Shropshire Choices Support Finder 2018/19 - Adult Care and Support Services Helping you to make the right choice to remain independent and stay ...

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Shropshire Choices Support Finder 2018/19 - Adult Care and Support Services Helping you to make the right choice to remain independent and stay ...
Shropshire Choices
Support Finder 2018/19
Adult Care and Support Services

Helping you to make the right choice to
remain independent and stay well.

In association with

                                          www.carechoices.co.uk
Shropshire Choices Support Finder 2018/19 - Adult Care and Support Services Helping you to make the right choice to remain independent and stay ...
The Uplands                                                               KIND

                                                                        CARING
Multi award-winning family
owned Care Home                                                        F R I E N D LY
The Uplands is your very best choice for care with
nursing in Shropshire. Set in glorious countryside on the            EXPERIENCED
outskirts of Shrewsbury, it provides spacious single
en suite rooms with outstanding facilities, and offers the
highest standards of dementia nursing and care for those
                                                                     PROFESSIONAL
with long term conditions.
• Specialists in end-of-life care, short term respite,
  rehabilitation and post-operative care
• Experienced, professional and friendly staff
• Full programme of activities in a true home-
  from-home
• CQC rated Good in all standards
• Two dedicated dementia units

   ‘Attentive caring attitude of nursing and care workers,
   compassion and patience demonstrated continually
   throughout Mum’s short stay.’            J T, Shropshire

                                     For more information call
                                     01743 282040
 arches                              or come and visit us at:
                                     The Uplands

Care                                 Clayton Way
                                     Bicton Heath
                                     Shrewsbury SY3 8GA

See our consistently high customer reviews at:
www.marchescare.co.uk
The Uplands is owned and operated by Marches Care Ltd, part of the
Marches Care Group.
Shropshire Choices Support Finder 2018/19 - Adult Care and Support Services Helping you to make the right choice to remain independent and stay ...
Welcome from Shropshire Council                    4    I care for someone                                  44

                                                                                                                    Contents
Areas covered by this Support Finder               6    Carers Support Service                               44
                                                         Carers Emergency Response Service (CERS)             44
Your health and wellbeing                          7
                                                         Young Carers                                         45
Shropshire Choices                             7
Healthy Shropshire                             7        NHS Carers Direct                                    45
Social prescribing                             9        Resource for those supporting disabled
Let’s talk about the F-Word: preventing falls 10          children                                           45
Shropshire libraries: Books on Prescription 11          Money Matters                                       45
In your community                                12     Financial assessments                    45
                                                         Additional income you may be entitled to 46
Safety in your community                         14     Managing your Personal Budget            47
Staying safe                                      14    Paying for your own care                 48
Protecting your property                          14    Top-ups48
Concerned about abuse?                            14    Running out of money                     48
Travel and mobility                              15     Seeking financial advice                 49
Community transport                               15    Having your say                                     49
Concessionary travel schemes                      16    Making It Real                                       49
Social and physical activities                    17    Healthwatch Shropshire                               50
                                                         Inspecting and regulating care services              50
I want to stay independent                       18
                                                         Customer compliments, comments and
Advice and advocacy support                       18
                                                           complaints                                         51
Equipment, gadgets and adaptations               19     How solicitors can help                              51
Assistive Technology                             19
                                                         Useful contacts                                      52
Assistive Technology checklist                   20
                                                         Shropshire Choices                                   52
Your home                                        21
                                                         Finding care in your area                            52
Making life easier in the home                   21
                                                         Local contacts                                       52
Adult Social Care                                24
                                                         Care homes and care homes with nursing57
Getting the help you need                        25
                                                         Want to work as a Personal Assistant in
Let’s Talk Local                                 25
                                                           Adult Social Care?                                 57
Planning your support                            25
                                                         Care homes checklist                                 59
Support options                                  26
Leaving hospital                                 27     Care home listings                                   61
Personal Assistants (PAs)                        28     Index69
NHS Continuing Healthcare                        28
End of life care                                 28
                                                                             All the listings in this publication
Home care agency checklist                       30                         of care homes, care homes with
Home care providers                              33      nursing and home care providers are supplied by
                                                          the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and neither
Specialist care and support                      39      Shropshire Council nor Care Choices can be held
Learning and physical disabilities and autism    39      liable for any errors or omissions. The information
Sensory Impairment Service                       39      contained in this Support Finder was correct
Alcohol/drug misuse                              40      at the time of going to print. The inclusion of
Mental health                                    40      advertisements for homes and agencies in this
                                                          Support Finder does not act as an endorsement or
Dementia care                                    41
                                                          recommendation by Shropshire Council.
Residential dementia care checklist              43

 To obtain extra copies of this Support Finder, free of charge, call Shropshire Council’s Customer Services on
 0345 678 9000 or email shropshirechoices@shropshire.gov.uk

For additional local information and support, visit www.shropshirechoices.co.uk                                        3
Shropshire Choices Support Finder 2018/19 - Adult Care and Support Services Helping you to make the right choice to remain independent and stay ...
Welcome from Shropshire Council
Welcome from Shropshire Council
                                                            Welcome to the            information and advice they need as quickly and
                                                            2018/19 edition of        easily as possible and speaking to us either via
                                                            our annual Shropshire     our First Point of Contact, or one of our Let’s
                                  Support Finder, which provides social care and      Talk Local sessions is a good place to start.
                                  health information for adults and carers, across
                                  the county.                                         Our Shropshire Support Finder is another way
                                                                                      where people can find information to help
                                  We know and understand how important it is          them get the support that’s right for them. This
                                  for people to remain independent and to live        Directory is full of support services, voluntary
                                  the lives they want and remain safe and well        organisations and community-based solutions
                                  for longer. This is why our priority is to ensure   that are available across Shropshire to help you
                                  that you and those who you support, get access      or a loved one lead the lives you want as well as
                                  to the right services and activities as soon as     maintain or regain independence. It is designed
                                  possible and remain active residents in your        to give you help and advice so that you can find
                                  community.                                          your own way to meet any needs for support
                                                                                      and care.
                                  This year has seen some exciting and innovative
                                  projects in adult social care and health, which     Our Shropshire Choices website also provides
                                  includes working with digital technology such       information about a wide range of sources
                                  as smartwatches, voice-activated devices and        of help and support, including independent
                                  messaging apps that can be used or adapted          financial information and information about
                                  to support the health and social care needs         care homes and housing options. It can also
                                  of vulnerable people. We’ve had a huge              help with keeping independent; getting out
                                  demand from volunteers over 65 to take part         and about; keeping safe; health and wellbeing;
                                  in a new pilot scheme we’ve launched to test        employment and volunteering opportunities
                                  these devices and feedback to date has been         and being a carer.
                                  extremely positive.
                                                                                      We hope that our Shropshire Support Finder
                                  We also saw the launch of our first national        and Shropshire Choices website provides you
                                  TECH Severn Conference which saw hundreds           or the person you care for, with the information
                                  of people and organisations across the county       and advice to help you find the support you
                                  and the UK attend to look at how technology         need.
                                  can change peoples’ lives for the better. You can
                                  find out more about these exciting projects and                  You can find out more about
                                  the TECH Severn Conference at                                    Shropshire Choices by visiting
                                  www.shropshire.gov.uk/news                            www.shropshire.gov.uk/shropshire-choices

