Plans are in place to develop a carers’ centre of excellence in Stoke-on-Trent.
The council aims to provide support and services to carers under one roof, including short breaks, bed space, day relief and home based help.
The development includes potential for working with the health sector, voluntary and other statutory organisations.
In separate initiatives, the authority has trained over 40 carers in managing challenging behaviour. The courses, funded by the Carers Grant, are available to individuals caring for older people with dementia related illnesses.
Training gives carers greater understanding of the disease. It includes recognising early signs of dementia and the potential effects on family and friends.
The council also provides short term cover for carers who are facing an emergency and are unable to look after the person they care for.
Temporary cover is provided by a response team who will maintain telephone contact with the person cared for or supply a temporary sitter.
Emergency care is provided for a maximum of 48 hours on weekdays, and up to 72 hours at weekends. Currently 150 carers are registered to use the service.
Tuesday, 13 April 2010
Walking in carers' shoes
Coventry City Council recently held a training event for representatives from a number of organisations, to raise awareness of carers' needs.
Under the heading 'Walk a Mile in My Shoes', the event organised jointly with the Department of Health, informed delegates of the extent to which carers contribute to the health and social care of people in need, and of their own need for practical and emotional support.
Brian Walsh (Director of Community Services) said: " Carers play a vital role in supporting people to live as independently as possible, and this event highlighted the value and contribution they play throughout Coventry. It provided an opportunity for a wide range of staff from agencies across the city to be aware of carers and the most effective ways of supporting them in their role."
Delegates from the NHS, PCT, JobCentre Plus and voluntary organisations attended.
Under the heading 'Walk a Mile in My Shoes', the event organised jointly with the Department of Health, informed delegates of the extent to which carers contribute to the health and social care of people in need, and of their own need for practical and emotional support.
Brian Walsh (Director of Community Services) said: " Carers play a vital role in supporting people to live as independently as possible, and this event highlighted the value and contribution they play throughout Coventry. It provided an opportunity for a wide range of staff from agencies across the city to be aware of carers and the most effective ways of supporting them in their role."
Delegates from the NHS, PCT, JobCentre Plus and voluntary organisations attended.
Monday, 12 April 2010
Safeguarding and older people - the role of housing and support, 20 April 2010
A national conference to look at the key role housing and support providers for older people have in promoting the safeguarding agenda, and engaging with tenants and service users to promote best practice and achieve improved outcomes.
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Sustainable Social Care Conference, 20 April 2010
Findings, strategic, and practical recommendations from the Sustainable Social Care Programme will be revealed. The programme explores how sustainable development approaches can help realise the aims of Putting People First, and support the improvement and efficiency agenda.
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Dignity and choice in end of life care: the role of social workers, 28 April 2010
Supported by SCIE, the British Association of Social Workers and Shaping Our Lives, the conference will focus on the role social workers have in enabling chice and ensuring dignity in end of life care.
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Jip e-bulletin No. 11 April 2010
Foreword
Welcome to this month's issue of the Jip e-bulletin.
No matter what the future brings, people will keep on giving vast amounts of time and energy to care for a loved one in need.
And no matter how much local authorities and PCTs have to spend on carers, it will always be an investment worth making. Carers tend to do as much as they can, as well as they can, they deserve our support to do what they usually see as their duty.
The Department of Health led National Carer Strategy of 2008, responds to a range of carers concerns. Alongside the Strategy a Standing Commission for Carers was set up to inform, support and if necessary challenge the implementation of the strategy. Together, the Standing Commission and the strategy have helped ensure this policy is genuinely led by what carers say.
Regionally the Carer Strategy supports local authorities in their ambition to do the same. Carer lead officers are now found in all West Midlands councils, working across departmental boundaries and with health, Job Centre Plus and other partners, to seek a joined up approach to carers' needs.
The voluntary sector has often led the way on carers; but in order to blend carers into the complex world of personalisation, voluntary sector partners need to be kept up to date about policy and practice as they evolve.
