Covers services within the areas: 3 Newcastle-under-Lyme 3 Biddulph 3 Cheadle 3 Leek Health & Social Care Support Directory 2013 - 14
Mar 12, 2016
Covers services within the areas 3 Newcastle-under-Lyme
3 Biddulph
3 Cheadle
3 Leek
Health amp Social CareSupport Directory2013 - 14
ContentsContents
Disclaimer
This directory has been compiled to cover health and social care options throughout the North Staffordshire CCG
Whilst we have taken every care in compiling this publication the publishers and promoters cannot accept responsibility for anyinaccuracies
All listings are supplied via the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and NHS Choices Neither Healthwatch Staffordshire nor HealthCarePublications Limited can be held responsible for any errors or omissions
A note on advertising We offer businesses the chance to reach potential customers via this publication It is our intention to clearlyindicate that an advertisement is being displayed and no endorsement or approval by the promoters of any product service orsupplier should be implied
All signposted services are up to date as of November 2013
Healthwatch Staffordshire - About us
Have your say
Expressing Complaints and Concerns
Healthwatch Champions
North Staffordshire Clinical Commissioning Group
Choose Well
Healthy Living
Choosing a GP
GP Surgeries
Pharmacies
Dentists
Opticians amp Hearing Centres
Are you a Carer
Independent Living
Advice on paying for Care
Legal Terms
Care in your home
Nursing amp Residential Care
Residential amp Nursing Homes
Help amp Advice
Another quality publication by Healthcare Publications LimitedIf you require extra copies of this directory or interested in advertising infuture editions please contact Healthcare Publications on 0333 444 0214SIGNPOSTING LOCAL HEALTHCARE
ABOUT US
What does Healthwatch Staffordshire do
bull Gathers the views and experiences of people within Staffordshire about their health and social care priorities
bull Produces reports which influence the way services are designed and delivered throughout Staffordshire
bull Provides information advice and signposting about local services as well as commissioning the NHS Complaints Support Service
bull Passes information issues and concerns to health and social care regulatory bodies and escalate recommendations to Healthwatch England
What is Healthwatch Staffordshire
Healthwatch is the new independent consumer champion for health and social care in Staffordshire Our job is to argue for the consumer interest for all those who use health and social care services in thecounty Replacing the Staffordshire LINkrsquos rolewe are backed up by a national bodyHealthwatch England
What powers does Healthwatch have
bull Healthwatch Staffordshire has a seat on the local Health and Wellbeing Board - the body that oversees health and social care in the country ndash and therefore can influence how services are set up and commissioned
bull We have statutory powers to enter and view health and social care services using our trained Healthwatch Champion volunteers who undertake the role of authorised visitor
bull Has a place on the new Quality Surveillance Groups that have been set up in the NHS to monitor provider quality
Healthwatch Staffordshire is delivered by EngagingCommunities Staffordshire (ECS)
ECS is a community interest company that bringspublic engagement consultation and consumer advice services together in a centralorganisation to create evidence and insight to help improve local health and social careservices
The Healthwatch network is a new kindof consumer champion in health andsocial care We will make sure the voiceof the consumer is heard and actedupon With our independent statutorypowers the network as a whole has afantastic opportunity to make adifference Healthwatch England looksforwards to making sure the publicrsquosvoice is heard loud and clear by thosewho plan run and regulate health andsocial care services
Anna Bradley Chair of Healthwatch England
Healthwatch Staffordshire
Call us on 0800 051 8371Or visit our website
wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecoukor email at
enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Follow us HWStaffordshire or like us on Facebook at Healthwatch Staffordshire
If you have any questions or queries with regardsto Engaging Communities Staffordshire
Visit our website atwwwengagingcommunitiesstaffordshirecouk
or email atcontactusecstaffscouk
Follow us ECStaffs or like us on Facebook
Allowing the public to lsquohave your sayrsquo andlsquomaking your voice countrsquo are the fundamentalroles of Healthwatch Staffordshire Servicesshould be and will be based on children youngpeople and adults needs and experiences andaccountable to local people Every voice countswhen it comes to shaping the future of servicesand improving them for today
Wersquore here ready to get started so come andtalk to us Your words will make a differenceand by contacting us with your experiences wewill make your voice count
Healthwatch Staffordshire wants you to haveyour say in a variety of ways whether its byposting a comment on our website(wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk)following us on Twitter HWStaffordshire likingus on Facebook at HealthwatchStaffordshiremaking a complaint using ourindependent NHS complaint support service orby using our Free phone number 0800 051 8371What matters is making your voice count andyour local Health and Social care services areguided and shaped by your feedback
HAVE YOUR SAY
Health related care is provided by the NHS SocialCare is the responsibility of the Local Authority andis provided by a range of organisationsHealthwatch Staffordshire would like to know whatHealth and Social Care issues are important to youyour family and friends
Tell us what you would like HealthwatchStaffordshire to do for you
1 Are you happy with the Health and Social care you are receiving
2 Do you have a relative or friend living in a Care Home Are youthey happy with the care they receive Please tell us of your positive or negative experiences
3 Can you get an appointment with your GP (Doctor) when you need to
4 Have you had to stay in hospital recently if so what was it like
5 Do you or a relative suffer from a long term illness are you they happy with the help and support you they receive
6 Do you know what services are available and how to choose the right one when you need urgent care
Thank you for giving us your feedback This willhelp Healthwatch Staffordshire to continue toprioritise its work
EXPRESSING COMPLAINTS amp CONCERNS
General Practitioners (GPs)If you want to make a complaint or express aconcern relating to your GP Practice your firstport of call would be to contact your GPdirectly If you wish to take your complaint orconcern further CCGs are also interested inknowing about patientsrsquo concerns (as CCGscommission GP Practices) and are willing toreceive complaints about the provider servicesthey commission These concerns would bedirected to the Commissioning Support Unit(CSU) PALS service
The CSU PALS will try to resolve concerns willsupport patients to make formal complaintswhere necessary and will refer eligible patientsto the NHS Complaints Support Service Please contact
Commissioning Support Unit PALS
Tel 0800 030 4563
Text Phone 075 406 68541 or
Email palsstaffordshirecssnhsukor feedbackstaffordshirecssnhsuk
If you are unhappy with any aspect of your carewhilst attending the University Hospital of NorthStaffordshire (UHNS) then you should contactUHNS Provider PALS service PALS is animpartial welcoming open and confidentialservice for people who would like information oradvice or would like to comment about anyaspect of the services provided by UniversityHospital Please contact
UHNS PALS
Tel 01782 676450 01782 676455
Email patientadviceuhnsnhsuk
If you want to express a concern or make acomplaint about any aspect of NHS Treatment oradult social care you have received from theStaffordshire and Stoke on Trent PartnershipTrust please contact
Complaints Team Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Partnership NHS Trust Morston House TheMidway Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffordshire ST5 1QG
Tel 0845 602 6772
Email complaintsssotpnhsuk
If you want to express a concern or make acomplaint regarding any aspect of NHSTreatment or social care which you havereceived from the North Staffs CombinedHealthcare NHS Trust please contact
North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHSTrust Harplands Hospital Hilton Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6TH
Tel 0800 389 9676 01782 275031
Email complaintsnorthstaffsnhsuk
If you are not satisfied with theoutcome of a decision taken youcan contact NHS England who willtry and do everything that it can to
respond well If you have a complaintconcerning the treatment or service provided bythe NHS please contact
NHS England PO Box 16738 Redditch B97 9PT
Tel 0300 311 2233 (Mon-Fri 800 ndash 1800)
Web wwwenglandnhsukcontact-uscomplaint
Email Englandcontactusnhsnet
If you are unhappy aboutthe way StaffordshireCounty Council has
delivered social care services and would like toexpress a complaint or concern please contact
The Monitoring Officer Staffordshire CountyCouncil Peel Building St Chads PlaceStafford ST16 2LR
Tel 0300 111 8000
Email customerfeedbackstaffordshiregovuk
NHS Complaints Support Service
ldquoThe NHS ComplaintsSupport Service is there to provide advocacysupport to people who wish to make acomplaint about the service ndash or lack of it ndash thatthey have received during a Health Servicedelivery circumstancerdquo
Delivered by POhWER advocates will support anindividual through the complaints process Theywill explain the options available and supportyou to pursue your chosen course of action
ECSHealthwatch Staffordshire will be workingalongside POhWER in order to provide theadvocacy service to those who wish to engagewith health care services in Staffordshire
They do not however investigate or encouragecomplaints nor do they offer legal or medicaladvice
The NHS Complaints Support Service isfree independent and confidential
What can they do
bull Provide individuals with a Self Help Information pack to help them find their own way through the complaints process
bull Explain how the NHS complaints procedure works
bull Listen to a complaint and discuss options available
bull Help individuals to write letters regarding complaints
bull Attend meetings and give support
bull Speak to other agencies on your behalf when requested
bull Provide information on other services an individual may wish to access
bull Help to obtain medical records
Unit 25 amp 32 Staffordshire University Business VillageDyson Way Staffordshire Technology Park StaffordST18 0TW
Email pohwerpohwernet
Website wwwpohwernet
Tel 0300 456 2370
EXPRESSING COMPLAINTS amp CONCERNS
If unhappy in the waywhich the NHS hashandled a complaint you
can contact the Parliamentary and HealthService Ombudsman please contact by
Parliamentary and Health Service OmbudsmanMillbank Tower Millbank London SW1P 4QP
Tel 0345 015 4033
Website wwwombudsmanorguk
Email phsoenquiriesombudsmanorguk
HEALTHWATCH CHAMPIONS
Become Involved
Anyone can become involved with Healthwatch andcontribute to its activities because everyonersquosviews matter You can do as much or as little asyou like ndash from filling in a survey attending theoccasional meeting about an issue of personalinterest signing up as a Healthwatch Member orbecoming a Healthwatch Champion
What are Healthwatch Champions
Healthwatch Champions are volunteers who act asthe voice of the local community They talk tolocal people about the quality of health amp socialcare in their area and are committed to supportingHealthwatch Staffordshire to improve servicesThis role is vital to the improvement of localservices by prioritising the issues that really matterto you in your own local area
Healthwatch Champions can undertake as much oras little as they like from a range of Championspecific roles
Role of a Champion include
bull Be the eyes and ears of local people and raise issues of concern
bull Make recommendations on how to improve local services
bull Tell people about Healthwatch and encourage them to become involved
bull Promote Healthwatch events and projects to local people
bull Liaise with other peoplegroups involved with engagement work
bull Attend meetings groups amp events as a Healthwatch Member representing your own views based on personal experience
bull Talk to patients about their experiences of using health and social care services
bull Visiting health amp social care providers as part of our Enter amp View portfolio and activity
How to become a Healthwatch Champion
No qualifications are needed to become aHealthwatch Champion just a willingness to listenand talk to a range of individuals an open mindand a desire to raise the voice of local people
Champions who are authorised by HealthwatchStaffordshire will undertake relevant training andsome roles will require a Disclosure and BarringService check (previously CRB check)
You can become a Champion by
Contacting Healthwatch Staffordshire on0800 051 8371 or emailing atenquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
From here we will send you an information packwith additional information about HealthwatchStaffordshire This will include a role descriptor forChampions and an application form for you tocomplete and return to us
It is only with your support that HealthwatchStaffordshire can make a difference to the qualityof local services
Anyone can apply to become a HealthwatchChampion however if you wish to take a lessactive role you can sign up to be a HealthwatchMember where you receive regular updates andnewsletters
NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE
As part of the changes to the NHS brought aboutby the Health and Social Care Act 2012 PrimaryCare Trusts (PCTs) and Strategic HealthAuthorities (SHAs) ceased to exist on the 31March 2013
From April 2013 groups of General Practicesknown as NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups(CCGs) commission health services for theirlocal populations Commissioning healthservices involves identifying the health needs ofthe population and lsquobuyingrsquo the appropriatehigh quality services necessary to meet thoseneeds within the budget allocated
CCGs are membership organisations andtherefore member GP practices will be centralto our work as the North Staffordshire CCGThere are 33 member GP practices and 136 GPscatering for the population of around 213000across the two distinct localities including
Newcastle-under-Lymebull Newcastlebull Kidsgrovebull Keelebull Silverdale
Staffordshire Moorlandsbull Biddulphbull Cheadlebull Leek
The CCG has established four key strategic goalswhich form the focus for the initial years of itsexistence These goals are
bull To increase Life Expectancy and Reduce Inequality
bull To improve prevention early detection and effective management of those most at risk
bull To enhance quality of life and improve health outcomes for people with long term conditions
bull To ensure that people receive the right care inthe right place
CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUP
Getting Involved with the CCG
North Staffordshire CCG believes that engagementis crucial and tries to ensure that the voices ofpatients and members of the North Staffordshirepublic are taken into proper consideration whenthe Clinical Commissioning Group makes importantdecisions about health
It is vital that as many people as possible areinvolved in the process if it is to be effective Itrsquosespecially important for people who traditionallyhave difficulty being heard such as those who arevery elderly or disabled
There are a number of ways that you can supportNorth Staffordshire GPs and the ClinicalCommissioning Group to shape local healthcareservices that meet the needs of local people
The easiest way for individuals to get involved is tojoin the Patient Membership Scheme Anyone isentitled to join if they are registered with a doctorwithin the Newcastle-under-Lyme or theStaffordshire Moorlands regions The PatientMembership Scheme is designed to give people andorganisations the opportunity to have more say inthe NHS and actively participate in designing andshaping healthcare services
North Staffordshire Patient Participation Groups
Consisting of a group of volunteer patients thePractice Manager and one or more of the GPs froma practice Patient Participation Groups (PPGs)meet on a regular basis to discuss the services onoffer and how improvements can be made tobenefit all parties
PPGs help practices to put both the patient andhealthcare at the heart of everything they doOften the action taken by the PPGs all depends onthe local needs of individuals in the locality
In the North Staffordshire CCG the majority of GPPractices already have an existing PPG Anyoneregistered with that practice is entitled to becomea member If you would like to know more aboutyour practice Patient Participation Group and howyou can get involved you should contact your GPpractice directly for further details
For more information about NHS NorthStaffordshire CCG visit-
wwwnorthstaffsccgnhsuk
Write to-NHS North Staffordshire Clinical
Commissioning GroupMorston House
The MidwayNewcastle-under-Lyme
StaffordshireST5 1QG
Tel 0845 602 6772Email nsccgnorthstaffsnhsuk
CHOOSE WELL
Donrsquot be a time loser be a time chooser and make sure you getthe right treatment in the right place at the right time Yourtime is a precious thing Hundreds of people spend hours atAccident and Emergency each week for minor illness andailments when other services would have been moreappropriate
Choose Well ndash Facts and Figures
bull 514m GP consultations are for minor ailments alone which would clear up by themselves or with a little help from an over-the-counter remedy from a pharmacy this is 18 percent of the GP workload nearly half of these consultations are generated by people aged 16 ndash 59 years
bull Up to 40000 GP visits per year are for dandruff 20000 go to their local surgery for travel-sickness and 52 million with blocked noses
bull Two million people who go to AampE could either self-care or have been treated elsewhere in the community 12 percent of people admit to having used AampE in the past even when they knew there was nothing seriously wrong with them
bull The estimated cost of treating people who go to AampE but who could have either self-treated or gone else where is pound136 million a year this is the equivalent cost of 6500 nurses
The following pages will provide details of where and when toaccess the right health services in North Staffordshire and whatyour choices are
Choose Well
AampE 999ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCYOpen 247 365 days a year
The AampE department in NorthStaffordshire is at University Hospital of
North Staffordshire ndashNewcastle Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6QG
The Emergency Department is for ambulance traffic and critical or life-threatening situations only and you should only go there or call 999 ifimmediate emergency care is needed
NHS WALK-INCENTRE
Walk-in centres treat minor illnesses and injuries that donrsquot
need a visit to AampEHanley Health and Welling Being Centre
6971 Stafford Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 1LW
Telephone 0300 123 6759Open 800mdash2000 7 days a week
365 days a year
MINOR INjURY UNITSNewcastle-under-Lyme ndash Haywood HospitalmdashMinor Injuries Unit High LaneBurslem Stoke-on-Trent ST6 7AG Telephone 01782 715 444
Staffordshire Moorlands ndash Leek Moorlands Hospital Ashbourne Road Leek ST135BG Telephone 01538 487103 0300 123 1894
OUT OF HOURS URGENT CAREIf you live in North Staffordshire you should contact Staffordshire DoctorsUrgent Care on 0300 123 0814 0300 790 0247
GP GP SURGERY Your local GP surgery provides a range of services including ndashbull General medical advice and treatment for an illness or injury that wonrsquot
go awaybull Routine health checks ndash Travel advice ndash Prescriptionsbull Help managing long-term medical problemsbull Immunisations and testsbull Referrals to a specialist or a hospital
PHARMACIST PHARMACISTGo to a pharmacist if you have thesymptoms of a cough cold or think
yoursquove got the flu A pharmacist is thebest place to go as they can usually
provide you with the help andinformation you need on the spot
You can speak to any pharmacist for advice on how to treat lots of minorinjuries and common complaints such as coughs colds bites stings aches andpains They also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight orgiving up smoking
NHS 111 NHS 111NHS 111 is available 24 hours a dayand is free to call from landlines and
mobiles and offers confidentialhealth advice and information
Is a new national telephone service if you need medical help fast but itrsquos notlife ndash threatening NHS 111 provides a new way to ensure people receive theright care from the right person in the right time and place
SELF ndash CARESELF CAREEnsure your medicine cabinet is well
stocked withbull Anti-diarrhoeal medicinebull Paracetamol or aspirinbull Rehydration mixturebull Indigestion mixturebull Thermometerbull Plasters
Many patients make appointments to see their Doctor or Nurse when theycould be using a well stocked medicines cabinet or visiting a pharmacist totreat their symptoms ndash and getting the same help or advice a lot quicker Selfcare is the very best choice you can make for treating very minor illnesses andinjuries
CHOOSE WELL
Our GP surgeries also have trainednurses who can give advice take tests
diagnose and be able to treat manyillnesses that used to be only dealt withby doctors - making the level of serviceyou can expect from your GP surgery
even better than ever
HEALTHY LIVING
The choices we make about how we livecan have a significant effect on ourhealth Eating a healthy diet doingregular exercise not smoking and notdrinking too much alcohol can help youstay well and enjoy a long life
Keeping fit and healthy can be a challenge if youare living with a long-term condition but it willmake a big difference to your wellbeing If yoursquovebeen thinking about making changes to yourlifestyle such as stopping smoking losing weighteating healthily drinking a little less alcohol ordoing more exercise therersquos plenty of help andsupport available
Talking to your GP and other healthcare workersincluding pharmacists is the first step Theyrsquollhelp you look at your lifestyle and suggest changesthat are suitable for your condition and anytreatment yoursquore having Your health or careworker can also let you know about local servicesthat can help you
For example if you want to start exercising butyoure unsure how to your GP can put you on theExercise on Referral scheme These schemes arerun with local gyms and fitness centres and caninclude swimming Ask at your GP practice formore information
Your GP can also help you if you want to stopsmoking for instance by enrolling you in a clinicwhere yoursquoll get support from other people whoare also trying to stop Nicotine replacementtherapy and other stop smoking treatmentsprovided by your GP can also help you resistcravings and boost your chances of quittingsuccessfully
Youre never too young or too old to switch to ahealthier lifestyle Children who learn healthyhabits at a young age will benefit from themthroughout their life And giving up bad habits canimprove your health at any age
Rethink your drinking
Drinking too much alcohol could increase your riskof getting 14 major diseases including mouth andthroat cancers liver cirrhosis strokes and mentalhealth problems
Alcohol is believed to be responsible for as many as22000 premature deaths in England and Walesevery year But itrsquos not just binge drinkers who areat risk regularly drinking more than therecommended limit can cause significant healthproblems
Stop Smoking for good
Giving up smoking is probably the best thing youcan do to improve your healthResearch shows that smokingis responsible for almostone in five of alldeaths in the UK Thismeans that smokingcauses an estimated110000 deaths a year
Smokers are almosttwice as likely tohave a heartattack as peoplewho have neversmokedSmoking alsoincreases yourrisk ofdeveloping manycancers and lungdisease
Get active feel fitter live longer
Whatever your age theres strong scientificevidence that being physically active can help youlead a healthier and even happier life
Adults should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activityeach week Young people (5-18) should do 60minutes every day
If you do this it can reduce your risk of heartdisease and stroke by up to 50 and lower your riskof early death by up to 30
CHOOSING A GP
Choosing a GP can seem a daunting task especially if you have just moved into an area and dont knowanything about the local health services But there are some easy ways to find the doctor to suit you Itsimportant to be registered with a doctor because youll need them to refer you for specialist hospital andcommunity treatment services
Try to avoid attending AampE for minor complaints
A surgery may refuse an applicationto join its list of patients if
You dont reside in the surgery area
It has formally closed its list of patients eg when apractice has more patients than it can deal with ornot enough doctors - this is less common than it usedto be
If your application is refused the surgery mustwrite to you and give the reasons for this
How do I find a surgery
Most surgeries operate a fairly strict catchmentarea system and only those who live within thearea may be able to register
This isnt to be awkward but ensures a GP can visita person at home in an emergency in reasonabletime
How do I register
This is straightforward and far easier than mostpeople realise Simply take your NHS medical cardalong to your chosen surgery You will then beasked to sign a registration form
Not all NHS trusts issue medical cards If you donthave one the receptionist will give you form GMS1to fill in
Once youve completed and returned the formsyour local NHS will transfer your medical recordsto your new surgery and write to you to confirmyour registration as a patient with the surgeryMany surgeries ask a new patient to attend alsquoregistration medicalrsquo that checks your generalhealth
What if I canrsquot get an appointmentIf you cant get a doctors appointment or have anon-urgent health problem or query you cancontact a nurse by ringing 111 at any time
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
GP SURGERIES
Your local GP surgery provides a range of services including general medical advice and treatment for illnessesor injuries that just wonrsquot go away
Your local GP surgery provides a wide range of family health services as well as advice on health problems they can alsohelp with
Vaccinations bull Examinations and treatment bull Prescriptions for medicines bull Referrals to other health servicesand social services bull Screening Management of long term conditions preventative care
Please note that GP surgeries in Blythe Bridge are covered by Stoke-on-Trent CCG However there are listedin this directory as they are located in the Staffordshire Moorlands district Patients living in Blythe Bridgeshould contact NHS Stoke-on-Trent CCG 79 London Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7PZ Tel 01782 298002
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
PHARMACIES
Newcastle Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
If you have the symptoms of a cough cold or think yoursquove got the flu a pharmacist is thebest place to go as they can usually provide you the help and information you need onthe spot
They can also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight or giving up smoking
For opening times and NHS SERVICES available from your Pharmacy Please scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit wwwnhsuk
DENTISTS
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Always ask your dentist whether the treatment theyre recommending is available on the NHS and how muchit will cost before you go ahead
Emergency Dental ServiceDental Access Centres are available to treat patients who need emergency treatment This service gives priorityto pain relief and urgent care Not all dentists take on NHS patients you should check before hand
Emergency Dentist out of hours 111 bull Emergency Dentist normal working hours 111
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
OPTICIANS amp HEARING CENTRES
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Hearing Centres Address Telephone
Regular eye tests are important because your eyes donrsquot usually hurt when something is wrong Many eyeconditions can be treated if found early enough A sight test is a vital health check for your eyes It can pickup early signs of conditions that can affect the eyes before yoursquore aware of any symptoms
Including Diabetes bull Macular Degeneration bull Glaucoma
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
ARE YOU A CARER
A Carer spends a significant proportion of their life providing unpaid support to family or friends Thiscould be caring for a relative partner or friend who has a long term illness or disability includingmental illness alcohol or drug misuse or those that are elderly forgetful or frail
Caring can be a very difficult demanding and all-consuming task no matter how close you are to theperson you care for
Caring can affect your health making you feel tired frustrated stressed and feeling guilty leaving you withno time to yourself In fact 52 of carers need treatment for stress related problems and many carers feelthey have to give up work because of the effects caring has on their life
You are not alone It is estimated there are around 65 million Carers in the UK today You are certainly notalone but you still need to take care of yourself as well as the person you care for
Thankfully armed with the right support and information caring can be a rewarding and enjoyableexperience Just follow a few simple tips that can make a real difference
bull Ask for Help We all need help from time to time and carers are no exception Help is out there you only need to ask
bull Know your rights It sounds simple but knowing what yoursquore entitled to and what support is available can help a great deal
bull Tell your GP Your GP practice can record that you are a carer to ensure you get your annual flu vaccination and additional support as a carer
bull Have an assessment This can sound a little daunting at first but ensuring that you and the person you care for get an assessment of your needs through the Local Authority can give you access to a whole host of additional practical help and support
bull Be a little selfish We all need time to ourselves but itrsquos particularly important for carers This could be as simple as setting some me time aside for a relaxing bath or a night out
We at North Staffs Carers Association are there to help and benefit informal
unpaid Carers in the North Staffordshire area
North Staffs Carers is a registered Charity which provides information training and
ongoing support in the most appropriate way to Carers of all ages living in the districts
of Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
The Carers Centre Fenn House Duke Street Fenton Staffordshire ST4 3NRTelephone 01782 793100 Fax 01782 330792 bull Website wwwcarersfirstcom
There are an estimated 80000 Carers in Staffordshire help and support is available locally from the North Staffs Carers Association If yoursquore a carer and you need someone to talk to contact
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Aids and Adaptations If you or a member of your family has difficultyliving in your home due to a long-term illness ordisability you may be able to get help by adaptingyour home to better meet your needs You canapply to your local council for a disabled facilitiesgrant The grant helps you adapt your home tomake it suitable for a disabled person Dependingon your income you may need to pay towards thecost of the work to the property
You could get a grant from your council if yoursquoredisabled and need to make changes to yourhome for example to
bull widen doors and install rampsbull improve access to rooms and facilities - eg
stairlifts or a downstairs bathroombull provide a heating system suitable for your
needsbull adapt heating or lighting controls to make
them easier to use
How can I find out more about the aids andadaptations that would help me
Contact your social services department at yourlocal council about what difficulties you are havingat home They will send an occupational therapistto carry out an assessment and provide advice onwhich equipment or housing adaptation needs suityou best
Assistive Technology can help vulnerable peopleand their carers live more independently in theirown homes
Telecare which is part of assistive technology cansupport people whose sight hearing or cognitionmay have deteriorated This could be due tophysical or mental conditions which may have along-term effect on their health and wellbeing
There are many Telecare devices whichautomatically alert a 24-hour monitoring centre oryour chosen carer should you need assistanceThere are also Telehealth solutions which monitormedical conditions in your own home speak toyour GP to find out more about Telehealth
Telecare Technology Can
bull Raise an alarm in case of a fall or emergencybull Raise alerts for floods smoke carbon
monoxidebull Support a medication regimebull 24-hour reassurance for family and carers in
the knowledge that they will be alertedin the event of an incident
Telecare may be of benefit to
bull Older infirm or disabled peoplebull People who have been discharged from
hospital and need additional support at homebull People with sensory impairmentsbull Vulnerable people of any age living alone
Telecare also offers support and reassurance tocarers in the knowledge they will be alerted in theevent of an incident In this way Telecare can beof assistance to carers of people with dementiaphysical disabilities learning disabilities and long-term medical conditions
ADVICE ON PAYING FOR CARE
You may need to pay for all of your own care or youmay be entitled to local authority funding NHS care(free) or have entitlements to welfare benefits tohelp pay for your care and support
For most people needing social care services thefirst place to start is by asking your local authorityfor an assessment of your social care (care andsupport) needs As part of this the local authoritymay also carry out a financial assessment Thisassessment will determine whether the localauthority will meet all the cost of your care orwhether you will need to contribute towards yourcare cost or whether you will have to meet the fullcosts yourself Some of the rules for this financialassessment are applied differently based on whetheryou need care in your own home or care in aresidential home
There are several options for funding care andunderstanding them and which ones apply to youcan be complicated These options depend on yourneed for care and support as well as your personaland financial circumstances
Get personal advice on care funding
The cost of care and support is likely to be a long-term commitment and may be substantialparticularly if you opt for residential care If you ora member of the family need to pay for care athome or in a care home itrsquos important tounderstand the alternatives This makes advicetailored to your individual needs vital You can get advice from
Your local authority ndash through an assessment of yourcare and support needs as well as advice on whichservices are available locally
Financial advice from a qualified independentsource ndash there are independent financial adviserswho specialise in care funding advice They areregulated by the Financial Conduct Authority andmust stick to a code of conduct and ethics and takeshared responsibility for the suitability of anyproduct they recommend
Care and support services are means-tested and are not free to everyone Most people have to paysomething towards their own care and some will have to pay for all of the costs Who pays depends onwhat your needs are how much money you have and what level and type of care and support you require
The Mental Capacity Act
bull The actrsquos purpose is to allow adults to make as many decisions as they can for themselves
bull To enable adults to make advance decisions about whether they would like future medical treatment
bull To allow adults to appoint in advance of losing mental capacity another person to make decisions about personal welfare or property on their behalf at a future date
bull To allow decisions concerning personal welfare or property and affairs to be made in the best interests of adults when they have not made any future plans and cannot make a decision at the time
bull To ensure an NHS body or local authority will appoint an independent mental capacity advocate to support someone who cannot make a decision about seriousmedical treatment or about hospital care home or residential accommodation when there are no family or friends to be consulted
bull To provide protection against legal liability for carers who have honestly and reasonably sought to act in the personrsquos best interests
bull To provide clarity and safeguards around research in relation to those who lack capacity
LEGAL TERMS
Every day people make decisions about lots ofthings in their lives The ability to make decisionsis called mental capacity People may havedifficulties making some decisions either all orsome of the time This could be because they havea learning disability dementia a mental healthproblem or could be the result of a head injury ora stroke or a temporary condition such as anillness accident or the influence of alcohol ordrugs
