North Lincolnshire - Connect to Support · North Lincolnshire This guide is full of useful...

Carers’ Companion

A Guide for Carers

in

North Lincolnshire

This guide is full of useful information on the support and services available to adult Carers caring for an adult in

North Lincolnshire

The Carers’ Advisory Group, in conjunction with the Carers’ Support Centre; North Lincolnshire

Social Services and local voluntary organisations, has compiled this guide.

The Carers’ Advisory Group takes no

responsibility for errors or omissions. Where errors or omissions are identified they should be notified to the Advisory Group by telephoning the

secretariat on 01652 650585 or email to [email protected].

Carers Advisory Group

11/11 Carers’ Advisory Group Carers’ Companion

CaCaCaCarers’ Companionrers’ Companionrers’ Companionrers’ Companion About this Guide, Who is the Carer?

Carers provide unpaid care by looking after an ill, frail or disabled family member, friend or partner (Carers UK).

• Anyone can become a Carer; they come from all walks of life, all cultures and can be of any age.

• Sometimes people do not recognise themselves as Carers, they feel they are just looking after their partner, family member or friends.

• For some people the caring role develops gradually, for others it happens suddenly as a result of an illness or an accident.

• The term “Carer” should not be confused with a paid care worker, or care assistant, who receives a wage for looking after someone.

• There are nearly 6 million Carers in the UK, approximately 1 person in every 8, and every day another 6 thousand people take on a caring responsibility.

• There are nearly 16 thousand Carers in North Lincolnshire (Census 2001), which is just over 10% of the total population.

• Caring for someone can be a rewarding experience; however it can be emotionally stressful and physically exhausting.

This guide is full of useful information on the support and services available to adult Carers caring for an adult in North Lincolnshire.

For consistency in the document, Adult Social Care and Social Care North Lincolnshire are referred to as “Social Services”.

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11/11 Carers’ Advisory Group Carers’ Companion Contents: 1

CONTENTS

1. The Main Organisations Supporting Carers in North Lincolnshire

2. Services to Support the Cared For Person

2.1. Services Accessed Through the G.P.

2.2. North Lincolnshire Council Social Services Adult Social Care

2.2.1. Access to Services

2.2.2. Hospital Stays

2.2.3. Rehabilitation and Reablement 2.2.4. Personal Budget Questionnaire

2.2.5. Personal Budgets

2.2.6. Planning Support 2.2.7. Organising Support 2.2.8. Reviewing Your Support 2.2.9. What to Do if You Are Not Satisfied

2.2.10. Emergency Alarms

2.2.11. Residential Care

2.3. Equipment and Adaptations – Occupational Therapy Service

2.4. FreshStart and FreshStart Plus

2.5. Age UK North Lincolnshire (formerly Independent Living North Lincolnshire)

3. Support for the Carer

3.1. Advocacy

3.2. Assessments (Carer’s Needs Assessment)

3.3. Breaks from Caring

3.3.1. Carer Groups

3.3.2. Holidays

3.3.3. Sitter Services

3.4. Carer Case Leaders

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3.5. Emotional Support

3.5.1. Listening Ear

3.5.2. Counselling

3.5.3. Friendship

3.5.4. Courses

3.6. Employment

3.6.1. The Right to Request Flexible Working

3.6.2. The Right to Have Time Off in Emergencies

3.6.3. Thinking of Leaving Work?

3.7. Emergencies

3.7.1. Emergency Plans

3.7.2. ICE – In Case of Emergency

3.7.3. Lions Message in a Bottle

3.8. Getting Involved – The Carers’ Advisory Group

3.9. Health Matters

3.9.1. Back Care

3.9.2. Sleep

3.9.3. Stress

3.9.4. Diet 3.9.5. Exercise

3.9.6. Depression

3.10. Information

3.11. Leisure and Learning

3.11.1. Caring with Confidence

3.11.2. Lifelong Learning

3.11.3. FreshStart 3.11.4. Alzheimer’s Society

3.11.5. Rethink North Lincolnshire Carers

3.11.6. Cinema Exhibitors’ Association Card

3.11.7. Leisure Services

3.12. Legal Matters

3.12.1. Managing Someone Else’s Affairs

3.12.2. Making a Will


3.13. Legislation

3.13.1. The Carers (Recognition and Services) Act 1995

3.13.2. The Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000

3.13.3. The Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004

3.14. Out of Hours

4. Money

4.1. Benefits for the Cared For Person

4.1.1. Attendance Allowance

4.1.2. Disability Living Allowance

4.1.3. Employment and Support Allowance

4.2. Benefits for Carers

4.2.1. Carer’s Allowance

4.2.2. Income Support 4.2.3. Caring and Your Pension

4.2.4. Council Tax Reduction

4.3. Housing Costs and Bills

4.3.1. Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit 4.3.2. Council Tax Discount 4.3.3. Mortgage Interest 4.3.4. Warm Front Grants Scheme

4.3.5. Winter Fuel Payment

4.4. Community Care Grants

4.5. Local Organisations That Can Help

5. Charges for Support Services

5.1. Financial Assessment

6. Transport

6.1. Volunteer Drivers

6.2. Blue Badge Scheme

6.3. Exemption from Road Tax (Vehicle Excise Duty)

6.4. Motability

6.5. RADAR Keys


6.6. Concessions on Public Transport

6.7. Railcard

6.8. Shopmobility

7. Compliments and Complaints

7.1. Local Procedures

7.2. Local Government Ombudsman

7.3. Health Services

8. When Caring Comes to an End

8.1. Residential Care

8.2. When the person you care for dies

8.2.1. Medical Certificate and Formal Notice

8.2.2. Coroner

8.2.3. Register of Death

8.2.4. The Death Certificate

8.2.5. Funeral Arrangements

8.2.6. Help with the Cost of the Funeral 8.2.7. Bereavement Benefits

8.2.8. Other Benefits

8.2.9. Moving On

9. Useful Contacts

10. My Personal Contact List

11/11 Carers’ Advisory Group Carers’ Companion Section 1: 1

1. The Main Organisations Supporting Carers in North Lincolnshire

• Carers’ Support Centre A charity with over 20 years experience of supporting and providing services for Carers in North Lincolnshire.

Telephone: 01652 650585 Email: [email protected] Website: www.carerssupportcentre.com Open: Mon to Thu: 8.00 am to 7.00 pm (for visitors) 8.00 am to 8.00 pm (for telephone enquiries) Fri: 8.00 am to 6.00 pm (visitors and telephone) Sat/Sun: 10.00 am to 4.00 pm (telephone only)

• Alzheimer’s Society Support and advice to Carers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses.

Telephone: 01652 680474 Email: [email protected]

• Rethink Carers’ Support Support and advice to Carers of people with severe and enduring mental illness.


• Adult Social Care – Family Carer Team A team carrying out Carer’s Needs Assessments, and working with support organisations to meet the needs.


• Stroke Association Family and Carer Support Service Provides information, emotional support and practical advice to people affected by stroke, their families and Carers.

Telephone: 01724 298142/298362




2. Services to Support the Cared For Person 2.1. Services Accessed Through the G.P.

The G.P. is the first point of contact for health services including:

• Chiropody Service • Community Matron • Specialist Mental Health and Psychiatric Service • Continence Nurse • District Nurse • Physiotherapy • Specialists in particular conditions • Speech Therapy • Wheelchairs

If the person you care for needs a wheelchair indoors the G.P. can arrange for him/her to have one.

For short-term use of a wheelchair contact the British Red Cross Medical Loan Service on 01724 270304.

2.2. North Lincolnshire Council Social Services Adu lt Social Care

Telephone: 01724 297979

2.2.1. Access to Services

Everyone is entitled to an assessment if they are older, frail or have a disability and are having problems coping at home or are due to come out of hospital. A worker from social services known as a Self Directed Support Practitioner will visit and help work out any risks there may be to the cared for persons independence and well-being with the aim of the cared for person staying in their own home for as long as possible. However, social services are not available for everyone because local councils have limited amounts of money. The Government’s Fair Access to Care Services guidance is used as part of the assessment to determine what level of risk there is and

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whether the council needs to support the needs of the cared for person.

Councils are able to set their eligibility level for social services depending on the funding they have available. Currently, North Lincolnshire Council meets the needs of those that are at the critical, substantial and moderate levels. Low-level needs are currently not met.

If the cared for person is in the low level bracket, they will be offered advice, information and signposted to other services/agencies where their needs could be met, for example through community based services.

If the cared for persons needs are eligible, Social Services will work with them to agree what support is best for them, how much of the support if any will be funded by the council and how they want to arrange that support package.