Likewise, health partners are increasingly clear about the importance of carers, both through their Clinical Review Groups, and strategically. Strengthening relationships across social care, health and the voluntary sector makes sense to carers and to agencies as we pursue increased efficiency and better services.
But many challenges remain. Personalisation of social services means we are in danger of talking to carers as if they are part of the care package and not part of the family. Whether we're talking to carers, to our own services, to voluntary sector allies or to health colleagues, social care values remain a strong anchor through times of change.
This month's bulletin gives an overview of what some councils in the region are doing to support and include carers as equal partners in the provision of social care.
Simon Foster
Programme Lead, Carers and LINks
Department of Health West Midlands
Welcome to this month's issue of the Jip e-bulletin.
No matter what the future brings, people will keep on giving vast amounts of time and energy to care for a loved one in need.
And no matter how much local authorities and PCTs have to spend on carers, it will always be an investment worth making. Carers tend to do as much as they can, as well as they can, they deserve our support to do what they usually see as their duty.
The Department of Health led National Carer Strategy of 2008, responds to a range of carers concerns. Alongside the Strategy a Standing Commission for Carers was set up to inform, support and if necessary challenge the implementation of the strategy. Together, the Standing Commission and the strategy have helped ensure this policy is genuinely led by what carers say.
Regionally the Carer Strategy supports local authorities in their ambition to do the same. Carer lead officers are now found in all West Midlands councils, working across departmental boundaries and with health, Job Centre Plus and other partners, to seek a joined up approach to carers' needs.
The voluntary sector has often led the way on carers; but in order to blend carers into the complex world of personalisation, voluntary sector partners need to be kept up to date about policy and practice as they evolve.
Likewise, health partners are increasingly clear about the importance of carers, both through their Clinical Review Groups, and strategically. Strengthening relationships across social care, health and the voluntary sector makes sense to carers and to agencies as we pursue increased efficiency and better services.
But many challenges remain. Personalisation of social services means we are in danger of talking to carers as if they are part of the care package and not part of the family. Whether we're talking to carers, to our own services, to voluntary sector allies or to health colleagues, social care values remain a strong anchor through times of change.
This month's bulletin gives an overview of what some councils in the region are doing to support and include carers as equal partners in the provision of social care.
Simon Foster
Programme Lead, Carers and LINks
Department of Health West Midlands
Thursday, 8 April 2010
Investing in community well being
Staffordshire County Council has set up a £1million Community Wellbeing Fund available to small local organisations.
The aim is to give grants to schemes that support or provide services to older and vulnerable people.
The fund will operate for four years. The first tranche totaling £250,000 will be distributed this month.
Organisations can apply for a small grant of up to £1000 or a larger grant of up to £10,000.
The council is particularly keen to fund schemes providing:
· community transport
· healthy luncheon clubs
· befriending or pop in services
· leisure, education or training.
Contact: Shelley Davis, Health Development Officer,
telephone: 01785 278279, email: shelley.davis@staffordshire.gov.uk
The aim is to give grants to schemes that support or provide services to older and vulnerable people.
The fund will operate for four years. The first tranche totaling £250,000 will be distributed this month.
Organisations can apply for a small grant of up to £1000 or a larger grant of up to £10,000.
The council is particularly keen to fund schemes providing:
· community transport
· healthy luncheon clubs
· befriending or pop in services
· leisure, education or training.
Contact: Shelley Davis, Health Development Officer,
telephone: 01785 278279, email: shelley.davis@staffordshire.gov.uk
Driving up claims for direct payments
Solihull Care Trust has made it easier for carers to come forward and be assessed for direct payments, by working in partnership with the Solihull Carers' Centre.
The partnership was formed when it was found many carers were reluctant to be assessed by what they perceive as ‘the authorities’, preventing them from accessing support.
To change the situation and improve the take up of direct payments, Solihull Carers' Centre (an independent voluntary organisation led by carers) now carries out assessments on behalf of the care trust.
Legal responsibility remains with the trust to authorise and decide allocation of resources.
Assessments and the number of payments have increased since the partnership was formed.
Contact: Solihull Carers Centre, telephone: 0121 788 1143,
email: centre@solihullcarers.org.
