Keeping you independent for longer

The Government recently launched a new ‘vision’ for adult social care in this country – a document that sets out how we need to respond to changes in our population and the growing demands of an older population with increasingly complex needs.

It recommends how care should be arranged and how it should be funded. One of the key aims is to further strengthen the close working relationship between local authorities, GPs and colleagues from across the health service.

One area where there are already well established links between social care professionals and the health service, is in the field of Community Response Services.

What is the Community Response Service?

The County Council’s Community Response teams provide short-term assessment and reablement, to help people regain their independence and carry on living at home for as long as possible after a crisis or on discharge from hospital. The teams support adults over the age of 18 with physical disabilities and older people. They are available from 7am to 10pm, 365 days a year.

How does it work?

Once you’ve had an assessment and we have identified the services you need, the team will work with you for a maximum of up to six weeks to help you with your health, hygiene, safety, mobility and emotional well being – all of which are designed to get you ‘back on your feet’ and living independently.

But don’t worry if you need care beyond six weeks, as the appropriate care package will be agreed with you and you will be supported throughout the transition phase by the Community Response team.

The teams are made up of a trained care quality commission registered manager, supported by team leaders, and community response assistants, and work closely with GPs, occupational therapists, district nurses and other health professionals.

Do you know someone who needs help?

A visit to the Care Choice website provides you with a wide range of helpful information on services for adults in Hampshire, promoting and enabling living at home with advice for individuals, their family and carers.

Whether you are looking for advice on benefits available to you, or perhaps help with tasks at home and suppliers of equipment, Care Choice is the place to start.

Working in practice

Alice, in her late 80s, recently came out of hospital following an operation. She was discharged into a ‘time to think bed’ as part of her community response package. This is when someone spends time in a residential or nursing home bed to enable them to work towards becoming more independent, giving them time to consider whether they can cope at home or whether they feel the need to go into a residential home in the longer term.

A group of community response assistants worked closely with Alice, under the instruction of an Occupational Therapist, practicing getting in and out of bed and improving her confidence. She spent about six weeks in the reablement bed and was then discharged home. Alice is managing well, with just a very small amount of additional support, which she pays for herself.

Guide to better care and support

For those needing help to manage their everyday life at home, our Guide to Better Care and Support provides practical information on all aspects of independent living, as well as listing care agencies in Hampshire. The latest edition is out now. Call 0845 603 5630 for your free copy or visit www.hants.gov.uk/care-at-home-publications