The Department of Health eligibility framework is graded into four bands, which describe the seriousness of the risk to independence, and other consequences if needs are not addressed. These are described in the table below:

Low

I need help to carry out one or two personal care or domestics routines I need help to be involved in one or two aspects of work, education or learning I need help to maintain important relationships I need help to keep one or two family and other social roles and responsibilities

Moderate

I need help to carry out several personal care or domestic routines I need help to be involved in several aspects of work, education or learning I need help to maintain several important relationships

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I need help to keep several family and other social roles and responsibilities

Substantial

I have experienced abuse or neglect I need help to carry out most personal care and domestic routines I need help to be involved in many aspects of work, education or learning I need help to keep most of my important relationships I need help to keep most of my family and other social roles and responsibilities I have only partial choice and control over the world around me

Critical

My life is or will be at risk I have significant health problems I have little or no choice and control over the world around me I have experienced serious abuse or neglect I need help to carry out vital personal care or domestic routines I need help to be involved in work, education or learning that is vital to my independence I need help to keep relationships vital to my independence I need help to keep family and other social roles and responsibilities vital to my independence 2.2.2. Hospital Stays

If the person you care for is in hospital and will need care and support when they return home you will need to ask the nursing staff to make a referral to Social Services. Social Services will then arrange for an assessment of the persons needs and will endeavour to have services in place before they are discharged. There may be an initial charge for services provided, if so it is at a standard rate of £34.10 per week (correct as at April 2011). This charge is not based on

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your weekly income or savings and will be charged up to the first 8 weeks of service provision.

Some people who need just a little help for a short time when they are discharged from hospital are referred to the British Red Cross Home from Hospital Scheme. The service includes:

• assistance with shopping • collecting prescriptions • rebuilding confidence • offering companionship • light housework • dog walking • assistance with drinks and meals • help to fill in forms

Telephone: 01724 282282 ext 5891

2.2.3. Rehabilitation and Reablement

The Rehabilitation and Reablement service is a short-term service, which can help people to:

• Stay at home while recovering from injury or illness • Leave hospital more quickly following treatment • Prevent the need to be admitted to hospital • Offer short-term rehabilitation support

The support offered can be:

• In the individuals own home • Within a rehabilitation unit; rehabilitation can consist of

nursing and social care, as well as physiotherapy and occupational therapy

Short-term reablement is aimed at getting people back to independence by helping them regain skills, build confidence and possibly supply equipment.

The therapist involved in your care will assess if you need an intensive package requiring additional input from

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physio-, occupational or other therapists. If the criteria are met, this service is free for the first 6 weeks.

Individuals are continually assessed to ensure they are regaining their independence. There may be an initial charge for services provided, if so it is at a standard rate of £34.10 per week (correct as at April 2011). This charge is not based on your weekly income or savings and will be charged up to the first 8 weeks of service provision.

2.2.4. Personal Budget Questionnaire

If the cared person is likely to be in need of support long term to remain safe and independent they will be offered a self-assessment of their needs. This will be done through a Personal Budget Questionnaire. This is a simple questionnaire designed so that the cared for persons individual situation and needs can be understood. Social Services will arrange to visit the cared for person to go through the Personal Budget Questionnaire. The cared for person may want a family member or friend with them during the visit.

The form covers such things as “how does the cared for person manage with day-to-day tasks”, “how easily can they get out and about in the community”, “how are they kept safe”? The form can be filled in by the cared for person, with support from the carer prior to the visit or it can be completed during the visit. The form will identify what is working well for the cared for person and what support is needed. If there are any differences of opinion this can be noted on the form and the practitioner will work with the cared for person to resolve them.

Once completed, Social Services will discuss the assessment with the cared for person to ensure that they are happy with the contents.

The questionnaire may highlight issues that assistance is needed with, for example, housing, benefits or health. With the cared for persons agreement details could be passed

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on to the relevant person who could provide specialist support.

Shortly after the visit the questionnaire will be used to make a decision as to whether the needs that have been identified are “eligible” for support. The needs that are eligible will be allocated a sum of money to them through a personal budget.

A financial assessment will be carried out to determine if the cared for person will have to pay a contribution to the support and how much this will be.

If the cared for person doesn’t agree with the personal budget Social Services will look into this. Once the amount has been agreed the process of planning the support begins. Further advice and information will be given.

2.2.5. Personal Budgets

The personal budget, which is a cash amount, is used to plan the support needed.

The following options will be available to spend the personal budget.

Cash Personal Budget – where the cared for person organises the support themselves (with help if necessary)

• This is usually paid on a 4 weekly basis; this can differ depending on what is arranged.

• The money will go into a bank account along with any contribution that needs to be made. If someone else is managing the budget it can go into his or her account.

• Evidence will need to be kept on what is spent. e.g. receipts, invoices, time sheets. Information and support will be given about setting up the records.

• The council will ask to reclaim any unspent funds or money that has been spent on things that were not in the support plan.

• If staff are employed an Employers Liability Insurance and Public Liability Insurance needs to be taken out.


The cost of this can be taken out of the personal budget, advice will be provided on how to take out the insurance.

• It is strongly advised that Criminal Records Bureau check is carried out on any person that will be employed. This will show if the person has committed any crimes that would make them unsuitable to provide support.

• It is strongly recommended to take up employer and character references for people that may be employed.

A Managed Personal Budget – where someone else organises and manages the support on behalf of the cared for person (they might want paying for this)

• There are several different ways of doing this and the cared for person needs to choose the option that suits them.

• The personal budget can be paid into the cared for persons bank account and passed onto someone to manage.

• The money can go direct to the person or organisation managing the support.

• If a third party individual is going to manage the support, they will need to take note of the things mentioned in the cash budget – for example, they will need to provide bank statements etc.

• If an organisation is going to manage the budget they will need to produce evidence at the review that they have spent the money as agreed in the support plan and the needs are being met. The organisation may charge a management fee for this; this will need to come out of the personal budget.

A Virtual Personal Budget – where Social Services will organise the support

• The cared for person will know how much their personal budget will be but they choose for the council to


continue to spend it on services that they either provide themselves, commission or pay for on their behalf.

• There will still be a support plan that identifies the support needed. Social Services must spend the personal budget on the support identified in the plan.

• Social Services must ensure that they get value for money and the cared for person must be satisfied with the support. The cared for person will know exactly what the money is being spent on.

It is possible to have a mix of the above, depending on what is needed.

2.2.6. Planning Support

Traditionally the council was limited in the support it could offer people, usually it would be home care – personal care in your home, day care – at a day centre, or residential care. Things have changed and personal budgets give the freedom to be more flexible and creative in how to manage support (sometimes referred to as care).

The support should keep the cared for person healthy, safe and independent. There are some things that the personal budget cannot be used for and these are:

• Long term residential care • Nursing care or medicines or other services normally

provided by the NHS • Utility bills • Accommodation costs • Alcohol, tobacco or general food costs • Gambling • Anything illegal

When it has been agreed what support is needed, this will be recorded in a support plan – this replaces the old care plan. The support plan can be written by the cared for person with help from family, friends or an advocate. It is possible that Social Services can help. The plan will


describe how the personal budget will be spent to achieve the goals identified during the assessment.

The support plan will need to cover:

• Information about the cared for person, their interest and hopes for the future � A brief record of the illness and condition as well as

the impact that this has had. � What the cared for person wants to achieve with the

personal budget. For example, they may want to live somewhere more independently, change how they get support or change how they spend their time.

The goals and changes must be achieved within the personal budget.

• Details of the support the personal budget will be spent on � This will say how the personal budget will be used,

for example, a cash personal budget, a managed personal budget or a virtual personal budget.

� Details of costs, what will be spent on the support described.

The support plan will only be agreed if it shows the details of how the budget is going to be spent.

• How will the support be managed � This is how it will be managed on a day-to-day

basis. For example, if staff are being employed who will sort out wages etc.

� If someone other than cared for person is going to manage the support it must state clearly who and how he or she will do it and how it will be monitored.

� What decisions will the cared for person make and what decisions will other people make on their behalf.


The plan will not be agreed if it looks as though someone else is making decision that the cared for person could make themselves.

• Risk enablement � This section is to help identify any risks that may

exist and how they will be managed.

The plan will only be agreed if the cared for person knows how they want to spend their personal budget and it doesn’t put them at risk.

• Contingency planning � The support plan must include a contingency plan

to describe what would happen if the main plan goes wrong.

� It’s about planning for unforeseen events or emergencies.

� Its important to think about how the support will be provided and what would happen if that support could no longer be provided.

Social Services cannot routinely provide a back up service if the services and activities in your main plan go wrong.

• How is all this going to happen – your action plan � The plan should set out real and measurable things

that will happen in the future. This will tell if the support plan is working.

� It will describe each action and say who is responsible for each one, when it should be done and include how it will be checked and problems sorted.

� The action plan should relate back to things that the cared for person said they wanted to achieve.

The plan can only be agreed if it has clear actions


• Agreeing the support plan � The plan needs to be approved by Social Services.