Read more
The partnership was formed when it was found many carers were reluctant to be assessed by what they perceive as ‘the authorities’, preventing them from accessing support.
To change the situation and improve the take up of direct payments, Solihull Carers' Centre (an independent voluntary organisation led by carers) now carries out assessments on behalf of the care trust.
Legal responsibility remains with the trust to authorise and decide allocation of resources.
Assessments and the number of payments have increased since the partnership was formed.
Contact: Solihull Carers Centre, telephone: 0121 788 1143,
email: centre@solihullcarers.org.
Read more
Libraries made carer information hubs
Libraries in Dudley have become the main source of information for carers in the borough.
The council is promoting its 13 libraries as where to go to for its Carers' Information Service.
The libraries will:
· display posters inviting carers to ask staff for help
· keep an information folder on how to support carers
· have information on links to relevant websites to help carers find the information they need
· stock books for carers displaying ‘carer aware’ stickers
· provide free copies of the carers anthology Smiling is Allowed
All staff will aim to complete an online awareness training course.
The council has secured funding from the Department of Health to develop the course, which will be available to carers and anyone in the borough who works with them.
For further information contact Christine Rowley, telephone 0300 555 2345 ext 8723.
Email: Christine.Rowley@dudley.gov.uk
The council is promoting its 13 libraries as where to go to for its Carers' Information Service.
The libraries will:
· display posters inviting carers to ask staff for help
· keep an information folder on how to support carers
· have information on links to relevant websites to help carers find the information they need
· stock books for carers displaying ‘carer aware’ stickers
· provide free copies of the carers anthology Smiling is Allowed
All staff will aim to complete an online awareness training course.
The council has secured funding from the Department of Health to develop the course, which will be available to carers and anyone in the borough who works with them.
For further information contact Christine Rowley, telephone 0300 555 2345 ext 8723.
Email: Christine.Rowley@dudley.gov.uk
Self assessments pay off
An individual payment scheme for carers has been introduced by Sandwell Council’s Adults Services and Health.
Over 1000 one off payments have been awarded to local carers. The money has been used in a variety of ways, including payment for short breaks, stress relieving complementary therapies, training and equipment.
Awards are made on the basis of carers carrying out their own assessments, helping to streamline the evaluation process.
Carers also have the benefit of using a free emergency card scheme. Individuals carry a card stating they are a carer and someone depends on them. It gives the number of the council’s 24 hour contact centre which will call people, nominated by the carer, in the event of an emergency.
Contact: Sam Hay, telephone: 01216121620
Email: sam.hay@sandwell-pct.nhs.uk
Read more
Over 1000 one off payments have been awarded to local carers. The money has been used in a variety of ways, including payment for short breaks, stress relieving complementary therapies, training and equipment.
Awards are made on the basis of carers carrying out their own assessments, helping to streamline the evaluation process.
Carers also have the benefit of using a free emergency card scheme. Individuals carry a card stating they are a carer and someone depends on them. It gives the number of the council’s 24 hour contact centre which will call people, nominated by the carer, in the event of an emergency.
Contact: Sam Hay, telephone: 01216121620
Email: sam.hay@sandwell-pct.nhs.uk
Read more
Search for hidden carers
Wolverhampton City Council has set up a carers' awareness training course for frontline staff to help identify hidden carers.
The course was developed when it became clear, during the council’s consultation on its carer strategy, that local authority reception staff and workers in the PCT did not understand the needs and responsibilities of carers, or recognise who might be one.
The courses are designed to raise awareness among GP surgery staff, council receptionists, employees working in the community or anyone who might be able to identify carers who may benefit from council support.
The course was developed when it became clear, during the council’s consultation on its carer strategy, that local authority reception staff and workers in the PCT did not understand the needs and responsibilities of carers, or recognise who might be one.
The courses are designed to raise awareness among GP surgery staff, council receptionists, employees working in the community or anyone who might be able to identify carers who may benefit from council support.
Focus on carers in Stoke-on-Trent
Plans are in place to develop a carers’ centre of excellence in Stoke-on-Trent.