                                  We continue to work closely with our voluntary,
                                  community and social care and health partners
                                  to ensure our services are more integrated and                         Andy Begley
                                  joined up. By working more closely together we                         Director of Adult Services
                                  can provide a more rounded health and social                           Shropshire Council
                                  care service for you, in locations near to where
                                  you live. By working together, we can help you      Tel: 0345 678 9044
                                  to remain well for longer, without having to        Email: firstpointofcontact@shropshire.gov.uk
                                  become dependent on social care and health          Web: www.shropshire.gov.uk
                                  intervention in the long-term.                      First Point of Contact: 0345 678 9044
                                                                                      Email: firstpointofcontact@shropshire.gov.uk
                                  In Shropshire we want people to find the            Web: www.shropshire.gov.uk

          4                        Se a rch f or ca r e a t www. ca re c h o i c e s .c o .u k t o fi n d s u p p o r t i n y o u r are a
Shropshire Choices Support Finder 2018/19 - Adult Care and Support Services Helping you to make the right choice to remain independent and stay ...
Shrewsbury | Telford | Wellington | Whitchurch
Bridgnorth | Oswestry | Donnington | Newport
Market Drayton | Bishop’s Castle
Coverage Care Services is Shropshire’s largest independent care provider, operating
care homes on a not for profit basis throughout the county mainly for older people.
Shropshire Choices Support Finder 2018/19 - Adult Care and Support Services Helping you to make the right choice to remain independent and stay ...
Areas covered by this Support Finder
Home care providers
n All regions                                                        33

Care home listings
n North Shropshire                                                   61
n Central Shropshire                                                 63
n South Shropshire                                                   67

Care homes with nursing listings
n North Shropshire                                                   62
n Central Shropshire                                                 65
n South Shropshire                                                   68

Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2014

 Alternative formats This Support Finder is available electronically at www.carechoices.co.uk. There is
                     also a Browsealoud option for those requiring the information in the spoken word.

                                                                                        Representing and supporting Care Providers
                                                                                                    in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin
     We are committed to supporting, developing & promoting the provision
     of high quality social care in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin
     To help deliver excellence we:

                                                                             Work in partnership with
                                            Help individual                local authorities, CCG’s and
       Keep members updated             members with business             others, representing members
        on legislative, policy          systems and regulatory              to help shape and develop
         and best practice                    compliance                             the sector
           developments                                                                                              SPIC works in a way that
                                                                                                            safeguards those who may need
                                                                                                           or use care services and supports
                                                             Develop and provide                              its members to deliver services
           Promote the                                      high quality training for
      development of staff &          Provide a DBS                                                          that place people’s rights at the
                                    (pre-employment           the care workforce                             centre of their decision making.
       opportunities in the
           care sector.               check) service
                                                                                                                          Contact us
                                                                                                                  Tel: 01743 860011
                                                                                                              Email: info@spic.co.uk
                                                                                  SPIC is a not for         Website: www.spic.co.uk
                                                                                  profit company
                                                                                                          App:

 To access information about community groups, clubs, societies, organisations, and much more, visit
 the resource directory on www.shropshire.gov.uk/shropshire-choices-directory

6            Se a rch f or ca r e a t www. ca re c h o i c e s .c o .u k t o fi n d s u p p o r t i n y o u r are a
Shropshire Choices Support Finder 2018/19 - Adult Care and Support Services Helping you to make the right choice to remain independent and stay ...
Shropshire Choices

                                                                                                                                                                               Your health and wellbeing
                              Shropshire Choices     • receiving support as a carer;
                              offers information
                                                     • housing advice;
                              and advice about
adult social care, housing and health. The           • how to find local support and social activity
content is designed to allow individuals, carers       groups;
and families access to quality local information     • how you can be a part of local voluntary and
and provide more choice and control over their         community organisations; and
social care and health needs.
                                                     • advice on how to remain safe in your
The site has been designed and developed using         community.
feedback given by users of services and their
carers to ensure it is easy to use, with the right    Please visit the site at www.shropshire.gov.
information to encourage people to self-serve         uk/shropshire-choices
and remain well.                                     Shropshire_Choices_Card_Mar17_Final.qxp_Layout 1 29/03/2017 10:07 Page 1

If you have support and/or care needs, care for
someone else, or are planning ahead, Shropshire
Choices has a wide range of information for you,                                                                            Visit www.shropshirechoices.co.uk
covering:                                                                                                                             3 Quality local information
                                                         Helping you to                                                               3 What’s on and where
                                                         make the right
• how to stay independent in your home;                  choice to remain
                                                                                                                                      3 Find the answers you need
                                                                                                                                      3 Money matters
                                                         independent                                                                  3 Making your own decisions
                                                         and stay well.
• personal care assistants;                                                                                                           3 Helping others
                                                                                                                                      3 Keeping safe

• independent financial advice;                                                                                            For further advice please ring 0345 678 9044
                                                                                                                      Do you provide a service? Join our Resource Directory.

                                                                                       Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for news and updates
• options for care and support needs;

Healthy Shropshire
                    Many of us feel our lifestyles   stop smoking specialists, including practice
                    should be healthier and          nurses, midwives, pharmacists and school
                    Healthy Shropshire has been      nurses. The service is available in almost all
                    designed with this in mind.      GP surgeries, as well as many pharmacies,
The aim is to help anyone who wants to make          community venues, hospitals and selected
positive changes by providing information on         supermarkets, and is very successful. By using
the support available to improve people’s health     a combination of stop smoking medicine and
and promoting local health projects, some of         specialist help and support from Help2Quit,
which are listed here.                               individuals are up to four times more likely to
                                                     successfully go smoke free than when trying to
Help2Change                                          quit without support.
Help2Change provides free support delivered
by specialist Help2Change advisers in a range        Around 1 in 20 adults now uses electronic
of venues, including GP surgeries, pharmacies,       cigarettes. Whilst they are not risk free, they are
community venues, hospitals and supermarkets         considered to be less harmful than smoking and
in Shropshire.                                       smokers who want to use e-cigarettes to quit
                                                     smoking are encouraged to contact Help2Quit.
Help2Quit
Help2Quit is the local stop smoking service in       Help2Slim
Shropshire. It offers free support delivered by      Maintaining a healthy weight is important for