Once approved the personal budget can be paid.

Once the support plan is agreed the next step is organising the support

2.2.7. Organising Support

If you are not using Social Services to organise your support they will advice on who to go to for support.

It is important that the right provider or support is chosen and the needs can be met. Here is a list of questions that you might want them to answer.

• Do you know how much they will charge for support? • Do they give you references or let you speak to other

customers? • How will they meet the needs? • Who will choose the staff? • Can the staff call when I want them too?

If the cared for person decides to employ their own support staff, it is advisable to take up a Criminal Records Bureau check and to take up references from previous employers. Information will be given about how to recruit and employ staff safely.

2.2.8. Reviewing Your Support

A regular review of the support plan will be carried out to ensure that support needs are being fulfilled. The first review would normally be carried out after the first three months and then annually. If circumstances change or there are any problems regarding the quality of the service a review can be held.

The review will also look at how well the personal budget is being managed. The cared for person or the manager of the budget will be asked to produce simple records of how the


money has been spent, for example bank statements, receipts.

2.2.9. What to Do if You Are Not Satisfied

If the cared for person is unsatisfied with the support being provide, the first step would be to approach the service provider. They should sort it out or explain why not if they can’t sort it out.

All providers must have procedures for handling complaints and provide information on how you can do this.

Alternatively, if you are pleased with the service you are getting you may wish to tell your provider!

2.2.10. Emergency Alarms

Emergency alarms which enable people to call for help at any hour of day or night can give peace of mind if the Carer cannot always be with the person they care for. An alarm phone system will plug straight into an existing telephone socket.

At the touch of a button, either on the telephone unit or on a pendant, the individual will automatically be put through to the control centre. The control centre is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by fully trained, friendly staff.

Once a call is received at the centre, personal details and contact names will be confidentially displayed enabling help to arrive quickly and efficiently.

North Lincolnshire Council will give a free demonstration of its Care Call emergency alarm system. There is a one-off installation charge of £25.00 and quarterly payments of £41.82 including VAT (correct as at January 2012).

Telephone 01724 849768 for further details about the Care Call Service or contact the Carers’ Support Centre on 01652 650585 for information about other options.

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2.2.11. Residential Care

Residential care can be in either a residential home or a nursing home These homes can provide the personal help that people need 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Nursing homes also employ nurses to look after people’s medical needs. All care homes offer the company and friendship of the other residents and the staff. Costs vary from home to home depending on what they offer and the type of care the home is registered to provide.

All care homes are inspected to make sure that they provide the care that people need. Copies of these inspection reports can be viewed on the internet at www.cqc.org.uk.

When visiting a care home ask to see their latest inspection report.

If the cared for person is funding their residential stay themselves they can make their own arrangements with the home of their choice directly. Social Services does not need to be informed or notified for help and advice if the cared for person does not want to.

If, following completion of the Personal Budget Questionnaire it is decided that the cared for person’s needs will be best met by moving permanently into a residential or nursing home a full financial assessment will need to be carried out. All the cared for person’s income including any benefits that they may be entitled to are taken into consideration. However, a minimum amount of £22.30 per week for personal expenses is allowed (figures relate to 2010/11).

It is recommended that all options are discussed with a trusted advisor in order for the carer and cared for person to make an informed choice before a decision is made.

If the person going into permanent care has a husband or wife who is still living with them, their money will be treated as being separate. If there is a joint savings account,


usually only 50% is taken into account. Any savings and capital that they have may affect the level of the contribution.

For guidance, if savings and capital add up to less than £14,250 it is not taken into account. If savings are between £14,250 and £23,250, some of this will be taken into account. If savings are over £23,250 there will be no financial support available.

Housing and Council Tax Benefit as well as the Disability Living Allowance care component, Attendance Allowance and Carer’s Allowance may be affected and it is advisable to contact the relevant agency paying the benefits. Relevant contact numbers are:

Income Support (existing claims) 0845 6088546 Incapacity Benefit 0800 0556688 Employment and Support Allowance 0800 0556688 Pension Credit 0800 99 1234 Disability Living Allowance 08457 123456 Attendance Allowance 08457 123456 Carer’s Allowance 0845 6084321 Housing/Council Tax Benefit 01724 296131

2.3. Equipment and Adaptations – Occupational Thera py Service

A variety of equipment is available to help people with a disability, sight or hearing problems with everyday tasks. Occupational therapy can be provided through the G.P., hospital and community and mental health teams.

This service is also offered through the Integrated Occupational Therapy Service, which will assess a person for the right equipment and adaptations in the home. An appointment can be made at one of their clinics by telephoning 01724 298080.

Clinics are held in Scunthorpe, Brigg, Barton and Crowle.

A Disabled Facilities Grant may be available, following assessments, to pay for major adaptations within the home, for

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things like fitting a ramp or making it easier to use the bathroom.

To obtain a Disabled Facilities Grant the cared for person will be expected to fill in a form detailing all their income and savings. This may result in a grant for all the costs of the adaptations, some of the costs or none of the costs depending on their income and savings. This whole process can take several months.

2.4. FreshStart and FreshStart Plus

Provides a wide range of activities and services for people aged 50 plus and those with a disability in all of North Lincolnshire.

Services include:

• Luncheon clubs • Arts, crafts and creativity sessions • Health and care services including toenail cutting, bathing,

exercise and leisure activities, such as new age kurling, yoga, and chair-based exercises

Telephone: 01724 277906.

2.5. Age UK North Lincolnshire (formerly Independen t Living North Lincolnshire)

Services include:

• home and garden maintenance • home safety and security • befriending • information • benefits advice and form filling • rural day centres • assisted shopping

Contact Age UK North Lincolnshire, 31–33 High Street, Barton upon Humber DN18 5PD, telephone: 01652 636208.

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3. Support for the Carer 3.1. Advocacy

Advocacy means supporting people to express their views and feelings about their situation. An advocate can support the Carer in making sure that their needs and wishes are taken into account. An advocate can be an extra voice if the Carer wants them to be, or they can give the Carer the extra support that enables them to speak out for themselves.

Examples of other services an advocate can provide are:

• represent you if you so wish • help if the Carer is experiencing difficulty dealing with an

issue concerning health or Social Services • help to write a letter of complaint or praise • accompany the Carer to a meeting and either support them

or speak on their behalf • obtain independent advice and accurate information

The most important aim of advocacy is to help someone to speak out and participate fully in decisions made about their lives.

The following organisations have advocates:

Carers’ Support Centre 01652 650585 Cloverleaf Advocacy 01724 854952

3.2. Assessments (Carer’s Needs Assessment ) A Carer’s Needs Assessment, which is carried out by the Social Services Family Carer Team, will help to show the help and support the Carer needs.

It is not about judging the Carer’s ability to care but to ensure that their needs are being taken into account.

It is the Carers opportunity to say the things that could make caring easier for them.


It is a Carers right to have a Carer’s Needs Assessment and they will be given a copy of it once completed.

A Carer can have a Carer’s Needs Assessment in confidence and separately from the cared for person.

The Carer will receive a copy of their assessment and it will detail the services that could support them. The Carer will receive support to use services by the Carers’ Support Centre and/or the Social Services Family Carer Team.

All the services detailed in this Carers’ Companion could form part of the Carers support.

For more information contact the Family Carer Team on 01724 298301.

3.3. Breaks from Caring

3.3.1. Carer Groups It can be helpful to talk to others who are in a similar situation.

North Lincolnshire has many Carer groups and they offer emotional and practical support to Carers through the experience of other Carers.

The groups also have speakers, leisure and health activities; days out; time to relax or go for a pub lunch as well as time to chat and make friends.

The Carers’ Support Centre supports Carer groups in the following places:

• Barton • Bottesford • Brigg • Crosby • Epworth • Brumby • Westcliff (Parkwood)


• Winterton • Younger Carers’ Group (which meets in central

Scunthorpe)

The Carers’ Support Centre also supports Carer groups that focus on a leisure interest including:

• Badminton • Walking • Family History • Relaxation & Gentle Exercise (Qi Gong)

Home Care support (sitters) can be provided to enable a Carer to attend any of the above groups. There is no charge for the sitter service.

Transport can also be arranged to and from the group for a cost of £2.00.

There are also Carer support groups that focus on a specific illness or condition. They are supported by the following organisations:

• Learning Disability Family Carers Network Group 01652 650585 (ask for David Wilson)

• Rethink (for Carers of people with severe and enduring mental health problems) 01724 852707

• Headway (for Carers of people with a head injury) 01724 864087

• Alzheimer’s Society 01652 680474

• Empathy (for Carers of people who have a substance misuse problem) 01724 845155

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3.3.2. Holidays

Sometimes Carers may have the opportunity of a break from their caring role and would like to go on holiday.