The council aims to provide support and services to carers under one roof, including short breaks, bed space, day relief and home based help. The development includes potential for working with the health sector, voluntary and other statutory organisations.
In separate initiatives, the authority has trained over 40 carers in managing challenging behaviour. The courses, funded by the Carers' Grant, are available to individuals caring for older people with dementia related illnesses.
Training gives carers greater understanding of the disease. It includes recognising early signs of dementia and the potential effects on family and friends.
The council also provides short term cover for carers who are facing an emergency and are unable to look after the person they care for.
Temporary cover is provided by a response team who will maintain telephone contact with the person cared for or supply a temporary sitter.
Emergency care is available for a maximum of 48 hours on weekdays, and up to 72 hours at weekends. Currently 150 carers are registered to use the service.
The council aims to provide support and services to carers under one roof, including short breaks, bed space, day relief and home based help. The development includes potential for working with the health sector, voluntary and other statutory organisations.
In separate initiatives, the authority has trained over 40 carers in managing challenging behaviour. The courses, funded by the Carers' Grant, are available to individuals caring for older people with dementia related illnesses.
Training gives carers greater understanding of the disease. It includes recognising early signs of dementia and the potential effects on family and friends.
The council also provides short term cover for carers who are facing an emergency and are unable to look after the person they care for.
Temporary cover is provided by a response team who will maintain telephone contact with the person cared for or supply a temporary sitter.
Emergency care is available for a maximum of 48 hours on weekdays, and up to 72 hours at weekends. Currently 150 carers are registered to use the service.
Maximising benefits in Birmingham
A scheme set up to maximise carers’ income in Birmingham is expected to reach the £2 million mark within two years.
An income maximisation service has been commissioned by Birmingham City Council to increase income for carers. The aim is to improve their well being and living conditions.
It targets individuals who find it difficult to access money advice services, and have been:
An income maximisation service has been commissioned by Birmingham City Council to increase income for carers. The aim is to improve their well being and living conditions.
It targets individuals who find it difficult to access money advice services, and have been:
- referred by the council community care teams
- identified as under claimers by looking at the benefit service computer records
- referred by other agencies working on behalf of carers
Carers are approached with the offer of a home visit to assess their financial needs. A claim for relevant benefits is made on their behalf. Debt advice and representation to third parties is also available.
The scheme will run until April 2011. To date, 55% of cases have resulted in more money for carers. The service predicts an overall increase of up to £2 million by the time the scheme ends.
Demonstrating care for carers
Warwickshire County is one of the demonstrator sites where new approaches to supporting carers are being tried out as part of the implementation of the carers strategy.
The sites have been set up to:
Read more
The sites have been set up to:
- find more effective and cost-effective ways of delivering breaks to carers
- establish health and well-being checks for carers
- identify better ways for the NHS to support carers
Warwickshire County Council was selected in October 2008 as one of 12 councils nationally to demonstrate the Breaks for Carers programme. The council currently provides:
- residential weekend holidays and short breaks for the person being cared for
- sitting services by qualified care staff
- day care
- one off payments that carers can use on their choice of support
home based breaks for up to 72 hours
- a Carers Emergency Plan, giving carers the opportunity to make alternative care arrangements in the event of them being temporarily unable to provide care, for example, because of illness or hospital admission.
The council is also developing an online booking system for carers wanting a break.
A national team from Leeds University will carry out evaluation of the demonstrator sites over two years.
Read more
Facing the facts
The 2001 Census reports that there were 5.67 million carers in Great Britain.
Of these:
- 58% of carers were women
- 42% were men
- 68% of carers provided care for up to 19 hours a week, 11% for 20 to 49 hours and 21% for 50 or more hours
- Over 65s account for around a third of all carers providing more than 50 hours of care a week (taken from the government strategy Building a society for all ages) In the 45–59 age group16% of all men (over 900,000) and 23% of all women (over 1.3 million women) are carers (taken from Carers UK)
- Of the £255 million underpinning the national carers strategy, £150 million was allocated to planned short breaks for carers, up to £38 million towards supporting carers to enter or re-enter the job market; and £6 million towards improving support for young carers.
