1

St.Helens Directory

of Services for the

February

2015

Table of ContentsIntroduction 3

Integrated Access St Helens...…………………………………………………………………………………………..4

Falls Prevention Service……………………………………………………………………………………………………5

Allan Day Unit..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6

Home Improvement Agency…………………………………………………………………………………………….7

Healthy Living Team………………………………………………………………………………………………………..9

Occupational Therapists…………………………………………………………………………………………………10

Intermediate Care Reablement Services…..…………………………………………………………………….12

Healthwatch…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..13

Careline………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….14

Helena Partnerships……………………………………………………………………………………………………….15

Medicines Management…………………………………………………………………………………………………16

Age UK Mid Mersey..………………………………………………………………………………………………………17

Top 10 Tips for Falls Prevention………………………………………………………………………………………18

2

Introduction

This booklet has been created in collaboration with local partners as a result of the St Helens Falls Prevention Strategy 2014 – 2017.

Services involved in Falls Prevention and health care in St Helens have contributed information relating to their services to enable this booklet to provide a single source, or a directory, of information on support available to you.

In St Helens falls are particularly higher than they are across Merseyside and England, especially for those in our borough aged 65 years and older. Falls are the largest cause of emergency hospital admissions for older people in St Helens. For this reason a Falls Strategy was created which will positively impact on Falls in St Helens through actions undertaken across 2014 – 2017. The overall aim of the strategy is….

‘Working Together to Reduce Falls and Promote Independent Living’

In St Helens we aim to reduce the risk and subsequent burden falls have on our community, particularly aiming to help the individuals whose independence and quality of life that are often affected following a fall.

Through healthy eating, physical activity and help from services like those detailed in this booklet, we hope that local people will fall less or if a person does fall they will be able to recover quickly, healthily and maintain their independence.

Although increasing risk, falling is not a natural part of aging, and reasons for a fall can be many and varied too. If you ever fall you should contact your GP or the Falls Prevention Service who, whilst working with other services detailed in this booklet, can put in place some effective steps to help you avoid any further falls.

We hope you find this booklet useful and the Falls Strategy Group welcome any comments and feedback you may have in relation to this booklet or the issue of falls in St Helens.

3

Integrated Access St HelensSt Helens Council/St Helens Clinical Commissioning Group

4

Falls Prevention ServiceSt Helens and Knowsley HospitalsThe Falls Prevention Service actively promotes falls prevention approaches, including doing a detailed assessment of an individual in the home. The aims of the service are to promote and support independent living and to enable persons aged 55 and over at risk of falling to proactively control and manage their lives.

If you or someone you know has fallen in the last year or is at risk of falling then you can contact the Falls Prevention Service for information or to refer in to the service. Persons referred will be able to have the following assessments:

Multi-factorial falls risk assessmentAssessment performed by a health care professional with appropriate skills and experience who will observe for balance and gait deficits and consider a person’s ability to benefit from interventions to improve strength and balance.

Multi-factorial InterventionBased on the outcomes of the risk assessment, service users are to be offered individualised multi-factorial intervention. This could include a referral to services such as St Helens Hospital Allen Day Unit Falls Clinic, GP/Practice Nurse, Physiotherapy, Postural Stability Exercise, Home Improvement Agency service, Medicine Management, Podiatry and Adult Social Care.

Strength and balance exercise programmesReferral, where appropriate, can be made to strength/balance exercise classes.

Home hazard and safety intervention As part of the initial risk assessment, a home hazard and safety intervention check will be carried out.

Medication reviewsA medication review will be conducted. Persons on multiple medications known to cause falls will be referred for a medication review within general practice.

5

Contact the Team

For more information or to access the service contact the Falls Prevention Service on 01744 646652

http://www.sthk.nhs.uk/pages/Departments.aspx?iPageId=4591

Allen Day UnitSt Helens and Knowsley HospitalsThe Unit provides outpatient services for frail, older people by using a range of clinical specialists, creating a multi-disciplinary approach to care and treat its patients in a professional, friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

The team approach used between consultants, nurses’, and therapists benefits from its very strong links with Age Concern. Because a patient appointment is made directly with the Unit, they can be arranged at short notice.