The Carers’ Support Centre can provide information on different types of holidays for Carers holidaying alone or with the person they care for.

It can also, in some instances, get grants for Carers to pay for the holiday break.

3.3.3. Sitter Services

Trained care workers can stay with the cared for person while the Carer has a few hours’ break. These care workers are referred to as “sitters”.

A sitter can be provided for a Carer to enjoy a Carer group, attend Caring with Confidence or to take part in Lifelong Learning. There is no charge for this service.

A sitter may be available at other times and this needs to be identified when the cared for person or indeed the Carer has an assessment of their need. There may be a charge for the sitter service in this instance.

Home care can be purchased privately from a number of home care agencies at a cost of around £12.00 per hour. Home Care Agency details can be found in Section 9 Useful Contacts .

3.4. Carer Case Leaders

The role of the Carer Case Leaders, based at the Carers’ Support Centre, is to contact Carers on a regular basis by telephone to see how they are; to offer information, support and a listening ear; and generally to make them feel less isolated and that someone cares how they are feeling. The Carer Case Leader will be the one point of contact for a Carer and will link them to other support and services when needed.

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3.5. Emotional Support

This is beneficial for any Carer who is experiencing a high level of stress, anxiety and isolation.

3.5.1. Listening Ear

This is offered through a visit to the Carer and gives them time to talk over any difficulties or concerns that affect them and their caring relationship.

If preferred, the listening ear can be offered at the Carers’ Support Centre or by telephone. This service is also offered by Rethink and the Alzheimer’s Society.

3.5.2. Counselling

This is available to Carers by appointment at the Carers’ Support Centre and at FreshStart in Scunthorpe.

For more information contact the Carers’ Support Centre on 01652 650585.

3.5.3. Friendship

Ongoing support and a listening ear are provided by trained volunteers. Contact the Carers’ Support Centre and ask for the BonAmi Friendship Service.

3.5.4. Courses

Various courses are available many of which offer invaluable support. For more information see Section 3.11 Leisure and Learning .

3.6. Employment

A Carer may find that the best or only way to manage their work and caring responsibilities is to change their work arrangements. A Carer may also need to take leave at short notice for emergencies. The law has given Carers more rights at work. Employers may also be able to offer more flexibility through their own policies and procedures.


The Work and Families Act 2006 and the Employment Rights Act 1996 give working Carers rights to help them manage work and caring including the right to request flexible work and leave entitlement. In addition, the Equality Act 2010 protects Carers of elderly and disabled people from direct discrimination or harassment at work because of their caring responsibilities. This is because Carers are counted as being “associated” with someone who is protected by the law because of their age or disability.

3.6.1. The Right to Request Flexible Working

Flexible working patterns can allow employees to manage both work and their caring responsibilities. Flexible working could include flexible starting and finishing hours, compressed working hours, term-time working, job sharing, part-time working or home working.

An employer can only refuse a request if it has good business reasons for doing so. It is important that someone requesting flexible working considers the needs of the company, and includes as much information as they can about how the proposed change will help the business as well as themselves, or how they can deal with any possible negative impact they think their employer may be concerned about.

3.6.2. The Right to Have Time Off in Emergencies

Also known as time off for dependants, this gives all employees the right to take a “reasonable” amount of time off work to deal with an emergency involving a dependant. Whether the time off is paid or not is at the discretion of the employer.

A dependant could be mother, father, son, daughter, parent or anyone who lives with you who is solely dependent on you.


An emergency could be:

• a disruption or breakdown in care arrangements • the death of a dependant • if a dependant falls ill or has been assaulted • the need to make longer-term arrangements for a

dependant who is ill or injured (but not to provide long-term care yourself)

3.6.3. Thinking of Leaving Work?

If the Carer is thinking of leaving work, they need to consider whether they really want to, and if not, what may help them stay in work.

First they need to think about the things they would be giving up, and whether they really want to lose them.

Then think about ways around the problem, they could:

• make a request for flexible working • take a career break • ask for extra help from Social Services Family Carer

Team and request a Carer’s Needs Assessment • buy in care

It would also be beneficial to check what income and benefits they would receive if they gave up work. For advice on money and benefit checks contact one of the agencies detailed in Section 4 Money .

For help in understanding any of your specific employment rights contact the Carer’s Support Centre on 01652 650585.

3.7. Emergencies

3.7.1. Emergency Plans

North Lincolnshire Social Services operates an Emergency Card Scheme for Carers.

As part of the Carer’s Needs Assessment a Carer can fill in an emergency plan. This will list who should be contacted to


provide or arrange substitute care for the cared for, should the Carer be involved in an emergency where they are unable to explain that they are a Carer.

It gives a Carer peace of mind that in the event of an emergency the person they care for will be looked after.

The emergency information provided is stored on a computer database.

A card is issued by Social Services for the Carer to carry and it has a unique identification number and an emergency number to ring which allows a member of staff to find the emergency plan and put it into action.

3.7.2. ICE – In Case of Emergency

Carers can store the name and telephone number of the person who should be contacted if they have an emergency in their mobile phone contact list and then add the letters ICE. ICE stands for In Case of Emergency and it is what the emergency services will look for if the Carer is involved in an accident and has their mobile phone with them.

3.7.3. Lions Message in a Bottle

This is a small plastic container and a short form. The person adds details to the form which includes: their name, date of birth, their illnesses and allergies, medication they are taking, their G.P. and their next of kin. The form is then put into the container and put in the fridge. It comes with two stickers, one for the fridge door and one to put on the inside of the front door at eye level.

If there is then an emergency where the person cannot communicate it provides the emergency services with vital details about the individual.



3.8. Getting Involved – The Carers’ Advisory Group

Carers are able to make a difference to the services and support that is available to them.

Carers can get involved with the Carers’ Advisory Group which meets monthly to look at the various services that are needed to support Carers. All Carers are welcome and encouraged to join the group. If a Carer wishes to attend this group, travel expenses will be paid and a sitter made available at no cost. For the date of the next meeting contact the Carers’ Support Centre.

The Carer’s Advisory Group draws together plans to develop services and addresses common issues for Carers with the aim of finding solutions. Twelve Carers from the Advisory Group represent Carers on the Carers’ Partnership Board along with Health and Social Services representatives. This partnership can make recommendations on the future services for Carers.

The group has written a report on their caring experiences and highlighted what works well and what does not. The report also suggests solutions for service providers to address. It is called “Is knaCARERed a Medical Condition?”

The report was written as a local response to the government’s National Strategy for Carers June 2008. The government’s vision is that by 2018 Carers will be “universally recognised and valued as fundamental to strong families and stable communities”.

“Support will be tailored to meet individuals needs enabling Carers to maintain a balance between their caring responsibilities and life outside caring, while enabling the person they support to be a full and equal citizen”.

“Is knaCARERed a Medical Condition?” addresses each of the issues in the vision for the National Strategy.

As a consequence North Lincolnshire Council wrote a Commissioning Strategy which was approved by cabinet


members in October 2009. It details the extra support and services that are being made available to Carers.

To date there has been the development of:

• Carer Case Leaders • Carers’ Companion • Family Carer Team

Future developments include:

• A Carer Break service providing Carers with an opportunity to have a range of breaks which meet their needs

For a copy of “Is knaCARERed a Medical Condition?” contact the Carers’ Support Centre on 01652 650585.

The National Strategy for Carers can be downloaded from www.dh.gov.uk/publicationsandstatistics.

3.9. Health Matters

The G.P. is usually the first choice for concerns about health. The local authority also has many schemes to help maintain good health including Health Trainers and healthy eating experts.

3.9.1. Back Care

Caring for someone may increase the chance of back pain or injury. Minimising the risk by learning how to safely lift or move the person cared for is a good plan. North Lincolnshire Council runs courses and the G.P. and Carers’ Support Centre will be able to help you get the training and this should be free of charge. Getting the right equipment to minimise risk could also be helpful – individuals need to ask their G.P., District Nurse or Occupational Therapist for more information.

3.9.2. Sleep

In order to stay well it is important to sleep well. If the Carer does not sleep well finding out why is essential. Is the


problem practical? Getting up in the night to look after the person cared for? Or is it emotional? Finding it hard to wind down after a stressful day? There may be help through G.P. practices or the Carers’ Support Centre. The Carer may be entitled to help via Social Services for a break to help them in their caring role. The Caring with Confidence programme can provide Carers with lots of practical ways to deal with stress and anxiety. Enquire at the Carers’ Support Centre or ask your Social Worker for more information.

3.9.3. Stress

It is common for Carers to feel stressed or worried or even sometimes a bit depressed. Your G.P. offers a range of therapies to help minimise these feelings. Many voluntary services can provide specialist information and training to cope with stressful situations. These may include counselling services, befriending and Carer groups where there is often a wealth of experience available for others in similar situations. Ask your G.P., the Carers’ Support Centre or specialist organisations such as the Alzheimer’s Society, Rethink, or the British Heart Foundation.