Building a better future for carers
The Standing Commission on Carers has made a number of recommendations in its first annual report to support implementation of the carers strategy.
Set up in 2007, the commission is an independent advisory body providing expert advice to ministers and the Carers Strategy Cross Government Programme Board, on progress in delivering the national carers strategy.
The report summarises progress to date against each of the main themes of the strategy, and highlights future challenges and opportunities. It also recommends actions and makes suggestions for the government, delivery partners and the next stage of the commission.
Recommendations for Primary Care Trusts and councils include:
- ensuring ongoing support and sustainable funding for local information services through their local strategic partnerships and local area agreements
- developing further capacity for providing training courses at a local level so carers can participate effectively in a wider range of activities, including inspection teams, Local Involvement Networks (LINks), local strategic partnerships and the development and review of local area agreements
- consideration by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services and the Local Government Association, of how best to ensure transformation and partnership work are achieving the desired outcomes at local levels, and whether there are any resource issues
- that the NHS Care Records Service Programme Board explore if better use can be made of the carers’ information held on record, for example to improve information sharing about carers’ health.
Read more
Profiling carers in the region
A profile of carers in the West Midlands, detailing who they are, their potential needs and the support services in their area, is available on the Department of Health website. Compiled by the University of Leeds, it provides health and local authorities with information needed to support implementation of the national carers’ strategy.
The profile shows:
· most local authorities in the region have developed carers' strategy steering groups
· all local authorities are concentrating on delivering carers’ breaks
· all have developed strategies for supporting young carers
· 55,200 people of working age have an entitlement to Carer’s Allowance (CA), and among them 49,590 receive this benefit.
Read more
The profile shows:
· most local authorities in the region have developed carers' strategy steering groups
· all local authorities are concentrating on delivering carers’ breaks
· all have developed strategies for supporting young carers
· 55,200 people of working age have an entitlement to Carer’s Allowance (CA), and among them 49,590 receive this benefit.
Read more
Putting carers at the heart of communities
The deadline for implementing the first phase of commitments outlined in the national strategy for carers is in 2011.
Published in 2008, the strategy – Carers at the Heart of the 21st Century Families and Communities, provides a framework for responding to the growing demands placed on carers and the care system.
It sets out a vision for elevating carers as equal partners in the provision of services, and provides a plan of action for health and social care providers to make this happen.
Currently one in 10 people in Britain is a carer: most are women, and 6,000 people take on new caring responsibilities each day.
With more people living longer, many are developing long term clinical conditions, and most want to maintain control over their lives and independence in their own homes; requiring greater support from carers.
An initial budget of £255 million has been allocated to implement the strategy, including £150 million for planned short breaks for carers, £38 million to help carers enter or re-enter the job market, and £6 million for improving support for young carers.
Commitments include:
· expanding NHS services to support carers
· improving emotional support
· ensuring young carers are protected from inappropriate caring
· training carers to strengthen their role
· training public sector professionals to provide better services and support
· ensuring third sector support is available to carers
· providing better information about carers.
Read more
Published in 2008, the strategy – Carers at the Heart of the 21st Century Families and Communities, provides a framework for responding to the growing demands placed on carers and the care system.
It sets out a vision for elevating carers as equal partners in the provision of services, and provides a plan of action for health and social care providers to make this happen.
Currently one in 10 people in Britain is a carer: most are women, and 6,000 people take on new caring responsibilities each day.
With more people living longer, many are developing long term clinical conditions, and most want to maintain control over their lives and independence in their own homes; requiring greater support from carers.
An initial budget of £255 million has been allocated to implement the strategy, including £150 million for planned short breaks for carers, £38 million to help carers enter or re-enter the job market, and £6 million for improving support for young carers.
Commitments include:
· expanding NHS services to support carers
· improving emotional support
· ensuring young carers are protected from inappropriate caring
· training carers to strengthen their role
· training public sector professionals to provide better services and support
· ensuring third sector support is available to carers
· providing better information about carers.
Read more
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