Allen Day Unit offers specialist clinics, consultant, therapy and nurse led clinics. The Unit offers, ‘same day’ investigation and treatment where possible. This is particularly important for the patients with suspected TIA who are treated urgently.

Consultant led clinics include • Falls, • Continence, • TIA, • Parkinsons Disease • General Medical Problems in older people,

Therapist led clinics • Assessment and treatment (mainly for poor mobility, falls and functional disabilities) • BPVV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) clinic (All ages)

6

Home Improvement AgencySt Helens Council The Home Improvement Agency is a not-for-profit organisation run by St.Helens Council. The aim is to provide you with guidance and assistance to carry out whatever repairs, improvements or adaptations are necessary to help you continue living independently in your home in comfort and safety.

Handy Man ServiceWe also have a Handyperson service which helps with small repairs and DIY jobs, Home safety checks and security around the home. The service will also carry out work that will help to prevent accidents in the home. Some examples of work carried out include: fitting stair rails and grab rails; unblocking sinks and fixing dripping taps; changing light bulbs and replacing fuses. You pay only for materials - we provide the labour free of charge. Donations towards the service are welcome.

Aids and AdaptationsIf you, or someone living with you, has a disability, we can assist with providing equipment or adaptations which will help substantially increase your quality of life and enable you to continue living in your property.

In the first instance, you should contact the Council's Customer Services and request an Occupational Therapy Assessment. All disabled people are entitled to an assessment to decide what equipment or adaptations they need. The Home Improvement Agency will assist you with the process once the assessment is complete.

To speak to a Customer Services Officer please call 01744 676600

Care and RepairIf you need work doing to your home, but are not confident about getting someone to do it, or you are not sure you can afford it, then we may be able to help you. We can offer you practical help and advice with home maintenance and, in some cases, we may be able to assist in accessing funding. We can identify what is wrong with your home and advise how best to put it right. We can provide a schedule of works and arrange quotations, check the work and only approve payment on satisfactory completion. In fact, we will help you through the whole process, from beginning to end. An administration fee may be applicable to all completed works over £100.

Affordable WarmthAre your energy bills too high? Are you in debt with your energy supplier? Are you unsure about how to switch to a cheaper energy supplier? Perhaps you live in a cold/damp home and need help keeping warm?

7

If your home is not energy efficient, you will be wasting money just trying to keep it warm. Properly insulating your home could save you money. Assistance is available for both heating and insulation for qualifying properties. Our Affordable Warmth Unit can provide practical help and advice with all these matters and more!

Benefits AdviceFind out what benefits you are entitled to, how to claim and what happens if your circumstances change

Home Safety, Security and Assistive TechnologyThere is a range of monitoring equipment available that can help you to maintain your independence and feel secure in your own home. A Lifeline Emergency Unit can be installed, which is linked directly to a control centre, staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, where staff will respond quickly and sensitively to all callers.Additional monitoring (assistive technology) is available via a range of sensors which connect to the Lifeline Unit, including sensors to detect carbon monoxide, smoke/fire, flooding or drops in temperature. We can also install a range of door entry systems, according to your specific need.

Dementia Links Dementia Links is a specialist housing service working directly with those who have memory difficulties/dementia and their family to help maintain a person’s independence. At your request, we will visit you in your own home to discuss how and in what way we can make the living environment as comfortable and safe as possible. From this practical advice, support and interventions will be suggested, and if agreed with all concerned, will be implemented as quickly and smoothly as possible.

For an informal chat of how Dementia Links can help, please ring Tish/Monica on 01744 676556.

All advice and information is provided free of chargeWhilst there may be charges for some of our services, a range of funding is available via Disabled Facilities Grants, Government Grants and charitable funding where appropriate. The Home Improvement Agency will advise you what funding is available and will assist with all the necessary applications. You will be advised of any costs that may be incurred before you commit yourself to any of our services. We can also provide help with: fire safety checks; welfare benefit checks; accident prevention measures; home safety checks; and support and advocacy.