For additional local information and support, visit www.shropshirechoices.co.uk                                                                                                     7
Shropshire Choices Support Finder 2018/19 - Adult Care and Support Services Helping you to make the right choice to remain independent and stay ...
good health, as being overweight can increase                 type 2 diabetes and some cancers.
your risk of developing health conditions including
coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes,              Stay safe and well this winter
osteoarthritis and some types of cancer. Help2Slim            The Stay Well This Winter campaign is a joint
offers free support to help you lose weight and               initiative from NHS England and Public Health
keep it off. Advisers support you to make small               England and aims to encourage people to take
sustainable changes that fit with you and your                precautions and use the right services so they’re less
lifestyle.                                                    likely to be admitted to hospital over winter.
                                                              Winter can be seriously bad for our health but there
NHS Health Check                                              a number of things you can do to keep you and your
The NHS Health Check programme has been                       family well this winter. Visit
developed to prevent heart disease, diabetes, stroke          www.healthyshropshire.co.uk/topics/stay-well-
and kidney disease. If you are between 40 and 74              this-winter for tips.
years old and are not already diagnosed with one of
these conditions, you will be invited by your GP once         Top tips to stay safe and well include:
every five years to have a check to assess your risk. If
                                                              • Get your flu jab – Cold weather can be very
necessary, you will be given advice to help reduce or
                                                                harmful, especially for people aged 65 or older:
manage your risk of disease.
                                                                it weakens the immune system, increases blood
                                                                pressure, thickens the blood and lowers body
Healthy eating
                                                                temperature, increasing risks of high blood
Maintaining a healthy diet provides you with the
                                                                pressure, heart attacks, strokes, and chest
energy and nutrition you need. It improves your
                                                                infections.
physical and mental health and wellbeing and
provides protective health benefits against a range           • Keep warm – It is important to keep warm in
of health conditions including heart disease, stroke,           winter as it can help to prevent colds, flu and

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8              Se a rch f or ca r e a t www. ca re c h o i c e s .c o .u k t o fi n d s u p p o r t i n y o u r are a
Shropshire Choices Support Finder 2018/19 - Adult Care and Support Services Helping you to make the right choice to remain independent and stay ...
more serious health problems. Heat your home to          webpage offers a host of advice for people young
   at least 18°C (65°F), if you can, you might prefer       and old, to help keep cool and hydrated throughout
   your living room to be slightly warmer. Try to keep      the hot weather. Visit www.shropshire.gov.uk/
   active when you’re indoors, get up and move              stay-safe-and-well-this-summer
   about and try not to sit still for longer than an
   hour at a time. Also, wear several layers of light       The top ways for staying safe when the heat arrives
   clothes, as they trap warm air better.                   are to:

• Feeling unwell – If you start to feel unwell, even        • look out for others, especially older people,
  if it is just a cough or cold, don’t wait until it gets     young children and babies and those with
  more serious, get help from your pharmacist.                underlying health conditions;
  Pharmacists are fully qualified to advise you on
                                                            • close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep
  the best course of action, and the sooner you
                                                              indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be
  get advice from them, the better. They can also
                                                              cooler outdoors than indoors;
  advise on the best medicines to help get you and
  your family through the winter.                           • drink plenty of water as sugary, alcoholic
                                                              and caffeinated drinks can make you more
• Don’t forget your prescription – If you’ve
                                                              dehydrated;
  been prescribed medication, don’t forget to
  pick up your prescription before the holidays             • never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle,
  start. Many GPs and pharmacies will close over              especially infants, young children or animals;
  Christmas.
                                                            • try to keep out of the sun between 11.00am and
• Health advice – If you do need help when your               3.00pm;
  GP surgery or pharmacy is closed, call NHS 111 or
                                                            • take care and follow local safety advice if you are
  visit www.nhs.uk to be directed to a local service
                                                              going into the water to cool down;
  that is open.
                                                            • walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat
• Look out for other people – We can all do with              if you have to go out in the heat;
  a little bit of extra help and support at times. If
  someone you know is feeling unwell or may need            • avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the
  some support during the cold weather, ask to see            day;
  if they need any practical help.
                                                            • wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes; and

Stay safe and well this summer                              • make sure you take water with you if you are
Shropshire Council’s stay safe and well this summer           travelling.

Social prescribing
What is social prescribing?
Social prescribing is designed to support people with       How does it work?
a wide range of social, emotional or practical needs.       Individuals are referred to a social prescriber who
It is a way of enabling GPs, health and social care         will work with them to discuss their health and
professionals, the voluntary sector and other partners      wellbeing. Together they will come up with a plan of
such as job centres and pharmacies, to refer people         action that refers them to community activities that
to a social prescribing adviser.                            can make them feel happier and healthier.

The scheme is evolving in Shropshire and is                 Who can benefit?
currently available in a number of GP practices and         You can benefit from the scheme if you are are:
community centres, with plans to roll out across
the county.                                                 • caring for someone who can’t manage without

For additional local information and support, visit www.shropshirechoices.co.uk                                 9
Shropshire Choices Support Finder 2018/19 - Adult Care and Support Services Helping you to make the right choice to remain independent and stay ...
your help;

• feeling lonely or socially isolated;

• wanting to change your lifestyle, for example
  giving up smoking or losing weight; or

• living with a long-term health condition.

 For more information on
 Help2Change programmes,
 NHS Health Checks and practices delivering
 the services, visit www.shropshire.gov.uk/
 shropshire-choices/staying-independent/my-
 health

Let’s talk about the F-Word: preventing falls
                                                           If you have a fall
                                                           Tell your GP or other health professional if you
                                                           fall. Be sure to discuss the fall with your GP or
                                                           other health professional, even if you aren’t hurt.
Most of us will have fallen at some time in our lives.     Many underlying causes of falls can be treated or
For many, particularly younger people, the fall will       corrected.
be nothing more than a bit embarrassing. For others,
a fall can be startling and upsetting. As we get older,    The following tools have been developed to help
falls can become more common and the effect of             you. Search on the Shropshire Council website or
the fall on our lives can become more serious.             access them though your local library.

Preventing falls                                           Falls assistant
Falls are not inevitable and there are lots of practical   • take an NHS-approved check to understand what
and simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of          may be putting someone at risk of a fall;
falling. This includes ‘fall proofing’ your home, taking
                                                           • what to do to reduce each risk; and
regular exercise, keeping well and seeking further
advice and support when necessary.                         • key exercises to improve mobility, gait and
                                                             balance.
There are also things you can do to reduce the harm
caused by falls, such as looking after your bones and      Mobility and balance
making sure help can be summoned quickly if you do                            Watch a simple video to see how
have a fall.                                                                  someone getting in and out of a
                                                                              chair can indicate their need to
Having a falls risk assessment and making practical        improve their strength, gait and balance.
day-to-day activity and lifestyle changes can
help you identify, assess and reduce your risk of          Strength and balance exercises for healthy ageing
falling; improve stability and maintain or improve         Easy to follow exercise instructions to improve
independence and wellbeing.                                overall strength and balance.

