 333820

A free service providing information and advice on your entitlement to socialsecurity benefits and help for you to challenge or appeal decisions made aboutyour benefits.

Social Care ComplaintsTel: 01204 337288

Bolton Council provide a wide range of services to look after you and your family.Customer care is a priority and any feedback we receive is invaluable to help uscontinually monitor and develop our services. In the event that you are unhappywith any aspect of our service we will investigate your concerns and provide a fullexplanation.

THE PARALLELThe Parallel is for 11 to 19 year-olds. Where you can discuss your health concernsin confidence.

9a Churchgate, Bolton BL1 1HU • Tel: 01204 462444

Office opening times: Mon-Fri 9.00 - 5.00Just drop in!3.30pm – 6.00pm (Mon, Weds, Fri) / 2.30pm – 6.00pm (Tue) / 12.30pm – 3.00pm (Sat)No appointment needed between these timeswww.theparallel.net

BOLTON DRINK AND DRUGSIf substance misuse is causing problems in your life and you think you may needprofessional help to change please contact us.

69-73 Manchester Road, Bolton BL2 1ES

Opening times: 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday with a late night clinic on Thursday’s until 7pm

To speak to someone anytime ring 01204 557 977 or email: info@boltondrinkanddrugs.orgwww.boltondrinkanddrugs.org

HeLP & ADVICe

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SAMARITANS BOLTONIf something's troubling you, then get in touch. We're here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Bark St E, Bolton, Lancashire BL1 2BQ • Tel: 01204 521200 • www.samaritans.org

BOLTON & DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAUAt Bolton Citizens Advice Bureau, we aim to provide the advice people need forthe problems they face and improve the policies and practices that affect people's lives.

We operate a Social Welfare Drop-In session Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday whereyou can come in to bureau and speak to an adviser about the issue you may have.

We can help with:

• Benefits & Tax Credits • Community Care • Debt • Housing • Immigration • General Advice

26/28 Mawdsley Street, Bolton BL1 1LFAdvice line: 0844 826 9707 • www.boltoncab.co.uk

MENTAL HEALTH INDEPENDENT SUPPORT TEAMWe at MhIST have a team dedicated to finding the right help and support for you.Our office hours are Monday to Friday 9:30am until 4:30pm. We provide anadvocacy services for people with mental health issues, both in hospital & in thecommunity. We have an established and experienced team of advocates working inthis field. Issues they will work with clients on can include support for appealsunder the Mental Health Act, support at meetings & reviews, accessing informationand signposting & supporting to access other appropriate services.

Hanover House, Hanover St, Bolton BL1 4TG • Tel: 01204 527200 • www.mhist.co.uk

FORTALICE (DOMESTIC ABUSE)Fortalice is a Bolton based charitable organisation to assist woman and childrenwho are effected by domestic abuse.

43 Bradford Street, Bolton BL2 1HT

Support Centre Tel: 01204 365677 (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm) Tel: 01204 701846 (24 hour) Email: info@fortalice.co.uk • www.fortalice.org.uk

MOVE FORWARD BOLTONThe Move Forward Partners have come together to deliver variety and choice ofaccessible services, ensure responsiveness to service user demand and work withpeople based on their individual needs and aspirations, to support and promote recovery.

Office 3, Bolton Market, Ashburner St, Bolton BL1 1TQ Tel: 01204 337523 • Email: BEST@bolton.gov.uk • www.moveforwardbolton.org.uk

URBAN OUTREACHUrban Outreach (Bolton) is a registered Christian Charity that works withdisadvantaged and vulnerable individuals in the town of Bolton, Greater Manchester.

Environ House, Salop St, Bolton BL2 1DZTel: 01204 385848 • www.urbanoutreach.co.uk

BOLTON YOUNG PERSONS HOUSING SCHEMEBolton Young Persons Housing Scheme is a registered charity providing temporarysupported accommodation to people aged 16-25 in Bolton. We support youngpeople who are homeless with support needs by offering accommodation,emotional and practical help with the aim of enabling independent living.

Trinity House, Breightmet Street, Bolton BL2 1BRTel: 01204 520183 • www.byphs.org.uk

Day in and day out huge numbers of disabled, oldand vulnerable people are receiving rushed,substandard and undignified levels of homecare in the UK.

UNISON recently produced a report, "Time tocare", in which homecare workers clearlyarticulated the many failings of the currentsystem. It provides valuable insight from theworkers themselves whose views are largely absentfrom wider debates on the issue.

It details:• A poorly paid and rushed workforce personally propping up a deteriorating homecare system

• A workforce whose terms and conditions are denying them the ability to deliver the dignified care people deserve

• A workforce whose attempts to deliver high quality care are frustrated by the system they operate in

The increasing use of zero-hour contracts meansworkers are unable to properly budget becausethey don't know how many hours they will be givenfrom one week to the next. It also has a verydamaging impact on their ability to do things thatmany people take for granted, like planning theirsocial life or arranging for childcare.

It is clear things cannot continue as they are.Ultimately the government needs to finally provideequitable funding for social care. But in themeantime councils cannot shirk their responsibilityfor the provision of homecare services.

Whilst the vast majority of councils no longerdirectly provide homecare services, they can playa formative and ongoing role with the privateproviders who deliver most homecare services.Councils, as commissioners, can and must improvetheir performance.

UNISON have produced an Ethical Care Charterwhich provides a list of standards that councilsshould adhere to when they commission serviceswhich will result in better levels of care for thepeople who receive it. Amongst the 12 standardsthere is a requirement for 15-minute visits to bedone away with, for time to be given for theworker to actually talk to their client, for betterscheduling of visits and for the same worker to beallocated to the same client where possible.

It is backed by the people who receive care, thecompanies who provide it and the workforcedelivering it.

It has the support of groups including the NationalPensioners Convention and the RNIB, whilst privatehomecare provider organisations like ECCA andUKHCA recognise the need for it.

By committing to the charter, councils will onlycommission good homecare providers whootherwise can find themselves undercut byproviders whose main focus is profit rather thanthe provision of good and effective care.

If we want our elderly and disabled people to getthe dignified and humane levels of care theydeserve then the workers who provide it must alsobe treated with dignity and respect.

What you can do:• Contact your local councillor and MP to ask themto adopt UNISON's Ethical Care Charter

• If you live in Bolton - sign and share the Bolton Unison petition

https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/bolton-unison-call-for-ethical-care-charter

Ground Floor, Howell Croft HouseHowell Croft North, Bolton BL1 1QY

01204 338901

BoltonUnisonThe trade union for people delivering public services

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