Listed below are details about some of the legalterms and topics you may come across You mayneed to contact a solicitor who can give youimpartial advice which you may have to pay for oryou can contact an advocate who can advise onyour behalf
Lasting Power Of Attorney allows you to appointsomeone you trust to make decisions about yourpersonal welfare including healthcare and yourfinancial affairs
The Court of Protection can issue Ordersdirecting the management of a personrsquos propertyand financial affairs if you are incapable ofmanaging your own affairs and do not have aLasting Power of Attorney
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards protectspeople in residential care or hospital who areunable to make decisions for themselves due to abrain disorder If any of these people need to berestrained restricted or deprived in order to givethem physical care or keep them safe a Deprivationof Liberty Safeguards authorisation may be required
CARE IN YOUR OWN HOMEIf you are finding it difficult to manage at home you could consider using the services of a home careprovider Home care providers employ care assistants who can help you with bathing washing and dressingThe staff who work for these agencies are trained in personal care and safety procedures moving andhandling hygiene and infection control If you require nursing care at home many agencies employregistered nurses
This is only one option of supporting yourself with care at home Another could be to employ a personalassistant
A list of the care agencies registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who are located in the NorthStaffordshire CCG areas can be found below
Organising your own home care
If you are thinking about arranging your own home care it is a good idea to ask any agencies youapproach the following questions
bull Are there different rates for weekendseveningsbull Are there any extra charges ie for the carers travelling expensesbull What sort of services do you providebull Will somebody visit me before the service starts bull If you provide me with a service can I contact you out of office hours If so howbull Are your carers trainedbull Do you take up references on your carersbull Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission
To check up-to-date information on the providers of homecare in your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE with your Smartphone
Care Provider Address Telephone
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CAREThere are many types of residential care homes availableThese include permanent care homes for older peoplehomes for younger adults with disabilities and homes forchildren They may be privately owned or run by thevoluntary sector or local authorities You may want toconsider in detail the many options for residential carebefore you make a decision
Older PeopleCare homes for older people may provide personal care ornursing care A care home which is registered to providepersonal care (see the section on care home regulationbelow) will offer support ensuring that basic personal needssuch as meals bathing going to the toilet and medicationare taken care of In some homes more able residents havegreater independence and take care of many of their ownneeds
Some residents may need medical care and some care homesare registered to provide this These are often referred to asnursing homes Some homes specialise in certain types ofdisability for example dementia
Adults Aged 18-65There are also residential care homes that provide care andsupport for younger adults with for example severe physicaldisabilities learning disabilities acquired brain injuryprogressive neurological conditions or mental healthproblems Care can be provided for adults with more than
one condition and some homes have expertise in providingcare for adults with alcohol or drug dependency These homes offer permanent residence or provide care for atemporary period until the adult is able to live independentlyor move to a different type of accommodation
Choosing between residential care and independent livingSocial services normally encourage younger adults who theyassess for support to be as independent as theircircumstances allow The care plan for adults with disabilitieswill consider what independent tasks they can carry out andhow they can be helped to achieve more Even if adults havevery severe disabilities their needs are reviewed from time totime to check whether residential care or a very high level ofsupport is still appropriate
Supported living may be an option for younger adults Thisallows people to live independently in the community butwith basic support The support offered includes help withsetting up a home and managing finances and assistancewith cleaning and shopping
For older people there are various alternatives to residentialcare These include sheltered housing and extra care housingschemes which offer independence with an increased levelof care and support
For many people there is also the choice of livingindependently at home with community care support
Choice of Accommodation
The law says that where the local authority is fundingaccommodation it must allow the person enteringresidential care to choose which care home they wouldprefer Social services must first agree that the home issuitable for the personrsquos needs and that it would notcost more than they would normally pay for a homethat would meet those needs If the person chooses togo into a more expensive home a relative or friendmay be able to lsquotop uprsquo the difference in cost
Choosing a Care Home
Care homes may be arranged through the local authority but many people will want to arrange themindependently It is a good idea to visit several homesbefore making a choice Make sure you spend enoughtime in each home to get a good idea of what it is like
Respite and Short Term Stays
Residential care home stays dont necessarily have to bepermanent Temporary stays can be arranged forrespite care (in which you take a break from caring forsomebody else) or as a trial period before apermanent stay
Temporary stays can give you flexibility whencovering unexpected events such as
bull Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness
bull Support for newly disabled people and their carers
bull Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care
bull Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes
What your choices are
A list of all nursing and residential care homes withinyour locality can be found on the following pages Everycare home in England must be registered with thenational regulatory body Care Quality Commission(CQC)
They inspect each care home on a regular basis andwrite an inspection report for you to read It isadvisable to read this report before making a finaldecision
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CARE
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGNewcastle-Under-Lyme
Residential Address Telephone
Nursing Address Telephone
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGStaffordshire Moorlands
Address TelephoneResidential
Nursing Address Telephone
To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
ContentsContents
Disclaimer
This directory has been compiled to cover health and social care options throughout the North Staffordshire CCG
Whilst we have taken every care in compiling this publication the publishers and promoters cannot accept responsibility for anyinaccuracies
All listings are supplied via the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and NHS Choices Neither Healthwatch Staffordshire nor HealthCarePublications Limited can be held responsible for any errors or omissions
A note on advertising We offer businesses the chance to reach potential customers via this publication It is our intention to clearlyindicate that an advertisement is being displayed and no endorsement or approval by the promoters of any product service orsupplier should be implied
All signposted services are up to date as of November 2013
Healthwatch Staffordshire - About us
Have your say
Expressing Complaints and Concerns
Healthwatch Champions
North Staffordshire Clinical Commissioning Group
Choose Well
Healthy Living
Choosing a GP
GP Surgeries
Pharmacies
Dentists
Opticians amp Hearing Centres
Are you a Carer
Independent Living
Advice on paying for Care
Legal Terms
Care in your home
Nursing amp Residential Care
Residential amp Nursing Homes
Help amp Advice
Another quality publication by Healthcare Publications LimitedIf you require extra copies of this directory or interested in advertising infuture editions please contact Healthcare Publications on 0333 444 0214SIGNPOSTING LOCAL HEALTHCARE
ABOUT US
What does Healthwatch Staffordshire do
bull Gathers the views and experiences of people within Staffordshire about their health and social care priorities
bull Produces reports which influence the way services are designed and delivered throughout Staffordshire
bull Provides information advice and signposting about local services as well as commissioning the NHS Complaints Support Service
bull Passes information issues and concerns to health and social care regulatory bodies and escalate recommendations to Healthwatch England
What is Healthwatch Staffordshire
Healthwatch is the new independent consumer champion for health and social care in Staffordshire Our job is to argue for the consumer interest for all those who use health and social care services in thecounty Replacing the Staffordshire LINkrsquos rolewe are backed up by a national bodyHealthwatch England
What powers does Healthwatch have
bull Healthwatch Staffordshire has a seat on the local Health and Wellbeing Board - the body that oversees health and social care in the country ndash and therefore can influence how services are set up and commissioned
bull We have statutory powers to enter and view health and social care services using our trained Healthwatch Champion volunteers who undertake the role of authorised visitor
bull Has a place on the new Quality Surveillance Groups that have been set up in the NHS to monitor provider quality
Healthwatch Staffordshire is delivered by EngagingCommunities Staffordshire (ECS)
ECS is a community interest company that bringspublic engagement consultation and consumer advice services together in a centralorganisation to create evidence and insight to help improve local health and social careservices
The Healthwatch network is a new kindof consumer champion in health andsocial care We will make sure the voiceof the consumer is heard and actedupon With our independent statutorypowers the network as a whole has afantastic opportunity to make adifference Healthwatch England looksforwards to making sure the publicrsquosvoice is heard loud and clear by thosewho plan run and regulate health andsocial care services
Anna Bradley Chair of Healthwatch England
Healthwatch Staffordshire
Call us on 0800 051 8371Or visit our website
wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecoukor email at
enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Follow us HWStaffordshire or like us on Facebook at Healthwatch Staffordshire
If you have any questions or queries with regardsto Engaging Communities Staffordshire
Visit our website atwwwengagingcommunitiesstaffordshirecouk
or email atcontactusecstaffscouk
Follow us ECStaffs or like us on Facebook
Allowing the public to lsquohave your sayrsquo andlsquomaking your voice countrsquo are the fundamentalroles of Healthwatch Staffordshire Servicesshould be and will be based on children youngpeople and adults needs and experiences andaccountable to local people Every voice countswhen it comes to shaping the future of servicesand improving them for today
Wersquore here ready to get started so come andtalk to us Your words will make a differenceand by contacting us with your experiences wewill make your voice count
Healthwatch Staffordshire wants you to haveyour say in a variety of ways whether its byposting a comment on our website(wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk)following us on Twitter HWStaffordshire likingus on Facebook at HealthwatchStaffordshiremaking a complaint using ourindependent NHS complaint support service orby using our Free phone number 0800 051 8371What matters is making your voice count andyour local Health and Social care services areguided and shaped by your feedback
HAVE YOUR SAY
Health related care is provided by the NHS SocialCare is the responsibility of the Local Authority andis provided by a range of organisationsHealthwatch Staffordshire would like to know whatHealth and Social Care issues are important to youyour family and friends
Tell us what you would like HealthwatchStaffordshire to do for you
1 Are you happy with the Health and Social care you are receiving
2 Do you have a relative or friend living in a Care Home Are youthey happy with the care they receive Please tell us of your positive or negative experiences
3 Can you get an appointment with your GP (Doctor) when you need to
4 Have you had to stay in hospital recently if so what was it like
5 Do you or a relative suffer from a long term illness are you they happy with the help and support you they receive
6 Do you know what services are available and how to choose the right one when you need urgent care
Thank you for giving us your feedback This willhelp Healthwatch Staffordshire to continue toprioritise its work
EXPRESSING COMPLAINTS amp CONCERNS
General Practitioners (GPs)If you want to make a complaint or express aconcern relating to your GP Practice your firstport of call would be to contact your GPdirectly If you wish to take your complaint orconcern further CCGs are also interested inknowing about patientsrsquo concerns (as CCGscommission GP Practices) and are willing toreceive complaints about the provider servicesthey commission These concerns would bedirected to the Commissioning Support Unit(CSU) PALS service
The CSU PALS will try to resolve concerns willsupport patients to make formal complaintswhere necessary and will refer eligible patientsto the NHS Complaints Support Service Please contact
Commissioning Support Unit PALS
Tel 0800 030 4563
Text Phone 075 406 68541 or
Email palsstaffordshirecssnhsukor feedbackstaffordshirecssnhsuk
If you are unhappy with any aspect of your carewhilst attending the University Hospital of NorthStaffordshire (UHNS) then you should contactUHNS Provider PALS service PALS is animpartial welcoming open and confidentialservice for people who would like information oradvice or would like to comment about anyaspect of the services provided by UniversityHospital Please contact
UHNS PALS
Tel 01782 676450 01782 676455
Email patientadviceuhnsnhsuk
If you want to express a concern or make acomplaint about any aspect of NHS Treatment oradult social care you have received from theStaffordshire and Stoke on Trent PartnershipTrust please contact
Complaints Team Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Partnership NHS Trust Morston House TheMidway Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffordshire ST5 1QG
Tel 0845 602 6772
Email complaintsssotpnhsuk
If you want to express a concern or make acomplaint regarding any aspect of NHSTreatment or social care which you havereceived from the North Staffs CombinedHealthcare NHS Trust please contact
North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHSTrust Harplands Hospital Hilton Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6TH
Tel 0800 389 9676 01782 275031
Email complaintsnorthstaffsnhsuk
If you are not satisfied with theoutcome of a decision taken youcan contact NHS England who willtry and do everything that it can to
respond well If you have a complaintconcerning the treatment or service provided bythe NHS please contact
NHS England PO Box 16738 Redditch B97 9PT
Tel 0300 311 2233 (Mon-Fri 800 ndash 1800)
Web wwwenglandnhsukcontact-uscomplaint
Email Englandcontactusnhsnet
If you are unhappy aboutthe way StaffordshireCounty Council has
delivered social care services and would like toexpress a complaint or concern please contact
The Monitoring Officer Staffordshire CountyCouncil Peel Building St Chads PlaceStafford ST16 2LR
Tel 0300 111 8000
Email customerfeedbackstaffordshiregovuk
NHS Complaints Support Service
ldquoThe NHS ComplaintsSupport Service is there to provide advocacysupport to people who wish to make acomplaint about the service ndash or lack of it ndash thatthey have received during a Health Servicedelivery circumstancerdquo
Delivered by POhWER advocates will support anindividual through the complaints process Theywill explain the options available and supportyou to pursue your chosen course of action
ECSHealthwatch Staffordshire will be workingalongside POhWER in order to provide theadvocacy service to those who wish to engagewith health care services in Staffordshire
They do not however investigate or encouragecomplaints nor do they offer legal or medicaladvice
The NHS Complaints Support Service isfree independent and confidential
What can they do
bull Provide individuals with a Self Help Information pack to help them find their own way through the complaints process
bull Explain how the NHS complaints procedure works
bull Listen to a complaint and discuss options available
bull Help individuals to write letters regarding complaints
bull Attend meetings and give support
bull Speak to other agencies on your behalf when requested
bull Provide information on other services an individual may wish to access
bull Help to obtain medical records
Unit 25 amp 32 Staffordshire University Business VillageDyson Way Staffordshire Technology Park StaffordST18 0TW
Email pohwerpohwernet
Website wwwpohwernet
Tel 0300 456 2370
EXPRESSING COMPLAINTS amp CONCERNS
If unhappy in the waywhich the NHS hashandled a complaint you
can contact the Parliamentary and HealthService Ombudsman please contact by
Parliamentary and Health Service OmbudsmanMillbank Tower Millbank London SW1P 4QP
Tel 0345 015 4033
Website wwwombudsmanorguk
Email phsoenquiriesombudsmanorguk
HEALTHWATCH CHAMPIONS
Become Involved
Anyone can become involved with Healthwatch andcontribute to its activities because everyonersquosviews matter You can do as much or as little asyou like ndash from filling in a survey attending theoccasional meeting about an issue of personalinterest signing up as a Healthwatch Member orbecoming a Healthwatch Champion
What are Healthwatch Champions
Healthwatch Champions are volunteers who act asthe voice of the local community They talk tolocal people about the quality of health amp socialcare in their area and are committed to supportingHealthwatch Staffordshire to improve servicesThis role is vital to the improvement of localservices by prioritising the issues that really matterto you in your own local area
Healthwatch Champions can undertake as much oras little as they like from a range of Championspecific roles
Role of a Champion include
bull Be the eyes and ears of local people and raise issues of concern
bull Make recommendations on how to improve local services
bull Tell people about Healthwatch and encourage them to become involved
bull Promote Healthwatch events and projects to local people
bull Liaise with other peoplegroups involved with engagement work
bull Attend meetings groups amp events as a Healthwatch Member representing your own views based on personal experience
bull Talk to patients about their experiences of using health and social care services
bull Visiting health amp social care providers as part of our Enter amp View portfolio and activity
How to become a Healthwatch Champion
No qualifications are needed to become aHealthwatch Champion just a willingness to listenand talk to a range of individuals an open mindand a desire to raise the voice of local people
Champions who are authorised by HealthwatchStaffordshire will undertake relevant training andsome roles will require a Disclosure and BarringService check (previously CRB check)
You can become a Champion by
Contacting Healthwatch Staffordshire on0800 051 8371 or emailing atenquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
From here we will send you an information packwith additional information about HealthwatchStaffordshire This will include a role descriptor forChampions and an application form for you tocomplete and return to us
It is only with your support that HealthwatchStaffordshire can make a difference to the qualityof local services
Anyone can apply to become a HealthwatchChampion however if you wish to take a lessactive role you can sign up to be a HealthwatchMember where you receive regular updates andnewsletters
NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE
As part of the changes to the NHS brought aboutby the Health and Social Care Act 2012 PrimaryCare Trusts (PCTs) and Strategic HealthAuthorities (SHAs) ceased to exist on the 31March 2013
From April 2013 groups of General Practicesknown as NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups(CCGs) commission health services for theirlocal populations Commissioning healthservices involves identifying the health needs ofthe population and lsquobuyingrsquo the appropriatehigh quality services necessary to meet thoseneeds within the budget allocated
CCGs are membership organisations andtherefore member GP practices will be centralto our work as the North Staffordshire CCGThere are 33 member GP practices and 136 GPscatering for the population of around 213000across the two distinct localities including
Newcastle-under-Lymebull Newcastlebull Kidsgrovebull Keelebull Silverdale
Staffordshire Moorlandsbull Biddulphbull Cheadlebull Leek
The CCG has established four key strategic goalswhich form the focus for the initial years of itsexistence These goals are
bull To increase Life Expectancy and Reduce Inequality
bull To improve prevention early detection and effective management of those most at risk
bull To enhance quality of life and improve health outcomes for people with long term conditions
bull To ensure that people receive the right care inthe right place
CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUP
Getting Involved with the CCG
North Staffordshire CCG believes that engagementis crucial and tries to ensure that the voices ofpatients and members of the North Staffordshirepublic are taken into proper consideration whenthe Clinical Commissioning Group makes importantdecisions about health
It is vital that as many people as possible areinvolved in the process if it is to be effective Itrsquosespecially important for people who traditionallyhave difficulty being heard such as those who arevery elderly or disabled
There are a number of ways that you can supportNorth Staffordshire GPs and the ClinicalCommissioning Group to shape local healthcareservices that meet the needs of local people
The easiest way for individuals to get involved is tojoin the Patient Membership Scheme Anyone isentitled to join if they are registered with a doctorwithin the Newcastle-under-Lyme or theStaffordshire Moorlands regions The PatientMembership Scheme is designed to give people andorganisations the opportunity to have more say inthe NHS and actively participate in designing andshaping healthcare services
North Staffordshire Patient Participation Groups
Consisting of a group of volunteer patients thePractice Manager and one or more of the GPs froma practice Patient Participation Groups (PPGs)meet on a regular basis to discuss the services onoffer and how improvements can be made tobenefit all parties
PPGs help practices to put both the patient andhealthcare at the heart of everything they doOften the action taken by the PPGs all depends onthe local needs of individuals in the locality
In the North Staffordshire CCG the majority of GPPractices already have an existing PPG Anyoneregistered with that practice is entitled to becomea member If you would like to know more aboutyour practice Patient Participation Group and howyou can get involved you should contact your GPpractice directly for further details
For more information about NHS NorthStaffordshire CCG visit-
wwwnorthstaffsccgnhsuk
Write to-NHS North Staffordshire Clinical
Commissioning GroupMorston House
The MidwayNewcastle-under-Lyme
StaffordshireST5 1QG
Tel 0845 602 6772Email nsccgnorthstaffsnhsuk
CHOOSE WELL
Donrsquot be a time loser be a time chooser and make sure you getthe right treatment in the right place at the right time Yourtime is a precious thing Hundreds of people spend hours atAccident and Emergency each week for minor illness andailments when other services would have been moreappropriate
Choose Well ndash Facts and Figures
bull 514m GP consultations are for minor ailments alone which would clear up by themselves or with a little help from an over-the-counter remedy from a pharmacy this is 18 percent of the GP workload nearly half of these consultations are generated by people aged 16 ndash 59 years
bull Up to 40000 GP visits per year are for dandruff 20000 go to their local surgery for travel-sickness and 52 million with blocked noses
bull Two million people who go to AampE could either self-care or have been treated elsewhere in the community 12 percent of people admit to having used AampE in the past even when they knew there was nothing seriously wrong with them
bull The estimated cost of treating people who go to AampE but who could have either self-treated or gone else where is pound136 million a year this is the equivalent cost of 6500 nurses
The following pages will provide details of where and when toaccess the right health services in North Staffordshire and whatyour choices are
Choose Well
AampE 999ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCYOpen 247 365 days a year
The AampE department in NorthStaffordshire is at University Hospital of
North Staffordshire ndashNewcastle Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6QG
The Emergency Department is for ambulance traffic and critical or life-threatening situations only and you should only go there or call 999 ifimmediate emergency care is needed
NHS WALK-INCENTRE
Walk-in centres treat minor illnesses and injuries that donrsquot
need a visit to AampEHanley Health and Welling Being Centre
6971 Stafford Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 1LW
Telephone 0300 123 6759Open 800mdash2000 7 days a week
365 days a year
MINOR INjURY UNITSNewcastle-under-Lyme ndash Haywood HospitalmdashMinor Injuries Unit High LaneBurslem Stoke-on-Trent ST6 7AG Telephone 01782 715 444
Staffordshire Moorlands ndash Leek Moorlands Hospital Ashbourne Road Leek ST135BG Telephone 01538 487103 0300 123 1894
OUT OF HOURS URGENT CAREIf you live in North Staffordshire you should contact Staffordshire DoctorsUrgent Care on 0300 123 0814 0300 790 0247
GP GP SURGERY Your local GP surgery provides a range of services including ndashbull General medical advice and treatment for an illness or injury that wonrsquot
go awaybull Routine health checks ndash Travel advice ndash Prescriptionsbull Help managing long-term medical problemsbull Immunisations and testsbull Referrals to a specialist or a hospital
PHARMACIST PHARMACISTGo to a pharmacist if you have thesymptoms of a cough cold or think
yoursquove got the flu A pharmacist is thebest place to go as they can usually
provide you with the help andinformation you need on the spot
You can speak to any pharmacist for advice on how to treat lots of minorinjuries and common complaints such as coughs colds bites stings aches andpains They also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight orgiving up smoking
NHS 111 NHS 111NHS 111 is available 24 hours a dayand is free to call from landlines and
mobiles and offers confidentialhealth advice and information
Is a new national telephone service if you need medical help fast but itrsquos notlife ndash threatening NHS 111 provides a new way to ensure people receive theright care from the right person in the right time and place
SELF ndash CARESELF CAREEnsure your medicine cabinet is well
stocked withbull Anti-diarrhoeal medicinebull Paracetamol or aspirinbull Rehydration mixturebull Indigestion mixturebull Thermometerbull Plasters
Many patients make appointments to see their Doctor or Nurse when theycould be using a well stocked medicines cabinet or visiting a pharmacist totreat their symptoms ndash and getting the same help or advice a lot quicker Selfcare is the very best choice you can make for treating very minor illnesses andinjuries
CHOOSE WELL
Our GP surgeries also have trainednurses who can give advice take tests
diagnose and be able to treat manyillnesses that used to be only dealt withby doctors - making the level of serviceyou can expect from your GP surgery
even better than ever
HEALTHY LIVING
The choices we make about how we livecan have a significant effect on ourhealth Eating a healthy diet doingregular exercise not smoking and notdrinking too much alcohol can help youstay well and enjoy a long life
Keeping fit and healthy can be a challenge if youare living with a long-term condition but it willmake a big difference to your wellbeing If yoursquovebeen thinking about making changes to yourlifestyle such as stopping smoking losing weighteating healthily drinking a little less alcohol ordoing more exercise therersquos plenty of help andsupport available
Talking to your GP and other healthcare workersincluding pharmacists is the first step Theyrsquollhelp you look at your lifestyle and suggest changesthat are suitable for your condition and anytreatment yoursquore having Your health or careworker can also let you know about local servicesthat can help you
For example if you want to start exercising butyoure unsure how to your GP can put you on theExercise on Referral scheme These schemes arerun with local gyms and fitness centres and caninclude swimming Ask at your GP practice formore information
Your GP can also help you if you want to stopsmoking for instance by enrolling you in a clinicwhere yoursquoll get support from other people whoare also trying to stop Nicotine replacementtherapy and other stop smoking treatmentsprovided by your GP can also help you resistcravings and boost your chances of quittingsuccessfully
Youre never too young or too old to switch to ahealthier lifestyle Children who learn healthyhabits at a young age will benefit from themthroughout their life And giving up bad habits canimprove your health at any age
Rethink your drinking
Drinking too much alcohol could increase your riskof getting 14 major diseases including mouth andthroat cancers liver cirrhosis strokes and mentalhealth problems
Alcohol is believed to be responsible for as many as22000 premature deaths in England and Walesevery year But itrsquos not just binge drinkers who areat risk regularly drinking more than therecommended limit can cause significant healthproblems
Stop Smoking for good
Giving up smoking is probably the best thing youcan do to improve your healthResearch shows that smokingis responsible for almostone in five of alldeaths in the UK Thismeans that smokingcauses an estimated110000 deaths a year
Smokers are almosttwice as likely tohave a heartattack as peoplewho have neversmokedSmoking alsoincreases yourrisk ofdeveloping manycancers and lungdisease
Get active feel fitter live longer
Whatever your age theres strong scientificevidence that being physically active can help youlead a healthier and even happier life
Adults should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activityeach week Young people (5-18) should do 60minutes every day
If you do this it can reduce your risk of heartdisease and stroke by up to 50 and lower your riskof early death by up to 30
CHOOSING A GP
Choosing a GP can seem a daunting task especially if you have just moved into an area and dont knowanything about the local health services But there are some easy ways to find the doctor to suit you Itsimportant to be registered with a doctor because youll need them to refer you for specialist hospital andcommunity treatment services
Try to avoid attending AampE for minor complaints
A surgery may refuse an applicationto join its list of patients if
You dont reside in the surgery area
It has formally closed its list of patients eg when apractice has more patients than it can deal with ornot enough doctors - this is less common than it usedto be
If your application is refused the surgery mustwrite to you and give the reasons for this
How do I find a surgery
Most surgeries operate a fairly strict catchmentarea system and only those who live within thearea may be able to register
This isnt to be awkward but ensures a GP can visita person at home in an emergency in reasonabletime
How do I register
This is straightforward and far easier than mostpeople realise Simply take your NHS medical cardalong to your chosen surgery You will then beasked to sign a registration form
Not all NHS trusts issue medical cards If you donthave one the receptionist will give you form GMS1to fill in
Once youve completed and returned the formsyour local NHS will transfer your medical recordsto your new surgery and write to you to confirmyour registration as a patient with the surgeryMany surgeries ask a new patient to attend alsquoregistration medicalrsquo that checks your generalhealth
What if I canrsquot get an appointmentIf you cant get a doctors appointment or have anon-urgent health problem or query you cancontact a nurse by ringing 111 at any time
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
GP SURGERIES
Your local GP surgery provides a range of services including general medical advice and treatment for illnessesor injuries that just wonrsquot go away
Your local GP surgery provides a wide range of family health services as well as advice on health problems they can alsohelp with
Vaccinations bull Examinations and treatment bull Prescriptions for medicines bull Referrals to other health servicesand social services bull Screening Management of long term conditions preventative care
Please note that GP surgeries in Blythe Bridge are covered by Stoke-on-Trent CCG However there are listedin this directory as they are located in the Staffordshire Moorlands district Patients living in Blythe Bridgeshould contact NHS Stoke-on-Trent CCG 79 London Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7PZ Tel 01782 298002
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
PHARMACIES
Newcastle Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
If you have the symptoms of a cough cold or think yoursquove got the flu a pharmacist is thebest place to go as they can usually provide you the help and information you need onthe spot
They can also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight or giving up smoking
For opening times and NHS SERVICES available from your Pharmacy Please scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit wwwnhsuk
DENTISTS
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Always ask your dentist whether the treatment theyre recommending is available on the NHS and how muchit will cost before you go ahead
Emergency Dental ServiceDental Access Centres are available to treat patients who need emergency treatment This service gives priorityto pain relief and urgent care Not all dentists take on NHS patients you should check before hand
Emergency Dentist out of hours 111 bull Emergency Dentist normal working hours 111
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
OPTICIANS amp HEARING CENTRES
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Hearing Centres Address Telephone
Regular eye tests are important because your eyes donrsquot usually hurt when something is wrong Many eyeconditions can be treated if found early enough A sight test is a vital health check for your eyes It can pickup early signs of conditions that can affect the eyes before yoursquore aware of any symptoms
Including Diabetes bull Macular Degeneration bull Glaucoma
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
ARE YOU A CARER
A Carer spends a significant proportion of their life providing unpaid support to family or friends Thiscould be caring for a relative partner or friend who has a long term illness or disability includingmental illness alcohol or drug misuse or those that are elderly forgetful or frail
Caring can be a very difficult demanding and all-consuming task no matter how close you are to theperson you care for
Caring can affect your health making you feel tired frustrated stressed and feeling guilty leaving you withno time to yourself In fact 52 of carers need treatment for stress related problems and many carers feelthey have to give up work because of the effects caring has on their life
You are not alone It is estimated there are around 65 million Carers in the UK today You are certainly notalone but you still need to take care of yourself as well as the person you care for
Thankfully armed with the right support and information caring can be a rewarding and enjoyableexperience Just follow a few simple tips that can make a real difference
bull Ask for Help We all need help from time to time and carers are no exception Help is out there you only need to ask
bull Know your rights It sounds simple but knowing what yoursquore entitled to and what support is available can help a great deal
bull Tell your GP Your GP practice can record that you are a carer to ensure you get your annual flu vaccination and additional support as a carer
bull Have an assessment This can sound a little daunting at first but ensuring that you and the person you care for get an assessment of your needs through the Local Authority can give you access to a whole host of additional practical help and support