Falls prevention is about enabling you to regain your      Fall Check Home Safety
confidence and live as independent and full a life as      An easy to use, interactive check of common
possible.                                                  hazards in the home that might cause a fall.

10       Se a rch f or ca r e a t www. ca re c h o i c e s .c o .u k t o fi n d s u p p o r t i n y o u r are a
Local strength and balance classes for everyday life                increase core strength, strengthening your
                    Elevate classes are designed to                 muscles to help maintain posture and balance.
                    be safe, beneficial and most of
                    all, enjoyable. They are delivered              At the start of the class, you will complete simple
by local, experienced instructors with accredited                   tasks with the instructor, for example measuring
qualifications.                                                     the amount of time you take to walk to a chair and
                                                                    back. These tasks are then completed at the end
What are the proven benefits?                                       of the programme to help the instructors suggest
Classes are aimed at people aged 65 and over who                    the next step for you.
feel a bit unsteady on their feet to improve their
strength, balance and co-ordination. The classes                      You can refer yourself to Elevate. Call the Elevate
can be delivered in both a seated and standing                        team directly on 01743 297191 or find full details at
position. You may feel a bit off-balance, or at risk                  www.energizestw.org.uk/refer-request-a-class
of a fall. Taking part in classes has shown to boost
                                                                      For more information on health and
confidence and independence – both in and
                                                                      wellbeing in Shropshire, visit
outside of the home.
                                                                      www.shropshire.gov.uk/shropshire-choices/
                                                                      staying-independent/my-health
The instructors are specially-trained to help

Shropshire libraries: Books on Prescription
Shropshire’s libraries are a mine of information when               while the e-book and e-magazine service gives you
it comes to helping you to look after your health.                  access to a wide range of publications in your home
All branches offer a wide range of self-help books                  completely free of charge.
on various conditions, and free use of computers
to access websites and the Shropshire Community                     Carers may be eligible for a carer’s ticket which
Directory.                                                          will make them exempt from late returns fines and
                                                                    allow access to free audiobooks and free standard
Reading Well Books on Prescription helps you to                     DVD rental.
understand and manage your health and wellbeing
using self-help reading on a wide range of topics,                  For more information about staying healthy with
such as mental health for young people and adults,                  Shropshire libraries or to ask about a concessionary
dementia and long-term conditions.                                  or a carer’s ticket, visit your local library or go to
                                                                    www.shropshire.gov.uk/libraries
Libraries also offer sociable daytime activities, such
as reading groups, Knit & Natter and the popular                      For more information on health and
Time to Listen. The free Home Library Service for                     wellbeing in Shropshire, please visit
housebound customers is a great way to have                           www.shropshire.gov.uk/shropshire-choices/
books, audiobooks and DVDs delivered to your door,                    staying-independent/my-health

 SEARCH FOR CARE
 IN YOUR AREA
 With so many providers to choose from, where do you start?
                                                                                www.carechoices.co.uk
 • Find care providers quickly and easily • Search by location and care need
 • Information on care quality • Links to inspection reports
 • Additional information, photos and web links • Brochure requests

 www.carechoices.co.uk

For additional local information and support, visit www.shropshirechoices.co.uk                                          11
In your community
In your community
                    Shropshire Council aims to build positive            Local activities within Shropshire are also
                    communities by encouraging families and              promoted to encourage children of all abilities
                    individuals to be independent, active and social     to get active and socialise, where they can learn
                    within their local community while remaining         new skills and make new friends.
                    healthy and safe for as long as possible.
                                                                          For more information about family services,
                    Many community-based professionals and                call 01743 254400, email earlyhelp@
                    voluntary organisations are working together to       shropshire.gov.uk or go to www.shropshire.
                    make sure you, your family and friends can find       gov.uk/early-help/practitioners/the-
                    information on services near you. To find out         early-help-offer-provision-of-early-help-
                    what is available in your area, visit                 services/family-information-service
                    www.shropshire.gov.uk/shropshire-choices-
                    directory                                            Shropshire Rural Community Council (RCC)
                                                                                  Shropshire RCC is a local charity and
                    The Voluntary and Community Sector                            membership organisation which
                    Assembly (VCSA)                                               helps people who live and work in
                                   The VCSA brings together a                     Shropshire to make life easier and
                                   diverse range of voluntary and        more manageable for themselves and for their
                                   community sector groups and           community.
                                   organisations to maximise energy,
                    ideas and resources to provide a strong collective   It is committed to making Shropshire a great
                    voice. The VCSA aims to improve representation       place for everyone to live, no matter what
                    of voluntary, community and social enterprise        challenges they face, and has a strong track
                    organisations and build partnerships with public     record for delivering a wide range of quality
                    and private sector organisations to meet the         services and local projects, often working in
                    needs of local groups and communities.               partnership with other organisations.

                     Joining the VCSA is free. To download                For more information on the services
                     a membership form or to access the                   Shropshire RCC provides, call 01743 360641,
                     information pack, including eligibility              email info@shropshire-rcc.org.uk or visit
                     criteria, visit www.vcsvoice.org/ To contact         www.shropshire-rcc.org.uk
                     the VCSA, call 01743 258521 or email
                     vcsassembly@shropshire.gov.uk                       Age UK Shropshire Telford and Wrekin
                                                                                            Age UK Shropshire Telford
                    Shropshire Family Information Service (FIS)                             and Wrekin has many services
                                  Shropshire FIS provides free                              offering companionship and
                                  information and advice on all          support for older people to prevent isolation
                                  aspects of family life. From           and loneliness. For example, volunteers can
                    expecting a baby, to having young children or        visit you in your own home, providing a listening
                    teenagers, the FIS can support parents, carers       ear and confidential support whilst going
                    or any other family member.                          for walks, playing games, watching a film or
                                                                         sharing hobbies. Alternatively, they can provide
                    Its online directory provides information on local   a regular telephone call or accompany you to
                    and national organisations offering advice and       social activities in your neighbourhood, helping
                    support on some of the issues or concerns any        you build friendships and sharing experiences.
                    family may encounter, including a wide range
                    of information for parents of children with          They can also provide a wide range of activities
                    disabilities or additional needs.                    to support you to stay well and socially active.