8

Contact the Team

For more information or to access any of the services contact the team on

01744 676555 or email: homeimprovementagency@sthelens.gov.uk

http://www.sthelens.gov.uk/a-z-services/h/home-improvement-agency/

Healthy Living TeamSt Helens Council

Choices Lifestyle ReferralThis service offers participants the chance to work with a Lifestyle Advisor and make long-term changes by promoting safe and effective exercise. The intensive support lasts for six months and begins with a closely monitored 12-week period to design a personal exercise programme that is right for the client. This promotes the benefits of physical activity, helps participants increase their activity levels and reduces their risk of ill health. The programmes of exercise continue on from 6 months and wider support is available, to stay active long term.

You will need to see your GP or clinical practitioner about this programme before you can be accepted onto it or telephone 0300 300 0103 for more information.

Community Falls Exercise Programme Is a six month programme as part of the Lifestyle Referral Programme in St Helens run by the Health Living Team.

If you have balance problems, have had a fall, have a fear of falling or osteoporosis then this programme may be of benefit.

You need to be referred on to the programme by your GP, Practice Nurse or Falls Prevention Nurse. You will have an initial consultation and further assessments throughout the programme.

We offer a wide range of classes suitable for all levels of ability, which include Chair Based Exercise, Postural Stability classes, Tai- Chi etc. These are all aimed at improving balance, strength, fitness, and flexibility. Transport is provided to some classes for those who are unable to use other transport.

9

Contact the Team

For more information or to access any of the services contact the team on

0300 300 0103 or email hit@sthelens.gov.uk

www.healthysthelens.co.uk/

Occupational TherapistsSt Helens Council

What Can Occupational Therapists provide and do?Our Occupational Therapists and specially trained occupational therapy assistants help people who have difficulties with practical everyday tasks and can give you advice on disability equipment or housing adaptations. If you have a disability, that makes it difficult to get around or do everyday tasks we may be able to help you by providing equipment or adaptations that can make it easier for you to live independently, and more safely, in your own home.

We can provide access to a wide range of specialist equipment to help you with all activities of daily living.

Equipment and Minor Adaptations:BathroomIf you are struggling to get in and out of the bath equipment like a bath-board and seat or bath-lift may be suitable.

ToiletIf you are struggling getting on and off the toilet there is a variety of equipment available such as:

Raised toilet seats - these raise the toilet height between two and four inches to make it easier to stand up or sit down.

Hand/grab rails - these can be installed on the wall at the side of the toilet to help you pull yourself up.

Toilet Frames - these allow you to push up with both hands. Commodes - if you are unable to get to your toilet.

BedroomBed Raisers - your bed is too low and you struggle to stand up.

Bed Rails - you have difficulty lifting your legs into bed or struggle to lie down or sit up in bed.

Lounge Chair Raisers - raise the height of the chair so that you can stand up or sit down easier.

KitchenPerching Stool - if you have difficulty standing to prepare a meal or drink

10

Kitchen Trolley - if you have difficulty carrying food or drink from the kitchen to a living or dining room

Children's Equipment and AdaptationsWe can provide equipment if your child has a disability and needs more specialised equipment than a non-disabled child of a similar age. You are usually responsible for providing readily available equipment that a non-disabled child would need, like a fireguard or a high chair.

Adaptations to Your Home Minor AdaptationsFor example stair rails and grab rails are ordered by the OT staff and completed by the Care & Repair team as part of the Home Improvement Agency.

Major AdaptationsWe can assist you with an application for a Disabled Facilities grant for the installation of permanent adaptations like a shower or stairlift. This grant is financially assessed. You will be asked to complete a provisional Test of Resources as you may have to pay towards the cost of the work.

How to Apply for an Occupational Therapy AssessmentIf you live in St Helens, have a physical disability, or you are the parent or carer of a child with a disability, telephone St Helens Council Contact Centre 01744 676600. You will be asked for your personal details, some information about who helps you and what your request is about.

Your details will be passed to the Occupational Therapy Assessment Officer who will contact you about your application.

This information will help us decide whether we will be able to assist you with any services and how best these can be offered.

11

Contact the Team

For more information or to access any of the services contact:

Occupational Therapy, St.Helens Council, 2nd Floor, Wesley House, Corporation Street, St.Helens, WA10 1HE, Fax number: OT Team 01744 676244

Halton & St.Helens Integrated Community Equipment Service (long term equipment) 01928 842719 or 01928 842721

Home Improvement Agency - Care and Repair 01744 671679

http://www.sthelens.gov.uk/what-we-do/social-care-and-health/occupational-therapy/

Intermediate Care ServicesReablement ServiceA jointly funded multi-disciplinary Intermediate Care Service.

