Homecare Newsletter February 2010
Homecare Newsletter
February 2010
Download a Copy of the Homecare Newsletter 676.34 KB 
Contents
- Highest Possible Score
- New alarm to monitor temperature
- Kill the Chill
- Re-ablement improves independence
- Homecare staff also reap rewards
- Say No to Doorstop Crime
- Eating fruit and veg in a range of colours is good for your eyes
- Another milestone for Tameside Carers Centre
- Self Directed Support
- Information about Tameside Adult Services
- Choice Shop for Care Options
Highest Possible Score
For the second year running, Tameside Adult Services has topped the Care Quality Commission 
(CQC) ratings with “excellent” across all seven inspection categories and is officially the best in the country. The CQC measure Adult Services performance against seven domains and have judged all seven as excellent, making Tameside the only authority in the country to achieve the maximum score.
Stephanie Butterworth, Executive Director, Community Services, said: “This result reflects our focus on people who use our services and the dedication and passion that all our staff have in delivering an excellent service. We are rightly very proud of our achievement.”
New alarm to monitor temperature
To protect you if the temperature in your room rises above or falls below safe limits, there is a Temperature Detector which will automatically raise an alarm with the 24 hour Community Response Service.
Monitoring of the alarm is done through an unobtrusive Carephone unit which also controls other alarms available from Community Response such as the pendant alarm worn around the neck, the falls detector, smoke alarm and other new telecare devices.
The Community Response Service costs £5.09 a week which can be paid weekly, fortnightly, monthly or annually and there are no extras for installation.
Community Response provides reassurance and peace of mind for carers and families that in the event of an emergency, trained personnel will take action to ensure that help is at hand. For information about the Temperature Detector and other alarms or to arrange a demonstration, please contact the Community Response Service.
Kill the Chill
In collaboration with the Energy Savings Trust, Tameside Council offer a free telephone advice service as part of a “Kill the Chill” campaign.
As well as free and impartial advice about keeping warm and saving energy, information and assistance with improving insulation, maximising your income and fire safety is available on: 0800 512 012
Reablement improves independence
Additional training for Homecare workers to equip newly discharged patients with skills, strength and confidence to be independent again after a spell in hospital is paying off.
Here are a few of the comments made by Homecare service users who have benefited from the new “Reablement” approach:
M.L. reports:
“The Reablement Team helped me to manage my own medication so I don’t have to rely on others doing it for me. I like to have the control of doing it myself.
The staff gave me the support and time I needed so that I could do things like washing and undressing. They didn’t rush me, they always had time to let me try and do it myself. I really like that because it keeps me active”.
L.C reports:
“Without the Reablement Team I would never have got through these last few weeks. All the staff have been excellent with me. They have given me the confidence to get on with my life. I can now use my three-wheel walker again to get about. I never thought I would do it, but with the encouragement to keep trying I can do it myself. This now means I will be able to go out and do my own shopping again like I used to.”
Comments by service users who have benefited from Reablement
“Staff tried to build my confidence, this has helped me. It has also taken some pressure off my husband”
“The staff put me in touch with other people that can help me in the future”
“I liked the consideration and concern of the attending staff who were involved in my rehabilitation, my heartfelt good wishes go to all of them”
“The system has allowed me to return home after a very long stay in hospital. The team were patient, positive and realistic, they pushed me forwards mentally with invaluable help practically with things I couldn’t do at the time. My physical disability is advancing but I am now in a more mentally balanced state regarding my circumstances”
As Barbara Morgan – Reablement Project Lead comments: “Our job is to give practical support so that each individual can enjoy the best possible outcomes for them. Reablement training has given our staff extra skills to offer a personalised service to our clients to help them retain as much independence and control over their lives as possible.