     12              Se a rch f or ca r e a t www. ca re c h o i c e s .c o .u k t o fi n d s u p p o r t i n y o u r are a
There is something for everyone, with reading            prescription or simply offer a little bit of company.
groups, craft classes, community choirs, exercise        The service is a volunteer organisation which
groups and dance classes. The service works with         enriches the lives of older people and their families
an array of clubs, such as Shrewsbury Walking            across Britain.
Football Club, Severnside Bowling Club and even
the Shropshire Theatre Organ Trust. It also supports      For more information, call 01743 240271 or visit
over 30 lunch clubs and has a regular programme of        www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk
guided walks.
                                                         Gusto
 For more information and additional services, call                  Organised through Shropshire Rural
 01743 233123, email enquiries@ageukstw.org.uk                       Community Council (RCC), Gusto is a
 or visit                                                            network of active people who meet
 www.ageukshropshireandtelford.org.uk                                regularly and enjoy participating in
                                                         activities together. These include social events like
The Royal Voluntary Service (RVS)                        theatre trips, cycling, dog walking, going to the
                 The RVS Good Neighbours Service         cinema and meeting for lunch or fine dining, cocktail
                 helps older people by offering          evenings, photography and art classes.
                 practical advice, support and
                 friendship and aims to prevent social   Members can also become a host for any activities
isolation and act as a pre-emptive step to keep          they enjoy and want to share with others.
those who are vulnerable out of hospital. RVS can
provide a lift to a lunch club, getting your shopping,    For further information, call 01743 360641,
transport to attend an appointment (eg doctors,           email info@shropshire-rcc.org.uk
hospital, or hairdressers). RVS can collect your          or visit www.shropshire-rcc.org.uk

 To find out what is available in your community, visit www.shropshire.gov.uk/
 shropshire-choices-directory

   Providers,
   missing out on
   online referrals?
     With over 1,000,000 page views annually,
     www.carechoices.co.uk can help you
     reach local care seekers

                                                                                FREE WEB
    Call us on 01223 207770                                                      ADVERT
                                                                                 DESIGN

For additional local information and support, visit www.shropshirechoices.co.uk                              13
Staying safe
Safety in your community
                           The Council wants to make sure residents in         • Hate crime – any criminal offence
                           Shropshire feel safe and secure in their own          committed against a person or property
                           communities and know where to go if they              which is motivated by an offender’s hostility
                           need help. There are various ways of protecting       or prejudice towards someone. Hate
                           yourself and you should report any issues you         crime can be reported by dialling 999 if
                           may be experiencing, including:                       it is an emergency or 101 for non-
                                                                                 emergencies.
                           • Scams – schemes to con you out of your
                             money. They can arrive by post, phone call,       • Anti-social behaviour – defined as acting
                             text message or email, or from someone              ‘in a manner which causes or is likely to
                             coming to your home. Visit your local Citizens      cause harm, alarm or distress’. It can be
                             Advice branch, call the Advice Line on 0844         reported to the police by dialling 101 or
                             499 1100 or go to www.citizensadvice.org.           through Shropshire Council’s reporting line
                             uk/consumer/scams/spotting-a-scam                   on 0345 678 9020.

                           Protecting your property
                           You can do simple things to improve your            secured at all times.
                           home security. Don’t leave side gates open or
                           unlocked and make sure you shut any accessible
                                                                                 For more organisations which offer support,
                           windows overnight or if rooms are unattended.
                                                                                 visit
                           Don’t leave ladders outside and store any
                                                                                 www.shropshire.gov.uk/shropshire-
                           garden tools securely. Keep hedges trimmed
                                                                                 choices/shropshire-choices-
                           and low so they don’t provide cover for burglars
                                                                                 directory
                           and keep spare keys properly concealed and

                           Concerned about abuse?
                           Safeguarding adults who are at risk of abuse or     • sexual abuse;
                           neglect
                                                                               • discriminatory abuse;
                           Safeguarding means protecting an individual’s
                           right to live in safety, free from abuse and        • neglect and self-neglect;
                           neglect. Living a life free from harm and abuse
                           is everyone’s human right. We all need to act as    • domestic abuse;
                           good neighbours and citizens to look out and        • modern slavery; and
                           care for one another and to stay safe.
                                                                               • organisational abuse.
                           If you find someone is being abused, please
                           speak to a professional who will be able to help,   Abuse can happen in many different settings,
                           like the police, a doctor or someone supporting     including:
                           the adult affected.
                                                                               • someone’s own home;
                           Abuse can take many forms, including:               • a care home;
                           • physical abuse;                                   • a hospital;

                           • financial abuse;                                  • a day centre; and

                           • psychological abuse;                              • public places.

        14                  Se a rch f or ca r e a t www. ca re c h o i c e s .c o .u k t o fi n d s u p p o r t i n y o u r are a
Abuse can be carried out by many different            0345 678 9040. This number is for emergencies
people, but it is usually someone who is known        only.
and trusted. It might be a:
• family member;                                      If you need to report a crime, please ring 101.
                                                      If you are in immediate danger, contact the
• partner or neighbour;                               police on 999. For more information, visit www.
• care worker;                                        shropshire.gov.uk/adult-social-care/where-
                                                      can-i-get-help/concerned-about-someone
• volunteer; or
• friend.                                              If you have concerns about the standards or
                                                       application of regulations in a care home, you
If you have any concerns about a person’s safety,      should contact The Care Quality Commission.
it is important you speak to someone you trust         Tel: 03000 616161
who will talk through your concerns and agree          Email: enquiries@cqc.org.uk
the best way forward with you.                         Web: www.cqc.org.uk
                                                       Write to: Citygate, Gallowgate,
If you need to tell Shropshire Council, please ring    Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4PA
0345 678 9044. If you need urgent help from
Shropshire Council outside office hours, please       More information about the Care Quality
phone the Emergency Social Work Duty Team on          Commission is on page 50.

Travel and mobility

                                                                                                          Travel and mobility
Being active plays an important part in maintaining
                                                       For more information, visit
your independence and community transport is
                                                       www.shropshire.gov.uk/shropshire-choices/
available to encourage this and prevent isolation.
                                                       getting-out-and-about/my-
This section provides information on services to
                                                       travel
help you get out and about in your community.