bull Be a little selfish We all need time to ourselves but itrsquos particularly important for carers This could be as simple as setting some me time aside for a relaxing bath or a night out
We at North Staffs Carers Association are there to help and benefit informal
unpaid Carers in the North Staffordshire area
North Staffs Carers is a registered Charity which provides information training and
ongoing support in the most appropriate way to Carers of all ages living in the districts
of Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
The Carers Centre Fenn House Duke Street Fenton Staffordshire ST4 3NRTelephone 01782 793100 Fax 01782 330792 bull Website wwwcarersfirstcom
There are an estimated 80000 Carers in Staffordshire help and support is available locally from the North Staffs Carers Association If yoursquore a carer and you need someone to talk to contact
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Aids and Adaptations If you or a member of your family has difficultyliving in your home due to a long-term illness ordisability you may be able to get help by adaptingyour home to better meet your needs You canapply to your local council for a disabled facilitiesgrant The grant helps you adapt your home tomake it suitable for a disabled person Dependingon your income you may need to pay towards thecost of the work to the property
You could get a grant from your council if yoursquoredisabled and need to make changes to yourhome for example to
bull widen doors and install rampsbull improve access to rooms and facilities - eg
stairlifts or a downstairs bathroombull provide a heating system suitable for your
needsbull adapt heating or lighting controls to make
them easier to use
How can I find out more about the aids andadaptations that would help me
Contact your social services department at yourlocal council about what difficulties you are havingat home They will send an occupational therapistto carry out an assessment and provide advice onwhich equipment or housing adaptation needs suityou best
Assistive Technology can help vulnerable peopleand their carers live more independently in theirown homes
Telecare which is part of assistive technology cansupport people whose sight hearing or cognitionmay have deteriorated This could be due tophysical or mental conditions which may have along-term effect on their health and wellbeing
There are many Telecare devices whichautomatically alert a 24-hour monitoring centre oryour chosen carer should you need assistanceThere are also Telehealth solutions which monitormedical conditions in your own home speak toyour GP to find out more about Telehealth
Telecare Technology Can
bull Raise an alarm in case of a fall or emergencybull Raise alerts for floods smoke carbon
monoxidebull Support a medication regimebull 24-hour reassurance for family and carers in
the knowledge that they will be alertedin the event of an incident
Telecare may be of benefit to
bull Older infirm or disabled peoplebull People who have been discharged from
hospital and need additional support at homebull People with sensory impairmentsbull Vulnerable people of any age living alone
Telecare also offers support and reassurance tocarers in the knowledge they will be alerted in theevent of an incident In this way Telecare can beof assistance to carers of people with dementiaphysical disabilities learning disabilities and long-term medical conditions
ADVICE ON PAYING FOR CARE
You may need to pay for all of your own care or youmay be entitled to local authority funding NHS care(free) or have entitlements to welfare benefits tohelp pay for your care and support
For most people needing social care services thefirst place to start is by asking your local authorityfor an assessment of your social care (care andsupport) needs As part of this the local authoritymay also carry out a financial assessment Thisassessment will determine whether the localauthority will meet all the cost of your care orwhether you will need to contribute towards yourcare cost or whether you will have to meet the fullcosts yourself Some of the rules for this financialassessment are applied differently based on whetheryou need care in your own home or care in aresidential home
There are several options for funding care andunderstanding them and which ones apply to youcan be complicated These options depend on yourneed for care and support as well as your personaland financial circumstances
Get personal advice on care funding
The cost of care and support is likely to be a long-term commitment and may be substantialparticularly if you opt for residential care If you ora member of the family need to pay for care athome or in a care home itrsquos important tounderstand the alternatives This makes advicetailored to your individual needs vital You can get advice from
Your local authority ndash through an assessment of yourcare and support needs as well as advice on whichservices are available locally
Financial advice from a qualified independentsource ndash there are independent financial adviserswho specialise in care funding advice They areregulated by the Financial Conduct Authority andmust stick to a code of conduct and ethics and takeshared responsibility for the suitability of anyproduct they recommend
Care and support services are means-tested and are not free to everyone Most people have to paysomething towards their own care and some will have to pay for all of the costs Who pays depends onwhat your needs are how much money you have and what level and type of care and support you require
The Mental Capacity Act
bull The actrsquos purpose is to allow adults to make as many decisions as they can for themselves
bull To enable adults to make advance decisions about whether they would like future medical treatment
bull To allow adults to appoint in advance of losing mental capacity another person to make decisions about personal welfare or property on their behalf at a future date
bull To allow decisions concerning personal welfare or property and affairs to be made in the best interests of adults when they have not made any future plans and cannot make a decision at the time
bull To ensure an NHS body or local authority will appoint an independent mental capacity advocate to support someone who cannot make a decision about seriousmedical treatment or about hospital care home or residential accommodation when there are no family or friends to be consulted
bull To provide protection against legal liability for carers who have honestly and reasonably sought to act in the personrsquos best interests
bull To provide clarity and safeguards around research in relation to those who lack capacity
LEGAL TERMS
Every day people make decisions about lots ofthings in their lives The ability to make decisionsis called mental capacity People may havedifficulties making some decisions either all orsome of the time This could be because they havea learning disability dementia a mental healthproblem or could be the result of a head injury ora stroke or a temporary condition such as anillness accident or the influence of alcohol ordrugs
Listed below are details about some of the legalterms and topics you may come across You mayneed to contact a solicitor who can give youimpartial advice which you may have to pay for oryou can contact an advocate who can advise onyour behalf
Lasting Power Of Attorney allows you to appointsomeone you trust to make decisions about yourpersonal welfare including healthcare and yourfinancial affairs
The Court of Protection can issue Ordersdirecting the management of a personrsquos propertyand financial affairs if you are incapable ofmanaging your own affairs and do not have aLasting Power of Attorney
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards protectspeople in residential care or hospital who areunable to make decisions for themselves due to abrain disorder If any of these people need to berestrained restricted or deprived in order to givethem physical care or keep them safe a Deprivationof Liberty Safeguards authorisation may be required
CARE IN YOUR OWN HOMEIf you are finding it difficult to manage at home you could consider using the services of a home careprovider Home care providers employ care assistants who can help you with bathing washing and dressingThe staff who work for these agencies are trained in personal care and safety procedures moving andhandling hygiene and infection control If you require nursing care at home many agencies employregistered nurses
This is only one option of supporting yourself with care at home Another could be to employ a personalassistant
A list of the care agencies registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who are located in the NorthStaffordshire CCG areas can be found below
Organising your own home care
If you are thinking about arranging your own home care it is a good idea to ask any agencies youapproach the following questions
bull Are there different rates for weekendseveningsbull Are there any extra charges ie for the carers travelling expensesbull What sort of services do you providebull Will somebody visit me before the service starts bull If you provide me with a service can I contact you out of office hours If so howbull Are your carers trainedbull Do you take up references on your carersbull Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission
To check up-to-date information on the providers of homecare in your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE with your Smartphone
Care Provider Address Telephone
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CAREThere are many types of residential care homes availableThese include permanent care homes for older peoplehomes for younger adults with disabilities and homes forchildren They may be privately owned or run by thevoluntary sector or local authorities You may want toconsider in detail the many options for residential carebefore you make a decision
Older PeopleCare homes for older people may provide personal care ornursing care A care home which is registered to providepersonal care (see the section on care home regulationbelow) will offer support ensuring that basic personal needssuch as meals bathing going to the toilet and medicationare taken care of In some homes more able residents havegreater independence and take care of many of their ownneeds
Some residents may need medical care and some care homesare registered to provide this These are often referred to asnursing homes Some homes specialise in certain types ofdisability for example dementia
Adults Aged 18-65There are also residential care homes that provide care andsupport for younger adults with for example severe physicaldisabilities learning disabilities acquired brain injuryprogressive neurological conditions or mental healthproblems Care can be provided for adults with more than
one condition and some homes have expertise in providingcare for adults with alcohol or drug dependency These homes offer permanent residence or provide care for atemporary period until the adult is able to live independentlyor move to a different type of accommodation
Choosing between residential care and independent livingSocial services normally encourage younger adults who theyassess for support to be as independent as theircircumstances allow The care plan for adults with disabilitieswill consider what independent tasks they can carry out andhow they can be helped to achieve more Even if adults havevery severe disabilities their needs are reviewed from time totime to check whether residential care or a very high level ofsupport is still appropriate
Supported living may be an option for younger adults Thisallows people to live independently in the community butwith basic support The support offered includes help withsetting up a home and managing finances and assistancewith cleaning and shopping
For older people there are various alternatives to residentialcare These include sheltered housing and extra care housingschemes which offer independence with an increased levelof care and support
For many people there is also the choice of livingindependently at home with community care support
Choice of Accommodation
The law says that where the local authority is fundingaccommodation it must allow the person enteringresidential care to choose which care home they wouldprefer Social services must first agree that the home issuitable for the personrsquos needs and that it would notcost more than they would normally pay for a homethat would meet those needs If the person chooses togo into a more expensive home a relative or friendmay be able to lsquotop uprsquo the difference in cost
Choosing a Care Home
Care homes may be arranged through the local authority but many people will want to arrange themindependently It is a good idea to visit several homesbefore making a choice Make sure you spend enoughtime in each home to get a good idea of what it is like
Respite and Short Term Stays
Residential care home stays dont necessarily have to bepermanent Temporary stays can be arranged forrespite care (in which you take a break from caring forsomebody else) or as a trial period before apermanent stay
Temporary stays can give you flexibility whencovering unexpected events such as
bull Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness
bull Support for newly disabled people and their carers
bull Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care
bull Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes
What your choices are
A list of all nursing and residential care homes withinyour locality can be found on the following pages Everycare home in England must be registered with thenational regulatory body Care Quality Commission(CQC)
They inspect each care home on a regular basis andwrite an inspection report for you to read It isadvisable to read this report before making a finaldecision
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CARE
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGNewcastle-Under-Lyme
Residential Address Telephone
Nursing Address Telephone
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGStaffordshire Moorlands
Address TelephoneResidential
Nursing Address Telephone
To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
ABOUT US
What does Healthwatch Staffordshire do
bull Gathers the views and experiences of people within Staffordshire about their health and social care priorities
bull Produces reports which influence the way services are designed and delivered throughout Staffordshire
bull Provides information advice and signposting about local services as well as commissioning the NHS Complaints Support Service
bull Passes information issues and concerns to health and social care regulatory bodies and escalate recommendations to Healthwatch England
What is Healthwatch Staffordshire
Healthwatch is the new independent consumer champion for health and social care in Staffordshire Our job is to argue for the consumer interest for all those who use health and social care services in thecounty Replacing the Staffordshire LINkrsquos rolewe are backed up by a national bodyHealthwatch England
What powers does Healthwatch have
bull Healthwatch Staffordshire has a seat on the local Health and Wellbeing Board - the body that oversees health and social care in the country ndash and therefore can influence how services are set up and commissioned
bull We have statutory powers to enter and view health and social care services using our trained Healthwatch Champion volunteers who undertake the role of authorised visitor
bull Has a place on the new Quality Surveillance Groups that have been set up in the NHS to monitor provider quality
Healthwatch Staffordshire is delivered by EngagingCommunities Staffordshire (ECS)
ECS is a community interest company that bringspublic engagement consultation and consumer advice services together in a centralorganisation to create evidence and insight to help improve local health and social careservices
The Healthwatch network is a new kindof consumer champion in health andsocial care We will make sure the voiceof the consumer is heard and actedupon With our independent statutorypowers the network as a whole has afantastic opportunity to make adifference Healthwatch England looksforwards to making sure the publicrsquosvoice is heard loud and clear by thosewho plan run and regulate health andsocial care services
Anna Bradley Chair of Healthwatch England
Healthwatch Staffordshire
Call us on 0800 051 8371Or visit our website
wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecoukor email at
enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Follow us HWStaffordshire or like us on Facebook at Healthwatch Staffordshire
If you have any questions or queries with regardsto Engaging Communities Staffordshire
Visit our website atwwwengagingcommunitiesstaffordshirecouk
or email atcontactusecstaffscouk
Follow us ECStaffs or like us on Facebook
Allowing the public to lsquohave your sayrsquo andlsquomaking your voice countrsquo are the fundamentalroles of Healthwatch Staffordshire Servicesshould be and will be based on children youngpeople and adults needs and experiences andaccountable to local people Every voice countswhen it comes to shaping the future of servicesand improving them for today
Wersquore here ready to get started so come andtalk to us Your words will make a differenceand by contacting us with your experiences wewill make your voice count
Healthwatch Staffordshire wants you to haveyour say in a variety of ways whether its byposting a comment on our website(wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk)following us on Twitter HWStaffordshire likingus on Facebook at HealthwatchStaffordshiremaking a complaint using ourindependent NHS complaint support service orby using our Free phone number 0800 051 8371What matters is making your voice count andyour local Health and Social care services areguided and shaped by your feedback
HAVE YOUR SAY
Health related care is provided by the NHS SocialCare is the responsibility of the Local Authority andis provided by a range of organisationsHealthwatch Staffordshire would like to know whatHealth and Social Care issues are important to youyour family and friends
Tell us what you would like HealthwatchStaffordshire to do for you
1 Are you happy with the Health and Social care you are receiving
2 Do you have a relative or friend living in a Care Home Are youthey happy with the care they receive Please tell us of your positive or negative experiences
3 Can you get an appointment with your GP (Doctor) when you need to
4 Have you had to stay in hospital recently if so what was it like
5 Do you or a relative suffer from a long term illness are you they happy with the help and support you they receive
6 Do you know what services are available and how to choose the right one when you need urgent care
Thank you for giving us your feedback This willhelp Healthwatch Staffordshire to continue toprioritise its work
EXPRESSING COMPLAINTS amp CONCERNS
General Practitioners (GPs)If you want to make a complaint or express aconcern relating to your GP Practice your firstport of call would be to contact your GPdirectly If you wish to take your complaint orconcern further CCGs are also interested inknowing about patientsrsquo concerns (as CCGscommission GP Practices) and are willing toreceive complaints about the provider servicesthey commission These concerns would bedirected to the Commissioning Support Unit(CSU) PALS service
The CSU PALS will try to resolve concerns willsupport patients to make formal complaintswhere necessary and will refer eligible patientsto the NHS Complaints Support Service Please contact
Commissioning Support Unit PALS
Tel 0800 030 4563
Text Phone 075 406 68541 or
Email palsstaffordshirecssnhsukor feedbackstaffordshirecssnhsuk
If you are unhappy with any aspect of your carewhilst attending the University Hospital of NorthStaffordshire (UHNS) then you should contactUHNS Provider PALS service PALS is animpartial welcoming open and confidentialservice for people who would like information oradvice or would like to comment about anyaspect of the services provided by UniversityHospital Please contact
UHNS PALS
Tel 01782 676450 01782 676455
Email patientadviceuhnsnhsuk
If you want to express a concern or make acomplaint about any aspect of NHS Treatment oradult social care you have received from theStaffordshire and Stoke on Trent PartnershipTrust please contact
Complaints Team Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Partnership NHS Trust Morston House TheMidway Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffordshire ST5 1QG
Tel 0845 602 6772
Email complaintsssotpnhsuk
If you want to express a concern or make acomplaint regarding any aspect of NHSTreatment or social care which you havereceived from the North Staffs CombinedHealthcare NHS Trust please contact
North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHSTrust Harplands Hospital Hilton Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6TH
Tel 0800 389 9676 01782 275031
Email complaintsnorthstaffsnhsuk
If you are not satisfied with theoutcome of a decision taken youcan contact NHS England who willtry and do everything that it can to
respond well If you have a complaintconcerning the treatment or service provided bythe NHS please contact
NHS England PO Box 16738 Redditch B97 9PT
Tel 0300 311 2233 (Mon-Fri 800 ndash 1800)
Web wwwenglandnhsukcontact-uscomplaint
Email Englandcontactusnhsnet
If you are unhappy aboutthe way StaffordshireCounty Council has
delivered social care services and would like toexpress a complaint or concern please contact
The Monitoring Officer Staffordshire CountyCouncil Peel Building St Chads PlaceStafford ST16 2LR
Tel 0300 111 8000
Email customerfeedbackstaffordshiregovuk
NHS Complaints Support Service
ldquoThe NHS ComplaintsSupport Service is there to provide advocacysupport to people who wish to make acomplaint about the service ndash or lack of it ndash thatthey have received during a Health Servicedelivery circumstancerdquo
Delivered by POhWER advocates will support anindividual through the complaints process Theywill explain the options available and supportyou to pursue your chosen course of action
ECSHealthwatch Staffordshire will be workingalongside POhWER in order to provide theadvocacy service to those who wish to engagewith health care services in Staffordshire
They do not however investigate or encouragecomplaints nor do they offer legal or medicaladvice
The NHS Complaints Support Service isfree independent and confidential
What can they do
bull Provide individuals with a Self Help Information pack to help them find their own way through the complaints process
bull Explain how the NHS complaints procedure works
bull Listen to a complaint and discuss options available
bull Help individuals to write letters regarding complaints
bull Attend meetings and give support
bull Speak to other agencies on your behalf when requested
bull Provide information on other services an individual may wish to access
bull Help to obtain medical records
Unit 25 amp 32 Staffordshire University Business VillageDyson Way Staffordshire Technology Park StaffordST18 0TW
Email pohwerpohwernet
Website wwwpohwernet
Tel 0300 456 2370
EXPRESSING COMPLAINTS amp CONCERNS
If unhappy in the waywhich the NHS hashandled a complaint you
can contact the Parliamentary and HealthService Ombudsman please contact by
Parliamentary and Health Service OmbudsmanMillbank Tower Millbank London SW1P 4QP
Tel 0345 015 4033
Website wwwombudsmanorguk
Email phsoenquiriesombudsmanorguk
HEALTHWATCH CHAMPIONS
Become Involved
Anyone can become involved with Healthwatch andcontribute to its activities because everyonersquosviews matter You can do as much or as little asyou like ndash from filling in a survey attending theoccasional meeting about an issue of personalinterest signing up as a Healthwatch Member orbecoming a Healthwatch Champion
What are Healthwatch Champions
Healthwatch Champions are volunteers who act asthe voice of the local community They talk tolocal people about the quality of health amp socialcare in their area and are committed to supportingHealthwatch Staffordshire to improve servicesThis role is vital to the improvement of localservices by prioritising the issues that really matterto you in your own local area
Healthwatch Champions can undertake as much oras little as they like from a range of Championspecific roles
Role of a Champion include
bull Be the eyes and ears of local people and raise issues of concern
bull Make recommendations on how to improve local services
bull Tell people about Healthwatch and encourage them to become involved
bull Promote Healthwatch events and projects to local people
bull Liaise with other peoplegroups involved with engagement work
bull Attend meetings groups amp events as a Healthwatch Member representing your own views based on personal experience
bull Talk to patients about their experiences of using health and social care services
bull Visiting health amp social care providers as part of our Enter amp View portfolio and activity
How to become a Healthwatch Champion
No qualifications are needed to become aHealthwatch Champion just a willingness to listenand talk to a range of individuals an open mindand a desire to raise the voice of local people
Champions who are authorised by HealthwatchStaffordshire will undertake relevant training andsome roles will require a Disclosure and BarringService check (previously CRB check)
You can become a Champion by
Contacting Healthwatch Staffordshire on0800 051 8371 or emailing atenquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
From here we will send you an information packwith additional information about HealthwatchStaffordshire This will include a role descriptor forChampions and an application form for you tocomplete and return to us
It is only with your support that HealthwatchStaffordshire can make a difference to the qualityof local services
Anyone can apply to become a HealthwatchChampion however if you wish to take a lessactive role you can sign up to be a HealthwatchMember where you receive regular updates andnewsletters
NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE
As part of the changes to the NHS brought aboutby the Health and Social Care Act 2012 PrimaryCare Trusts (PCTs) and Strategic HealthAuthorities (SHAs) ceased to exist on the 31March 2013
From April 2013 groups of General Practicesknown as NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups(CCGs) commission health services for theirlocal populations Commissioning healthservices involves identifying the health needs ofthe population and lsquobuyingrsquo the appropriatehigh quality services necessary to meet thoseneeds within the budget allocated
CCGs are membership organisations andtherefore member GP practices will be centralto our work as the North Staffordshire CCGThere are 33 member GP practices and 136 GPscatering for the population of around 213000across the two distinct localities including
Newcastle-under-Lymebull Newcastlebull Kidsgrovebull Keelebull Silverdale
Staffordshire Moorlandsbull Biddulphbull Cheadlebull Leek
The CCG has established four key strategic goalswhich form the focus for the initial years of itsexistence These goals are
bull To increase Life Expectancy and Reduce Inequality
bull To improve prevention early detection and effective management of those most at risk
bull To enhance quality of life and improve health outcomes for people with long term conditions
bull To ensure that people receive the right care inthe right place
CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUP
Getting Involved with the CCG
North Staffordshire CCG believes that engagementis crucial and tries to ensure that the voices ofpatients and members of the North Staffordshirepublic are taken into proper consideration whenthe Clinical Commissioning Group makes importantdecisions about health
It is vital that as many people as possible areinvolved in the process if it is to be effective Itrsquosespecially important for people who traditionallyhave difficulty being heard such as those who arevery elderly or disabled
There are a number of ways that you can supportNorth Staffordshire GPs and the ClinicalCommissioning Group to shape local healthcareservices that meet the needs of local people
The easiest way for individuals to get involved is tojoin the Patient Membership Scheme Anyone isentitled to join if they are registered with a doctorwithin the Newcastle-under-Lyme or theStaffordshire Moorlands regions The PatientMembership Scheme is designed to give people andorganisations the opportunity to have more say inthe NHS and actively participate in designing andshaping healthcare services
North Staffordshire Patient Participation Groups
Consisting of a group of volunteer patients thePractice Manager and one or more of the GPs froma practice Patient Participation Groups (PPGs)meet on a regular basis to discuss the services onoffer and how improvements can be made tobenefit all parties
PPGs help practices to put both the patient andhealthcare at the heart of everything they doOften the action taken by the PPGs all depends onthe local needs of individuals in the locality
In the North Staffordshire CCG the majority of GPPractices already have an existing PPG Anyoneregistered with that practice is entitled to becomea member If you would like to know more aboutyour practice Patient Participation Group and howyou can get involved you should contact your GPpractice directly for further details
For more information about NHS NorthStaffordshire CCG visit-
wwwnorthstaffsccgnhsuk
Write to-NHS North Staffordshire Clinical
Commissioning GroupMorston House
The MidwayNewcastle-under-Lyme
StaffordshireST5 1QG
Tel 0845 602 6772Email nsccgnorthstaffsnhsuk
CHOOSE WELL
Donrsquot be a time loser be a time chooser and make sure you getthe right treatment in the right place at the right time Yourtime is a precious thing Hundreds of people spend hours atAccident and Emergency each week for minor illness andailments when other services would have been moreappropriate
Choose Well ndash Facts and Figures
bull 514m GP consultations are for minor ailments alone which would clear up by themselves or with a little help from an over-the-counter remedy from a pharmacy this is 18 percent of the GP workload nearly half of these consultations are generated by people aged 16 ndash 59 years
bull Up to 40000 GP visits per year are for dandruff 20000 go to their local surgery for travel-sickness and 52 million with blocked noses
bull Two million people who go to AampE could either self-care or have been treated elsewhere in the community 12 percent of people admit to having used AampE in the past even when they knew there was nothing seriously wrong with them
bull The estimated cost of treating people who go to AampE but who could have either self-treated or gone else where is pound136 million a year this is the equivalent cost of 6500 nurses
The following pages will provide details of where and when toaccess the right health services in North Staffordshire and whatyour choices are
Choose Well
AampE 999ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCYOpen 247 365 days a year
The AampE department in NorthStaffordshire is at University Hospital of
North Staffordshire ndashNewcastle Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6QG
The Emergency Department is for ambulance traffic and critical or life-threatening situations only and you should only go there or call 999 ifimmediate emergency care is needed
NHS WALK-INCENTRE
Walk-in centres treat minor illnesses and injuries that donrsquot
need a visit to AampEHanley Health and Welling Being Centre
6971 Stafford Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 1LW
Telephone 0300 123 6759Open 800mdash2000 7 days a week
365 days a year
MINOR INjURY UNITSNewcastle-under-Lyme ndash Haywood HospitalmdashMinor Injuries Unit High LaneBurslem Stoke-on-Trent ST6 7AG Telephone 01782 715 444
Staffordshire Moorlands ndash Leek Moorlands Hospital Ashbourne Road Leek ST135BG Telephone 01538 487103 0300 123 1894
OUT OF HOURS URGENT CAREIf you live in North Staffordshire you should contact Staffordshire DoctorsUrgent Care on 0300 123 0814 0300 790 0247
GP GP SURGERY Your local GP surgery provides a range of services including ndashbull General medical advice and treatment for an illness or injury that wonrsquot
go awaybull Routine health checks ndash Travel advice ndash Prescriptionsbull Help managing long-term medical problemsbull Immunisations and testsbull Referrals to a specialist or a hospital
PHARMACIST PHARMACISTGo to a pharmacist if you have thesymptoms of a cough cold or think
yoursquove got the flu A pharmacist is thebest place to go as they can usually
provide you with the help andinformation you need on the spot
You can speak to any pharmacist for advice on how to treat lots of minorinjuries and common complaints such as coughs colds bites stings aches andpains They also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight orgiving up smoking
NHS 111 NHS 111NHS 111 is available 24 hours a dayand is free to call from landlines and
mobiles and offers confidentialhealth advice and information
Is a new national telephone service if you need medical help fast but itrsquos notlife ndash threatening NHS 111 provides a new way to ensure people receive theright care from the right person in the right time and place
SELF ndash CARESELF CAREEnsure your medicine cabinet is well
stocked withbull Anti-diarrhoeal medicinebull Paracetamol or aspirinbull Rehydration mixturebull Indigestion mixturebull Thermometerbull Plasters
Many patients make appointments to see their Doctor or Nurse when theycould be using a well stocked medicines cabinet or visiting a pharmacist totreat their symptoms ndash and getting the same help or advice a lot quicker Selfcare is the very best choice you can make for treating very minor illnesses andinjuries
CHOOSE WELL
Our GP surgeries also have trainednurses who can give advice take tests
diagnose and be able to treat manyillnesses that used to be only dealt withby doctors - making the level of serviceyou can expect from your GP surgery
even better than ever
HEALTHY LIVING
The choices we make about how we livecan have a significant effect on ourhealth Eating a healthy diet doingregular exercise not smoking and notdrinking too much alcohol can help youstay well and enjoy a long life
Keeping fit and healthy can be a challenge if youare living with a long-term condition but it willmake a big difference to your wellbeing If yoursquovebeen thinking about making changes to yourlifestyle such as stopping smoking losing weighteating healthily drinking a little less alcohol ordoing more exercise therersquos plenty of help andsupport available
Talking to your GP and other healthcare workersincluding pharmacists is the first step Theyrsquollhelp you look at your lifestyle and suggest changesthat are suitable for your condition and anytreatment yoursquore having Your health or careworker can also let you know about local servicesthat can help you
For example if you want to start exercising butyoure unsure how to your GP can put you on theExercise on Referral scheme These schemes arerun with local gyms and fitness centres and caninclude swimming Ask at your GP practice formore information
Your GP can also help you if you want to stopsmoking for instance by enrolling you in a clinicwhere yoursquoll get support from other people whoare also trying to stop Nicotine replacementtherapy and other stop smoking treatmentsprovided by your GP can also help you resistcravings and boost your chances of quittingsuccessfully
Youre never too young or too old to switch to ahealthier lifestyle Children who learn healthyhabits at a young age will benefit from themthroughout their life And giving up bad habits canimprove your health at any age
Rethink your drinking
Drinking too much alcohol could increase your riskof getting 14 major diseases including mouth andthroat cancers liver cirrhosis strokes and mentalhealth problems
Alcohol is believed to be responsible for as many as22000 premature deaths in England and Walesevery year But itrsquos not just binge drinkers who areat risk regularly drinking more than therecommended limit can cause significant healthproblems
Stop Smoking for good
Giving up smoking is probably the best thing youcan do to improve your healthResearch shows that smokingis responsible for almostone in five of alldeaths in the UK Thismeans that smokingcauses an estimated110000 deaths a year
Smokers are almosttwice as likely tohave a heartattack as peoplewho have neversmokedSmoking alsoincreases yourrisk ofdeveloping manycancers and lungdisease
Get active feel fitter live longer
Whatever your age theres strong scientificevidence that being physically active can help youlead a healthier and even happier life
Adults should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activityeach week Young people (5-18) should do 60minutes every day
If you do this it can reduce your risk of heartdisease and stroke by up to 50 and lower your riskof early death by up to 30
CHOOSING A GP
Choosing a GP can seem a daunting task especially if you have just moved into an area and dont knowanything about the local health services But there are some easy ways to find the doctor to suit you Itsimportant to be registered with a doctor because youll need them to refer you for specialist hospital andcommunity treatment services
Try to avoid attending AampE for minor complaints
A surgery may refuse an applicationto join its list of patients if
You dont reside in the surgery area