Homecare staff also reap rewards
“I find the job more fulfilling in Reablement – more than providing basic homecare”
“I find I enjoy spending more time, getting to know them more as a person and in getting to know them I know how I can become more involved in supporting them better”
“I get lots of job satisfaction…seeing the person happy makes it more rewarding and a sense of achievement”
“Far more satisfying than before. It is nice to see a person blossom, before I would see people shrivel up and feel helpless in making any change to the situation“
“One major difference is the fact that care can be altered, suspended or changed as a result of the work we do”
Reablement is not for everyone but is proving very popular with people who have perhaps been in hospital, had a fall or illness which has knocked their confidence. For further information about Reablement, please contact Barbara Morgan on 0161 342 2431.
Say No to Doorstop Crime
If you are suspicious about anyone at your door, don’t open it.
Most callers are genuine but there are some “rogue traders” who pretend to be gardeners, builders or general maintenance repairers. Don’t let them in. Ask them to make an appointment or to come back later when you’re prepared. If you’re unsure, phone Trading Standards on 0161 342 3671 or 0161342 8355.
Occasionally, people pretend to be from the ‘Water Board ‘ saying that there’s a problem, and they need to come in to turn off your water supply. Don’t let them in. There is no such organisation called the Water Board, United Utilities provide our water supply. With modern technology, they no longer need to come into your home.
You can contact the local police for advice on 0161 872 5050. In an emergency, always phone 999.
Eating fruit and veg in a range of colours is good for your eyes
Increasing the amount of fruit and veg in your diet will not only boost your vitamin and mineral levels but will also give you more antioxidants.
Evidence suggests that antioxidants are very helpful in preventing cataracts and other age related eye problems.
Remember to eat a wide variety of fruit and veg in a range of different colours to get maximum benefits!
Another milestone for Tameside Carers Centre
Tameside Carers Centre reached another milestone in 2009 with the 3000th Carer dropping in since moving to 50 Warrington Street in central Ashton.
Helen Stonehouse (Carers Centre Manger) said “We’ve seen a steep rise in the number of people dropping in for information, advice and support and we are delighted to be able to support the informal Carers who, unpaid, look after disabled, sick or frail relatives and friends. If you know anyone who isn’t getting the support they need as an unpaid Carer, encourage them to register with us so we can send them the information they need.”
Tameside Carers Centre’s drop-in hours are 10am until 3pm Monday to Friday and appointments can be made outside these times.
Self Directed Support
What is Self Directed Support?
Self Directed Support is part of the government’s new Personalisation Agenda which aims to put you, the individual, rather than the council, in charge of choosing the care you need.
With Self Directed Support, you decide how much control you want. You may prefer to manage your support yourself with a Personal Budget or you may prefer Adult Services to manage your support on your behalf. Whichever option you choose, someone from Adult Services will help you decide the right support for you.
With Self Directed Support, the people who need support and use social care services, their families, their carers and their partners must be treated as experts and be involved in the planning and the decision making process.
What if I am happy with the way things are?
If you are happy with the support you currently receive, you will not be forced to change your existing arrangements. If you would like to explore the benefits of Self Directed Support, please contact the Adult Assessment & Customer Support Team.
Information about TMBC Adult Services
Contact the Adult Assessment & Customer Care Team, Stalybridge Resource Centre, Waterloo Road, Stalybridge.
Monday to Wednesday: 8.30am – 5.00pm
Thursday: 8.30am - 4.30pm
Friday: 8.30am - 4.00pm
Telephone: 0161 342 2400
Fax: 0161 342 2460
Textphone: 0161 342 3602
Send a Message to Adult Services
Carers
Carers “Drop in” and Telephone Helpline: 0161 342 3344
Monday to Friday from 10.00am – 3.00pm
Send a Message to the Carers Centre
Benefits
Benefits Hotline Freephone: 0800 074 9985.
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9.30am - 12.30pm.
www.tameside.gov.uk/welfarerights
Choice Shop for Care Options
Independent advice and information about care homes, home support services including cleaning, shopping, laundry, escort services and assistance with bathing is
available from The Choice Shop at 206 Stamford Street, Ashton.
Drop in hours: Monday - Saturday 10am – 2pm