Community transport
Shropshire Community Transport Consortium             North Salop Wheelers
                Shropshire Community Transport                  A community transport minibus service
                is run by independent charities and             providing accessible, affordable
                voluntary organisations working to              transport to isolated people within
                support local people by providing               North Shropshire.
door-to-door transport throughout Shropshire.
The service is available for those who have no        The ring-and-ride service is accessible for young
access to public transport or who find it too         people and the elderly, and covers rural villages
difficult. It also helps groups and individuals to    around Wem, Whitchurch, Market Drayton and
get to events and activities such as the theatre,     Telford on a weekly basis.
sports, music, WI and social groups. The service is
fully accessible for wheelchair users.                The minibus is also available by arrangement for
                                                      hospital and doctor appointments, excursions,
 For more information, call 07772 964517, email       clubs, societies and youth groups.
 info@shropshirecommunitytransport.org.uk
 or visit www.shropshirecommunitytransport.            For more information, call 01948 880037 or
 org.uk                                                visit www.northsalopwheelers.co.uk        

For additional local information and support, visit www.shropshirechoices.co.uk                           15
 The Friendly Transport Service                           Oswestry Dial-a-Ride
                 A community-based organisation            Tel: 01691 671571
                 providing transport for rural             Email: info@qube-oca.org.uk
                 communities in and around the
neighbouring towns of Broseley and Much Wenlock            Ring and Ride Church Stretton
in Shropshire. A friendly door-to-door service,            Tel: 01694 720025
reliable for people who don’t have alternative means       Email: ring.ride@mayfaircentre.org.uk
of transport or who have other difficulties in getting
out. Helping you to attend local clubs, non-profit-       All Shropshire Mobility
making groups, meetings and other social events and                            A vehicle adaptation company
day trips. Individual membership is £5 a year.                                 based near Shrewsbury. All
                                                                               Shropshire Mobility started over
 For more information, call 01952 881145,                 15 years ago and has built good working relationship
 email info@friendlybus.co.uk or visit                    with all major adaptation companies and provides
 www.friendlybus.co.uk                                    a fully-equipped demonstration workshop and has
                                                          three service vans for mobile fitting. They can help
 Other useful community transport contacts                if you need adaptations to a vehicle to enable you to
                                                          drive, such as hand controls or pedal modifications.
 Bridgnorth Community Transport
 Tel: 01746 768539                                         For more information, call 01743 790879 or visit
 Email: bridgnorthcombus@btconnect.com                     www.allshropshiremobility.co.uk

 Dial-a-Ride Bishop’s Castle
                                                          Alpha Automatic School of Motoring
 Tel: 01588 638350
                                                          Driving tuition specialising in automatic disability
 Email: dial.a.ride@hotmail.co.uk
                                                          and specific needs with adapted vehicle for
 Dial-a-Ride Shrewsbury                                   hand controls, left foot accelerator and infrared
 Tel: 01743 450270                                        lodgeson’s secondary controls. Tuition is also
 Email: manager@shrewsburydialaride.org.uk                available for older driver assessments, returning
                                                          to driving courses, adaptation, familiarisation and
 Ludlow, Clun Valley and Corvedale                        rehabilitation after illness or accident.
 Tel: 01584 700907
 Email: ludlowtraveller@shrewsburydialaride.               For more information, call 01743 240283 or visit
 org.uk                                                    www.alphaautomaticshrewsbury.co.uk

Concessionary travel schemes
If you are eligible for a state pension or have a         incapacitated, for example people who are
disability, you can apply for free or reduced travel by   recovering from surgery.
applying for one of the concessionary travel schemes
below which are administered by Shropshire Council.        To check your eligibility or to apply or renew your
                                                           blue badge, download the appropriate application
Blue Badges                                                form or contact the Customer Service Centre on
                  This scheme provides those with          0345 678 9014.
                  disabilities a variety of parking
                  concessions, such as free parking       Railcards
or being able to park closer to a destination.            A railcard will give you discounts on rail fares, online
                                                          or from a staffed railway station. There are several
The badge is for passengers and drivers. Badges           schemes for passengers with different needs,
will not be issued to those who are temporarily           including carers. 

16       Se a rch f or ca r e a t www. ca re c h o i c e s .c o .u k t o fi n d s u p p o r t i n y o u r are a
To buy your card online, find out about ticket      years old or for those with a disability. For more
 prices or get help planning your journey,           information, call 0345 678 9088.
 call 0800 022 3720 or email
 customer.relations@nationalrail.co.uk                To find out if you are eligible
                                                      for one of the schemes and
Bus passes                                            how to apply or for more travel and mobility
                                                      information, visit www.shropshire.gov.uk/
A concessionary travel scheme run by Shropshire
                                                      shropshire-choices/getting-out-and-about/
Council offers free or discounted travel on
                                                      my-travel
local public transport for those who are over 63

Social and physical activities

                                                                                                          Social and physical activities
Whether you take up a sport or hobby, join a         Managing these spaces requires huge effort
community group, or just meet up with friends,       and manpower and Outdoor Partnerships relies
having a social life plays an important role in      heavily on volunteers contributing their time.
keeping healthy, active and well. Whatever your      Volunteering with Outdoor Partnerships is a
age, being physically and socially active can help   great way to stay fit and engage with other like-
you lead a healthier and happier life and helps to   minded individuals, as well as helping to keep
combat loneliness.                                   outdoor spaces and access to the countryside
                                                     open for all to enjoy. To find out more about
People who do regular physical activity have         Outdoor Partnerships or how you can get
a lower risk of age-related illness and many         involved with volunteering, visit
chronic diseases. Being active also boosts your      www.shropshiresgreatoutdoors.co.uk
mood which helps to improve your mental
health and strengthens your immune system.           Energize Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin
                                                                     Energize is the County Sports
Healthy Shropshire, see page 7, can help find                        Partnership for Shropshire,
the type of activity that works best for you, in                     Telford and Wrekin. It works with
line with your abilities and what you enjoy. It      a number of organisations to enable everyone
can also find ‘start up’ Active4Health activities,   to have access to sport and physical activities,
including exercise on referral programmes,           whatever their level of interest or ability.
walking groups and exercise classes in local
areas.                                               Energize believes in encouraging and motivating
                                                     people to give different sports and activities
 For more information, call 0345 678 9025            a go and offers a wide range of services and
 or go to www.healthyshropshire.co.uk                information to achieve this.
 www.shropshirechoices.org.uk/myhealth
                                                      For more information, call 01743 297191,
Outdoor Partnerships                                  email info@energizestw.org.uk or visit
Being active outdoors is shown to greatly             www.energizestw.org.uk
benefit people’s physical and mental wellbeing
and there is no better place to do this than         Inclusively Fit Project
in Shropshire’s great outdoors. Shropshire           A project which supports isolated, inactive people
Council’s Outdoor Partnerships team manages          who would like to be more socially active in their
and maintains a large part of Shropshire’s           community. The project encompasses a Buddy
outdoor space, including two country parks; the      Programme using volunteers to encourage
Mere at Ellesmere and Severn Valley country          confidence and motivation to try something
park at Alveley; 24 countryside and heritage         new, providing a person-centred approach to
sites; and 5,600km of rights of way.                 overcome barriers.                              