It has formally closed its list of patients eg when apractice has more patients than it can deal with ornot enough doctors - this is less common than it usedto be
If your application is refused the surgery mustwrite to you and give the reasons for this
How do I find a surgery
Most surgeries operate a fairly strict catchmentarea system and only those who live within thearea may be able to register
This isnt to be awkward but ensures a GP can visita person at home in an emergency in reasonabletime
How do I register
This is straightforward and far easier than mostpeople realise Simply take your NHS medical cardalong to your chosen surgery You will then beasked to sign a registration form
Not all NHS trusts issue medical cards If you donthave one the receptionist will give you form GMS1to fill in
Once youve completed and returned the formsyour local NHS will transfer your medical recordsto your new surgery and write to you to confirmyour registration as a patient with the surgeryMany surgeries ask a new patient to attend alsquoregistration medicalrsquo that checks your generalhealth
What if I canrsquot get an appointmentIf you cant get a doctors appointment or have anon-urgent health problem or query you cancontact a nurse by ringing 111 at any time
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
GP SURGERIES
Your local GP surgery provides a range of services including general medical advice and treatment for illnessesor injuries that just wonrsquot go away
Your local GP surgery provides a wide range of family health services as well as advice on health problems they can alsohelp with
Vaccinations bull Examinations and treatment bull Prescriptions for medicines bull Referrals to other health servicesand social services bull Screening Management of long term conditions preventative care
Please note that GP surgeries in Blythe Bridge are covered by Stoke-on-Trent CCG However there are listedin this directory as they are located in the Staffordshire Moorlands district Patients living in Blythe Bridgeshould contact NHS Stoke-on-Trent CCG 79 London Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7PZ Tel 01782 298002
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
PHARMACIES
Newcastle Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
If you have the symptoms of a cough cold or think yoursquove got the flu a pharmacist is thebest place to go as they can usually provide you the help and information you need onthe spot
They can also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight or giving up smoking
For opening times and NHS SERVICES available from your Pharmacy Please scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit wwwnhsuk
DENTISTS
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Always ask your dentist whether the treatment theyre recommending is available on the NHS and how muchit will cost before you go ahead
Emergency Dental ServiceDental Access Centres are available to treat patients who need emergency treatment This service gives priorityto pain relief and urgent care Not all dentists take on NHS patients you should check before hand
Emergency Dentist out of hours 111 bull Emergency Dentist normal working hours 111
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
OPTICIANS amp HEARING CENTRES
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Hearing Centres Address Telephone
Regular eye tests are important because your eyes donrsquot usually hurt when something is wrong Many eyeconditions can be treated if found early enough A sight test is a vital health check for your eyes It can pickup early signs of conditions that can affect the eyes before yoursquore aware of any symptoms
Including Diabetes bull Macular Degeneration bull Glaucoma
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
ARE YOU A CARER
A Carer spends a significant proportion of their life providing unpaid support to family or friends Thiscould be caring for a relative partner or friend who has a long term illness or disability includingmental illness alcohol or drug misuse or those that are elderly forgetful or frail
Caring can be a very difficult demanding and all-consuming task no matter how close you are to theperson you care for
Caring can affect your health making you feel tired frustrated stressed and feeling guilty leaving you withno time to yourself In fact 52 of carers need treatment for stress related problems and many carers feelthey have to give up work because of the effects caring has on their life
You are not alone It is estimated there are around 65 million Carers in the UK today You are certainly notalone but you still need to take care of yourself as well as the person you care for
Thankfully armed with the right support and information caring can be a rewarding and enjoyableexperience Just follow a few simple tips that can make a real difference
bull Ask for Help We all need help from time to time and carers are no exception Help is out there you only need to ask
bull Know your rights It sounds simple but knowing what yoursquore entitled to and what support is available can help a great deal
bull Tell your GP Your GP practice can record that you are a carer to ensure you get your annual flu vaccination and additional support as a carer
bull Have an assessment This can sound a little daunting at first but ensuring that you and the person you care for get an assessment of your needs through the Local Authority can give you access to a whole host of additional practical help and support
bull Be a little selfish We all need time to ourselves but itrsquos particularly important for carers This could be as simple as setting some me time aside for a relaxing bath or a night out
We at North Staffs Carers Association are there to help and benefit informal
unpaid Carers in the North Staffordshire area
North Staffs Carers is a registered Charity which provides information training and
ongoing support in the most appropriate way to Carers of all ages living in the districts
of Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
The Carers Centre Fenn House Duke Street Fenton Staffordshire ST4 3NRTelephone 01782 793100 Fax 01782 330792 bull Website wwwcarersfirstcom
There are an estimated 80000 Carers in Staffordshire help and support is available locally from the North Staffs Carers Association If yoursquore a carer and you need someone to talk to contact
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Aids and Adaptations If you or a member of your family has difficultyliving in your home due to a long-term illness ordisability you may be able to get help by adaptingyour home to better meet your needs You canapply to your local council for a disabled facilitiesgrant The grant helps you adapt your home tomake it suitable for a disabled person Dependingon your income you may need to pay towards thecost of the work to the property
You could get a grant from your council if yoursquoredisabled and need to make changes to yourhome for example to
bull widen doors and install rampsbull improve access to rooms and facilities - eg
stairlifts or a downstairs bathroombull provide a heating system suitable for your
needsbull adapt heating or lighting controls to make
them easier to use
How can I find out more about the aids andadaptations that would help me
Contact your social services department at yourlocal council about what difficulties you are havingat home They will send an occupational therapistto carry out an assessment and provide advice onwhich equipment or housing adaptation needs suityou best
Assistive Technology can help vulnerable peopleand their carers live more independently in theirown homes
Telecare which is part of assistive technology cansupport people whose sight hearing or cognitionmay have deteriorated This could be due tophysical or mental conditions which may have along-term effect on their health and wellbeing
There are many Telecare devices whichautomatically alert a 24-hour monitoring centre oryour chosen carer should you need assistanceThere are also Telehealth solutions which monitormedical conditions in your own home speak toyour GP to find out more about Telehealth
Telecare Technology Can
bull Raise an alarm in case of a fall or emergencybull Raise alerts for floods smoke carbon
monoxidebull Support a medication regimebull 24-hour reassurance for family and carers in
the knowledge that they will be alertedin the event of an incident
Telecare may be of benefit to
bull Older infirm or disabled peoplebull People who have been discharged from
hospital and need additional support at homebull People with sensory impairmentsbull Vulnerable people of any age living alone
Telecare also offers support and reassurance tocarers in the knowledge they will be alerted in theevent of an incident In this way Telecare can beof assistance to carers of people with dementiaphysical disabilities learning disabilities and long-term medical conditions
ADVICE ON PAYING FOR CARE
You may need to pay for all of your own care or youmay be entitled to local authority funding NHS care(free) or have entitlements to welfare benefits tohelp pay for your care and support
For most people needing social care services thefirst place to start is by asking your local authorityfor an assessment of your social care (care andsupport) needs As part of this the local authoritymay also carry out a financial assessment Thisassessment will determine whether the localauthority will meet all the cost of your care orwhether you will need to contribute towards yourcare cost or whether you will have to meet the fullcosts yourself Some of the rules for this financialassessment are applied differently based on whetheryou need care in your own home or care in aresidential home
There are several options for funding care andunderstanding them and which ones apply to youcan be complicated These options depend on yourneed for care and support as well as your personaland financial circumstances
Get personal advice on care funding
The cost of care and support is likely to be a long-term commitment and may be substantialparticularly if you opt for residential care If you ora member of the family need to pay for care athome or in a care home itrsquos important tounderstand the alternatives This makes advicetailored to your individual needs vital You can get advice from
Your local authority ndash through an assessment of yourcare and support needs as well as advice on whichservices are available locally
Financial advice from a qualified independentsource ndash there are independent financial adviserswho specialise in care funding advice They areregulated by the Financial Conduct Authority andmust stick to a code of conduct and ethics and takeshared responsibility for the suitability of anyproduct they recommend
Care and support services are means-tested and are not free to everyone Most people have to paysomething towards their own care and some will have to pay for all of the costs Who pays depends onwhat your needs are how much money you have and what level and type of care and support you require
The Mental Capacity Act
bull The actrsquos purpose is to allow adults to make as many decisions as they can for themselves
bull To enable adults to make advance decisions about whether they would like future medical treatment
bull To allow adults to appoint in advance of losing mental capacity another person to make decisions about personal welfare or property on their behalf at a future date
bull To allow decisions concerning personal welfare or property and affairs to be made in the best interests of adults when they have not made any future plans and cannot make a decision at the time
bull To ensure an NHS body or local authority will appoint an independent mental capacity advocate to support someone who cannot make a decision about seriousmedical treatment or about hospital care home or residential accommodation when there are no family or friends to be consulted
bull To provide protection against legal liability for carers who have honestly and reasonably sought to act in the personrsquos best interests
bull To provide clarity and safeguards around research in relation to those who lack capacity
LEGAL TERMS
Every day people make decisions about lots ofthings in their lives The ability to make decisionsis called mental capacity People may havedifficulties making some decisions either all orsome of the time This could be because they havea learning disability dementia a mental healthproblem or could be the result of a head injury ora stroke or a temporary condition such as anillness accident or the influence of alcohol ordrugs
Listed below are details about some of the legalterms and topics you may come across You mayneed to contact a solicitor who can give youimpartial advice which you may have to pay for oryou can contact an advocate who can advise onyour behalf
Lasting Power Of Attorney allows you to appointsomeone you trust to make decisions about yourpersonal welfare including healthcare and yourfinancial affairs
The Court of Protection can issue Ordersdirecting the management of a personrsquos propertyand financial affairs if you are incapable ofmanaging your own affairs and do not have aLasting Power of Attorney
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards protectspeople in residential care or hospital who areunable to make decisions for themselves due to abrain disorder If any of these people need to berestrained restricted or deprived in order to givethem physical care or keep them safe a Deprivationof Liberty Safeguards authorisation may be required
CARE IN YOUR OWN HOMEIf you are finding it difficult to manage at home you could consider using the services of a home careprovider Home care providers employ care assistants who can help you with bathing washing and dressingThe staff who work for these agencies are trained in personal care and safety procedures moving andhandling hygiene and infection control If you require nursing care at home many agencies employregistered nurses
This is only one option of supporting yourself with care at home Another could be to employ a personalassistant
A list of the care agencies registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who are located in the NorthStaffordshire CCG areas can be found below
Organising your own home care
If you are thinking about arranging your own home care it is a good idea to ask any agencies youapproach the following questions
bull Are there different rates for weekendseveningsbull Are there any extra charges ie for the carers travelling expensesbull What sort of services do you providebull Will somebody visit me before the service starts bull If you provide me with a service can I contact you out of office hours If so howbull Are your carers trainedbull Do you take up references on your carersbull Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission
To check up-to-date information on the providers of homecare in your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE with your Smartphone
Care Provider Address Telephone
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CAREThere are many types of residential care homes availableThese include permanent care homes for older peoplehomes for younger adults with disabilities and homes forchildren They may be privately owned or run by thevoluntary sector or local authorities You may want toconsider in detail the many options for residential carebefore you make a decision
Older PeopleCare homes for older people may provide personal care ornursing care A care home which is registered to providepersonal care (see the section on care home regulationbelow) will offer support ensuring that basic personal needssuch as meals bathing going to the toilet and medicationare taken care of In some homes more able residents havegreater independence and take care of many of their ownneeds
Some residents may need medical care and some care homesare registered to provide this These are often referred to asnursing homes Some homes specialise in certain types ofdisability for example dementia
Adults Aged 18-65There are also residential care homes that provide care andsupport for younger adults with for example severe physicaldisabilities learning disabilities acquired brain injuryprogressive neurological conditions or mental healthproblems Care can be provided for adults with more than
one condition and some homes have expertise in providingcare for adults with alcohol or drug dependency These homes offer permanent residence or provide care for atemporary period until the adult is able to live independentlyor move to a different type of accommodation
Choosing between residential care and independent livingSocial services normally encourage younger adults who theyassess for support to be as independent as theircircumstances allow The care plan for adults with disabilitieswill consider what independent tasks they can carry out andhow they can be helped to achieve more Even if adults havevery severe disabilities their needs are reviewed from time totime to check whether residential care or a very high level ofsupport is still appropriate
Supported living may be an option for younger adults Thisallows people to live independently in the community butwith basic support The support offered includes help withsetting up a home and managing finances and assistancewith cleaning and shopping
For older people there are various alternatives to residentialcare These include sheltered housing and extra care housingschemes which offer independence with an increased levelof care and support
For many people there is also the choice of livingindependently at home with community care support
Choice of Accommodation
The law says that where the local authority is fundingaccommodation it must allow the person enteringresidential care to choose which care home they wouldprefer Social services must first agree that the home issuitable for the personrsquos needs and that it would notcost more than they would normally pay for a homethat would meet those needs If the person chooses togo into a more expensive home a relative or friendmay be able to lsquotop uprsquo the difference in cost
Choosing a Care Home
Care homes may be arranged through the local authority but many people will want to arrange themindependently It is a good idea to visit several homesbefore making a choice Make sure you spend enoughtime in each home to get a good idea of what it is like
Respite and Short Term Stays
Residential care home stays dont necessarily have to bepermanent Temporary stays can be arranged forrespite care (in which you take a break from caring forsomebody else) or as a trial period before apermanent stay
Temporary stays can give you flexibility whencovering unexpected events such as
bull Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness
bull Support for newly disabled people and their carers
bull Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care
bull Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes
What your choices are
A list of all nursing and residential care homes withinyour locality can be found on the following pages Everycare home in England must be registered with thenational regulatory body Care Quality Commission(CQC)
They inspect each care home on a regular basis andwrite an inspection report for you to read It isadvisable to read this report before making a finaldecision
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CARE
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGNewcastle-Under-Lyme
Residential Address Telephone
Nursing Address Telephone
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGStaffordshire Moorlands
Address TelephoneResidential
Nursing Address Telephone
To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
Healthwatch Staffordshire
Call us on 0800 051 8371Or visit our website
wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecoukor email at
enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Follow us HWStaffordshire or like us on Facebook at Healthwatch Staffordshire
If you have any questions or queries with regardsto Engaging Communities Staffordshire
Visit our website atwwwengagingcommunitiesstaffordshirecouk
or email atcontactusecstaffscouk
Follow us ECStaffs or like us on Facebook
Allowing the public to lsquohave your sayrsquo andlsquomaking your voice countrsquo are the fundamentalroles of Healthwatch Staffordshire Servicesshould be and will be based on children youngpeople and adults needs and experiences andaccountable to local people Every voice countswhen it comes to shaping the future of servicesand improving them for today
Wersquore here ready to get started so come andtalk to us Your words will make a differenceand by contacting us with your experiences wewill make your voice count
Healthwatch Staffordshire wants you to haveyour say in a variety of ways whether its byposting a comment on our website(wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk)following us on Twitter HWStaffordshire likingus on Facebook at HealthwatchStaffordshiremaking a complaint using ourindependent NHS complaint support service orby using our Free phone number 0800 051 8371What matters is making your voice count andyour local Health and Social care services areguided and shaped by your feedback
HAVE YOUR SAY
Health related care is provided by the NHS SocialCare is the responsibility of the Local Authority andis provided by a range of organisationsHealthwatch Staffordshire would like to know whatHealth and Social Care issues are important to youyour family and friends
Tell us what you would like HealthwatchStaffordshire to do for you
1 Are you happy with the Health and Social care you are receiving
2 Do you have a relative or friend living in a Care Home Are youthey happy with the care they receive Please tell us of your positive or negative experiences
3 Can you get an appointment with your GP (Doctor) when you need to
4 Have you had to stay in hospital recently if so what was it like
5 Do you or a relative suffer from a long term illness are you they happy with the help and support you they receive
6 Do you know what services are available and how to choose the right one when you need urgent care
Thank you for giving us your feedback This willhelp Healthwatch Staffordshire to continue toprioritise its work
EXPRESSING COMPLAINTS amp CONCERNS
General Practitioners (GPs)If you want to make a complaint or express aconcern relating to your GP Practice your firstport of call would be to contact your GPdirectly If you wish to take your complaint orconcern further CCGs are also interested inknowing about patientsrsquo concerns (as CCGscommission GP Practices) and are willing toreceive complaints about the provider servicesthey commission These concerns would bedirected to the Commissioning Support Unit(CSU) PALS service
The CSU PALS will try to resolve concerns willsupport patients to make formal complaintswhere necessary and will refer eligible patientsto the NHS Complaints Support Service Please contact
Commissioning Support Unit PALS
Tel 0800 030 4563
Text Phone 075 406 68541 or
Email palsstaffordshirecssnhsukor feedbackstaffordshirecssnhsuk
If you are unhappy with any aspect of your carewhilst attending the University Hospital of NorthStaffordshire (UHNS) then you should contactUHNS Provider PALS service PALS is animpartial welcoming open and confidentialservice for people who would like information oradvice or would like to comment about anyaspect of the services provided by UniversityHospital Please contact
UHNS PALS
Tel 01782 676450 01782 676455
Email patientadviceuhnsnhsuk
If you want to express a concern or make acomplaint about any aspect of NHS Treatment oradult social care you have received from theStaffordshire and Stoke on Trent PartnershipTrust please contact
Complaints Team Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Partnership NHS Trust Morston House TheMidway Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffordshire ST5 1QG
Tel 0845 602 6772
Email complaintsssotpnhsuk
If you want to express a concern or make acomplaint regarding any aspect of NHSTreatment or social care which you havereceived from the North Staffs CombinedHealthcare NHS Trust please contact
North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHSTrust Harplands Hospital Hilton Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6TH
Tel 0800 389 9676 01782 275031
Email complaintsnorthstaffsnhsuk
If you are not satisfied with theoutcome of a decision taken youcan contact NHS England who willtry and do everything that it can to
respond well If you have a complaintconcerning the treatment or service provided bythe NHS please contact
NHS England PO Box 16738 Redditch B97 9PT
Tel 0300 311 2233 (Mon-Fri 800 ndash 1800)
Web wwwenglandnhsukcontact-uscomplaint
Email Englandcontactusnhsnet
If you are unhappy aboutthe way StaffordshireCounty Council has
delivered social care services and would like toexpress a complaint or concern please contact
The Monitoring Officer Staffordshire CountyCouncil Peel Building St Chads PlaceStafford ST16 2LR
Tel 0300 111 8000
Email customerfeedbackstaffordshiregovuk
NHS Complaints Support Service
ldquoThe NHS ComplaintsSupport Service is there to provide advocacysupport to people who wish to make acomplaint about the service ndash or lack of it ndash thatthey have received during a Health Servicedelivery circumstancerdquo
Delivered by POhWER advocates will support anindividual through the complaints process Theywill explain the options available and supportyou to pursue your chosen course of action
ECSHealthwatch Staffordshire will be workingalongside POhWER in order to provide theadvocacy service to those who wish to engagewith health care services in Staffordshire
They do not however investigate or encouragecomplaints nor do they offer legal or medicaladvice
The NHS Complaints Support Service isfree independent and confidential
What can they do
bull Provide individuals with a Self Help Information pack to help them find their own way through the complaints process
bull Explain how the NHS complaints procedure works
bull Listen to a complaint and discuss options available
bull Help individuals to write letters regarding complaints
bull Attend meetings and give support
bull Speak to other agencies on your behalf when requested
bull Provide information on other services an individual may wish to access
bull Help to obtain medical records
Unit 25 amp 32 Staffordshire University Business VillageDyson Way Staffordshire Technology Park StaffordST18 0TW
Email pohwerpohwernet
Website wwwpohwernet
Tel 0300 456 2370
EXPRESSING COMPLAINTS amp CONCERNS
If unhappy in the waywhich the NHS hashandled a complaint you
can contact the Parliamentary and HealthService Ombudsman please contact by
Parliamentary and Health Service OmbudsmanMillbank Tower Millbank London SW1P 4QP
Tel 0345 015 4033
Website wwwombudsmanorguk
Email phsoenquiriesombudsmanorguk
HEALTHWATCH CHAMPIONS
Become Involved
Anyone can become involved with Healthwatch andcontribute to its activities because everyonersquosviews matter You can do as much or as little asyou like ndash from filling in a survey attending theoccasional meeting about an issue of personalinterest signing up as a Healthwatch Member orbecoming a Healthwatch Champion
What are Healthwatch Champions
Healthwatch Champions are volunteers who act asthe voice of the local community They talk tolocal people about the quality of health amp socialcare in their area and are committed to supportingHealthwatch Staffordshire to improve servicesThis role is vital to the improvement of localservices by prioritising the issues that really matterto you in your own local area
Healthwatch Champions can undertake as much oras little as they like from a range of Championspecific roles
Role of a Champion include
bull Be the eyes and ears of local people and raise issues of concern
bull Make recommendations on how to improve local services
bull Tell people about Healthwatch and encourage them to become involved
bull Promote Healthwatch events and projects to local people
bull Liaise with other peoplegroups involved with engagement work
bull Attend meetings groups amp events as a Healthwatch Member representing your own views based on personal experience
bull Talk to patients about their experiences of using health and social care services
bull Visiting health amp social care providers as part of our Enter amp View portfolio and activity
How to become a Healthwatch Champion
No qualifications are needed to become aHealthwatch Champion just a willingness to listenand talk to a range of individuals an open mindand a desire to raise the voice of local people
Champions who are authorised by HealthwatchStaffordshire will undertake relevant training andsome roles will require a Disclosure and BarringService check (previously CRB check)
You can become a Champion by
Contacting Healthwatch Staffordshire on0800 051 8371 or emailing atenquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
From here we will send you an information packwith additional information about HealthwatchStaffordshire This will include a role descriptor forChampions and an application form for you tocomplete and return to us
It is only with your support that HealthwatchStaffordshire can make a difference to the qualityof local services
Anyone can apply to become a HealthwatchChampion however if you wish to take a lessactive role you can sign up to be a HealthwatchMember where you receive regular updates andnewsletters
NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE
As part of the changes to the NHS brought aboutby the Health and Social Care Act 2012 PrimaryCare Trusts (PCTs) and Strategic HealthAuthorities (SHAs) ceased to exist on the 31March 2013
From April 2013 groups of General Practicesknown as NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups(CCGs) commission health services for theirlocal populations Commissioning healthservices involves identifying the health needs ofthe population and lsquobuyingrsquo the appropriatehigh quality services necessary to meet thoseneeds within the budget allocated
CCGs are membership organisations andtherefore member GP practices will be centralto our work as the North Staffordshire CCGThere are 33 member GP practices and 136 GPscatering for the population of around 213000across the two distinct localities including
Newcastle-under-Lymebull Newcastlebull Kidsgrovebull Keelebull Silverdale
Staffordshire Moorlandsbull Biddulphbull Cheadlebull Leek
The CCG has established four key strategic goalswhich form the focus for the initial years of itsexistence These goals are
bull To increase Life Expectancy and Reduce Inequality
bull To improve prevention early detection and effective management of those most at risk
bull To enhance quality of life and improve health outcomes for people with long term conditions
bull To ensure that people receive the right care inthe right place
CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUP
Getting Involved with the CCG
North Staffordshire CCG believes that engagementis crucial and tries to ensure that the voices ofpatients and members of the North Staffordshirepublic are taken into proper consideration whenthe Clinical Commissioning Group makes importantdecisions about health
It is vital that as many people as possible areinvolved in the process if it is to be effective Itrsquosespecially important for people who traditionallyhave difficulty being heard such as those who arevery elderly or disabled
There are a number of ways that you can supportNorth Staffordshire GPs and the ClinicalCommissioning Group to shape local healthcareservices that meet the needs of local people
The easiest way for individuals to get involved is tojoin the Patient Membership Scheme Anyone isentitled to join if they are registered with a doctorwithin the Newcastle-under-Lyme or theStaffordshire Moorlands regions The PatientMembership Scheme is designed to give people andorganisations the opportunity to have more say inthe NHS and actively participate in designing andshaping healthcare services
North Staffordshire Patient Participation Groups
Consisting of a group of volunteer patients thePractice Manager and one or more of the GPs froma practice Patient Participation Groups (PPGs)meet on a regular basis to discuss the services onoffer and how improvements can be made tobenefit all parties
PPGs help practices to put both the patient andhealthcare at the heart of everything they doOften the action taken by the PPGs all depends onthe local needs of individuals in the locality
In the North Staffordshire CCG the majority of GPPractices already have an existing PPG Anyoneregistered with that practice is entitled to becomea member If you would like to know more aboutyour practice Patient Participation Group and howyou can get involved you should contact your GPpractice directly for further details
For more information about NHS NorthStaffordshire CCG visit-
wwwnorthstaffsccgnhsuk
Write to-NHS North Staffordshire Clinical
Commissioning GroupMorston House
The MidwayNewcastle-under-Lyme
StaffordshireST5 1QG
Tel 0845 602 6772Email nsccgnorthstaffsnhsuk
CHOOSE WELL
Donrsquot be a time loser be a time chooser and make sure you getthe right treatment in the right place at the right time Yourtime is a precious thing Hundreds of people spend hours atAccident and Emergency each week for minor illness andailments when other services would have been moreappropriate
Choose Well ndash Facts and Figures
bull 514m GP consultations are for minor ailments alone which would clear up by themselves or with a little help from an over-the-counter remedy from a pharmacy this is 18 percent of the GP workload nearly half of these consultations are generated by people aged 16 ndash 59 years
bull Up to 40000 GP visits per year are for dandruff 20000 go to their local surgery for travel-sickness and 52 million with blocked noses
bull Two million people who go to AampE could either self-care or have been treated elsewhere in the community 12 percent of people admit to having used AampE in the past even when they knew there was nothing seriously wrong with them
bull The estimated cost of treating people who go to AampE but who could have either self-treated or gone else where is pound136 million a year this is the equivalent cost of 6500 nurses
The following pages will provide details of where and when toaccess the right health services in North Staffordshire and whatyour choices are
Choose Well
AampE 999ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCYOpen 247 365 days a year
The AampE department in NorthStaffordshire is at University Hospital of
North Staffordshire ndashNewcastle Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6QG
The Emergency Department is for ambulance traffic and critical or life-threatening situations only and you should only go there or call 999 ifimmediate emergency care is needed
NHS WALK-INCENTRE
Walk-in centres treat minor illnesses and injuries that donrsquot
need a visit to AampEHanley Health and Welling Being Centre
6971 Stafford Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 1LW
Telephone 0300 123 6759Open 800mdash2000 7 days a week
365 days a year
MINOR INjURY UNITSNewcastle-under-Lyme ndash Haywood HospitalmdashMinor Injuries Unit High LaneBurslem Stoke-on-Trent ST6 7AG Telephone 01782 715 444
Staffordshire Moorlands ndash Leek Moorlands Hospital Ashbourne Road Leek ST135BG Telephone 01538 487103 0300 123 1894
OUT OF HOURS URGENT CAREIf you live in North Staffordshire you should contact Staffordshire DoctorsUrgent Care on 0300 123 0814 0300 790 0247
GP GP SURGERY Your local GP surgery provides a range of services including ndashbull General medical advice and treatment for an illness or injury that wonrsquot
go awaybull Routine health checks ndash Travel advice ndash Prescriptionsbull Help managing long-term medical problemsbull Immunisations and testsbull Referrals to a specialist or a hospital
PHARMACIST PHARMACISTGo to a pharmacist if you have thesymptoms of a cough cold or think
yoursquove got the flu A pharmacist is thebest place to go as they can usually
provide you with the help andinformation you need on the spot
You can speak to any pharmacist for advice on how to treat lots of minorinjuries and common complaints such as coughs colds bites stings aches andpains They also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight orgiving up smoking
NHS 111 NHS 111NHS 111 is available 24 hours a dayand is free to call from landlines and
mobiles and offers confidentialhealth advice and information
Is a new national telephone service if you need medical help fast but itrsquos notlife ndash threatening NHS 111 provides a new way to ensure people receive theright care from the right person in the right time and place
SELF ndash CARESELF CAREEnsure your medicine cabinet is well
stocked withbull Anti-diarrhoeal medicinebull Paracetamol or aspirinbull Rehydration mixturebull Indigestion mixturebull Thermometerbull Plasters
Many patients make appointments to see their Doctor or Nurse when theycould be using a well stocked medicines cabinet or visiting a pharmacist totreat their symptoms ndash and getting the same help or advice a lot quicker Selfcare is the very best choice you can make for treating very minor illnesses andinjuries
CHOOSE WELL
Our GP surgeries also have trainednurses who can give advice take tests
diagnose and be able to treat manyillnesses that used to be only dealt withby doctors - making the level of serviceyou can expect from your GP surgery
even better than ever
HEALTHY LIVING
The choices we make about how we livecan have a significant effect on ourhealth Eating a healthy diet doingregular exercise not smoking and notdrinking too much alcohol can help youstay well and enjoy a long life