The main aim is to promote independence in people 18 years of age and older, including those with mild to moderate mental health issues.

It also aims to: Prevent inappropriate admission to acute hospital care Facilitate timely discharge from acute hospital care Prevent unnecessary admission to 24-hour care i.e. residential or nursing home care Enable people to remain in their own home environment

The service is multi-disciplinary and includes Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Care Managers (Social Workers), Nurses including a Community Psychiatric Nurse, Assistant Practitioners and Intermediate Care Support Workers.

The service can be provided in the person’s own home or within Brookfield Support Centre Reablement Unit for service users aged 65+ (cases under 65 will be looked at on an individual basis and with the consent of the Brookfield Manager).

Service providedThe service operates in accordance with the Department of Health (DH) guidance on Intermediate Care and as such, provides time limited (up to 6-8 weeks) programmes of reablement.

Those eligible for admission to the Service must be: A resident of St. Helens Borough or be registered with a St Helens GP 18 years of age or over Medically stable Willing and able to participate in a programme of reablement Have the potential for improvement within a 6-8 week period

Referrals to the service can be by any of the following, but they will first talk to you about whether the service will be of benefit to you.

Who can refer to the service? GP/ Doctors surgery/Practice Nurse District Nurse/Social Worker/Care Manager/Hospital staff Chiropody/ Specialist Nurses e.g. Cardiac Nurse, COPD Nurse Community Matron Voluntary Agencies e.g. Age Concern, Pilkington welfare

12

Contact the Team

For more information or to access the service contact the team on

01744 621 725/4

Healthwatch About usWhether it's improving them today or helping to shape them for tomorrow, Healthwatch St Helens is all about local voices being able to influence the delivery and design of local services. Not just people who use them, but anyone who might need to in future.

What is Healthwatch?Healthwatch is the new watchdog created to collect and represent the views of the people of St Helens who use health and social care services.

Healthwatch St Helens will be able to affect both national and local level and will make sure that the views of the people who use services are taken into account when changes or improvements are being made.

What we doWe will carry on the work started by St Helens LINk, but we will also:

NEED your views and experiences - tell us what you think about services - what is good and what is not.

Feedback what you say (anonymously) about services so that things change for the better. Keep you informed about what is happening in health and social care and help you to

navigate through services. Look at topics that matter - i.e. good mental health and wellbeing; dementia and support for

young people? Tell us what you want. Help you with your complaints Put your views across to people in charge about your health and social care services and

strategic plans.

How can you get involvedThere are many ways you can get involved in and support Healthwatch St Helens:

Become a member - it is free and you will receive monthly mailings and quarterly newsletters to keep you informed of what is happening and what we need your help with. Having more people involved makes us stronger and more diverse which in turn affects more services and helps us to create a better quality of services. Have a look at this video where Healthwatch members talk about why they got involved in Healthwatch St Helens.

You could be more active by volunteering to visit local hospitals and care homes. You could become a Friend of Healthwatch. You could join a committee or a task group to help steer the work we are doing.

13

Contact the Team

For more information or to access any of the services contact on

0300 111 0007 or email info@healthwatchsthelens.co.uk http://www.healthwatchsthelens.co.uk/

CarelineCareline is a 24 hour monitoring and response service that runs 365 days a year.

How the service worksThe Careline Service works via a special alarm unit connected to your telephone line. The alarm can be activated by pressing a button on a pendant worn around your neck or on your wrist. The pendant will work around the house and in the garden.

Additional sensors and assistive technology is available including:

Fall detectors Carbon monoxide sensors Epilepsy sensors Property exit sensors

These sensors are automatically activated when they detect you may be at risk. The Careline Officers will deal with activated alarms and advise and reassure you by speaking through the telephone unit. They will always ensure the appropriate response takes place and you will be kept informed of any action that is being taken on your behalf.

The aim is to maintain your independence and security in your own home. Careline also gives you and your family peace of mind in the knowledge that someone is always there to help you when needed.