3.9.4. Diet

To keep well it is important to eat properly. This is not always easy for Carers living on a limited income. Advice is available in two ways – FreshStart has linked up with NHS North Lincolnshire to provide information and training to help maintain a healthy diet and the Caring with Confidence programme includes a workshop, which may provide information that will help you.

For more information contact the Carers’ Support Centre on 01652 650585 or FreshStart on 01724 277906.

3.9.5. Exercise

Carers frequently find that getting regular exercise is difficult because of their caring responsibilities. You may be entitled to support from North Lincolnshire Council to give you a break to take some exercise. The Lifelong Learning


programme run by the Carers’ Support Centre may also be able to help. The FreshStart programme has many gentle activities that may provide the inspiration to take a little exercise in a fun way. North Lincolnshire Council provides free swimming for older people and a volunteer “Walk Buddy” may be a suitable solution. The Carers’ Support Centre facilitates a walking group for Carers.


For more information on the Walk Buddy Scheme telephone 01724 297342.

3.9.6. Depression

This is different from “feeling low” or having a few bad days. If feelings of depression are lasting longer than usual or getting worse it might be time to seek help. G.P. practices can provide treatment or link Carers with a suitable expert when symptoms are affecting their everyday life.

3.10. Information

There are so many questions Carers need to ask but frequently do not know who to ask. There is a need to know who does what, where and how.

The right information at the right time is extremely important to Carers. It enables Carers to make decisions that are right for them at a particular period of time.

The Carers’ Support Centre has a comprehensive information service for Carers. Carers can telephone or visit the centre or have a home visit.

Members of the Carers’ Support Centre receive a quarterly newsletter, the Caring Times, which is full of information for Carers. Membership costs £5.00 a year.


You can also receive a newssheet “What’s on for Carers” every two months. It is currently available through email. Send your email address to [email protected]. This is free of charge.

Telephone: 01652 650585 Website: www.carerssupportcentre.com

3.11. Leisure and Learning

3.11.1. Caring with Confidence

This provides Carers with the opportunity to meet fellow Carers at group sessions that focus on different aspects of caring.

Caring with Confidence aims to make a positive difference to the lives of Carers by equipping them with skills and knowledge. There are several sessions.

For more information contact the Carers’ Support Centre on 01652 650585. A fully trained Care Worker can be provided free of charge to stay with the person you care for while you attend and help can be provided with transport.

3.11.2. Lifelong Learning

Having an interest, hobby or activity outside the home can be a positive and life-changing experience. It may build a Carer’s self-confidence and provide some vital “me” time!

Lifelong Learning aims to promote learning and training opportunities for all adult Carers, particularly those who do not have easy access to learning due to reasons like caring, or not enough money.

Courses can be work related, to promote health and well-being (such as yoga or dance), or academic, leading to a qualification. Lifelong Learning could even help to fund a new hobby, such as golf or woodturning.

Courses are paid for through Lifelong Learning and a fully trained Care Worker can be provided free of charge to stay


with the cared for person. Transport can also be arranged if required, at no extra cost to the Carer.


3.11.3. FreshStart

FreshStart can organise a range of leisure and learning experiences in North Lincolnshire such as new age kurling, badminton, sequence dancing and swimming.

Telephone: 01724 277906

3.11.4. Alzheimer’s Society

The Alzheimer’s Society runs a course for Carers giving them essential information about caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

Telephone: 01652 680474

3.11.5. Rethink North Lincolnshire Carers

Rethink run a Carers Education and Training programme to support Carers of people with severe and enduring mental illness.

Telephone: 01724 852707

3.11.6. Cinema Exhibitors’ Association Card

The Cinema Exhibitors’ Association Card is a national card that can be used to verify that the holder is entitled to one free ticket for a person accompanying them to the cinema.

To apply for the card, one or more of the following criteria will need to be met:

• the person will need to be in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance

• be a registered blind person

The card is valid for one year from the date of issue.


Application forms are available from cinemas in the UK supporting this card. Alternatively, visit www.ceacard.co.uk. Each card costs £5.50 (correct as at January 2012). This is to be sent along with the completed application.

If you have any difficulty, please contact The Card Network at the address below:

The Card Network Network House St Ives Way Sandycroft CH5 2QS

Telephone: 0845 123 1292 Fax: 0845 123 1296 Minicom/Textphone: 0845 123 1297 Email: [email protected]

3.11.7. Leisure Services

North Lincolnshire Council Leisure Services have a range of facilities and services for individuals to enjoy. These include everything from allotments and golf courses to drama and crafts. There are also cinemas, leisure centres, libraries and museums.

For more information contact Leisure Services on 01724 297265.

3.12. Legal Matters

3.12.1. Managing Someone Else’s Affairs

It is important to get advice and think carefully before agreeing to manage someone else’s affairs.

There are different ways that a person could be involved.

• Appointeeship – this is where an individual takes charge of paying bills and collecting pensions or benefits where the claimant is not able to do it themselves but is able to give consent.

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• Power of Attorney – a Power of Attorney is a legal document where a person gives another person or persons (the Attorney) authority to make certain decisions on his or her behalf. The person giving power of attorney must have the mental capacity to do so.

• Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) – a new type of power of attorney called Lasting Power of Attorney was introduced on 1st October 2007.

There are two types of LPAs:

� A property and affairs LPA – this allows the attorney authority to deal with the person’s property and finances, as they specify.

� Welfare LPA – which allows the attorney to make welfare and health care decisions on the person’s behalf, only when the person lacks mental capacity to do so.

When can the attorney act? The attorney will only be able to act when

� the LPA has been signed by the individual and their attorney

� it is certified that the individual understands the nature and scope of the LPA

� and has not been unduly pressured � it is certified that there has not been any fraud or

another reason why they cannot consent � has been registered with the Office of the Public

Guardian

The property and affairs LPA can be used � both when the person has the capacity to act, as

well as if the person lacks mental capacity to make a financial decision.

The welfare LPA power can only be used if � the person lacks mental capacity to a make a

welfare or medical decision.


Where no LPA exists and the person lacks capacity to make a financial decision, it may be necessary for an application to be made to the Court of Protection for an appropriate order, such as appointing another person to make decisions on their behalf. This is both costly and time consuming.

Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA) Before 1st October 2007, an individual would have taken out an EPA and this can continue to be used, but only in respect of property and affairs. To give authority over health or welfare issues a welfare Lasting Power of Attorney is required.

An EPA can be revoked or cancelled at any time whilst mental capacity remains.

3.12.2. Making a Will

This is important so that when an individual dies their money, property and/or possessions can be distributed according to their wishes.

When there is no will the person dies “intestate”. This means that the decision on how the estate is to be divided is taken out of the hands of the family. If you need to make a will, contact the Carers’ Support Centre, which will give you a list of solicitors who will be able to help you.

3.13. Legislation

3.13.1. The Carers (Recognition and Services) Act 1995

This Act gave Carers important new rights and a clear legal status. Under the Act, individuals who provide or intend to provide a substantial amount of care on a regular basis are entitled to request (at the time the person they care for is being assessed for Community Care Services), an assessment of their ability to care and to continue caring.

Councils are required to take into account the results of that assessment in making decisions about the type and level of


community care services to be provided to the person receiving care. The assessment under the 1995 Act is of the Carer’s ability to provide care and of his or her ability to sustain the care that he or she has been providing. The 1995 Act applies to Carers of all ages.

3.13.2. The Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000

This act applies to Carers over 16 and made the following principal changes to the law:

• Local councils have to support Carers by providing services to Carers directly

• It gave Carers the right to an assessment independent of the person they care for

• It empowered councils to make direct payments to Carers

• It enabled councils to support flexibility in provision of short breaks through the short break voucher scheme

3.13.3. The Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004

This Act made three main changes to the existing law around Carers’ services as follows:

• It placed a duty on councils to inform Carers, in certain circumstances, of their right to an assessment of their needs

• It provided that when assessing a Carer’s needs, councils must take into account whether the Carer works or wishes to work, undertakes or wishes to undertake education, training or leisure activities

• It gives councils new powers to gain the help of housing, health, education and other local organisations in providing support to Carers



3.14. Out of Hours

The Carers’ Support Centre is open:

Mon to Thu: 8.00 am to 7.00 pm (for visitors) 8.00 am to 8.00 pm (for telephone enquiries) Fridays: 8.00 am to 6.00 pm (visitors and telephone) Weekends: 10.00 am to 4.00 pm (telephone only)

Carers can ring or call in for information, support and to access all other services offered by the Carers’ Support Centre.