Keeping fit and healthy can be a challenge if youare living with a long-term condition but it willmake a big difference to your wellbeing If yoursquovebeen thinking about making changes to yourlifestyle such as stopping smoking losing weighteating healthily drinking a little less alcohol ordoing more exercise therersquos plenty of help andsupport available
Talking to your GP and other healthcare workersincluding pharmacists is the first step Theyrsquollhelp you look at your lifestyle and suggest changesthat are suitable for your condition and anytreatment yoursquore having Your health or careworker can also let you know about local servicesthat can help you
For example if you want to start exercising butyoure unsure how to your GP can put you on theExercise on Referral scheme These schemes arerun with local gyms and fitness centres and caninclude swimming Ask at your GP practice formore information
Your GP can also help you if you want to stopsmoking for instance by enrolling you in a clinicwhere yoursquoll get support from other people whoare also trying to stop Nicotine replacementtherapy and other stop smoking treatmentsprovided by your GP can also help you resistcravings and boost your chances of quittingsuccessfully
Youre never too young or too old to switch to ahealthier lifestyle Children who learn healthyhabits at a young age will benefit from themthroughout their life And giving up bad habits canimprove your health at any age
Rethink your drinking
Drinking too much alcohol could increase your riskof getting 14 major diseases including mouth andthroat cancers liver cirrhosis strokes and mentalhealth problems
Alcohol is believed to be responsible for as many as22000 premature deaths in England and Walesevery year But itrsquos not just binge drinkers who areat risk regularly drinking more than therecommended limit can cause significant healthproblems
Stop Smoking for good
Giving up smoking is probably the best thing youcan do to improve your healthResearch shows that smokingis responsible for almostone in five of alldeaths in the UK Thismeans that smokingcauses an estimated110000 deaths a year
Smokers are almosttwice as likely tohave a heartattack as peoplewho have neversmokedSmoking alsoincreases yourrisk ofdeveloping manycancers and lungdisease
Get active feel fitter live longer
Whatever your age theres strong scientificevidence that being physically active can help youlead a healthier and even happier life
Adults should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activityeach week Young people (5-18) should do 60minutes every day
If you do this it can reduce your risk of heartdisease and stroke by up to 50 and lower your riskof early death by up to 30
CHOOSING A GP
Choosing a GP can seem a daunting task especially if you have just moved into an area and dont knowanything about the local health services But there are some easy ways to find the doctor to suit you Itsimportant to be registered with a doctor because youll need them to refer you for specialist hospital andcommunity treatment services
Try to avoid attending AampE for minor complaints
A surgery may refuse an applicationto join its list of patients if
You dont reside in the surgery area
It has formally closed its list of patients eg when apractice has more patients than it can deal with ornot enough doctors - this is less common than it usedto be
If your application is refused the surgery mustwrite to you and give the reasons for this
How do I find a surgery
Most surgeries operate a fairly strict catchmentarea system and only those who live within thearea may be able to register
This isnt to be awkward but ensures a GP can visita person at home in an emergency in reasonabletime
How do I register
This is straightforward and far easier than mostpeople realise Simply take your NHS medical cardalong to your chosen surgery You will then beasked to sign a registration form
Not all NHS trusts issue medical cards If you donthave one the receptionist will give you form GMS1to fill in
Once youve completed and returned the formsyour local NHS will transfer your medical recordsto your new surgery and write to you to confirmyour registration as a patient with the surgeryMany surgeries ask a new patient to attend alsquoregistration medicalrsquo that checks your generalhealth
What if I canrsquot get an appointmentIf you cant get a doctors appointment or have anon-urgent health problem or query you cancontact a nurse by ringing 111 at any time
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
GP SURGERIES
Your local GP surgery provides a range of services including general medical advice and treatment for illnessesor injuries that just wonrsquot go away
Your local GP surgery provides a wide range of family health services as well as advice on health problems they can alsohelp with
Vaccinations bull Examinations and treatment bull Prescriptions for medicines bull Referrals to other health servicesand social services bull Screening Management of long term conditions preventative care
Please note that GP surgeries in Blythe Bridge are covered by Stoke-on-Trent CCG However there are listedin this directory as they are located in the Staffordshire Moorlands district Patients living in Blythe Bridgeshould contact NHS Stoke-on-Trent CCG 79 London Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7PZ Tel 01782 298002
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
PHARMACIES
Newcastle Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
If you have the symptoms of a cough cold or think yoursquove got the flu a pharmacist is thebest place to go as they can usually provide you the help and information you need onthe spot
They can also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight or giving up smoking
For opening times and NHS SERVICES available from your Pharmacy Please scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit wwwnhsuk
DENTISTS
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Always ask your dentist whether the treatment theyre recommending is available on the NHS and how muchit will cost before you go ahead
Emergency Dental ServiceDental Access Centres are available to treat patients who need emergency treatment This service gives priorityto pain relief and urgent care Not all dentists take on NHS patients you should check before hand
Emergency Dentist out of hours 111 bull Emergency Dentist normal working hours 111
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
OPTICIANS amp HEARING CENTRES
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Hearing Centres Address Telephone
Regular eye tests are important because your eyes donrsquot usually hurt when something is wrong Many eyeconditions can be treated if found early enough A sight test is a vital health check for your eyes It can pickup early signs of conditions that can affect the eyes before yoursquore aware of any symptoms
Including Diabetes bull Macular Degeneration bull Glaucoma
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
ARE YOU A CARER
A Carer spends a significant proportion of their life providing unpaid support to family or friends Thiscould be caring for a relative partner or friend who has a long term illness or disability includingmental illness alcohol or drug misuse or those that are elderly forgetful or frail
Caring can be a very difficult demanding and all-consuming task no matter how close you are to theperson you care for
Caring can affect your health making you feel tired frustrated stressed and feeling guilty leaving you withno time to yourself In fact 52 of carers need treatment for stress related problems and many carers feelthey have to give up work because of the effects caring has on their life
You are not alone It is estimated there are around 65 million Carers in the UK today You are certainly notalone but you still need to take care of yourself as well as the person you care for
Thankfully armed with the right support and information caring can be a rewarding and enjoyableexperience Just follow a few simple tips that can make a real difference
bull Ask for Help We all need help from time to time and carers are no exception Help is out there you only need to ask
bull Know your rights It sounds simple but knowing what yoursquore entitled to and what support is available can help a great deal
bull Tell your GP Your GP practice can record that you are a carer to ensure you get your annual flu vaccination and additional support as a carer
bull Have an assessment This can sound a little daunting at first but ensuring that you and the person you care for get an assessment of your needs through the Local Authority can give you access to a whole host of additional practical help and support
bull Be a little selfish We all need time to ourselves but itrsquos particularly important for carers This could be as simple as setting some me time aside for a relaxing bath or a night out
We at North Staffs Carers Association are there to help and benefit informal
unpaid Carers in the North Staffordshire area
North Staffs Carers is a registered Charity which provides information training and
ongoing support in the most appropriate way to Carers of all ages living in the districts
of Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
The Carers Centre Fenn House Duke Street Fenton Staffordshire ST4 3NRTelephone 01782 793100 Fax 01782 330792 bull Website wwwcarersfirstcom
There are an estimated 80000 Carers in Staffordshire help and support is available locally from the North Staffs Carers Association If yoursquore a carer and you need someone to talk to contact
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Aids and Adaptations If you or a member of your family has difficultyliving in your home due to a long-term illness ordisability you may be able to get help by adaptingyour home to better meet your needs You canapply to your local council for a disabled facilitiesgrant The grant helps you adapt your home tomake it suitable for a disabled person Dependingon your income you may need to pay towards thecost of the work to the property
You could get a grant from your council if yoursquoredisabled and need to make changes to yourhome for example to
bull widen doors and install rampsbull improve access to rooms and facilities - eg
stairlifts or a downstairs bathroombull provide a heating system suitable for your
needsbull adapt heating or lighting controls to make
them easier to use
How can I find out more about the aids andadaptations that would help me
Contact your social services department at yourlocal council about what difficulties you are havingat home They will send an occupational therapistto carry out an assessment and provide advice onwhich equipment or housing adaptation needs suityou best
Assistive Technology can help vulnerable peopleand their carers live more independently in theirown homes
Telecare which is part of assistive technology cansupport people whose sight hearing or cognitionmay have deteriorated This could be due tophysical or mental conditions which may have along-term effect on their health and wellbeing
There are many Telecare devices whichautomatically alert a 24-hour monitoring centre oryour chosen carer should you need assistanceThere are also Telehealth solutions which monitormedical conditions in your own home speak toyour GP to find out more about Telehealth
Telecare Technology Can
bull Raise an alarm in case of a fall or emergencybull Raise alerts for floods smoke carbon
monoxidebull Support a medication regimebull 24-hour reassurance for family and carers in
the knowledge that they will be alertedin the event of an incident
Telecare may be of benefit to
bull Older infirm or disabled peoplebull People who have been discharged from
hospital and need additional support at homebull People with sensory impairmentsbull Vulnerable people of any age living alone
Telecare also offers support and reassurance tocarers in the knowledge they will be alerted in theevent of an incident In this way Telecare can beof assistance to carers of people with dementiaphysical disabilities learning disabilities and long-term medical conditions
ADVICE ON PAYING FOR CARE
You may need to pay for all of your own care or youmay be entitled to local authority funding NHS care(free) or have entitlements to welfare benefits tohelp pay for your care and support
For most people needing social care services thefirst place to start is by asking your local authorityfor an assessment of your social care (care andsupport) needs As part of this the local authoritymay also carry out a financial assessment Thisassessment will determine whether the localauthority will meet all the cost of your care orwhether you will need to contribute towards yourcare cost or whether you will have to meet the fullcosts yourself Some of the rules for this financialassessment are applied differently based on whetheryou need care in your own home or care in aresidential home
There are several options for funding care andunderstanding them and which ones apply to youcan be complicated These options depend on yourneed for care and support as well as your personaland financial circumstances
Get personal advice on care funding
The cost of care and support is likely to be a long-term commitment and may be substantialparticularly if you opt for residential care If you ora member of the family need to pay for care athome or in a care home itrsquos important tounderstand the alternatives This makes advicetailored to your individual needs vital You can get advice from
Your local authority ndash through an assessment of yourcare and support needs as well as advice on whichservices are available locally
Financial advice from a qualified independentsource ndash there are independent financial adviserswho specialise in care funding advice They areregulated by the Financial Conduct Authority andmust stick to a code of conduct and ethics and takeshared responsibility for the suitability of anyproduct they recommend
Care and support services are means-tested and are not free to everyone Most people have to paysomething towards their own care and some will have to pay for all of the costs Who pays depends onwhat your needs are how much money you have and what level and type of care and support you require
The Mental Capacity Act
bull The actrsquos purpose is to allow adults to make as many decisions as they can for themselves
bull To enable adults to make advance decisions about whether they would like future medical treatment
bull To allow adults to appoint in advance of losing mental capacity another person to make decisions about personal welfare or property on their behalf at a future date
bull To allow decisions concerning personal welfare or property and affairs to be made in the best interests of adults when they have not made any future plans and cannot make a decision at the time
bull To ensure an NHS body or local authority will appoint an independent mental capacity advocate to support someone who cannot make a decision about seriousmedical treatment or about hospital care home or residential accommodation when there are no family or friends to be consulted
bull To provide protection against legal liability for carers who have honestly and reasonably sought to act in the personrsquos best interests
bull To provide clarity and safeguards around research in relation to those who lack capacity
LEGAL TERMS
Every day people make decisions about lots ofthings in their lives The ability to make decisionsis called mental capacity People may havedifficulties making some decisions either all orsome of the time This could be because they havea learning disability dementia a mental healthproblem or could be the result of a head injury ora stroke or a temporary condition such as anillness accident or the influence of alcohol ordrugs
Listed below are details about some of the legalterms and topics you may come across You mayneed to contact a solicitor who can give youimpartial advice which you may have to pay for oryou can contact an advocate who can advise onyour behalf
Lasting Power Of Attorney allows you to appointsomeone you trust to make decisions about yourpersonal welfare including healthcare and yourfinancial affairs
The Court of Protection can issue Ordersdirecting the management of a personrsquos propertyand financial affairs if you are incapable ofmanaging your own affairs and do not have aLasting Power of Attorney
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards protectspeople in residential care or hospital who areunable to make decisions for themselves due to abrain disorder If any of these people need to berestrained restricted or deprived in order to givethem physical care or keep them safe a Deprivationof Liberty Safeguards authorisation may be required
CARE IN YOUR OWN HOMEIf you are finding it difficult to manage at home you could consider using the services of a home careprovider Home care providers employ care assistants who can help you with bathing washing and dressingThe staff who work for these agencies are trained in personal care and safety procedures moving andhandling hygiene and infection control If you require nursing care at home many agencies employregistered nurses
This is only one option of supporting yourself with care at home Another could be to employ a personalassistant
A list of the care agencies registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who are located in the NorthStaffordshire CCG areas can be found below
Organising your own home care
If you are thinking about arranging your own home care it is a good idea to ask any agencies youapproach the following questions
bull Are there different rates for weekendseveningsbull Are there any extra charges ie for the carers travelling expensesbull What sort of services do you providebull Will somebody visit me before the service starts bull If you provide me with a service can I contact you out of office hours If so howbull Are your carers trainedbull Do you take up references on your carersbull Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission
To check up-to-date information on the providers of homecare in your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE with your Smartphone
Care Provider Address Telephone
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CAREThere are many types of residential care homes availableThese include permanent care homes for older peoplehomes for younger adults with disabilities and homes forchildren They may be privately owned or run by thevoluntary sector or local authorities You may want toconsider in detail the many options for residential carebefore you make a decision
Older PeopleCare homes for older people may provide personal care ornursing care A care home which is registered to providepersonal care (see the section on care home regulationbelow) will offer support ensuring that basic personal needssuch as meals bathing going to the toilet and medicationare taken care of In some homes more able residents havegreater independence and take care of many of their ownneeds
Some residents may need medical care and some care homesare registered to provide this These are often referred to asnursing homes Some homes specialise in certain types ofdisability for example dementia
Adults Aged 18-65There are also residential care homes that provide care andsupport for younger adults with for example severe physicaldisabilities learning disabilities acquired brain injuryprogressive neurological conditions or mental healthproblems Care can be provided for adults with more than
one condition and some homes have expertise in providingcare for adults with alcohol or drug dependency These homes offer permanent residence or provide care for atemporary period until the adult is able to live independentlyor move to a different type of accommodation
Choosing between residential care and independent livingSocial services normally encourage younger adults who theyassess for support to be as independent as theircircumstances allow The care plan for adults with disabilitieswill consider what independent tasks they can carry out andhow they can be helped to achieve more Even if adults havevery severe disabilities their needs are reviewed from time totime to check whether residential care or a very high level ofsupport is still appropriate
Supported living may be an option for younger adults Thisallows people to live independently in the community butwith basic support The support offered includes help withsetting up a home and managing finances and assistancewith cleaning and shopping
For older people there are various alternatives to residentialcare These include sheltered housing and extra care housingschemes which offer independence with an increased levelof care and support
For many people there is also the choice of livingindependently at home with community care support
Choice of Accommodation
The law says that where the local authority is fundingaccommodation it must allow the person enteringresidential care to choose which care home they wouldprefer Social services must first agree that the home issuitable for the personrsquos needs and that it would notcost more than they would normally pay for a homethat would meet those needs If the person chooses togo into a more expensive home a relative or friendmay be able to lsquotop uprsquo the difference in cost
Choosing a Care Home
Care homes may be arranged through the local authority but many people will want to arrange themindependently It is a good idea to visit several homesbefore making a choice Make sure you spend enoughtime in each home to get a good idea of what it is like
Respite and Short Term Stays
Residential care home stays dont necessarily have to bepermanent Temporary stays can be arranged forrespite care (in which you take a break from caring forsomebody else) or as a trial period before apermanent stay
Temporary stays can give you flexibility whencovering unexpected events such as
bull Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness
bull Support for newly disabled people and their carers
bull Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care
bull Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes
What your choices are
A list of all nursing and residential care homes withinyour locality can be found on the following pages Everycare home in England must be registered with thenational regulatory body Care Quality Commission(CQC)
They inspect each care home on a regular basis andwrite an inspection report for you to read It isadvisable to read this report before making a finaldecision
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CARE
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGNewcastle-Under-Lyme
Residential Address Telephone
Nursing Address Telephone
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGStaffordshire Moorlands
Address TelephoneResidential
Nursing Address Telephone
To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
EXPRESSING COMPLAINTS amp CONCERNS
General Practitioners (GPs)If you want to make a complaint or express aconcern relating to your GP Practice your firstport of call would be to contact your GPdirectly If you wish to take your complaint orconcern further CCGs are also interested inknowing about patientsrsquo concerns (as CCGscommission GP Practices) and are willing toreceive complaints about the provider servicesthey commission These concerns would bedirected to the Commissioning Support Unit(CSU) PALS service
The CSU PALS will try to resolve concerns willsupport patients to make formal complaintswhere necessary and will refer eligible patientsto the NHS Complaints Support Service Please contact
Commissioning Support Unit PALS
Tel 0800 030 4563
Text Phone 075 406 68541 or
Email palsstaffordshirecssnhsukor feedbackstaffordshirecssnhsuk
If you are unhappy with any aspect of your carewhilst attending the University Hospital of NorthStaffordshire (UHNS) then you should contactUHNS Provider PALS service PALS is animpartial welcoming open and confidentialservice for people who would like information oradvice or would like to comment about anyaspect of the services provided by UniversityHospital Please contact
UHNS PALS
Tel 01782 676450 01782 676455
Email patientadviceuhnsnhsuk
If you want to express a concern or make acomplaint about any aspect of NHS Treatment oradult social care you have received from theStaffordshire and Stoke on Trent PartnershipTrust please contact
Complaints Team Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Partnership NHS Trust Morston House TheMidway Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffordshire ST5 1QG
Tel 0845 602 6772
Email complaintsssotpnhsuk
If you want to express a concern or make acomplaint regarding any aspect of NHSTreatment or social care which you havereceived from the North Staffs CombinedHealthcare NHS Trust please contact
North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHSTrust Harplands Hospital Hilton Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6TH
Tel 0800 389 9676 01782 275031
Email complaintsnorthstaffsnhsuk
If you are not satisfied with theoutcome of a decision taken youcan contact NHS England who willtry and do everything that it can to
respond well If you have a complaintconcerning the treatment or service provided bythe NHS please contact
NHS England PO Box 16738 Redditch B97 9PT
Tel 0300 311 2233 (Mon-Fri 800 ndash 1800)
Web wwwenglandnhsukcontact-uscomplaint
Email Englandcontactusnhsnet
If you are unhappy aboutthe way StaffordshireCounty Council has
delivered social care services and would like toexpress a complaint or concern please contact
The Monitoring Officer Staffordshire CountyCouncil Peel Building St Chads PlaceStafford ST16 2LR
Tel 0300 111 8000
Email customerfeedbackstaffordshiregovuk
NHS Complaints Support Service
ldquoThe NHS ComplaintsSupport Service is there to provide advocacysupport to people who wish to make acomplaint about the service ndash or lack of it ndash thatthey have received during a Health Servicedelivery circumstancerdquo
Delivered by POhWER advocates will support anindividual through the complaints process Theywill explain the options available and supportyou to pursue your chosen course of action
ECSHealthwatch Staffordshire will be workingalongside POhWER in order to provide theadvocacy service to those who wish to engagewith health care services in Staffordshire
They do not however investigate or encouragecomplaints nor do they offer legal or medicaladvice
The NHS Complaints Support Service isfree independent and confidential
What can they do
bull Provide individuals with a Self Help Information pack to help them find their own way through the complaints process
bull Explain how the NHS complaints procedure works
bull Listen to a complaint and discuss options available
bull Help individuals to write letters regarding complaints
bull Attend meetings and give support
bull Speak to other agencies on your behalf when requested
bull Provide information on other services an individual may wish to access
bull Help to obtain medical records
Unit 25 amp 32 Staffordshire University Business VillageDyson Way Staffordshire Technology Park StaffordST18 0TW
Email pohwerpohwernet
Website wwwpohwernet
Tel 0300 456 2370
EXPRESSING COMPLAINTS amp CONCERNS
If unhappy in the waywhich the NHS hashandled a complaint you
can contact the Parliamentary and HealthService Ombudsman please contact by
Parliamentary and Health Service OmbudsmanMillbank Tower Millbank London SW1P 4QP
Tel 0345 015 4033
Website wwwombudsmanorguk
Email phsoenquiriesombudsmanorguk
HEALTHWATCH CHAMPIONS
Become Involved
Anyone can become involved with Healthwatch andcontribute to its activities because everyonersquosviews matter You can do as much or as little asyou like ndash from filling in a survey attending theoccasional meeting about an issue of personalinterest signing up as a Healthwatch Member orbecoming a Healthwatch Champion
What are Healthwatch Champions
Healthwatch Champions are volunteers who act asthe voice of the local community They talk tolocal people about the quality of health amp socialcare in their area and are committed to supportingHealthwatch Staffordshire to improve servicesThis role is vital to the improvement of localservices by prioritising the issues that really matterto you in your own local area
Healthwatch Champions can undertake as much oras little as they like from a range of Championspecific roles
Role of a Champion include
bull Be the eyes and ears of local people and raise issues of concern
bull Make recommendations on how to improve local services
bull Tell people about Healthwatch and encourage them to become involved
bull Promote Healthwatch events and projects to local people
bull Liaise with other peoplegroups involved with engagement work
bull Attend meetings groups amp events as a Healthwatch Member representing your own views based on personal experience
bull Talk to patients about their experiences of using health and social care services
bull Visiting health amp social care providers as part of our Enter amp View portfolio and activity
How to become a Healthwatch Champion
No qualifications are needed to become aHealthwatch Champion just a willingness to listenand talk to a range of individuals an open mindand a desire to raise the voice of local people
Champions who are authorised by HealthwatchStaffordshire will undertake relevant training andsome roles will require a Disclosure and BarringService check (previously CRB check)
You can become a Champion by
Contacting Healthwatch Staffordshire on0800 051 8371 or emailing atenquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
From here we will send you an information packwith additional information about HealthwatchStaffordshire This will include a role descriptor forChampions and an application form for you tocomplete and return to us
It is only with your support that HealthwatchStaffordshire can make a difference to the qualityof local services
Anyone can apply to become a HealthwatchChampion however if you wish to take a lessactive role you can sign up to be a HealthwatchMember where you receive regular updates andnewsletters
NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE
As part of the changes to the NHS brought aboutby the Health and Social Care Act 2012 PrimaryCare Trusts (PCTs) and Strategic HealthAuthorities (SHAs) ceased to exist on the 31March 2013
From April 2013 groups of General Practicesknown as NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups(CCGs) commission health services for theirlocal populations Commissioning healthservices involves identifying the health needs ofthe population and lsquobuyingrsquo the appropriatehigh quality services necessary to meet thoseneeds within the budget allocated
CCGs are membership organisations andtherefore member GP practices will be centralto our work as the North Staffordshire CCGThere are 33 member GP practices and 136 GPscatering for the population of around 213000across the two distinct localities including
Newcastle-under-Lymebull Newcastlebull Kidsgrovebull Keelebull Silverdale
Staffordshire Moorlandsbull Biddulphbull Cheadlebull Leek
The CCG has established four key strategic goalswhich form the focus for the initial years of itsexistence These goals are
bull To increase Life Expectancy and Reduce Inequality
bull To improve prevention early detection and effective management of those most at risk
bull To enhance quality of life and improve health outcomes for people with long term conditions
bull To ensure that people receive the right care inthe right place
CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUP
Getting Involved with the CCG
North Staffordshire CCG believes that engagementis crucial and tries to ensure that the voices ofpatients and members of the North Staffordshirepublic are taken into proper consideration whenthe Clinical Commissioning Group makes importantdecisions about health
It is vital that as many people as possible areinvolved in the process if it is to be effective Itrsquosespecially important for people who traditionallyhave difficulty being heard such as those who arevery elderly or disabled
There are a number of ways that you can supportNorth Staffordshire GPs and the ClinicalCommissioning Group to shape local healthcareservices that meet the needs of local people
The easiest way for individuals to get involved is tojoin the Patient Membership Scheme Anyone isentitled to join if they are registered with a doctorwithin the Newcastle-under-Lyme or theStaffordshire Moorlands regions The PatientMembership Scheme is designed to give people andorganisations the opportunity to have more say inthe NHS and actively participate in designing andshaping healthcare services
North Staffordshire Patient Participation Groups
Consisting of a group of volunteer patients thePractice Manager and one or more of the GPs froma practice Patient Participation Groups (PPGs)meet on a regular basis to discuss the services onoffer and how improvements can be made tobenefit all parties
PPGs help practices to put both the patient andhealthcare at the heart of everything they doOften the action taken by the PPGs all depends onthe local needs of individuals in the locality
In the North Staffordshire CCG the majority of GPPractices already have an existing PPG Anyoneregistered with that practice is entitled to becomea member If you would like to know more aboutyour practice Patient Participation Group and howyou can get involved you should contact your GPpractice directly for further details
For more information about NHS NorthStaffordshire CCG visit-
wwwnorthstaffsccgnhsuk
Write to-NHS North Staffordshire Clinical
Commissioning GroupMorston House
The MidwayNewcastle-under-Lyme
StaffordshireST5 1QG
Tel 0845 602 6772Email nsccgnorthstaffsnhsuk
CHOOSE WELL
Donrsquot be a time loser be a time chooser and make sure you getthe right treatment in the right place at the right time Yourtime is a precious thing Hundreds of people spend hours atAccident and Emergency each week for minor illness andailments when other services would have been moreappropriate
Choose Well ndash Facts and Figures
bull 514m GP consultations are for minor ailments alone which would clear up by themselves or with a little help from an over-the-counter remedy from a pharmacy this is 18 percent of the GP workload nearly half of these consultations are generated by people aged 16 ndash 59 years
bull Up to 40000 GP visits per year are for dandruff 20000 go to their local surgery for travel-sickness and 52 million with blocked noses
bull Two million people who go to AampE could either self-care or have been treated elsewhere in the community 12 percent of people admit to having used AampE in the past even when they knew there was nothing seriously wrong with them
bull The estimated cost of treating people who go to AampE but who could have either self-treated or gone else where is pound136 million a year this is the equivalent cost of 6500 nurses
The following pages will provide details of where and when toaccess the right health services in North Staffordshire and whatyour choices are
Choose Well
AampE 999ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCYOpen 247 365 days a year
The AampE department in NorthStaffordshire is at University Hospital of
North Staffordshire ndashNewcastle Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6QG
The Emergency Department is for ambulance traffic and critical or life-threatening situations only and you should only go there or call 999 ifimmediate emergency care is needed
NHS WALK-INCENTRE
Walk-in centres treat minor illnesses and injuries that donrsquot
need a visit to AampEHanley Health and Welling Being Centre
6971 Stafford Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 1LW
Telephone 0300 123 6759Open 800mdash2000 7 days a week
365 days a year
MINOR INjURY UNITSNewcastle-under-Lyme ndash Haywood HospitalmdashMinor Injuries Unit High LaneBurslem Stoke-on-Trent ST6 7AG Telephone 01782 715 444
Staffordshire Moorlands ndash Leek Moorlands Hospital Ashbourne Road Leek ST135BG Telephone 01538 487103 0300 123 1894
OUT OF HOURS URGENT CAREIf you live in North Staffordshire you should contact Staffordshire DoctorsUrgent Care on 0300 123 0814 0300 790 0247
GP GP SURGERY Your local GP surgery provides a range of services including ndashbull General medical advice and treatment for an illness or injury that wonrsquot
go awaybull Routine health checks ndash Travel advice ndash Prescriptionsbull Help managing long-term medical problemsbull Immunisations and testsbull Referrals to a specialist or a hospital
PHARMACIST PHARMACISTGo to a pharmacist if you have thesymptoms of a cough cold or think
yoursquove got the flu A pharmacist is thebest place to go as they can usually
provide you with the help andinformation you need on the spot
You can speak to any pharmacist for advice on how to treat lots of minorinjuries and common complaints such as coughs colds bites stings aches andpains They also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight orgiving up smoking
NHS 111 NHS 111NHS 111 is available 24 hours a dayand is free to call from landlines and
mobiles and offers confidentialhealth advice and information
Is a new national telephone service if you need medical help fast but itrsquos notlife ndash threatening NHS 111 provides a new way to ensure people receive theright care from the right person in the right time and place
SELF ndash CARESELF CAREEnsure your medicine cabinet is well
stocked withbull Anti-diarrhoeal medicinebull Paracetamol or aspirinbull Rehydration mixturebull Indigestion mixturebull Thermometerbull Plasters
