Practical Help in the Home
Home Helps
May provide a cleaning service in the home for a limited number of hours per week/fortnight for those who are unable to manage this for themselves. This is arranged through Social Services.
Home Care Aides
This service offers help with personal care. Although this service is arranged through Social Services who will assess your needs, they do not always employ the staff themselves, but may buy services from independent agencies. Personal care usually includes providing assistance with washing, dressing, getting up in the morning, or going to bed at night. The service schedule should be discussed with you and the person you care for to ensure it fits your requirements, daily routines and needs. You should be informed prior to changes in staff and times.
Mental Health Care
Community Psychiatric Nurses from the Health Service and Community Mental Health Workers from Social Services visit people with mental health problems in their own homes. They can provide regular emotional and practical support to Carers.
Laundry Service
If you or the person you care for are eligible for income support and have a lot of heavy or soiled washing and inadequate washing facilities at home, you may get help to buy a washing machine from the social fund, or help with doing some of the washing. Ask your Community Nurse, Social Services or Area Co-ordinator about this.
Night Care
It is sometimes possible to arrange care for the person you look after at night, to allow you to have unbroken sleep. Ask Social Services, your Community Nurse or Area Co-ordinator about this.
Meals on Wheels
This service brings a prepared main meal into the home for those who cannot prepare their own. The meals will be served warm when they are delivered, or prepared and ready to warm. A small charge is made for the meals. The service is provided by Social Services and the WRVS.
Services provided by Voluntary Organisations
A variety of services are provided by voluntary organisations although these will be limited by availability of volunteers and funds. Your Area Co-ordinator works for Derbyshire Carers Association which is a Voluntary Organisation supporting Carers in Derbyshire.
Volunteer Bureaux may be able to provide volunteers to help with a variety of things. The social car schemes will help with transport at low rates for those who need this, as will community transport.
Relief care is available in some areas on a limited scale through a number of voluntary organisations, some of which will provide care to people with specific conditions only, or for Carers and cared for who meet specific criteria.
Other services which can be accessed through a variety of Voluntary Groups include advocacy, befriending, information and support, self help and Carers groups, domestic and household assistance. Availability varies from area to area and for different circumstances. Some services are provided free of charge or on an expenses only basis, for others there will be a charge which may be below the usual market rate.
Some of these services can be accessed directly through the organisation itself, others will require a referral from Social Services. Health Services or other professional worker. Details of voluntary help available in your area can be sought from your local Area Co-ordinator, local CVS, Citizens Advice Bureau or Local Library.
Services provided by Private Organisations
There are a number of private organisations which can provide assistance for you and the person you care for. This can range from help with small domestic tasks to providing nursing care for the person you look after. However, unless these services are funded by Social Services or the Health Authority, you will have to pay the full cost. Usually charges are based on an hourly rate, depending on the level of service being provided.