4. Money 4.1. Benefits for the Cared For Person

4.1.1. Attendance Allowance

This is a benefit for people aged 65 and over who need help with personal care or supervision to remain safe because they have a physical disability or mental health difficulty. The person you care for might get it if they find things like dressing and washing difficult. This need must have existed for 6 months (unless they are terminally ill). It is not means tested and people do not need to have a Carer or have paid any National Insurance contributions to claim this benefit.

Attendance Allowance Helpline: 08457 123456 Textphone: 08457 224433

4.1.2. Disability Living Allowance

This is a benefit for those who need help with personal care or have walking difficulties because they have a physical disability or a learning disability. The difficulty must have existed for 3 months and they are likely to need this help or have these difficulties for at least another 6 months (unless they are terminally ill). The person claiming does not need to have someone looking after them or to have paid any National Insurance contributions.

Disability Living Allowance can be paid indefinitely, but the person must establish their entitlement by making a successful claim no later than the day before their 65th birthday. They do not need to pass the qualifying period before they make a claim, but it will only be paid once the initial 3-month period has passed.

Disability Living Allowance Helpline: 08457 123456 Textphone: 08457 224433

4.1.3. Employment and Support Allowance

This replaced Incapacity Benefit for new claimants from 27th October 2008. If the individual is already receiving

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Incapacity Benefit, they may be transferred to Employment and Support Allowance.

The Allowance offers an individual personalised support and financial help, so that the person can do appropriate work, if they are able to. It also gives them access to a specially trained personal advisor and a wide range of further services including employment, training and condition management support, to help the person manage and cope with their illness or disability at work. To make a new claim ring the Jobcentre Plus on 0800 0556688.

4.2. Benefits for Carers

4.2.1. Carer’s Allowance

This is a benefit for Carers aged 16 or over, who look after someone for at least 35 hours a week. The person you care for must be receiving one of the following benefits, Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (at the middle or higher rate for personal care), Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, or basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension.

If the Carer receives an “Overlapping Benefit”, such as State Pension, Maternity Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Contributory Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance, Widows’ Benefits or Bereavement Benefits, and the rate is the same or higher than the rate of Carer’s Allowance they may not be successful. However, it is still worth applying as it proves that they are a Carer when claiming benefits, such as Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. These are then calculated with an extra amount called a “Carer Premium”. Also a “Carer Addition” is added to Pension Credit.

Carer’s Allowance: 0845 6084321 Textphone: 0845 6045312

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4.2.2. Income Support

If the Carer is over age 16 and cannot get Carer’s Allowance, or it is not enough to live on, they might be able to get Income Support. This is an income-related benefit for people on a low income who are not working or working less than 16 hours per week. To make a new claim ring the Jobcentre Plus on 0800 0556688.

4.2.3. Caring and Your Pension

If the Carer is on a low income or unable to work because they are caring for someone, they may be concerned about how this will affect their State Pension when they reach pension age.

The State Pension is made up of two parts: a flat-rate basic pension and an earnings-related additional pension, also called the State Second Pension.

Their entitlement to State Pension is based on the number of “qualifying years”, which are tax years in which they have paid, (or are treated as having paid or have been credited with) National Insurance contributions (NICs). The number of years normally needed to qualify for a full basic State Pension is 30 years.

State Second Pension – if the Carer does not earn enough to pay NICs, they can still build up an entitlement to State Second Pension, also known as additional State Pension, if:

• they take care of someone who is ill or disabled and they qualify for Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP)

• they are entitled to Carer’s Allowance, even if they do not receive it because they get another benefit at the same or higher rate

• they look after a child aged six or less and they are the one who claims and gets Child Benefit

Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) can protect their right to State Pension if they are caring for someone and

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they do not have enough NICs or credits in a particular tax year:

• they get Income Support and they do not need to register for work because they are caring for someone who is disabled, or

• they are paid Child Benefit for a child under 16

If they are looking after someone who is sick or disabled and they do not get Income Support or Child Benefit, they will need to apply for each tax year in which they need HRP. If they are entitled to Carer’s Allowance, they will be credited with NICs automatically and will not need HRP.

Carer’s Allowance and NICs – for each week they receive Carer’s Allowance they will normally get an NIC credited to their NI record, unless they are a woman who has chosen to pay reduced rate NI contributions. They will also normally be credited with an NIC for any week they are also getting Widow’s Benefits or Bereavement Benefits at the same or higher weekly rate.

Receiving Carer’s Allowance and State Pensions – if they are receiving Carer’s Allowance and they start receiving State Pension at a higher rate than Carer’s Allowance, they may stop receiving Carer’s Allowance but continue to have an “underlying entitlement” to it. This underlying entitlement could enable them to receive a pension credit.

Pension Credit – this is an entitlement for people who have reached the qualifying age which is being gradually increased to 66 by October 2020. It could top up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level. If the Carer is aged 65 or over and has saved towards their retirement they could receive extra money on top of this.

They may also get extra money if they or their partner have caring responsibilities, are severely disabled and have housing costs, like a mortgage for example.


The Pension Service can be contacted on 0800 99 1234 or textphone 0800 169 0133 (lines are open 8.00 am to 8.00 pm Monday to Friday). An advisor will help the person to apply for Pension Credit and let them know what happens next.

4.2.4. Council Tax Reduction

A Carer may be entitled to a Council Tax reduction if they:

• live in the same property as the person they are caring for

• provide at least 35 hours a week of care, and the person cared for must have one of the following: � higher rate of the care component of Disability

Living Allowance � higher rate of Attendance Allowance � an increased Disablement Pension � an increased Constant Attendance Allowance

The cared for person cannot be your spouse, partner or child under 18.

If the Carer moves to live with the cared for person they may be exempt from paying Council Tax on the property they have left. They will need to write to the council and tell them:

• the date they left their house and whether it is occupied by anyone else

• that they are caring for someone • their new address (provide some proof, like a bill) and

the name of the person they are caring for • the level and type of care they are providing • whether they intend to return

The council may also send them a form to fill in.


Certain dwellings can be exempt from Council Tax, such as if they are wholly occupied by a person who is “severely mentally impaired”.

For more information call 01724 296131.

4.3. Housing Costs and Bills

4.3.1. Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit

These are for people on a low income who pay rent or Council Tax. Eligibility will depend on income, savings and the number of people living in the property, but they do not have to be receiving any other benefits to qualify.

For more information call 01724 296131.

4.3.2. Council Tax Discount

The Carer may be able to get a Council Tax discount if their home has been adapted for a person with disabilities.

4.3.3. Mortgage Interest

Help with mortgage interest – if the Carer gets Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance, or Pension Credit they may be able to get help with their mortgage interest payments and other housing costs that are not covered by Housing Benefit.

4.3.4. Warm Front Grants Scheme

This provides help with heating and insulation improvements to people aged 60 or over, disabled people and families with children. To get a grant the person has to own or privately rent their home and receive a qualifying benefit. For more information, contact the Warm Front Team on 0800 0720151.


4.3.5. Winter Fuel Payment

This is a one-off annual payment to help with heating costs in winter. This is paid to each household with someone who has reached the Pension Credit qualifying age. For more information, contact the Winter Fuel Helpline on 0845 9151515.

4.4. Community Care Grants

If the Carer or the person cared for receives Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance, or Pension Credit, they might be able to get a grant from the Social Fund. The grant can cover certain travel expenses; help disabled people set up home or disabled people to stay in their own home. For more information call 0845 8500032.

4.5. Local Organisations That Can Help

Carers’ Support Centre Jessie Wilcox House, 11 Redcombe Lane, Brigg DN20 8AU 01652 650585

Age UK North Lincolnshire 31–33 High Street, Barton upon Humber DN18 5PD 01652 636208

Active Community Team 41 Doncaster Road, Scunthorpe DN15 7RG 01724 282010

North Lincolnshire Homes (for people living in a North Lincolnshire Homes property) 01724 298853

Citizens Advice Bureau 12 Oswald Road, Scunthorpe DN15 7PT 01724 870941


Crosby Community Association 105–107 Frodingham Road, Scunthorpe DN15 7JT 01724 330022

All of the above organisations carry out home visits when needed.

For the Riddings and Westcliff areas of Scunthorpe Riddings Drop In Centre 99 Willoughby Road, Scunthorpe DN17 2DJ 01724 843777

Westcliff Drop In Centre 12 The Precinct, Scunthorpe DN17 1PS 01724 861565

Benefits Enquiry Line

For Carers and people with disabilities: 0800 882200


5. Charges for Support Services This section refers to charges for services provided by or on behalf of North Lincolnshire Council Social Services.

Please note that the charges detailed here relate to the 2010/11 financial year. All charges for those in receipt of home care are guided by North Lincolnshire Council’s “Fairer Charging for Home Care Policy” which states that:

• All long-term charges must be based on the individual’s income and savings unless the person chooses to pay the full cost.

• People who are assessed under a fairer charging scheme must be offered a benefit check.