Many patients make appointments to see their Doctor or Nurse when theycould be using a well stocked medicines cabinet or visiting a pharmacist totreat their symptoms ndash and getting the same help or advice a lot quicker Selfcare is the very best choice you can make for treating very minor illnesses andinjuries
CHOOSE WELL
Our GP surgeries also have trainednurses who can give advice take tests
diagnose and be able to treat manyillnesses that used to be only dealt withby doctors - making the level of serviceyou can expect from your GP surgery
even better than ever
HEALTHY LIVING
The choices we make about how we livecan have a significant effect on ourhealth Eating a healthy diet doingregular exercise not smoking and notdrinking too much alcohol can help youstay well and enjoy a long life
Keeping fit and healthy can be a challenge if youare living with a long-term condition but it willmake a big difference to your wellbeing If yoursquovebeen thinking about making changes to yourlifestyle such as stopping smoking losing weighteating healthily drinking a little less alcohol ordoing more exercise therersquos plenty of help andsupport available
Talking to your GP and other healthcare workersincluding pharmacists is the first step Theyrsquollhelp you look at your lifestyle and suggest changesthat are suitable for your condition and anytreatment yoursquore having Your health or careworker can also let you know about local servicesthat can help you
For example if you want to start exercising butyoure unsure how to your GP can put you on theExercise on Referral scheme These schemes arerun with local gyms and fitness centres and caninclude swimming Ask at your GP practice formore information
Your GP can also help you if you want to stopsmoking for instance by enrolling you in a clinicwhere yoursquoll get support from other people whoare also trying to stop Nicotine replacementtherapy and other stop smoking treatmentsprovided by your GP can also help you resistcravings and boost your chances of quittingsuccessfully
Youre never too young or too old to switch to ahealthier lifestyle Children who learn healthyhabits at a young age will benefit from themthroughout their life And giving up bad habits canimprove your health at any age
Rethink your drinking
Drinking too much alcohol could increase your riskof getting 14 major diseases including mouth andthroat cancers liver cirrhosis strokes and mentalhealth problems
Alcohol is believed to be responsible for as many as22000 premature deaths in England and Walesevery year But itrsquos not just binge drinkers who areat risk regularly drinking more than therecommended limit can cause significant healthproblems
Stop Smoking for good
Giving up smoking is probably the best thing youcan do to improve your healthResearch shows that smokingis responsible for almostone in five of alldeaths in the UK Thismeans that smokingcauses an estimated110000 deaths a year
Smokers are almosttwice as likely tohave a heartattack as peoplewho have neversmokedSmoking alsoincreases yourrisk ofdeveloping manycancers and lungdisease
Get active feel fitter live longer
Whatever your age theres strong scientificevidence that being physically active can help youlead a healthier and even happier life
Adults should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activityeach week Young people (5-18) should do 60minutes every day
If you do this it can reduce your risk of heartdisease and stroke by up to 50 and lower your riskof early death by up to 30
CHOOSING A GP
Choosing a GP can seem a daunting task especially if you have just moved into an area and dont knowanything about the local health services But there are some easy ways to find the doctor to suit you Itsimportant to be registered with a doctor because youll need them to refer you for specialist hospital andcommunity treatment services
Try to avoid attending AampE for minor complaints
A surgery may refuse an applicationto join its list of patients if
You dont reside in the surgery area
It has formally closed its list of patients eg when apractice has more patients than it can deal with ornot enough doctors - this is less common than it usedto be
If your application is refused the surgery mustwrite to you and give the reasons for this
How do I find a surgery
Most surgeries operate a fairly strict catchmentarea system and only those who live within thearea may be able to register
This isnt to be awkward but ensures a GP can visita person at home in an emergency in reasonabletime
How do I register
This is straightforward and far easier than mostpeople realise Simply take your NHS medical cardalong to your chosen surgery You will then beasked to sign a registration form
Not all NHS trusts issue medical cards If you donthave one the receptionist will give you form GMS1to fill in
Once youve completed and returned the formsyour local NHS will transfer your medical recordsto your new surgery and write to you to confirmyour registration as a patient with the surgeryMany surgeries ask a new patient to attend alsquoregistration medicalrsquo that checks your generalhealth
What if I canrsquot get an appointmentIf you cant get a doctors appointment or have anon-urgent health problem or query you cancontact a nurse by ringing 111 at any time
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
GP SURGERIES
Your local GP surgery provides a range of services including general medical advice and treatment for illnessesor injuries that just wonrsquot go away
Your local GP surgery provides a wide range of family health services as well as advice on health problems they can alsohelp with
Vaccinations bull Examinations and treatment bull Prescriptions for medicines bull Referrals to other health servicesand social services bull Screening Management of long term conditions preventative care
Please note that GP surgeries in Blythe Bridge are covered by Stoke-on-Trent CCG However there are listedin this directory as they are located in the Staffordshire Moorlands district Patients living in Blythe Bridgeshould contact NHS Stoke-on-Trent CCG 79 London Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7PZ Tel 01782 298002
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
PHARMACIES
Newcastle Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
If you have the symptoms of a cough cold or think yoursquove got the flu a pharmacist is thebest place to go as they can usually provide you the help and information you need onthe spot
They can also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight or giving up smoking
For opening times and NHS SERVICES available from your Pharmacy Please scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit wwwnhsuk
DENTISTS
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Always ask your dentist whether the treatment theyre recommending is available on the NHS and how muchit will cost before you go ahead
Emergency Dental ServiceDental Access Centres are available to treat patients who need emergency treatment This service gives priorityto pain relief and urgent care Not all dentists take on NHS patients you should check before hand
Emergency Dentist out of hours 111 bull Emergency Dentist normal working hours 111
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
OPTICIANS amp HEARING CENTRES
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Hearing Centres Address Telephone
Regular eye tests are important because your eyes donrsquot usually hurt when something is wrong Many eyeconditions can be treated if found early enough A sight test is a vital health check for your eyes It can pickup early signs of conditions that can affect the eyes before yoursquore aware of any symptoms
Including Diabetes bull Macular Degeneration bull Glaucoma
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
ARE YOU A CARER
A Carer spends a significant proportion of their life providing unpaid support to family or friends Thiscould be caring for a relative partner or friend who has a long term illness or disability includingmental illness alcohol or drug misuse or those that are elderly forgetful or frail
Caring can be a very difficult demanding and all-consuming task no matter how close you are to theperson you care for
Caring can affect your health making you feel tired frustrated stressed and feeling guilty leaving you withno time to yourself In fact 52 of carers need treatment for stress related problems and many carers feelthey have to give up work because of the effects caring has on their life
You are not alone It is estimated there are around 65 million Carers in the UK today You are certainly notalone but you still need to take care of yourself as well as the person you care for
Thankfully armed with the right support and information caring can be a rewarding and enjoyableexperience Just follow a few simple tips that can make a real difference
bull Ask for Help We all need help from time to time and carers are no exception Help is out there you only need to ask
bull Know your rights It sounds simple but knowing what yoursquore entitled to and what support is available can help a great deal
bull Tell your GP Your GP practice can record that you are a carer to ensure you get your annual flu vaccination and additional support as a carer
bull Have an assessment This can sound a little daunting at first but ensuring that you and the person you care for get an assessment of your needs through the Local Authority can give you access to a whole host of additional practical help and support
bull Be a little selfish We all need time to ourselves but itrsquos particularly important for carers This could be as simple as setting some me time aside for a relaxing bath or a night out
We at North Staffs Carers Association are there to help and benefit informal
unpaid Carers in the North Staffordshire area
North Staffs Carers is a registered Charity which provides information training and
ongoing support in the most appropriate way to Carers of all ages living in the districts
of Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
The Carers Centre Fenn House Duke Street Fenton Staffordshire ST4 3NRTelephone 01782 793100 Fax 01782 330792 bull Website wwwcarersfirstcom
There are an estimated 80000 Carers in Staffordshire help and support is available locally from the North Staffs Carers Association If yoursquore a carer and you need someone to talk to contact
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Aids and Adaptations If you or a member of your family has difficultyliving in your home due to a long-term illness ordisability you may be able to get help by adaptingyour home to better meet your needs You canapply to your local council for a disabled facilitiesgrant The grant helps you adapt your home tomake it suitable for a disabled person Dependingon your income you may need to pay towards thecost of the work to the property
You could get a grant from your council if yoursquoredisabled and need to make changes to yourhome for example to
bull widen doors and install rampsbull improve access to rooms and facilities - eg
stairlifts or a downstairs bathroombull provide a heating system suitable for your
needsbull adapt heating or lighting controls to make
them easier to use
How can I find out more about the aids andadaptations that would help me
Contact your social services department at yourlocal council about what difficulties you are havingat home They will send an occupational therapistto carry out an assessment and provide advice onwhich equipment or housing adaptation needs suityou best
Assistive Technology can help vulnerable peopleand their carers live more independently in theirown homes
Telecare which is part of assistive technology cansupport people whose sight hearing or cognitionmay have deteriorated This could be due tophysical or mental conditions which may have along-term effect on their health and wellbeing
There are many Telecare devices whichautomatically alert a 24-hour monitoring centre oryour chosen carer should you need assistanceThere are also Telehealth solutions which monitormedical conditions in your own home speak toyour GP to find out more about Telehealth
Telecare Technology Can
bull Raise an alarm in case of a fall or emergencybull Raise alerts for floods smoke carbon
monoxidebull Support a medication regimebull 24-hour reassurance for family and carers in
the knowledge that they will be alertedin the event of an incident
Telecare may be of benefit to
bull Older infirm or disabled peoplebull People who have been discharged from
hospital and need additional support at homebull People with sensory impairmentsbull Vulnerable people of any age living alone
Telecare also offers support and reassurance tocarers in the knowledge they will be alerted in theevent of an incident In this way Telecare can beof assistance to carers of people with dementiaphysical disabilities learning disabilities and long-term medical conditions
ADVICE ON PAYING FOR CARE
You may need to pay for all of your own care or youmay be entitled to local authority funding NHS care(free) or have entitlements to welfare benefits tohelp pay for your care and support
For most people needing social care services thefirst place to start is by asking your local authorityfor an assessment of your social care (care andsupport) needs As part of this the local authoritymay also carry out a financial assessment Thisassessment will determine whether the localauthority will meet all the cost of your care orwhether you will need to contribute towards yourcare cost or whether you will have to meet the fullcosts yourself Some of the rules for this financialassessment are applied differently based on whetheryou need care in your own home or care in aresidential home
There are several options for funding care andunderstanding them and which ones apply to youcan be complicated These options depend on yourneed for care and support as well as your personaland financial circumstances
Get personal advice on care funding
The cost of care and support is likely to be a long-term commitment and may be substantialparticularly if you opt for residential care If you ora member of the family need to pay for care athome or in a care home itrsquos important tounderstand the alternatives This makes advicetailored to your individual needs vital You can get advice from
Your local authority ndash through an assessment of yourcare and support needs as well as advice on whichservices are available locally
Financial advice from a qualified independentsource ndash there are independent financial adviserswho specialise in care funding advice They areregulated by the Financial Conduct Authority andmust stick to a code of conduct and ethics and takeshared responsibility for the suitability of anyproduct they recommend
Care and support services are means-tested and are not free to everyone Most people have to paysomething towards their own care and some will have to pay for all of the costs Who pays depends onwhat your needs are how much money you have and what level and type of care and support you require
The Mental Capacity Act
bull The actrsquos purpose is to allow adults to make as many decisions as they can for themselves
bull To enable adults to make advance decisions about whether they would like future medical treatment
bull To allow adults to appoint in advance of losing mental capacity another person to make decisions about personal welfare or property on their behalf at a future date
bull To allow decisions concerning personal welfare or property and affairs to be made in the best interests of adults when they have not made any future plans and cannot make a decision at the time
bull To ensure an NHS body or local authority will appoint an independent mental capacity advocate to support someone who cannot make a decision about seriousmedical treatment or about hospital care home or residential accommodation when there are no family or friends to be consulted
bull To provide protection against legal liability for carers who have honestly and reasonably sought to act in the personrsquos best interests
bull To provide clarity and safeguards around research in relation to those who lack capacity
LEGAL TERMS
Every day people make decisions about lots ofthings in their lives The ability to make decisionsis called mental capacity People may havedifficulties making some decisions either all orsome of the time This could be because they havea learning disability dementia a mental healthproblem or could be the result of a head injury ora stroke or a temporary condition such as anillness accident or the influence of alcohol ordrugs
Listed below are details about some of the legalterms and topics you may come across You mayneed to contact a solicitor who can give youimpartial advice which you may have to pay for oryou can contact an advocate who can advise onyour behalf
Lasting Power Of Attorney allows you to appointsomeone you trust to make decisions about yourpersonal welfare including healthcare and yourfinancial affairs
The Court of Protection can issue Ordersdirecting the management of a personrsquos propertyand financial affairs if you are incapable ofmanaging your own affairs and do not have aLasting Power of Attorney
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards protectspeople in residential care or hospital who areunable to make decisions for themselves due to abrain disorder If any of these people need to berestrained restricted or deprived in order to givethem physical care or keep them safe a Deprivationof Liberty Safeguards authorisation may be required
CARE IN YOUR OWN HOMEIf you are finding it difficult to manage at home you could consider using the services of a home careprovider Home care providers employ care assistants who can help you with bathing washing and dressingThe staff who work for these agencies are trained in personal care and safety procedures moving andhandling hygiene and infection control If you require nursing care at home many agencies employregistered nurses
This is only one option of supporting yourself with care at home Another could be to employ a personalassistant
A list of the care agencies registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who are located in the NorthStaffordshire CCG areas can be found below
Organising your own home care
If you are thinking about arranging your own home care it is a good idea to ask any agencies youapproach the following questions
bull Are there different rates for weekendseveningsbull Are there any extra charges ie for the carers travelling expensesbull What sort of services do you providebull Will somebody visit me before the service starts bull If you provide me with a service can I contact you out of office hours If so howbull Are your carers trainedbull Do you take up references on your carersbull Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission
To check up-to-date information on the providers of homecare in your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE with your Smartphone
Care Provider Address Telephone
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CAREThere are many types of residential care homes availableThese include permanent care homes for older peoplehomes for younger adults with disabilities and homes forchildren They may be privately owned or run by thevoluntary sector or local authorities You may want toconsider in detail the many options for residential carebefore you make a decision
Older PeopleCare homes for older people may provide personal care ornursing care A care home which is registered to providepersonal care (see the section on care home regulationbelow) will offer support ensuring that basic personal needssuch as meals bathing going to the toilet and medicationare taken care of In some homes more able residents havegreater independence and take care of many of their ownneeds
Some residents may need medical care and some care homesare registered to provide this These are often referred to asnursing homes Some homes specialise in certain types ofdisability for example dementia
Adults Aged 18-65There are also residential care homes that provide care andsupport for younger adults with for example severe physicaldisabilities learning disabilities acquired brain injuryprogressive neurological conditions or mental healthproblems Care can be provided for adults with more than
one condition and some homes have expertise in providingcare for adults with alcohol or drug dependency These homes offer permanent residence or provide care for atemporary period until the adult is able to live independentlyor move to a different type of accommodation
Choosing between residential care and independent livingSocial services normally encourage younger adults who theyassess for support to be as independent as theircircumstances allow The care plan for adults with disabilitieswill consider what independent tasks they can carry out andhow they can be helped to achieve more Even if adults havevery severe disabilities their needs are reviewed from time totime to check whether residential care or a very high level ofsupport is still appropriate
Supported living may be an option for younger adults Thisallows people to live independently in the community butwith basic support The support offered includes help withsetting up a home and managing finances and assistancewith cleaning and shopping
For older people there are various alternatives to residentialcare These include sheltered housing and extra care housingschemes which offer independence with an increased levelof care and support
For many people there is also the choice of livingindependently at home with community care support
Choice of Accommodation
The law says that where the local authority is fundingaccommodation it must allow the person enteringresidential care to choose which care home they wouldprefer Social services must first agree that the home issuitable for the personrsquos needs and that it would notcost more than they would normally pay for a homethat would meet those needs If the person chooses togo into a more expensive home a relative or friendmay be able to lsquotop uprsquo the difference in cost
Choosing a Care Home
Care homes may be arranged through the local authority but many people will want to arrange themindependently It is a good idea to visit several homesbefore making a choice Make sure you spend enoughtime in each home to get a good idea of what it is like
Respite and Short Term Stays
Residential care home stays dont necessarily have to bepermanent Temporary stays can be arranged forrespite care (in which you take a break from caring forsomebody else) or as a trial period before apermanent stay
Temporary stays can give you flexibility whencovering unexpected events such as
bull Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness
bull Support for newly disabled people and their carers
bull Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care
bull Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes
What your choices are
A list of all nursing and residential care homes withinyour locality can be found on the following pages Everycare home in England must be registered with thenational regulatory body Care Quality Commission(CQC)
They inspect each care home on a regular basis andwrite an inspection report for you to read It isadvisable to read this report before making a finaldecision
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CARE
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGNewcastle-Under-Lyme
Residential Address Telephone
Nursing Address Telephone
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGStaffordshire Moorlands
Address TelephoneResidential
Nursing Address Telephone
To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
If you are unhappy aboutthe way StaffordshireCounty Council has
delivered social care services and would like toexpress a complaint or concern please contact
The Monitoring Officer Staffordshire CountyCouncil Peel Building St Chads PlaceStafford ST16 2LR
Tel 0300 111 8000
Email customerfeedbackstaffordshiregovuk
NHS Complaints Support Service
ldquoThe NHS ComplaintsSupport Service is there to provide advocacysupport to people who wish to make acomplaint about the service ndash or lack of it ndash thatthey have received during a Health Servicedelivery circumstancerdquo
Delivered by POhWER advocates will support anindividual through the complaints process Theywill explain the options available and supportyou to pursue your chosen course of action
ECSHealthwatch Staffordshire will be workingalongside POhWER in order to provide theadvocacy service to those who wish to engagewith health care services in Staffordshire
They do not however investigate or encouragecomplaints nor do they offer legal or medicaladvice
The NHS Complaints Support Service isfree independent and confidential
What can they do
bull Provide individuals with a Self Help Information pack to help them find their own way through the complaints process
bull Explain how the NHS complaints procedure works
bull Listen to a complaint and discuss options available
bull Help individuals to write letters regarding complaints
bull Attend meetings and give support
bull Speak to other agencies on your behalf when requested
bull Provide information on other services an individual may wish to access
bull Help to obtain medical records
Unit 25 amp 32 Staffordshire University Business VillageDyson Way Staffordshire Technology Park StaffordST18 0TW
Email pohwerpohwernet
Website wwwpohwernet
Tel 0300 456 2370
EXPRESSING COMPLAINTS amp CONCERNS
If unhappy in the waywhich the NHS hashandled a complaint you
can contact the Parliamentary and HealthService Ombudsman please contact by
Parliamentary and Health Service OmbudsmanMillbank Tower Millbank London SW1P 4QP
Tel 0345 015 4033
Website wwwombudsmanorguk
Email phsoenquiriesombudsmanorguk
HEALTHWATCH CHAMPIONS
Become Involved
Anyone can become involved with Healthwatch andcontribute to its activities because everyonersquosviews matter You can do as much or as little asyou like ndash from filling in a survey attending theoccasional meeting about an issue of personalinterest signing up as a Healthwatch Member orbecoming a Healthwatch Champion
What are Healthwatch Champions
Healthwatch Champions are volunteers who act asthe voice of the local community They talk tolocal people about the quality of health amp socialcare in their area and are committed to supportingHealthwatch Staffordshire to improve servicesThis role is vital to the improvement of localservices by prioritising the issues that really matterto you in your own local area
Healthwatch Champions can undertake as much oras little as they like from a range of Championspecific roles
Role of a Champion include
bull Be the eyes and ears of local people and raise issues of concern
bull Make recommendations on how to improve local services
bull Tell people about Healthwatch and encourage them to become involved
bull Promote Healthwatch events and projects to local people
bull Liaise with other peoplegroups involved with engagement work
bull Attend meetings groups amp events as a Healthwatch Member representing your own views based on personal experience
bull Talk to patients about their experiences of using health and social care services
bull Visiting health amp social care providers as part of our Enter amp View portfolio and activity
How to become a Healthwatch Champion
No qualifications are needed to become aHealthwatch Champion just a willingness to listenand talk to a range of individuals an open mindand a desire to raise the voice of local people
Champions who are authorised by HealthwatchStaffordshire will undertake relevant training andsome roles will require a Disclosure and BarringService check (previously CRB check)
You can become a Champion by
Contacting Healthwatch Staffordshire on0800 051 8371 or emailing atenquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
From here we will send you an information packwith additional information about HealthwatchStaffordshire This will include a role descriptor forChampions and an application form for you tocomplete and return to us
It is only with your support that HealthwatchStaffordshire can make a difference to the qualityof local services
Anyone can apply to become a HealthwatchChampion however if you wish to take a lessactive role you can sign up to be a HealthwatchMember where you receive regular updates andnewsletters
NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE
As part of the changes to the NHS brought aboutby the Health and Social Care Act 2012 PrimaryCare Trusts (PCTs) and Strategic HealthAuthorities (SHAs) ceased to exist on the 31March 2013
From April 2013 groups of General Practicesknown as NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups(CCGs) commission health services for theirlocal populations Commissioning healthservices involves identifying the health needs ofthe population and lsquobuyingrsquo the appropriatehigh quality services necessary to meet thoseneeds within the budget allocated
CCGs are membership organisations andtherefore member GP practices will be centralto our work as the North Staffordshire CCGThere are 33 member GP practices and 136 GPscatering for the population of around 213000across the two distinct localities including
Newcastle-under-Lymebull Newcastlebull Kidsgrovebull Keelebull Silverdale
Staffordshire Moorlandsbull Biddulphbull Cheadlebull Leek
The CCG has established four key strategic goalswhich form the focus for the initial years of itsexistence These goals are
bull To increase Life Expectancy and Reduce Inequality
bull To improve prevention early detection and effective management of those most at risk
bull To enhance quality of life and improve health outcomes for people with long term conditions
bull To ensure that people receive the right care inthe right place
CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUP
Getting Involved with the CCG
North Staffordshire CCG believes that engagementis crucial and tries to ensure that the voices ofpatients and members of the North Staffordshirepublic are taken into proper consideration whenthe Clinical Commissioning Group makes importantdecisions about health
It is vital that as many people as possible areinvolved in the process if it is to be effective Itrsquosespecially important for people who traditionallyhave difficulty being heard such as those who arevery elderly or disabled
There are a number of ways that you can supportNorth Staffordshire GPs and the ClinicalCommissioning Group to shape local healthcareservices that meet the needs of local people
The easiest way for individuals to get involved is tojoin the Patient Membership Scheme Anyone isentitled to join if they are registered with a doctorwithin the Newcastle-under-Lyme or theStaffordshire Moorlands regions The PatientMembership Scheme is designed to give people andorganisations the opportunity to have more say inthe NHS and actively participate in designing andshaping healthcare services
North Staffordshire Patient Participation Groups
Consisting of a group of volunteer patients thePractice Manager and one or more of the GPs froma practice Patient Participation Groups (PPGs)meet on a regular basis to discuss the services onoffer and how improvements can be made tobenefit all parties
PPGs help practices to put both the patient andhealthcare at the heart of everything they doOften the action taken by the PPGs all depends onthe local needs of individuals in the locality
In the North Staffordshire CCG the majority of GPPractices already have an existing PPG Anyoneregistered with that practice is entitled to becomea member If you would like to know more aboutyour practice Patient Participation Group and howyou can get involved you should contact your GPpractice directly for further details
For more information about NHS NorthStaffordshire CCG visit-
wwwnorthstaffsccgnhsuk
Write to-NHS North Staffordshire Clinical
Commissioning GroupMorston House
The MidwayNewcastle-under-Lyme
StaffordshireST5 1QG
Tel 0845 602 6772Email nsccgnorthstaffsnhsuk
CHOOSE WELL
Donrsquot be a time loser be a time chooser and make sure you getthe right treatment in the right place at the right time Yourtime is a precious thing Hundreds of people spend hours atAccident and Emergency each week for minor illness andailments when other services would have been moreappropriate
Choose Well ndash Facts and Figures
bull 514m GP consultations are for minor ailments alone which would clear up by themselves or with a little help from an over-the-counter remedy from a pharmacy this is 18 percent of the GP workload nearly half of these consultations are generated by people aged 16 ndash 59 years
bull Up to 40000 GP visits per year are for dandruff 20000 go to their local surgery for travel-sickness and 52 million with blocked noses
bull Two million people who go to AampE could either self-care or have been treated elsewhere in the community 12 percent of people admit to having used AampE in the past even when they knew there was nothing seriously wrong with them
bull The estimated cost of treating people who go to AampE but who could have either self-treated or gone else where is pound136 million a year this is the equivalent cost of 6500 nurses
The following pages will provide details of where and when toaccess the right health services in North Staffordshire and whatyour choices are
Choose Well
AampE 999ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCYOpen 247 365 days a year
The AampE department in NorthStaffordshire is at University Hospital of
North Staffordshire ndashNewcastle Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6QG
The Emergency Department is for ambulance traffic and critical or life-threatening situations only and you should only go there or call 999 ifimmediate emergency care is needed
NHS WALK-INCENTRE
Walk-in centres treat minor illnesses and injuries that donrsquot
need a visit to AampEHanley Health and Welling Being Centre
6971 Stafford Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 1LW
Telephone 0300 123 6759Open 800mdash2000 7 days a week
365 days a year
MINOR INjURY UNITSNewcastle-under-Lyme ndash Haywood HospitalmdashMinor Injuries Unit High LaneBurslem Stoke-on-Trent ST6 7AG Telephone 01782 715 444
Staffordshire Moorlands ndash Leek Moorlands Hospital Ashbourne Road Leek ST135BG Telephone 01538 487103 0300 123 1894
OUT OF HOURS URGENT CAREIf you live in North Staffordshire you should contact Staffordshire DoctorsUrgent Care on 0300 123 0814 0300 790 0247
GP GP SURGERY Your local GP surgery provides a range of services including ndashbull General medical advice and treatment for an illness or injury that wonrsquot
go awaybull Routine health checks ndash Travel advice ndash Prescriptionsbull Help managing long-term medical problemsbull Immunisations and testsbull Referrals to a specialist or a hospital
PHARMACIST PHARMACISTGo to a pharmacist if you have thesymptoms of a cough cold or think
yoursquove got the flu A pharmacist is thebest place to go as they can usually
provide you with the help andinformation you need on the spot
You can speak to any pharmacist for advice on how to treat lots of minorinjuries and common complaints such as coughs colds bites stings aches andpains They also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight orgiving up smoking
NHS 111 NHS 111NHS 111 is available 24 hours a dayand is free to call from landlines and
mobiles and offers confidentialhealth advice and information
Is a new national telephone service if you need medical help fast but itrsquos notlife ndash threatening NHS 111 provides a new way to ensure people receive theright care from the right person in the right time and place
SELF ndash CARESELF CAREEnsure your medicine cabinet is well
stocked withbull Anti-diarrhoeal medicinebull Paracetamol or aspirinbull Rehydration mixturebull Indigestion mixturebull Thermometerbull Plasters
Many patients make appointments to see their Doctor or Nurse when theycould be using a well stocked medicines cabinet or visiting a pharmacist totreat their symptoms ndash and getting the same help or advice a lot quicker Selfcare is the very best choice you can make for treating very minor illnesses andinjuries
CHOOSE WELL
Our GP surgeries also have trainednurses who can give advice take tests
diagnose and be able to treat manyillnesses that used to be only dealt withby doctors - making the level of serviceyou can expect from your GP surgery
even better than ever
HEALTHY LIVING
The choices we make about how we livecan have a significant effect on ourhealth Eating a healthy diet doingregular exercise not smoking and notdrinking too much alcohol can help youstay well and enjoy a long life
Keeping fit and healthy can be a challenge if youare living with a long-term condition but it willmake a big difference to your wellbeing If yoursquovebeen thinking about making changes to yourlifestyle such as stopping smoking losing weighteating healthily drinking a little less alcohol ordoing more exercise therersquos plenty of help andsupport available
Talking to your GP and other healthcare workersincluding pharmacists is the first step Theyrsquollhelp you look at your lifestyle and suggest changesthat are suitable for your condition and anytreatment yoursquore having Your health or careworker can also let you know about local servicesthat can help you
For example if you want to start exercising butyoure unsure how to your GP can put you on theExercise on Referral scheme These schemes arerun with local gyms and fitness centres and caninclude swimming Ask at your GP practice formore information
