Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

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Getting help of Carers

Home Helps

May be provided through Social Services for a limited number of hours per week/fortnight for those who are unable to manage this for themselves. Help includes general household tasks (such as cooking or shopping). Depending on your financial circumstances there may be a charge for this service.

Home care

This service provides help with personal care, such as washing, bathing and dressing, getting up in the morning, or going to bed at night. Although this service is arranged through Social Services, they may provide staff themselves or they may buy services from independent agencies. Depending on your financial circumstances there may be a charge for this service.Laundry service for people who are incontinent

Meals-on-wheels

Meals on wheels may be supplied for people of any age who are unable to cook their own meals. Social Service departments will be able to give you details but services may be supplied through a local voluntary organisation. There will generally be a charge for this service.

Day Centres

These can offer support to people every day, or a day or two a week/ fortnight. They may offer leisure activities such as arts and crafts, or services such as chiropody and hairdressing. Often lunch and transport can be provided. They are run by social services departments or voluntary organisations. There is usually a charge for meals and transport.

Respite care

It is sometimes possible for people who are dependent on regular care to stay in a residential or nursing home for a while so that their carer can have a break. Care can also sometimes be provided in the home while a carer is away. A sitting service at home can also sometimes be arranged. There may be a charge. See respite care.

Equipment

The occupational therapy departments within social services can sometimes loan equipment and can advise on adaptations to your home. 

Benefits

If you are unable to support yourself because of your caring responsibilities, you may be able to claim Income Support, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit, all of which have a Carer Premium. You may also be able to claim an extra carer's allowance (CA)

Sources of help in the NHS:

  • District Nursing Service :- providing care of pressure sores, changing dressings, or giving injections;
  • Specialist continence advice;
  • Chiropody, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, dental care; Home visits can be arranged;
  • The NHS (free of charge) will provide aids to mobility such as wheel chairs and walking frames;
  • Mental Health Care :- Community Psychiatric Nurses Community Learning Disability Nurses will visit people with mental health problems in their own homes. They can also provide emotional and practical support to Carers;
  • There is additional nursing help and equipment if the person you care for is terminally ill.