Who is the service for?The service is available to anyone who feels at risk in their own home because of age, disability, isolation, illness or vulnerability. The equipment and response service can help to minimise risks associated with memory loss, sensory impairments, learning disabilities and mobility problems. The service is available if you live alone or with another person who may be your carer. You can have Careline whether you rent or own your home.

You can access the service through your Care Manager or you can purchase the service directly from Careline. A specialised team will carry out a simple assessment to ensure that the right equipment is installed in your home - this will involve looking at your living environment and the risks as identified by your Care Manager.

14

Contact the Team

For more information or to access the service contact the team on 01744 676 370

http://www.sthelens.gov.uk/what-we-do/social-care-and-health/adults/care-at-home/community-alarm-services/

Helena PartnershipsStaying Home ServiceStaying Home is a new service which aims to keep older people out of hospital and live independently in their own homes and community for longer.

As part of the project volunteers and staff from Helena Partnerships, St Helens Council and Halton and St Helens VCA (Voluntary and Community Action) visit homes throughout the borough to carry out safety checks, helping to reduce risks of injuries and illness that may lead to a stay in hospital.

Based on the principle that prevention is better than cure, the teams will do everything from adapting homes and removing trip hazards to helping you access social activities and support services.

Through Staying Home we can:

Help you look after your home or tenancy Help you feel safe in and around your home Help you to make sure your property is warm and that you are accessing

affordable fuel Help you maintain an active social life Help you access other services Help you get specialist counselling and advice Help you find other accommodation if you need it Help you monitor your health and well-being Help you access aids and adaptations to

make it easier for you to use your property

The service builds on the former Going Home Project, an 18-month multi-agency initiative which helped older people coming out of hospital.

15

Contact the Team

For more information or to access the service contact the team on

01744 677 131 or email stayinghome@helenapartnerships.co.uk https://www.helenahomes.co.uk/neighbourhoods/our-people/staying-home

Medicines ManagementEach GP practice in St Helens is supported by a CCG clinical pharmacist and a medicines management technician.

Within the GP practice the pharmacists will undertake medication reviews on patients, particularly vulnerable adults on multiple medications.

As part of the medication review the pharmacists will look to review medication that can lead to falls and control of blood pressure and bloods which if not within range again can contribute to falls. The pharmacist will make recommendations to GPs as necessary.

Additionally, the pharmacists and technicians visit the St Helens care homes annually and undertake medication review on all care home residents, again making recommendations to GPs as appropriate.

16

Contact the Team

For more information contact your GP surgery now

Age UK Mid Mersey Age UK Mid Mersey is a charitable organisation that operates to promote and provide older people in the area with a holistic range of health, wellbeing and care services so that individuals have more choice and control in their everyday lives. We do this by working in partnership with key stakeholders and by utilising a range of social enterprise businesses to help us deliver our services and generate income to fund our work. Our Aims

To be Enabling – enabling older people to make informed decisions about their lives To be Caring – passionate about our work with older people To be Influential – draw strength from the combined voices of older people To be Pro-Active – innovative, effective and outcomes focussed To share our Expertise – be authoritative, be trusted and be quality orientated

Our Services and Projects

Positive living Befriending Helping hands Lifestyle activities Trust Matters counselling service Money advice service Products and services Information services Charity shops

Last year we helped older people and their carers claim well over £1million in extra welfare benefits and 120 older people enjoy the benefits of our active care service.

Over 1,200 older people in St Helens have registered with the St Helens Senior Voice Forum (see Older People's Forums page).

17

Contact the Team

For more information contact Age UK Mid Mersey on

01744 752 644

10 Top Tips for Falls Prevention

Talk to your G.P. or Nurse if you have frequent Falls

Have your eyesight checked at least every 2 years

Wear well-fitting shoes with good tread

Take regular exercise and keep joints moving

Eat a well-balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids, (non-alcoholic)

Smoking can weaken bones. Ask your G.P. for advice on how to Quit

Consider a fall alarm/pendant to use – talk to your local council for more information.

Ensure that walking aids (sticks, frames) are at the right height and that the ferrules on walking sticks are not worn down.

Keep your home well-lit at night, ask your council for a night light for during the night.

Keep your house warm, you will move more freely and be safer if you should fall.

18