Your GP can also help you if you want to stopsmoking for instance by enrolling you in a clinicwhere yoursquoll get support from other people whoare also trying to stop Nicotine replacementtherapy and other stop smoking treatmentsprovided by your GP can also help you resistcravings and boost your chances of quittingsuccessfully
Youre never too young or too old to switch to ahealthier lifestyle Children who learn healthyhabits at a young age will benefit from themthroughout their life And giving up bad habits canimprove your health at any age
Rethink your drinking
Drinking too much alcohol could increase your riskof getting 14 major diseases including mouth andthroat cancers liver cirrhosis strokes and mentalhealth problems
Alcohol is believed to be responsible for as many as22000 premature deaths in England and Walesevery year But itrsquos not just binge drinkers who areat risk regularly drinking more than therecommended limit can cause significant healthproblems
Stop Smoking for good
Giving up smoking is probably the best thing youcan do to improve your healthResearch shows that smokingis responsible for almostone in five of alldeaths in the UK Thismeans that smokingcauses an estimated110000 deaths a year
Smokers are almosttwice as likely tohave a heartattack as peoplewho have neversmokedSmoking alsoincreases yourrisk ofdeveloping manycancers and lungdisease
Get active feel fitter live longer
Whatever your age theres strong scientificevidence that being physically active can help youlead a healthier and even happier life
Adults should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activityeach week Young people (5-18) should do 60minutes every day
If you do this it can reduce your risk of heartdisease and stroke by up to 50 and lower your riskof early death by up to 30
CHOOSING A GP
Choosing a GP can seem a daunting task especially if you have just moved into an area and dont knowanything about the local health services But there are some easy ways to find the doctor to suit you Itsimportant to be registered with a doctor because youll need them to refer you for specialist hospital andcommunity treatment services
Try to avoid attending AampE for minor complaints
A surgery may refuse an applicationto join its list of patients if
You dont reside in the surgery area
It has formally closed its list of patients eg when apractice has more patients than it can deal with ornot enough doctors - this is less common than it usedto be
If your application is refused the surgery mustwrite to you and give the reasons for this
How do I find a surgery
Most surgeries operate a fairly strict catchmentarea system and only those who live within thearea may be able to register
This isnt to be awkward but ensures a GP can visita person at home in an emergency in reasonabletime
How do I register
This is straightforward and far easier than mostpeople realise Simply take your NHS medical cardalong to your chosen surgery You will then beasked to sign a registration form
Not all NHS trusts issue medical cards If you donthave one the receptionist will give you form GMS1to fill in
Once youve completed and returned the formsyour local NHS will transfer your medical recordsto your new surgery and write to you to confirmyour registration as a patient with the surgeryMany surgeries ask a new patient to attend alsquoregistration medicalrsquo that checks your generalhealth
What if I canrsquot get an appointmentIf you cant get a doctors appointment or have anon-urgent health problem or query you cancontact a nurse by ringing 111 at any time
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
GP SURGERIES
Your local GP surgery provides a range of services including general medical advice and treatment for illnessesor injuries that just wonrsquot go away
Your local GP surgery provides a wide range of family health services as well as advice on health problems they can alsohelp with
Vaccinations bull Examinations and treatment bull Prescriptions for medicines bull Referrals to other health servicesand social services bull Screening Management of long term conditions preventative care
Please note that GP surgeries in Blythe Bridge are covered by Stoke-on-Trent CCG However there are listedin this directory as they are located in the Staffordshire Moorlands district Patients living in Blythe Bridgeshould contact NHS Stoke-on-Trent CCG 79 London Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7PZ Tel 01782 298002
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
PHARMACIES
Newcastle Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
If you have the symptoms of a cough cold or think yoursquove got the flu a pharmacist is thebest place to go as they can usually provide you the help and information you need onthe spot
They can also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight or giving up smoking
For opening times and NHS SERVICES available from your Pharmacy Please scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit wwwnhsuk
DENTISTS
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Always ask your dentist whether the treatment theyre recommending is available on the NHS and how muchit will cost before you go ahead
Emergency Dental ServiceDental Access Centres are available to treat patients who need emergency treatment This service gives priorityto pain relief and urgent care Not all dentists take on NHS patients you should check before hand
Emergency Dentist out of hours 111 bull Emergency Dentist normal working hours 111
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
OPTICIANS amp HEARING CENTRES
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Hearing Centres Address Telephone
Regular eye tests are important because your eyes donrsquot usually hurt when something is wrong Many eyeconditions can be treated if found early enough A sight test is a vital health check for your eyes It can pickup early signs of conditions that can affect the eyes before yoursquore aware of any symptoms
Including Diabetes bull Macular Degeneration bull Glaucoma
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
ARE YOU A CARER
A Carer spends a significant proportion of their life providing unpaid support to family or friends Thiscould be caring for a relative partner or friend who has a long term illness or disability includingmental illness alcohol or drug misuse or those that are elderly forgetful or frail
Caring can be a very difficult demanding and all-consuming task no matter how close you are to theperson you care for
Caring can affect your health making you feel tired frustrated stressed and feeling guilty leaving you withno time to yourself In fact 52 of carers need treatment for stress related problems and many carers feelthey have to give up work because of the effects caring has on their life
You are not alone It is estimated there are around 65 million Carers in the UK today You are certainly notalone but you still need to take care of yourself as well as the person you care for
Thankfully armed with the right support and information caring can be a rewarding and enjoyableexperience Just follow a few simple tips that can make a real difference
bull Ask for Help We all need help from time to time and carers are no exception Help is out there you only need to ask
bull Know your rights It sounds simple but knowing what yoursquore entitled to and what support is available can help a great deal
bull Tell your GP Your GP practice can record that you are a carer to ensure you get your annual flu vaccination and additional support as a carer
bull Have an assessment This can sound a little daunting at first but ensuring that you and the person you care for get an assessment of your needs through the Local Authority can give you access to a whole host of additional practical help and support
bull Be a little selfish We all need time to ourselves but itrsquos particularly important for carers This could be as simple as setting some me time aside for a relaxing bath or a night out
We at North Staffs Carers Association are there to help and benefit informal
unpaid Carers in the North Staffordshire area
North Staffs Carers is a registered Charity which provides information training and
ongoing support in the most appropriate way to Carers of all ages living in the districts
of Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
The Carers Centre Fenn House Duke Street Fenton Staffordshire ST4 3NRTelephone 01782 793100 Fax 01782 330792 bull Website wwwcarersfirstcom
There are an estimated 80000 Carers in Staffordshire help and support is available locally from the North Staffs Carers Association If yoursquore a carer and you need someone to talk to contact
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Aids and Adaptations If you or a member of your family has difficultyliving in your home due to a long-term illness ordisability you may be able to get help by adaptingyour home to better meet your needs You canapply to your local council for a disabled facilitiesgrant The grant helps you adapt your home tomake it suitable for a disabled person Dependingon your income you may need to pay towards thecost of the work to the property
You could get a grant from your council if yoursquoredisabled and need to make changes to yourhome for example to
bull widen doors and install rampsbull improve access to rooms and facilities - eg
stairlifts or a downstairs bathroombull provide a heating system suitable for your
needsbull adapt heating or lighting controls to make
them easier to use
How can I find out more about the aids andadaptations that would help me
Contact your social services department at yourlocal council about what difficulties you are havingat home They will send an occupational therapistto carry out an assessment and provide advice onwhich equipment or housing adaptation needs suityou best
Assistive Technology can help vulnerable peopleand their carers live more independently in theirown homes
Telecare which is part of assistive technology cansupport people whose sight hearing or cognitionmay have deteriorated This could be due tophysical or mental conditions which may have along-term effect on their health and wellbeing
There are many Telecare devices whichautomatically alert a 24-hour monitoring centre oryour chosen carer should you need assistanceThere are also Telehealth solutions which monitormedical conditions in your own home speak toyour GP to find out more about Telehealth
Telecare Technology Can
bull Raise an alarm in case of a fall or emergencybull Raise alerts for floods smoke carbon
monoxidebull Support a medication regimebull 24-hour reassurance for family and carers in
the knowledge that they will be alertedin the event of an incident
Telecare may be of benefit to
bull Older infirm or disabled peoplebull People who have been discharged from
hospital and need additional support at homebull People with sensory impairmentsbull Vulnerable people of any age living alone
Telecare also offers support and reassurance tocarers in the knowledge they will be alerted in theevent of an incident In this way Telecare can beof assistance to carers of people with dementiaphysical disabilities learning disabilities and long-term medical conditions
ADVICE ON PAYING FOR CARE
You may need to pay for all of your own care or youmay be entitled to local authority funding NHS care(free) or have entitlements to welfare benefits tohelp pay for your care and support
For most people needing social care services thefirst place to start is by asking your local authorityfor an assessment of your social care (care andsupport) needs As part of this the local authoritymay also carry out a financial assessment Thisassessment will determine whether the localauthority will meet all the cost of your care orwhether you will need to contribute towards yourcare cost or whether you will have to meet the fullcosts yourself Some of the rules for this financialassessment are applied differently based on whetheryou need care in your own home or care in aresidential home
There are several options for funding care andunderstanding them and which ones apply to youcan be complicated These options depend on yourneed for care and support as well as your personaland financial circumstances
Get personal advice on care funding
The cost of care and support is likely to be a long-term commitment and may be substantialparticularly if you opt for residential care If you ora member of the family need to pay for care athome or in a care home itrsquos important tounderstand the alternatives This makes advicetailored to your individual needs vital You can get advice from
Your local authority ndash through an assessment of yourcare and support needs as well as advice on whichservices are available locally
Financial advice from a qualified independentsource ndash there are independent financial adviserswho specialise in care funding advice They areregulated by the Financial Conduct Authority andmust stick to a code of conduct and ethics and takeshared responsibility for the suitability of anyproduct they recommend
Care and support services are means-tested and are not free to everyone Most people have to paysomething towards their own care and some will have to pay for all of the costs Who pays depends onwhat your needs are how much money you have and what level and type of care and support you require
The Mental Capacity Act
bull The actrsquos purpose is to allow adults to make as many decisions as they can for themselves
bull To enable adults to make advance decisions about whether they would like future medical treatment
bull To allow adults to appoint in advance of losing mental capacity another person to make decisions about personal welfare or property on their behalf at a future date
bull To allow decisions concerning personal welfare or property and affairs to be made in the best interests of adults when they have not made any future plans and cannot make a decision at the time
bull To ensure an NHS body or local authority will appoint an independent mental capacity advocate to support someone who cannot make a decision about seriousmedical treatment or about hospital care home or residential accommodation when there are no family or friends to be consulted
bull To provide protection against legal liability for carers who have honestly and reasonably sought to act in the personrsquos best interests
bull To provide clarity and safeguards around research in relation to those who lack capacity
LEGAL TERMS
Every day people make decisions about lots ofthings in their lives The ability to make decisionsis called mental capacity People may havedifficulties making some decisions either all orsome of the time This could be because they havea learning disability dementia a mental healthproblem or could be the result of a head injury ora stroke or a temporary condition such as anillness accident or the influence of alcohol ordrugs
Listed below are details about some of the legalterms and topics you may come across You mayneed to contact a solicitor who can give youimpartial advice which you may have to pay for oryou can contact an advocate who can advise onyour behalf
Lasting Power Of Attorney allows you to appointsomeone you trust to make decisions about yourpersonal welfare including healthcare and yourfinancial affairs
The Court of Protection can issue Ordersdirecting the management of a personrsquos propertyand financial affairs if you are incapable ofmanaging your own affairs and do not have aLasting Power of Attorney
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards protectspeople in residential care or hospital who areunable to make decisions for themselves due to abrain disorder If any of these people need to berestrained restricted or deprived in order to givethem physical care or keep them safe a Deprivationof Liberty Safeguards authorisation may be required
CARE IN YOUR OWN HOMEIf you are finding it difficult to manage at home you could consider using the services of a home careprovider Home care providers employ care assistants who can help you with bathing washing and dressingThe staff who work for these agencies are trained in personal care and safety procedures moving andhandling hygiene and infection control If you require nursing care at home many agencies employregistered nurses
This is only one option of supporting yourself with care at home Another could be to employ a personalassistant
A list of the care agencies registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who are located in the NorthStaffordshire CCG areas can be found below
Organising your own home care
If you are thinking about arranging your own home care it is a good idea to ask any agencies youapproach the following questions
bull Are there different rates for weekendseveningsbull Are there any extra charges ie for the carers travelling expensesbull What sort of services do you providebull Will somebody visit me before the service starts bull If you provide me with a service can I contact you out of office hours If so howbull Are your carers trainedbull Do you take up references on your carersbull Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission
To check up-to-date information on the providers of homecare in your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE with your Smartphone
Care Provider Address Telephone
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CAREThere are many types of residential care homes availableThese include permanent care homes for older peoplehomes for younger adults with disabilities and homes forchildren They may be privately owned or run by thevoluntary sector or local authorities You may want toconsider in detail the many options for residential carebefore you make a decision
Older PeopleCare homes for older people may provide personal care ornursing care A care home which is registered to providepersonal care (see the section on care home regulationbelow) will offer support ensuring that basic personal needssuch as meals bathing going to the toilet and medicationare taken care of In some homes more able residents havegreater independence and take care of many of their ownneeds
Some residents may need medical care and some care homesare registered to provide this These are often referred to asnursing homes Some homes specialise in certain types ofdisability for example dementia
Adults Aged 18-65There are also residential care homes that provide care andsupport for younger adults with for example severe physicaldisabilities learning disabilities acquired brain injuryprogressive neurological conditions or mental healthproblems Care can be provided for adults with more than
one condition and some homes have expertise in providingcare for adults with alcohol or drug dependency These homes offer permanent residence or provide care for atemporary period until the adult is able to live independentlyor move to a different type of accommodation
Choosing between residential care and independent livingSocial services normally encourage younger adults who theyassess for support to be as independent as theircircumstances allow The care plan for adults with disabilitieswill consider what independent tasks they can carry out andhow they can be helped to achieve more Even if adults havevery severe disabilities their needs are reviewed from time totime to check whether residential care or a very high level ofsupport is still appropriate
Supported living may be an option for younger adults Thisallows people to live independently in the community butwith basic support The support offered includes help withsetting up a home and managing finances and assistancewith cleaning and shopping
For older people there are various alternatives to residentialcare These include sheltered housing and extra care housingschemes which offer independence with an increased levelof care and support
For many people there is also the choice of livingindependently at home with community care support
Choice of Accommodation
The law says that where the local authority is fundingaccommodation it must allow the person enteringresidential care to choose which care home they wouldprefer Social services must first agree that the home issuitable for the personrsquos needs and that it would notcost more than they would normally pay for a homethat would meet those needs If the person chooses togo into a more expensive home a relative or friendmay be able to lsquotop uprsquo the difference in cost
Choosing a Care Home
Care homes may be arranged through the local authority but many people will want to arrange themindependently It is a good idea to visit several homesbefore making a choice Make sure you spend enoughtime in each home to get a good idea of what it is like
Respite and Short Term Stays
Residential care home stays dont necessarily have to bepermanent Temporary stays can be arranged forrespite care (in which you take a break from caring forsomebody else) or as a trial period before apermanent stay
Temporary stays can give you flexibility whencovering unexpected events such as
bull Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness
bull Support for newly disabled people and their carers
bull Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care
bull Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes
What your choices are
A list of all nursing and residential care homes withinyour locality can be found on the following pages Everycare home in England must be registered with thenational regulatory body Care Quality Commission(CQC)
They inspect each care home on a regular basis andwrite an inspection report for you to read It isadvisable to read this report before making a finaldecision
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CARE
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGNewcastle-Under-Lyme
Residential Address Telephone
Nursing Address Telephone
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGStaffordshire Moorlands
Address TelephoneResidential
Nursing Address Telephone
To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
HEALTHWATCH CHAMPIONS
Become Involved
Anyone can become involved with Healthwatch andcontribute to its activities because everyonersquosviews matter You can do as much or as little asyou like ndash from filling in a survey attending theoccasional meeting about an issue of personalinterest signing up as a Healthwatch Member orbecoming a Healthwatch Champion
What are Healthwatch Champions
Healthwatch Champions are volunteers who act asthe voice of the local community They talk tolocal people about the quality of health amp socialcare in their area and are committed to supportingHealthwatch Staffordshire to improve servicesThis role is vital to the improvement of localservices by prioritising the issues that really matterto you in your own local area
Healthwatch Champions can undertake as much oras little as they like from a range of Championspecific roles
Role of a Champion include
bull Be the eyes and ears of local people and raise issues of concern
bull Make recommendations on how to improve local services
bull Tell people about Healthwatch and encourage them to become involved
bull Promote Healthwatch events and projects to local people
bull Liaise with other peoplegroups involved with engagement work
bull Attend meetings groups amp events as a Healthwatch Member representing your own views based on personal experience
bull Talk to patients about their experiences of using health and social care services
bull Visiting health amp social care providers as part of our Enter amp View portfolio and activity
How to become a Healthwatch Champion
No qualifications are needed to become aHealthwatch Champion just a willingness to listenand talk to a range of individuals an open mindand a desire to raise the voice of local people
Champions who are authorised by HealthwatchStaffordshire will undertake relevant training andsome roles will require a Disclosure and BarringService check (previously CRB check)
You can become a Champion by
Contacting Healthwatch Staffordshire on0800 051 8371 or emailing atenquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
From here we will send you an information packwith additional information about HealthwatchStaffordshire This will include a role descriptor forChampions and an application form for you tocomplete and return to us
It is only with your support that HealthwatchStaffordshire can make a difference to the qualityof local services
Anyone can apply to become a HealthwatchChampion however if you wish to take a lessactive role you can sign up to be a HealthwatchMember where you receive regular updates andnewsletters
NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE
As part of the changes to the NHS brought aboutby the Health and Social Care Act 2012 PrimaryCare Trusts (PCTs) and Strategic HealthAuthorities (SHAs) ceased to exist on the 31March 2013
From April 2013 groups of General Practicesknown as NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups(CCGs) commission health services for theirlocal populations Commissioning healthservices involves identifying the health needs ofthe population and lsquobuyingrsquo the appropriatehigh quality services necessary to meet thoseneeds within the budget allocated
CCGs are membership organisations andtherefore member GP practices will be centralto our work as the North Staffordshire CCGThere are 33 member GP practices and 136 GPscatering for the population of around 213000across the two distinct localities including
Newcastle-under-Lymebull Newcastlebull Kidsgrovebull Keelebull Silverdale
Staffordshire Moorlandsbull Biddulphbull Cheadlebull Leek
The CCG has established four key strategic goalswhich form the focus for the initial years of itsexistence These goals are
bull To increase Life Expectancy and Reduce Inequality
bull To improve prevention early detection and effective management of those most at risk
bull To enhance quality of life and improve health outcomes for people with long term conditions
bull To ensure that people receive the right care inthe right place
CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUP
Getting Involved with the CCG
North Staffordshire CCG believes that engagementis crucial and tries to ensure that the voices ofpatients and members of the North Staffordshirepublic are taken into proper consideration whenthe Clinical Commissioning Group makes importantdecisions about health
It is vital that as many people as possible areinvolved in the process if it is to be effective Itrsquosespecially important for people who traditionallyhave difficulty being heard such as those who arevery elderly or disabled
There are a number of ways that you can supportNorth Staffordshire GPs and the ClinicalCommissioning Group to shape local healthcareservices that meet the needs of local people
The easiest way for individuals to get involved is tojoin the Patient Membership Scheme Anyone isentitled to join if they are registered with a doctorwithin the Newcastle-under-Lyme or theStaffordshire Moorlands regions The PatientMembership Scheme is designed to give people andorganisations the opportunity to have more say inthe NHS and actively participate in designing andshaping healthcare services
North Staffordshire Patient Participation Groups
Consisting of a group of volunteer patients thePractice Manager and one or more of the GPs froma practice Patient Participation Groups (PPGs)meet on a regular basis to discuss the services onoffer and how improvements can be made tobenefit all parties
PPGs help practices to put both the patient andhealthcare at the heart of everything they doOften the action taken by the PPGs all depends onthe local needs of individuals in the locality
In the North Staffordshire CCG the majority of GPPractices already have an existing PPG Anyoneregistered with that practice is entitled to becomea member If you would like to know more aboutyour practice Patient Participation Group and howyou can get involved you should contact your GPpractice directly for further details
For more information about NHS NorthStaffordshire CCG visit-
wwwnorthstaffsccgnhsuk
Write to-NHS North Staffordshire Clinical
Commissioning GroupMorston House
The MidwayNewcastle-under-Lyme
StaffordshireST5 1QG
Tel 0845 602 6772Email nsccgnorthstaffsnhsuk
CHOOSE WELL
Donrsquot be a time loser be a time chooser and make sure you getthe right treatment in the right place at the right time Yourtime is a precious thing Hundreds of people spend hours atAccident and Emergency each week for minor illness andailments when other services would have been moreappropriate
Choose Well ndash Facts and Figures
bull 514m GP consultations are for minor ailments alone which would clear up by themselves or with a little help from an over-the-counter remedy from a pharmacy this is 18 percent of the GP workload nearly half of these consultations are generated by people aged 16 ndash 59 years
bull Up to 40000 GP visits per year are for dandruff 20000 go to their local surgery for travel-sickness and 52 million with blocked noses
bull Two million people who go to AampE could either self-care or have been treated elsewhere in the community 12 percent of people admit to having used AampE in the past even when they knew there was nothing seriously wrong with them
bull The estimated cost of treating people who go to AampE but who could have either self-treated or gone else where is pound136 million a year this is the equivalent cost of 6500 nurses
The following pages will provide details of where and when toaccess the right health services in North Staffordshire and whatyour choices are
Choose Well
AampE 999ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCYOpen 247 365 days a year
The AampE department in NorthStaffordshire is at University Hospital of
North Staffordshire ndashNewcastle Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6QG
The Emergency Department is for ambulance traffic and critical or life-threatening situations only and you should only go there or call 999 ifimmediate emergency care is needed
NHS WALK-INCENTRE
Walk-in centres treat minor illnesses and injuries that donrsquot
need a visit to AampEHanley Health and Welling Being Centre
6971 Stafford Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 1LW
Telephone 0300 123 6759Open 800mdash2000 7 days a week
365 days a year
MINOR INjURY UNITSNewcastle-under-Lyme ndash Haywood HospitalmdashMinor Injuries Unit High LaneBurslem Stoke-on-Trent ST6 7AG Telephone 01782 715 444
Staffordshire Moorlands ndash Leek Moorlands Hospital Ashbourne Road Leek ST135BG Telephone 01538 487103 0300 123 1894
OUT OF HOURS URGENT CAREIf you live in North Staffordshire you should contact Staffordshire DoctorsUrgent Care on 0300 123 0814 0300 790 0247
GP GP SURGERY Your local GP surgery provides a range of services including ndashbull General medical advice and treatment for an illness or injury that wonrsquot
go awaybull Routine health checks ndash Travel advice ndash Prescriptionsbull Help managing long-term medical problemsbull Immunisations and testsbull Referrals to a specialist or a hospital
PHARMACIST PHARMACISTGo to a pharmacist if you have thesymptoms of a cough cold or think
yoursquove got the flu A pharmacist is thebest place to go as they can usually
provide you with the help andinformation you need on the spot
You can speak to any pharmacist for advice on how to treat lots of minorinjuries and common complaints such as coughs colds bites stings aches andpains They also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight orgiving up smoking
NHS 111 NHS 111NHS 111 is available 24 hours a dayand is free to call from landlines and
mobiles and offers confidentialhealth advice and information
Is a new national telephone service if you need medical help fast but itrsquos notlife ndash threatening NHS 111 provides a new way to ensure people receive theright care from the right person in the right time and place
SELF ndash CARESELF CAREEnsure your medicine cabinet is well
stocked withbull Anti-diarrhoeal medicinebull Paracetamol or aspirinbull Rehydration mixturebull Indigestion mixturebull Thermometerbull Plasters
Many patients make appointments to see their Doctor or Nurse when theycould be using a well stocked medicines cabinet or visiting a pharmacist totreat their symptoms ndash and getting the same help or advice a lot quicker Selfcare is the very best choice you can make for treating very minor illnesses andinjuries
CHOOSE WELL
Our GP surgeries also have trainednurses who can give advice take tests
diagnose and be able to treat manyillnesses that used to be only dealt withby doctors - making the level of serviceyou can expect from your GP surgery
even better than ever
HEALTHY LIVING
The choices we make about how we livecan have a significant effect on ourhealth Eating a healthy diet doingregular exercise not smoking and notdrinking too much alcohol can help youstay well and enjoy a long life
Keeping fit and healthy can be a challenge if youare living with a long-term condition but it willmake a big difference to your wellbeing If yoursquovebeen thinking about making changes to yourlifestyle such as stopping smoking losing weighteating healthily drinking a little less alcohol ordoing more exercise therersquos plenty of help andsupport available
Talking to your GP and other healthcare workersincluding pharmacists is the first step Theyrsquollhelp you look at your lifestyle and suggest changesthat are suitable for your condition and anytreatment yoursquore having Your health or careworker can also let you know about local servicesthat can help you
For example if you want to start exercising butyoure unsure how to your GP can put you on theExercise on Referral scheme These schemes arerun with local gyms and fitness centres and caninclude swimming Ask at your GP practice formore information
Your GP can also help you if you want to stopsmoking for instance by enrolling you in a clinicwhere yoursquoll get support from other people whoare also trying to stop Nicotine replacementtherapy and other stop smoking treatmentsprovided by your GP can also help you resistcravings and boost your chances of quittingsuccessfully
Youre never too young or too old to switch to ahealthier lifestyle Children who learn healthyhabits at a young age will benefit from themthroughout their life And giving up bad habits canimprove your health at any age
Rethink your drinking
Drinking too much alcohol could increase your riskof getting 14 major diseases including mouth andthroat cancers liver cirrhosis strokes and mentalhealth problems
Alcohol is believed to be responsible for as many as22000 premature deaths in England and Walesevery year But itrsquos not just binge drinkers who areat risk regularly drinking more than therecommended limit can cause significant healthproblems
Stop Smoking for good
Giving up smoking is probably the best thing youcan do to improve your healthResearch shows that smokingis responsible for almostone in five of alldeaths in the UK Thismeans that smokingcauses an estimated110000 deaths a year
Smokers are almosttwice as likely tohave a heartattack as peoplewho have neversmokedSmoking alsoincreases yourrisk ofdeveloping manycancers and lungdisease
Get active feel fitter live longer
Whatever your age theres strong scientificevidence that being physically active can help youlead a healthier and even happier life
Adults should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activityeach week Young people (5-18) should do 60minutes every day
If you do this it can reduce your risk of heartdisease and stroke by up to 50 and lower your riskof early death by up to 30
CHOOSING A GP
Choosing a GP can seem a daunting task especially if you have just moved into an area and dont knowanything about the local health services But there are some easy ways to find the doctor to suit you Itsimportant to be registered with a doctor because youll need them to refer you for specialist hospital andcommunity treatment services
Try to avoid attending AampE for minor complaints
A surgery may refuse an applicationto join its list of patients if
You dont reside in the surgery area
It has formally closed its list of patients eg when apractice has more patients than it can deal with ornot enough doctors - this is less common than it usedto be
If your application is refused the surgery mustwrite to you and give the reasons for this
How do I find a surgery
Most surgeries operate a fairly strict catchmentarea system and only those who live within thearea may be able to register
This isnt to be awkward but ensures a GP can visita person at home in an emergency in reasonabletime
How do I register
This is straightforward and far easier than mostpeople realise Simply take your NHS medical cardalong to your chosen surgery You will then beasked to sign a registration form
Not all NHS trusts issue medical cards If you donthave one the receptionist will give you form GMS1to fill in
Once youve completed and returned the formsyour local NHS will transfer your medical recordsto your new surgery and write to you to confirmyour registration as a patient with the surgeryMany surgeries ask a new patient to attend alsquoregistration medicalrsquo that checks your generalhealth
What if I canrsquot get an appointmentIf you cant get a doctors appointment or have anon-urgent health problem or query you cancontact a nurse by ringing 111 at any time
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
GP SURGERIES
Your local GP surgery provides a range of services including general medical advice and treatment for illnessesor injuries that just wonrsquot go away
Your local GP surgery provides a wide range of family health services as well as advice on health problems they can alsohelp with