For additional local information and support, visit www.shropshirechoices.co.uk                              17
Loudwater Studio
   Social and physical activities continued
                                                Reader’s story
                                               Darren has been with the                                                 Loudwater Studio is an arts,
                                               Inclusively Fit Project for 18                                           crafts and sound-recording
                                               months. He first got involved                                            studio situated Ludlow.
                                               as he wanted to take part in                           It assists everyone in their general health
                                               an activity. Since then, he has                        and wellbeing and offers the opportunity
                                               become a volunteer Buddy                               for people of all abilities to get creative in
                                               working with people one-to-one to help build           any way. Studio staff regularly work with
                                               their confidence. He also supports a local             people with visual impairments, complex
                                               group, I Can 2, which provides activities for          disabilities and adults with learning difficulties,
                                               children with disabilities and has now gained          supporting them to actively take part in
                                               a paid role with them. Darren has come a long          creative fun.
                                               way, overcoming severe anxiety along with
                                               other barriers he faced due to autism.                  Call 01584 877272 or email
                                                                                                       loudwater@visionhomes.org.uk

                                               For more information or to make a referral,
                                                                                                      To find out what is available in your community,
                                               call 01743 297193 or email inclusivelyfit@
                                                                                                      visit www.shropshire.gov.uk/shropshire-
                                               energizestw.org.uk
                                                                                                      choices/news-and-events

                                               If you are a provider wanting to add your information to the Shropshire Choices Directory, please
                                               contact us at shropshirechoices@shropshire.gov.uk

                                              I want to stay independent
I want to stay independent

                                              Shropshire Council aims to encourage and
                                              support individuals to remain independent in
                                              their community for as long as possible. If you
                                              have concerns about remaining independent in
                                              your home, there are options you can explore
                                              to help you remain safe, secure and warm. For
                                              more information visit www.shropshire.gov.uk/
                                              shropshire-choices/staying-independent

                                              Advice and advocacy support
                                              Peer Counselling Advocacy Services (PCAS)               Taking Part
                                                                 Shropshire PCAS helps adults                       Taking Part is a group of people
                                                                 with any disability maintain their                 with learning difficulties working
                                                                 independence. Independent                          together to help people speak
                                              advocates support vulnerable people with                              up for themselves. Taking Part
                                              disabilities to make informed decisions and                           encourages people with learning
                                              choices. Advocates can also support people              difficulties to have more choice, know their
                                              through adult safeguarding, offering long-term          rights, be included in society and have the
                                              help and support to improve their wellbeing.            chance of leading independent lives.

                                               For more information, call 01691 658008,                For more information, call 01743 363399,
                                               email simon@shropshirepcas.co.uk or visit               email takingpart@takingpart.co.uk or visit
                                               www.shropshirepcas.co.uk                                www.takingpart.co.uk

                    18                         Se a rch f or ca r e a t www. ca re c h o i c e s .c o .u k t o fi n d s u p p o r t i n y o u r are a
Shropshire Independent Advocacy Service            Health meetings, psychiatrist appointments
(SIAS)                                             and other services to help provide independent
           SIAS supports adults aged 18 and        information and enable people to make a choice
           over who are experiencing mental        for themselves.
           health issues in Shropshire, Telford
           and Wrekin. SIAS can support             For more information, call 01743 361702,
people on medical appointments and general          email enquiries@siasonline.org or visit
meetings. It can also attend Community Mental       www.siasonline.org

Equipment, gadgets and adaptations

                                                                                                        Equipment, gadgets and adaptations
There are various gadgets and aids available       going unnoticed. In addition, they can provide
to support independence and wellbeing.             reassurance to carers who are concerned for their
Used correctly, they can go a long way to help     loved ones and/or feel that they are struggling to
prevent certain conditions from worsening or       cope and continue in their caring role.

Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology is the term for specialist    blood pressure and other vital signs can allow
items which encourage and support vulnerable       professionals to make efficient and effective
individuals to remain safe and independent         decisions. Telehealth can monitor blood glucose
within their own homes for as long as possible.    levels, cardiac arrhythmia and lung functions, to
Shropshire Council offers a range of Assistive     name a few. If you would like more information
Technology and equipment, from standalone          about Telehealth, speak to your local GP. Or, if
Assistive Technology to its Telecare service.      the person requiring the service is in hospital,
                                                   speak to the medical team responsible for
Standalone Assistive Technology is equipment       their care. Shropshire Council does not provide
which is designed to provide support to an         Telehealth technology at this time.
individual without the need for a connection
via a telephone line. Standalone equipment          Useful organisations
can be as simple as a specialised bath plug or
as complex as digital monitoring systems which      Careline
allow carers to see, hear and speak to a person     Careline is a 24-hour alarm service, which is
from another room.                                  connected to your home through an alarm unit
                                                    linked to your telephone line. 24/7 monitoring
Telecare uses telephone lines and wireless          centre in is manned by friendly and helpful
sensors to ensure peace of mind within the          operators, ensuring peace of mind and helping
home by linking to a call centre, which is          you to live independently in your own home.
automatically alerted, for example if you might     For details, contact 0345 863 8323 or visit
have had a fall or if the oven has been left on.    www.independencetrust.co.uk/our-services
Telecare items can range from a simple falls
                                                    Telmenow.com
alarm or memory reminders to a domestic
                                                    Telmenow.com provides technology to support
system which monitors a person’s wellbeing
                                                    independent living. For carers and the people
whilst at home.
                                                    they care for, it specialises in providing access
                                                    to technology and services which can increase
Telehealth provided by Health
                                                    independence and allow people to enjoy life
Telehealth technology can assist in diagnosing
                                                    the way they want to. For more information,
and monitoring health conditions. A home
                                                    visit www.telmenow.com
unit to measure and monitor temperature,

For additional local information and support, visit www.shropshirechoices.co.uk                         19
Assistive technology checklist                                                                   © 2018 Care Choices Ltd

We suggest you consider the following questions before buying any assistive technology. If you are in any doubt
about what technology might help meet your needs, you can contact your council or visit www.asksara.org.uk

    You can download and print this checklist at www.carechoices.co.uk/checklists

Suitability                                                Will it need to be installed by a professional?

Does the equipment support your specific                    Can the retailer provide you with training in
needs?                                                     using the equipment?

Are you willing to use it? 
                                                            Reliability
Will it fit into your everyday life and routine?
                                                            Will it work if you have pets or live with other
Have you tried a demo of the equipment?
                                                            people, e.g. could someone else set off a sensor
Do you understand what the equipment is for?               alarm by accident?

Do you need to take it with you when you                    Have you read reviews of the particular piece
leave the house? Is it transportable?                      of equipment you are looking at? Consider
                                                            these before making your purchase.
Does the equipment have any limitations
that would make it unsuitable for you?                     Can you speak to someone who already uses it?
Will it work alongside any assistive technology             Does it require batteries? Find out how often
you already have? 
                                                            they will need changing and whether the
                                                            equipment will remind you to do this.
Usability
                                                            Is it durable? If you might drop it, is it likely
Is a simpler piece of equipment available,                  to break?
e.g. a pill case rather than an automated pill
dispenser? 
                                                            Cost
Does the equipment need a plug socket, and
will its wire cause a trip hazard?                         Do you know how much it costs? 