• The council must take into consideration any additional costs you have to meet due to your disability. These are called Disability Related Expenditures. You need to receive the relevant disability benefit to qualify for this.

People can also choose to pay the full cost of their care if they do not want to give details of their income and savings.

5.1. Financial Assessment

Income A person’s weekly income is taken into account. Of this the following will be ignored:

• mobility component (Disability Living Allowance) • any earnings • £10 of your war pension • any benefits paid in respect of children • any benefits paid solely to your partner • Housing and Council Tax benefit

All other income is taken into consideration; this will include Attendance Allowance at the lower rate or Disability Living Allowance care component at either the middle or low rate depending on the level the person receives.


Savings The first £14,250 of a person’s savings is ignored. Savings held in ISAs, an account that requires notice, bonds and shares are ignored. Where there is a joint savings account with another person, half the amount is taken into consideration.

When calculating your weekly income, £4 for every £1,000 of savings over £14,250 will be classed as income.

Partner’s income All income belonging solely to your partner is ignored. Some benefits such as Pension Credit or Income Support are paid to one person for both partners. In these instances half of the benefit will be taken into consideration.

Protected income A person will not have all their money taken. A benefit called Income Support for people under State pension age and Pension Credit for those people over State pension age, is the government minimum that anyone is expected to live on. The term Income Support is used when calculating monies. Income Support is worked out depending on an individual’s circumstances. When calculating personal budgets an individual will not be left with less money than the equivalent of their Income Support level plus another 25%.

This amount varies depending on the person’s age, marital status and level of disability. The amount is detailed in the following table.

Minimum level of income for a single person

Age and disability Appropriate amount 18-24 no disability benefits £64.81 18-24 with disability benefits £99.81 18-24 with higher DLA care component £116.88 25-59 no disability benefits £81.81 25-59 with disability benefits £116.81 29-59 with higher DLA care component £133.88 60 and over £165.75


If in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance any costs related to an individual’s Disability Related Expenditure are also deducted from the person’s income before calculating charges.

Adding together the individual’s Income Support level, plus 25%, plus the cost of any Disability Related Expenditure, North Lincolnshire Council also adds on 15% of this total figure to give the final protected income figure.

The money that remains after all these calculations will be the amount the individual is charged against each week for their personal budget.




6. Transport 6.1. Volunteer Drivers

• Volunteer drivers provide people with door to door transport.

• A driver can be booked by ringing Transport Solution’s Voluntary Car Service on 01652 636292. The booking line is open 9.30 am to noon.

• The charge will be 43 pence per mile from the volunteer driver’s home.

• The driver will wait approximately 1½ hours while the person is out. For transport for longer periods of time the volunteer driver will return home and come back to take the person home at a later time. They will then be charged for two return journeys.

• Volunteer drivers are only available to those living in rural areas.

6.2. Blue Badge Scheme

The Blue Badge Scheme, sometimes known as Disabled Parking Permit, provides a national range of parking concessions for disabled people with severe mobility problems who have difficulty using public transport. The scheme is designed to help severely disabled people to travel independently as either a driver or passenger by allowing them to park close to their destination. The scheme can be used throughout the UK and in some European countries.

An individual is automatically eligible for a badge if they are over two years old and either:

• receive the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance or are registered blind

• receive a war pensioner’s mobility supplement

They may also be eligible for a badge if they are over two years old and either:

• have a permanent and substantial disability which means you cannot walk, or which makes walking very difficult


• drive a motor vehicle regularly and have a severe disability in both arms, and are unable to operate all or some types of parking meter (or would find it very difficult to operate them)

Clinics for issuing the Blue Badge are held in Scunthorpe, Brigg, Barton and Crowle.

For more information contact North Lincolnshire Council on the following numbers depending where you live:

Barton: 01724 296981 Brigg: 01724 298180 Isle of Axholme: 01724 298455 Scunthorpe North: 01724 292099 Scunthorpe South: 01724 298361

6.3. Exemption from Road Tax (Vehicle Excise Duty)

If an individual gets Disability Living Allowance (DLA) higher rate mobility component or war pensioner’s mobility supplement, they (or their appointee or someone they choose to nominate in their place) can apply for exemption from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED).

Anyone receiving DLA higher rate mobility component or war pensioner’s mobility supplement may automatically be sent an application form for a VED exemption certificate. They can then use the certificate as proof of exemption when applying for a “tax exempt disc” from DVLA. If they are getting DLA higher rate mobility component and have not been sent an application form, or want guidance on it, they can write to the Disability Contact and Processing Unit, Government Buildings, Warbreck House, Warbreck Hill Road, Blackpool FY2 0YE, telephone: 0845 7123456.

If they are getting war pensioner’s mobility supplement and have not been sent an application form, they can write to the Veterans Agency, Norcross, Thornton Cleveleys FY5 3WP, telephone: 0800 169 2277.


Motability contract hire customers enjoy the same exemptions, but the process is handled by Motability and no VED application form is issued.

Allow plenty of time when applying for a renewal of the exemption certificate or you may need to buy a tax disc and re-claim unused whole months when the certificate finally arrives. If there is a delay in your DLA claim, the exemption will not be backdated.

Nominating another person’s vehicle – someone getting DLA higher rate mobility component can nominate another person’s vehicle to be exempt from road tax. If the car is being used by the nominee or someone else for their own personal needs then the exemption will be lost and the normal rate of tax must be paid.

In order to qualify for exemption, the vehicle should be used by or for the purposes of the disabled person. The named person who gets the exemption may be changed at any time.

6.4. Motability

Motability is an independent charity set up to help people with disabilities use their higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or war pensioner’s mobility supplement to improve their mobility. It offers two schemes: contract hire and hire purchases. Both schemes offer cars (including cars adapted to carry a driver or passenger seated in their wheelchair), powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Under the hire purchase scheme, it is possible to buy a used car. Many car adaptation costs can be included.

People receiving DLA higher rate mobility component (and the parents of children who receive it) or war pensioner’s mobility supplement who need adaptations to their car or help with the initial deposit can apply to Motability for additional discretionary help.

To use any of the schemes, the individual’s higher rate mobility component must usually have at least 12 months still to run.


The Disability Contact and Processing Unit will make payment directly to Motability.

For enquiries about the Motability Car Scheme contact:

Motability Operations City Gate House 22 Southwark Bridge Road London SE1 9HB

Telephone: 0845 4564566 Website: www.motability.co.uk

For enquiries about the Motability Wheelchair and Scooter Scheme contact:

Route2mobility Montgomery House Newbury Road Enham Alamein Andover SP11 6JS

Telephone: 0845 6076260

6.5. RADAR Keys

RADAR – The National Key Scheme provides disabled people with a key to access 8,000 locked public toilets around the country. The keys, which cost £5.20 (correct as at February 2012), are available from Scunthorpe Shopmobility on the ground floor of The Parishes Multi-Storey Car Park, telephone: 01724 297418.

The cost is refunded when the key is no longer needed and the key is returned. Evidence of the person’s disability is needed to obtain a key, usually their Blue Badge or evidence of Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance.

Alternatively RADAR supplies keys at a charge of £4.00 each delivered excluding VAT (correct as at February 2012). Visit www.radar-shop.org.uk or telephone 0207 2503222.


6.6. Concessions on Public Transport

In England, people aged 60 and over and eligible disabled people are entitled to free off-peak travel on all local buses anywhere in England. Application forms are available from North Lincolnshire Council.

6.7. Railcard

Individuals can buy a Disabled Persons’ Railcard (£20.00 for one year [correct as at January 2012]), which entitles the person and a companion to one-third off the cost of most train journeys. The scheme is for people with a wide range of disabilities; check the claim form or website for a full list. Details available from www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk or by ringing 0845 6050525 (textphone 0845 6010132).

6.8. Shopmobility

North Lincolnshire Council runs Shopmobility schemes in Ashby and Scunthorpe. Anyone with a mobility problem can hire motorised wheelchairs and scooters for free.

The Scunthorpe Shopmobility scheme is on the ground floor of The Parishes Multi-Storey Car Park. Free parking is available for disabled badge holders.

The Ashby Shopmobility scheme is located at the Ashby Local Link office on Ashby Turn. Free parking is also available for users of the scheme.




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7. Compliments and Complaints This information will assist if a person is unhappy about a service or wants to pay a compliment about a service.

Compliments and complaints are the best ways of ensuring services can improve.

7.1. Local Procedures

A Carer may wish to raise concerns about how their Carer’s Needs Assessment was carried out. They may wish to challenge decisions about what care will be provided, including care put into place after a patient is discharged from hospital. They may wish to challenge the amount that is being charged for services. If their complaint is on behalf of the person they care for, they must have their consent if the person has the capacity to do so.

The first step is to talk it over with whoever is responsible for the service and try to resolve the problem at this stage.

If the complaint is not resolved at this stage the Carer can ask the service provider for a copy of their complaints procedure and follow the process detailed.

If the complaint is about Social Services there is a complaints procedure to follow or they can contact their Complaints Officer on 01724 296426.

7.2. Local Government Ombudsman

If the Carer has gone through Social Services’ own complaints procedure and they are still not satisfied they can complain to the Local Government Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman can investigate complaints against local authorities, including Social Services. S/he will only do so where there has been “maladministration” – such as unreasonable delay, or failure to follow proper procedures. A complaint can be made to the Ombudsman up to 12 months after the incident.


For more information contact the Local Government Ombudsman Advice Team on 0300 0610614.

7.3. Health Services

If someone is unhappy with the service they or others have received from a hospital, doctor, dentist, local surgery or any other NHS service, they can complain about it to the Independent Complaints Advocacy Service. The Independent Complaints Advocacy Service is a free and confidential service that is independent of the NHS and tailored to individual client need.

An experienced worker, known as an Advocate, can help the individual to write letters to the right people, prepare them for and go to meetings with them, help them explore their options at every stage of the complaint and answer questions to help them make decisions.

Contact the Independent Complaints Advocacy Service on 0300 456 8349.

The Patient Advice and Liaison Service helps to resolve individual concerns quickly and efficiently. It provides an alternative to the formal complaints system and can be contacted on the following numbers:

Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby 01472 875403 Goole and District Hospital 01724 290172 Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital 01482 623065 NHS North Lincolnshire 01652 251125 Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber

NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) 0800 0154334

Scunthorpe General Hospital 01724 290132 Advocacy services that can assist are:

Cloverleaf Advocacy 01724 854952 Carers’ Support Centre 01652 650585


8. When Caring Comes to an End 8.1. Residential Care

As a Carer, residential or nursing care for the person you care for might be a difficult option to consider. The Carer may feel like they are letting the person they care for down, or that they are rejecting them.

Caring can be both physically and mentally exhausting and there are often limits to the level of care that can be provided in the home. If the needs of the cared for can no longer be provided at home residential or nursing care is a sensible and realistic option.

8.2. When the person you care for dies

There are arrangements that need to be made at a time when you may be finding it very difficult to cope. Here is some general guidance on the practical things to do when the person you care for dies. A Carers’ Support Worker or similar professional can support people through this sad time.

You may want to talk to someone about how you feel. Cruse Bereavement Care provides free counselling and support. Cruse can be contacted on 01724 281178 (Mon, Wed, Fri 9.00 am to 11.00 am and Tue 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm).

8.2.1. Medical Certificate and Formal Notice

There is a need to inform the doctor treating the deceased of the death. If the doctor can certify the cause of death he or she will provide a Medical Certificate and Formal Notice.

8.2.2. Coroner

If the doctor cannot certify the cause of death he or she will refer the case to the Coroner. If the doctor treating the deceased did not see him or her either after death or within 14 days before death, the death must be reported to the Coroner.


8.2.3. Register of Death

The death has to be registered within five days (unless the Registrar says this time limit can be extended). The death must be registered by the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths for North Lincolnshire. Ring 01724 842425 for an appointment. The main office is on Oswald Road, Scunthorpe and there are sub-offices in Brigg and Barton.

8.2.4. The Death Certificate

The Death Certificate is available but there is a fee to pay. It may be necessary to have the Death Certificate for the will, any pension claims, insurance policies, savings bank certificates and premium bonds. It may be practical to ask for several copies as the price increases if a copy is needed later on.

8.2.5. Funeral Arrangements

Check that the death does not have to be reported to the Coroner as this could affect the date the funeral can be held. Find out if there is a will as there may be requests about funeral arrangements.

A funeral director will act on the individual’s behalf to obtain the necessary documents and make all the appropriate arrangements.

8.2.6. Help with the Cost of the Funeral

The person arranging the funeral is responsible for paying the bill. They will need to check where the money will come from and if there will be enough. If they have difficulty paying for a funeral they may be able to get a Social Fund Funeral Payment. They can claim a Funeral Payment from the date of death to three months after the date of the funeral.

For more information contact the Social Fund on 0800 0328344.


8.2.7. Bereavement Benefits

If the person who has died was the person’s spouse or legal partner and had paid sufficient National Insurance contributions they may be able to claim bereavement benefit.

8.2.8. Other Benefits

There is a need to contact the Department of Works and Pensions to let them know about your change of circumstances. If the person was of a pensionable age contact the Pensions Service on 0800 99 1234.

If the person was of working age contact the Jobcentre Plus on 0845 6088546.

Some benefits will stop such as Attendance Allowance and Carer’s Allowance, however Carer’s Allowance will continue for eight weeks after the cared for person has died. There may be other benefits such as pension credits that you can now claim and it is advisable to seek some help at this stage from one of the organisations detailed in Section 4 Money .

8.2.9. Moving On

There are many social activities for people to get involved with. FreshStart provides a range of social and leisure groups. For more information telephone FreshStart on 01724 277906.

A social group for former Carers called The Way Forward meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 10.00 am to noon.





9. Useful Contacts

Age UK North Lincolnshire (formerly Independent Living North Lincolnshire)

01652 636208

Alzheimer’s Society 01652 680474 Attendance Allowance 08457 123456 Benefits Enquiry Line 0800 882200 Blue Badge Scheme

Barton upon Humber 01724 296981 Brigg 01724 298180 Isle of Axholme 01724 298455 Scunthorpe North 01724 292099 Scunthorpe South 01724 298361

British Red Cross Home from Hospital Scheme 01724 282282 ext 5891

British Red Cross Medical Loan Service 01724 270304 Carer’s Allowance 0845 6084321 Carers’ Support Centre 01652 650585 Cinema Exhibitors’ Association Card 0845 1231292 Citizens Advice Bureau 01724 870941 Cloverleaf Advocacy 01724 854952 Community Dental Service 01724 291802 Crosby Community Association 01724 330022 Cruse Bereavement Care 01724 281178 Disability Living Allowance 08457 123456 Disabled Persons’ Railcard 0845 6050525 District Nurses Out of Hours 01724 860186 Empathy 01724 845155 Employment and Support Allowance 0800 0556688 Exemption from Road Tax Disability Contact and

Processing Unit 0845 7123456

FreshStart 01724 277906 Headway 01724 864087 Home Care Agencies

Aamina Homecare 01469 571084 Abbey Homecare 01724 277466 Amara Care 01652 659216 Amphion Home Care 01724 844534


Ann Tuplin Care Services (ATCS) 01724 270083 Carers’ Support Centre 01652 601973 Care Plus Care UK 01652 634707 Chestnut Homecare 01652 661985 Elite Care Solutions 01724 855582 Emerald Care Services 01724 846111 HICA HomeCare 01472 362022 Willow Home Care 01472 344222

Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit 01724 296131 Incapacity Benefit 0800 0556688 Income Support – New Claims 0800 0556688 Jobcentre Plus 0800 0556688 Leisure Services 01724 297265 Local Government Ombudsman 0300 0610614 Local Link Offices

Ashby and District 01724 296832 Barton 01724 296800 Brigg and District 01724 296840 Crowle and North Axholme 01724 296850 Epworth and South Axholme 01724 296870 Scunthorpe and District 01724 296820 Winterton and District 01724 296873

Mobility Car Scheme 0845 4564566 Mobility Wheelchair and Scooter Scheme 0845 6076260 Multiple Sclerosis Society Scunthorpe and District 01652 656124 NHS Direct 0845 4647 North Lincolnshire Homes 01724 298853 Occupational Therapy 01724 298080 Patient Advice and Liaison Service

Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby 01472 875403 Goole and District Hospital 01724 290172 Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital 01482 623065 NHS North Lincolnshire 01652 251125 Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber

NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) 0800 0154334

Scunthorpe General Hospital 01724 290132 Pension Credit 0800 99 1234 RADAR Keys 0207 2503222

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Register of Births, Marriages and Deaths 01724 842425 Rethink Lincsline Out of Hours Helpline 0808 8001010 Rethink North Lincolnshire Carers 01724 852707 Riddings Drop In Centre 01724 843777 Shopmobility 01724 297418 Social Services 01724 297979

Family Carer Team 01724 298301 Learning Disability 01724 298222 Mental Health 01724 275959 Older People (65 years plus) 01724 297979 Physical Disability/Long-Term Conditions 01724 298000 Self-Directed Support/Personalisation 01724 297979 Complaints 01724 296426

Stroke Association Family and Carer Support Service 01724 298142 Transport Solutions Voluntary Car Service 01652 636292 Walk Buddy Scheme 01724 297342 Westcliff Drop In Centre 01724 861565

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10. My Personal Contact List

Name Address Agency/Organisation

Telephone Number Email

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