Is it easy to use? Can you read/hear it clearly             Will you need to pay a monthly charge?
and are any buttons big enough for you?
                                                            Are there alternative solutions that might
Are you able to use it? Are there any aspects               be free?
you don’t understand?
                                                            Is there a cost associated with servicing the
Is it portable?                                            equipment?

Notes







20         Se a rch f or ca r e a t www. ca re c h o i c e s .c o .u k t o fi n d s u p p o r t i n y o u r are a
Your home
Take a look at the suggestions on pages 22 and 23        Council, call the First Point of Contact team on
for ideas of equipment and adaptations that could        0345 678 9044 and ask for an occupational therapy
help you live at home for longer. There might be a       assessment. The occupational therapy assessment
simple fix to help you stay independent. If you are      will identify your needs and advise you on what may
a tenant and rent your home, it is always advised        help you to maintain your independence within your
to initially contact your landlord for advice when       home. Alternatively, for more information about
considering adaptations in your home.                    useful gadgets and adaptations, go to
                                                         www.shropshire.gov.uk/shropshire-choices/
Local handyman services are available to help            staying-independent/useful-gadgets
install any adaptations you might need, and a home
improvement agency could be useful if you’re             Disabled Facilities Grant
considering more major works. Visit                      Following an occupational therapy assessment, you
www.shropshire.gov.uk/shropshire-choices/                may be able to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant
staying-independent/my-home for more                     through private sector housing to help you with
information.                                             minor or major adaptations to maintain your safety
                                                         and independence. For more information on the
To find out if you are eligible for support from the     grant, visit www.gov.uk/disabled-facilities-grants

Making life easier in the home
Over the next few pages you will see illustrations       might affect you? Can they be resolved using the
of the main living areas in a home, together with        advice given? If you do require any further information
information for identifying any issues and how to set    about sourcing products, grants, or getting an
about resolving them. Have a look at the rooms and       assessment, please call Shropshire Council’s First
information. Can you identify any problems which         Point of Contact team on 0345 678 9044.

                                                          www.carechoices.co.uk

   SEARCH FOR CARE
   IN YOUR AREA
   With so many providers to choose from, where do you start?
   • Find care providers quickly and easily        • Additional information, photos
   • Search by location and care need                and web links
   • Information on care quality                   • Brochure requests
   • Links to inspection reports

   www.carechoices.co.uk

For additional local information and support, visit www.shropshirechoices.co.uk                              21
Making life easier at home
If you’re having difficulties with everyday tasks at home, these simple solutions could make life easier and keep
you independent. These are a starting point; other solutions are available which might better suit your needs.

 Finding it difficult to get in and out of chairs? Try      Do you forget to take your tablets? Try making
 putting a piece of hard board under the seat base.         a note of when you’ve taken them, or buy
 Alternatively, buy chair raisers, a higher chair or an     an automatic pill dispenser or pill box. If you
 electric riser chair. Also try taking regular gentle       struggle to open your medicine, you can ask your
 exercise.                                                  pharmacist for advice on alternative packaging
                                                            that could make it easier for you.
 If you can’t reach your windows, could you move
 furniture out of the way? Ask someone to help if           Can you reach everything in your cupboards? If
 you need to move heavy furniture. There are also           not, try a handi-reacher or rearrange your kitchen
 tools for opening and closing windows.                     so the things you use most are within easy reach.

 Struggling to keep warm/cool? Consider a fan               If you are having problems with preparing food,
 or heater. Is your house insulated? Are there any          consider buying ready-chopped options or try a
 draughts? You may also be eligible for the winter          chopping board with spikes. There are also long-
 fuel payment from the Government. Visit                    handled pans, teapot tippers and lid grippers that
 www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment                             could help. Palm-held vegetable peelers or a food
                                                            processor might be a solution and meal delivery
 If you have trouble using light switches, think            services are also available.
 about replacing your switches for ones that are
 easier to use. Consider handi-plugs or light switch        Is eating and drinking becoming difficult? Large
 toggles, or there’s even technology available              handled cutlery could help, or non-slip mats for
 so that you can turn your lights on and off using          the table. Lightweight cups and mugs with two
 speech.                                                    handles could also be a solution.

 Use subtitles if you can’t hear the TV, or buy             Using taps can be made easier by fitting tap
 wireless headphones. Do you need a hearing aid?            turners. You could also consider changing to lever-
 Request an assessment from your Council.                   style taps which might be easier for you to use.

 Handled plug             Chair raisers          Chopping board         Level indicator          Teapot tipper

22       Se a rch f or ca r e a t www. ca re c h o i c e s .c o .u k t o fi n d s u p p o r t i n y o u r are a
More information on staying independent and ideas to help you live at home can be found online at
www.carechoices.co.uk/independent-at-home/ There is also information on making larger adaptations
to your home.

 If moving whilst in bed is a problem, have you              If it’s hard to hold your toothbrush, try a
 thought about using an over-bed pole? You might             toothbrush gripper. You might also benefit from
 also want to buy a pillow raiser or change your             having an electric toothbrush or sitting on a stool
 bedding so it’s lighter.                                    while brushing your teeth.

 Is it becoming difficult to get dressed? If so,             You might like to buy a raised toilet seat, or a seat
 specially adapted clothing is available, or you             with a built in support frame if it’s hard to use your
 could buy a long-handled shoe horn, a dressing              toilet. Flush lever extensions are also available.
 stick or a button hook. If you are having a lot of
 difficulty, consider home support, see page 26.             Has it become more difficult to wash? Items are
                                                             available, like long-handled sponges and flannel
 Clocks are available with large numbers or lights           straps. You could also consider a slip resistant
 if you can’t read the time in bed. You can also buy         bath mat, grab rails, a half step to help you get in
 clocks that speak the time.                                 and out of the bath or a bath or shower seat. Tap
                                                             turners can also be used in the bathroom.
 If you are finding it harder to read in bed,
 consider an e-reader that allows you to change
 the font size. Some also have integrated lights.            For more information on technology that could
 Look for bedside lamps with a step-on or button             make your life easier, contact your Council
 switch if yours are difficult to use.                       for an assessment. They might refer you to an
                                                             occupational therapist (OT) or you could contact
 Do you struggle to get in and out of bed?                   an OT privately. Search online for OTs near you.
 You could learn new ways of moving around,
 purchase a leg lifter or a hoist or install grab rails      Tel: 0345 678 9044
 for support. Seek advice about these options.               Email: firstpointofcontact@shropshire.gov.uk
 If the bed is the issue, you could buy an electric          Web: www.shropshire.gov.uk/shropshire-
 adjustable bed or raise the bed to the right height.        choices/staying-independent/my-home

 Grab handles               Bed table                 Hand rail            Hand trolley              Tap turners

For additional local information and support, visit www.shropshirechoices.co.uk                                     23
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