Vaccinations bull Examinations and treatment bull Prescriptions for medicines bull Referrals to other health servicesand social services bull Screening Management of long term conditions preventative care
Please note that GP surgeries in Blythe Bridge are covered by Stoke-on-Trent CCG However there are listedin this directory as they are located in the Staffordshire Moorlands district Patients living in Blythe Bridgeshould contact NHS Stoke-on-Trent CCG 79 London Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7PZ Tel 01782 298002
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
PHARMACIES
Newcastle Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
If you have the symptoms of a cough cold or think yoursquove got the flu a pharmacist is thebest place to go as they can usually provide you the help and information you need onthe spot
They can also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight or giving up smoking
For opening times and NHS SERVICES available from your Pharmacy Please scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit wwwnhsuk
DENTISTS
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Always ask your dentist whether the treatment theyre recommending is available on the NHS and how muchit will cost before you go ahead
Emergency Dental ServiceDental Access Centres are available to treat patients who need emergency treatment This service gives priorityto pain relief and urgent care Not all dentists take on NHS patients you should check before hand
Emergency Dentist out of hours 111 bull Emergency Dentist normal working hours 111
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
OPTICIANS amp HEARING CENTRES
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Hearing Centres Address Telephone
Regular eye tests are important because your eyes donrsquot usually hurt when something is wrong Many eyeconditions can be treated if found early enough A sight test is a vital health check for your eyes It can pickup early signs of conditions that can affect the eyes before yoursquore aware of any symptoms
Including Diabetes bull Macular Degeneration bull Glaucoma
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
ARE YOU A CARER
A Carer spends a significant proportion of their life providing unpaid support to family or friends Thiscould be caring for a relative partner or friend who has a long term illness or disability includingmental illness alcohol or drug misuse or those that are elderly forgetful or frail
Caring can be a very difficult demanding and all-consuming task no matter how close you are to theperson you care for
Caring can affect your health making you feel tired frustrated stressed and feeling guilty leaving you withno time to yourself In fact 52 of carers need treatment for stress related problems and many carers feelthey have to give up work because of the effects caring has on their life
You are not alone It is estimated there are around 65 million Carers in the UK today You are certainly notalone but you still need to take care of yourself as well as the person you care for
Thankfully armed with the right support and information caring can be a rewarding and enjoyableexperience Just follow a few simple tips that can make a real difference
bull Ask for Help We all need help from time to time and carers are no exception Help is out there you only need to ask
bull Know your rights It sounds simple but knowing what yoursquore entitled to and what support is available can help a great deal
bull Tell your GP Your GP practice can record that you are a carer to ensure you get your annual flu vaccination and additional support as a carer
bull Have an assessment This can sound a little daunting at first but ensuring that you and the person you care for get an assessment of your needs through the Local Authority can give you access to a whole host of additional practical help and support
bull Be a little selfish We all need time to ourselves but itrsquos particularly important for carers This could be as simple as setting some me time aside for a relaxing bath or a night out
We at North Staffs Carers Association are there to help and benefit informal
unpaid Carers in the North Staffordshire area
North Staffs Carers is a registered Charity which provides information training and
ongoing support in the most appropriate way to Carers of all ages living in the districts
of Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
The Carers Centre Fenn House Duke Street Fenton Staffordshire ST4 3NRTelephone 01782 793100 Fax 01782 330792 bull Website wwwcarersfirstcom
There are an estimated 80000 Carers in Staffordshire help and support is available locally from the North Staffs Carers Association If yoursquore a carer and you need someone to talk to contact
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Aids and Adaptations If you or a member of your family has difficultyliving in your home due to a long-term illness ordisability you may be able to get help by adaptingyour home to better meet your needs You canapply to your local council for a disabled facilitiesgrant The grant helps you adapt your home tomake it suitable for a disabled person Dependingon your income you may need to pay towards thecost of the work to the property
You could get a grant from your council if yoursquoredisabled and need to make changes to yourhome for example to
bull widen doors and install rampsbull improve access to rooms and facilities - eg
stairlifts or a downstairs bathroombull provide a heating system suitable for your
needsbull adapt heating or lighting controls to make
them easier to use
How can I find out more about the aids andadaptations that would help me
Contact your social services department at yourlocal council about what difficulties you are havingat home They will send an occupational therapistto carry out an assessment and provide advice onwhich equipment or housing adaptation needs suityou best
Assistive Technology can help vulnerable peopleand their carers live more independently in theirown homes
Telecare which is part of assistive technology cansupport people whose sight hearing or cognitionmay have deteriorated This could be due tophysical or mental conditions which may have along-term effect on their health and wellbeing
There are many Telecare devices whichautomatically alert a 24-hour monitoring centre oryour chosen carer should you need assistanceThere are also Telehealth solutions which monitormedical conditions in your own home speak toyour GP to find out more about Telehealth
Telecare Technology Can
bull Raise an alarm in case of a fall or emergencybull Raise alerts for floods smoke carbon
monoxidebull Support a medication regimebull 24-hour reassurance for family and carers in
the knowledge that they will be alertedin the event of an incident
Telecare may be of benefit to
bull Older infirm or disabled peoplebull People who have been discharged from
hospital and need additional support at homebull People with sensory impairmentsbull Vulnerable people of any age living alone
Telecare also offers support and reassurance tocarers in the knowledge they will be alerted in theevent of an incident In this way Telecare can beof assistance to carers of people with dementiaphysical disabilities learning disabilities and long-term medical conditions
ADVICE ON PAYING FOR CARE
You may need to pay for all of your own care or youmay be entitled to local authority funding NHS care(free) or have entitlements to welfare benefits tohelp pay for your care and support
For most people needing social care services thefirst place to start is by asking your local authorityfor an assessment of your social care (care andsupport) needs As part of this the local authoritymay also carry out a financial assessment Thisassessment will determine whether the localauthority will meet all the cost of your care orwhether you will need to contribute towards yourcare cost or whether you will have to meet the fullcosts yourself Some of the rules for this financialassessment are applied differently based on whetheryou need care in your own home or care in aresidential home
There are several options for funding care andunderstanding them and which ones apply to youcan be complicated These options depend on yourneed for care and support as well as your personaland financial circumstances
Get personal advice on care funding
The cost of care and support is likely to be a long-term commitment and may be substantialparticularly if you opt for residential care If you ora member of the family need to pay for care athome or in a care home itrsquos important tounderstand the alternatives This makes advicetailored to your individual needs vital You can get advice from
Your local authority ndash through an assessment of yourcare and support needs as well as advice on whichservices are available locally
Financial advice from a qualified independentsource ndash there are independent financial adviserswho specialise in care funding advice They areregulated by the Financial Conduct Authority andmust stick to a code of conduct and ethics and takeshared responsibility for the suitability of anyproduct they recommend
Care and support services are means-tested and are not free to everyone Most people have to paysomething towards their own care and some will have to pay for all of the costs Who pays depends onwhat your needs are how much money you have and what level and type of care and support you require
The Mental Capacity Act
bull The actrsquos purpose is to allow adults to make as many decisions as they can for themselves
bull To enable adults to make advance decisions about whether they would like future medical treatment
bull To allow adults to appoint in advance of losing mental capacity another person to make decisions about personal welfare or property on their behalf at a future date
bull To allow decisions concerning personal welfare or property and affairs to be made in the best interests of adults when they have not made any future plans and cannot make a decision at the time
bull To ensure an NHS body or local authority will appoint an independent mental capacity advocate to support someone who cannot make a decision about seriousmedical treatment or about hospital care home or residential accommodation when there are no family or friends to be consulted
bull To provide protection against legal liability for carers who have honestly and reasonably sought to act in the personrsquos best interests
bull To provide clarity and safeguards around research in relation to those who lack capacity
LEGAL TERMS
Every day people make decisions about lots ofthings in their lives The ability to make decisionsis called mental capacity People may havedifficulties making some decisions either all orsome of the time This could be because they havea learning disability dementia a mental healthproblem or could be the result of a head injury ora stroke or a temporary condition such as anillness accident or the influence of alcohol ordrugs
Listed below are details about some of the legalterms and topics you may come across You mayneed to contact a solicitor who can give youimpartial advice which you may have to pay for oryou can contact an advocate who can advise onyour behalf
Lasting Power Of Attorney allows you to appointsomeone you trust to make decisions about yourpersonal welfare including healthcare and yourfinancial affairs
The Court of Protection can issue Ordersdirecting the management of a personrsquos propertyand financial affairs if you are incapable ofmanaging your own affairs and do not have aLasting Power of Attorney
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards protectspeople in residential care or hospital who areunable to make decisions for themselves due to abrain disorder If any of these people need to berestrained restricted or deprived in order to givethem physical care or keep them safe a Deprivationof Liberty Safeguards authorisation may be required
CARE IN YOUR OWN HOMEIf you are finding it difficult to manage at home you could consider using the services of a home careprovider Home care providers employ care assistants who can help you with bathing washing and dressingThe staff who work for these agencies are trained in personal care and safety procedures moving andhandling hygiene and infection control If you require nursing care at home many agencies employregistered nurses
This is only one option of supporting yourself with care at home Another could be to employ a personalassistant
A list of the care agencies registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who are located in the NorthStaffordshire CCG areas can be found below
Organising your own home care
If you are thinking about arranging your own home care it is a good idea to ask any agencies youapproach the following questions
bull Are there different rates for weekendseveningsbull Are there any extra charges ie for the carers travelling expensesbull What sort of services do you providebull Will somebody visit me before the service starts bull If you provide me with a service can I contact you out of office hours If so howbull Are your carers trainedbull Do you take up references on your carersbull Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission
To check up-to-date information on the providers of homecare in your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE with your Smartphone
Care Provider Address Telephone
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CAREThere are many types of residential care homes availableThese include permanent care homes for older peoplehomes for younger adults with disabilities and homes forchildren They may be privately owned or run by thevoluntary sector or local authorities You may want toconsider in detail the many options for residential carebefore you make a decision
Older PeopleCare homes for older people may provide personal care ornursing care A care home which is registered to providepersonal care (see the section on care home regulationbelow) will offer support ensuring that basic personal needssuch as meals bathing going to the toilet and medicationare taken care of In some homes more able residents havegreater independence and take care of many of their ownneeds
Some residents may need medical care and some care homesare registered to provide this These are often referred to asnursing homes Some homes specialise in certain types ofdisability for example dementia
Adults Aged 18-65There are also residential care homes that provide care andsupport for younger adults with for example severe physicaldisabilities learning disabilities acquired brain injuryprogressive neurological conditions or mental healthproblems Care can be provided for adults with more than
one condition and some homes have expertise in providingcare for adults with alcohol or drug dependency These homes offer permanent residence or provide care for atemporary period until the adult is able to live independentlyor move to a different type of accommodation
Choosing between residential care and independent livingSocial services normally encourage younger adults who theyassess for support to be as independent as theircircumstances allow The care plan for adults with disabilitieswill consider what independent tasks they can carry out andhow they can be helped to achieve more Even if adults havevery severe disabilities their needs are reviewed from time totime to check whether residential care or a very high level ofsupport is still appropriate
Supported living may be an option for younger adults Thisallows people to live independently in the community butwith basic support The support offered includes help withsetting up a home and managing finances and assistancewith cleaning and shopping
For older people there are various alternatives to residentialcare These include sheltered housing and extra care housingschemes which offer independence with an increased levelof care and support
For many people there is also the choice of livingindependently at home with community care support
Choice of Accommodation
The law says that where the local authority is fundingaccommodation it must allow the person enteringresidential care to choose which care home they wouldprefer Social services must first agree that the home issuitable for the personrsquos needs and that it would notcost more than they would normally pay for a homethat would meet those needs If the person chooses togo into a more expensive home a relative or friendmay be able to lsquotop uprsquo the difference in cost
Choosing a Care Home
Care homes may be arranged through the local authority but many people will want to arrange themindependently It is a good idea to visit several homesbefore making a choice Make sure you spend enoughtime in each home to get a good idea of what it is like
Respite and Short Term Stays
Residential care home stays dont necessarily have to bepermanent Temporary stays can be arranged forrespite care (in which you take a break from caring forsomebody else) or as a trial period before apermanent stay
Temporary stays can give you flexibility whencovering unexpected events such as
bull Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness
bull Support for newly disabled people and their carers
bull Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care
bull Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes
What your choices are
A list of all nursing and residential care homes withinyour locality can be found on the following pages Everycare home in England must be registered with thenational regulatory body Care Quality Commission(CQC)
They inspect each care home on a regular basis andwrite an inspection report for you to read It isadvisable to read this report before making a finaldecision
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CARE
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGNewcastle-Under-Lyme
Residential Address Telephone
Nursing Address Telephone
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGStaffordshire Moorlands
Address TelephoneResidential
Nursing Address Telephone
To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE
As part of the changes to the NHS brought aboutby the Health and Social Care Act 2012 PrimaryCare Trusts (PCTs) and Strategic HealthAuthorities (SHAs) ceased to exist on the 31March 2013
From April 2013 groups of General Practicesknown as NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups(CCGs) commission health services for theirlocal populations Commissioning healthservices involves identifying the health needs ofthe population and lsquobuyingrsquo the appropriatehigh quality services necessary to meet thoseneeds within the budget allocated
CCGs are membership organisations andtherefore member GP practices will be centralto our work as the North Staffordshire CCGThere are 33 member GP practices and 136 GPscatering for the population of around 213000across the two distinct localities including
Newcastle-under-Lymebull Newcastlebull Kidsgrovebull Keelebull Silverdale
Staffordshire Moorlandsbull Biddulphbull Cheadlebull Leek
The CCG has established four key strategic goalswhich form the focus for the initial years of itsexistence These goals are
bull To increase Life Expectancy and Reduce Inequality
bull To improve prevention early detection and effective management of those most at risk
bull To enhance quality of life and improve health outcomes for people with long term conditions
bull To ensure that people receive the right care inthe right place
CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUP
Getting Involved with the CCG
North Staffordshire CCG believes that engagementis crucial and tries to ensure that the voices ofpatients and members of the North Staffordshirepublic are taken into proper consideration whenthe Clinical Commissioning Group makes importantdecisions about health
It is vital that as many people as possible areinvolved in the process if it is to be effective Itrsquosespecially important for people who traditionallyhave difficulty being heard such as those who arevery elderly or disabled
There are a number of ways that you can supportNorth Staffordshire GPs and the ClinicalCommissioning Group to shape local healthcareservices that meet the needs of local people
The easiest way for individuals to get involved is tojoin the Patient Membership Scheme Anyone isentitled to join if they are registered with a doctorwithin the Newcastle-under-Lyme or theStaffordshire Moorlands regions The PatientMembership Scheme is designed to give people andorganisations the opportunity to have more say inthe NHS and actively participate in designing andshaping healthcare services
North Staffordshire Patient Participation Groups
Consisting of a group of volunteer patients thePractice Manager and one or more of the GPs froma practice Patient Participation Groups (PPGs)meet on a regular basis to discuss the services onoffer and how improvements can be made tobenefit all parties
PPGs help practices to put both the patient andhealthcare at the heart of everything they doOften the action taken by the PPGs all depends onthe local needs of individuals in the locality
In the North Staffordshire CCG the majority of GPPractices already have an existing PPG Anyoneregistered with that practice is entitled to becomea member If you would like to know more aboutyour practice Patient Participation Group and howyou can get involved you should contact your GPpractice directly for further details
For more information about NHS NorthStaffordshire CCG visit-
wwwnorthstaffsccgnhsuk
Write to-NHS North Staffordshire Clinical
Commissioning GroupMorston House
The MidwayNewcastle-under-Lyme
StaffordshireST5 1QG
Tel 0845 602 6772Email nsccgnorthstaffsnhsuk
CHOOSE WELL
Donrsquot be a time loser be a time chooser and make sure you getthe right treatment in the right place at the right time Yourtime is a precious thing Hundreds of people spend hours atAccident and Emergency each week for minor illness andailments when other services would have been moreappropriate
Choose Well ndash Facts and Figures
bull 514m GP consultations are for minor ailments alone which would clear up by themselves or with a little help from an over-the-counter remedy from a pharmacy this is 18 percent of the GP workload nearly half of these consultations are generated by people aged 16 ndash 59 years
bull Up to 40000 GP visits per year are for dandruff 20000 go to their local surgery for travel-sickness and 52 million with blocked noses
bull Two million people who go to AampE could either self-care or have been treated elsewhere in the community 12 percent of people admit to having used AampE in the past even when they knew there was nothing seriously wrong with them
bull The estimated cost of treating people who go to AampE but who could have either self-treated or gone else where is pound136 million a year this is the equivalent cost of 6500 nurses
The following pages will provide details of where and when toaccess the right health services in North Staffordshire and whatyour choices are
Choose Well
AampE 999ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCYOpen 247 365 days a year
The AampE department in NorthStaffordshire is at University Hospital of
North Staffordshire ndashNewcastle Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6QG
The Emergency Department is for ambulance traffic and critical or life-threatening situations only and you should only go there or call 999 ifimmediate emergency care is needed
NHS WALK-INCENTRE
Walk-in centres treat minor illnesses and injuries that donrsquot
need a visit to AampEHanley Health and Welling Being Centre
6971 Stafford Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 1LW
Telephone 0300 123 6759Open 800mdash2000 7 days a week
365 days a year
MINOR INjURY UNITSNewcastle-under-Lyme ndash Haywood HospitalmdashMinor Injuries Unit High LaneBurslem Stoke-on-Trent ST6 7AG Telephone 01782 715 444
Staffordshire Moorlands ndash Leek Moorlands Hospital Ashbourne Road Leek ST135BG Telephone 01538 487103 0300 123 1894
OUT OF HOURS URGENT CAREIf you live in North Staffordshire you should contact Staffordshire DoctorsUrgent Care on 0300 123 0814 0300 790 0247
GP GP SURGERY Your local GP surgery provides a range of services including ndashbull General medical advice and treatment for an illness or injury that wonrsquot
go awaybull Routine health checks ndash Travel advice ndash Prescriptionsbull Help managing long-term medical problemsbull Immunisations and testsbull Referrals to a specialist or a hospital
PHARMACIST PHARMACISTGo to a pharmacist if you have thesymptoms of a cough cold or think
yoursquove got the flu A pharmacist is thebest place to go as they can usually
provide you with the help andinformation you need on the spot
You can speak to any pharmacist for advice on how to treat lots of minorinjuries and common complaints such as coughs colds bites stings aches andpains They also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight orgiving up smoking
NHS 111 NHS 111NHS 111 is available 24 hours a dayand is free to call from landlines and
mobiles and offers confidentialhealth advice and information
Is a new national telephone service if you need medical help fast but itrsquos notlife ndash threatening NHS 111 provides a new way to ensure people receive theright care from the right person in the right time and place
SELF ndash CARESELF CAREEnsure your medicine cabinet is well
stocked withbull Anti-diarrhoeal medicinebull Paracetamol or aspirinbull Rehydration mixturebull Indigestion mixturebull Thermometerbull Plasters
Many patients make appointments to see their Doctor or Nurse when theycould be using a well stocked medicines cabinet or visiting a pharmacist totreat their symptoms ndash and getting the same help or advice a lot quicker Selfcare is the very best choice you can make for treating very minor illnesses andinjuries
CHOOSE WELL
Our GP surgeries also have trainednurses who can give advice take tests
diagnose and be able to treat manyillnesses that used to be only dealt withby doctors - making the level of serviceyou can expect from your GP surgery
even better than ever
HEALTHY LIVING
The choices we make about how we livecan have a significant effect on ourhealth Eating a healthy diet doingregular exercise not smoking and notdrinking too much alcohol can help youstay well and enjoy a long life
Keeping fit and healthy can be a challenge if youare living with a long-term condition but it willmake a big difference to your wellbeing If yoursquovebeen thinking about making changes to yourlifestyle such as stopping smoking losing weighteating healthily drinking a little less alcohol ordoing more exercise therersquos plenty of help andsupport available
Talking to your GP and other healthcare workersincluding pharmacists is the first step Theyrsquollhelp you look at your lifestyle and suggest changesthat are suitable for your condition and anytreatment yoursquore having Your health or careworker can also let you know about local servicesthat can help you
For example if you want to start exercising butyoure unsure how to your GP can put you on theExercise on Referral scheme These schemes arerun with local gyms and fitness centres and caninclude swimming Ask at your GP practice formore information
Your GP can also help you if you want to stopsmoking for instance by enrolling you in a clinicwhere yoursquoll get support from other people whoare also trying to stop Nicotine replacementtherapy and other stop smoking treatmentsprovided by your GP can also help you resistcravings and boost your chances of quittingsuccessfully
Youre never too young or too old to switch to ahealthier lifestyle Children who learn healthyhabits at a young age will benefit from themthroughout their life And giving up bad habits canimprove your health at any age
Rethink your drinking
Drinking too much alcohol could increase your riskof getting 14 major diseases including mouth andthroat cancers liver cirrhosis strokes and mentalhealth problems
Alcohol is believed to be responsible for as many as22000 premature deaths in England and Walesevery year But itrsquos not just binge drinkers who areat risk regularly drinking more than therecommended limit can cause significant healthproblems
Stop Smoking for good
Giving up smoking is probably the best thing youcan do to improve your healthResearch shows that smokingis responsible for almostone in five of alldeaths in the UK Thismeans that smokingcauses an estimated110000 deaths a year
Smokers are almosttwice as likely tohave a heartattack as peoplewho have neversmokedSmoking alsoincreases yourrisk ofdeveloping manycancers and lungdisease
Get active feel fitter live longer
Whatever your age theres strong scientificevidence that being physically active can help youlead a healthier and even happier life
Adults should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activityeach week Young people (5-18) should do 60minutes every day
If you do this it can reduce your risk of heartdisease and stroke by up to 50 and lower your riskof early death by up to 30
CHOOSING A GP
Choosing a GP can seem a daunting task especially if you have just moved into an area and dont knowanything about the local health services But there are some easy ways to find the doctor to suit you Itsimportant to be registered with a doctor because youll need them to refer you for specialist hospital andcommunity treatment services
Try to avoid attending AampE for minor complaints
A surgery may refuse an applicationto join its list of patients if
You dont reside in the surgery area
It has formally closed its list of patients eg when apractice has more patients than it can deal with ornot enough doctors - this is less common than it usedto be
If your application is refused the surgery mustwrite to you and give the reasons for this
How do I find a surgery
Most surgeries operate a fairly strict catchmentarea system and only those who live within thearea may be able to register
This isnt to be awkward but ensures a GP can visita person at home in an emergency in reasonabletime
How do I register
This is straightforward and far easier than mostpeople realise Simply take your NHS medical cardalong to your chosen surgery You will then beasked to sign a registration form
Not all NHS trusts issue medical cards If you donthave one the receptionist will give you form GMS1to fill in
Once youve completed and returned the formsyour local NHS will transfer your medical recordsto your new surgery and write to you to confirmyour registration as a patient with the surgeryMany surgeries ask a new patient to attend alsquoregistration medicalrsquo that checks your generalhealth
What if I canrsquot get an appointmentIf you cant get a doctors appointment or have anon-urgent health problem or query you cancontact a nurse by ringing 111 at any time
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
GP SURGERIES
Your local GP surgery provides a range of services including general medical advice and treatment for illnessesor injuries that just wonrsquot go away
Your local GP surgery provides a wide range of family health services as well as advice on health problems they can alsohelp with
Vaccinations bull Examinations and treatment bull Prescriptions for medicines bull Referrals to other health servicesand social services bull Screening Management of long term conditions preventative care
Please note that GP surgeries in Blythe Bridge are covered by Stoke-on-Trent CCG However there are listedin this directory as they are located in the Staffordshire Moorlands district Patients living in Blythe Bridgeshould contact NHS Stoke-on-Trent CCG 79 London Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7PZ Tel 01782 298002
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
PHARMACIES
Newcastle Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
If you have the symptoms of a cough cold or think yoursquove got the flu a pharmacist is thebest place to go as they can usually provide you the help and information you need onthe spot
They can also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight or giving up smoking
For opening times and NHS SERVICES available from your Pharmacy Please scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit wwwnhsuk
DENTISTS
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Always ask your dentist whether the treatment theyre recommending is available on the NHS and how muchit will cost before you go ahead
Emergency Dental ServiceDental Access Centres are available to treat patients who need emergency treatment This service gives priorityto pain relief and urgent care Not all dentists take on NHS patients you should check before hand
Emergency Dentist out of hours 111 bull Emergency Dentist normal working hours 111
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
OPTICIANS amp HEARING CENTRES
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Hearing Centres Address Telephone
Regular eye tests are important because your eyes donrsquot usually hurt when something is wrong Many eyeconditions can be treated if found early enough A sight test is a vital health check for your eyes It can pickup early signs of conditions that can affect the eyes before yoursquore aware of any symptoms
Including Diabetes bull Macular Degeneration bull Glaucoma
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
ARE YOU A CARER
A Carer spends a significant proportion of their life providing unpaid support to family or friends Thiscould be caring for a relative partner or friend who has a long term illness or disability includingmental illness alcohol or drug misuse or those that are elderly forgetful or frail
Caring can be a very difficult demanding and all-consuming task no matter how close you are to theperson you care for
Caring can affect your health making you feel tired frustrated stressed and feeling guilty leaving you withno time to yourself In fact 52 of carers need treatment for stress related problems and many carers feelthey have to give up work because of the effects caring has on their life
You are not alone It is estimated there are around 65 million Carers in the UK today You are certainly notalone but you still need to take care of yourself as well as the person you care for
Thankfully armed with the right support and information caring can be a rewarding and enjoyableexperience Just follow a few simple tips that can make a real difference
bull Ask for Help We all need help from time to time and carers are no exception Help is out there you only need to ask
bull Know your rights It sounds simple but knowing what yoursquore entitled to and what support is available can help a great deal
bull Tell your GP Your GP practice can record that you are a carer to ensure you get your annual flu vaccination and additional support as a carer
bull Have an assessment This can sound a little daunting at first but ensuring that you and the person you care for get an assessment of your needs through the Local Authority can give you access to a whole host of additional practical help and support
bull Be a little selfish We all need time to ourselves but itrsquos particularly important for carers This could be as simple as setting some me time aside for a relaxing bath or a night out
We at North Staffs Carers Association are there to help and benefit informal
unpaid Carers in the North Staffordshire area
North Staffs Carers is a registered Charity which provides information training and
ongoing support in the most appropriate way to Carers of all ages living in the districts
of Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
The Carers Centre Fenn House Duke Street Fenton Staffordshire ST4 3NRTelephone 01782 793100 Fax 01782 330792 bull Website wwwcarersfirstcom
There are an estimated 80000 Carers in Staffordshire help and support is available locally from the North Staffs Carers Association If yoursquore a carer and you need someone to talk to contact
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Aids and Adaptations If you or a member of your family has difficultyliving in your home due to a long-term illness ordisability you may be able to get help by adaptingyour home to better meet your needs You canapply to your local council for a disabled facilitiesgrant The grant helps you adapt your home tomake it suitable for a disabled person Dependingon your income you may need to pay towards thecost of the work to the property
You could get a grant from your council if yoursquoredisabled and need to make changes to yourhome for example to
bull widen doors and install rampsbull improve access to rooms and facilities - eg
stairlifts or a downstairs bathroombull provide a heating system suitable for your
needsbull adapt heating or lighting controls to make
them easier to use
How can I find out more about the aids andadaptations that would help me
Contact your social services department at yourlocal council about what difficulties you are havingat home They will send an occupational therapistto carry out an assessment and provide advice onwhich equipment or housing adaptation needs suityou best
Assistive Technology can help vulnerable peopleand their carers live more independently in theirown homes
Telecare which is part of assistive technology cansupport people whose sight hearing or cognitionmay have deteriorated This could be due tophysical or mental conditions which may have along-term effect on their health and wellbeing
There are many Telecare devices whichautomatically alert a 24-hour monitoring centre oryour chosen carer should you need assistanceThere are also Telehealth solutions which monitormedical conditions in your own home speak toyour GP to find out more about Telehealth
Telecare Technology Can
bull Raise an alarm in case of a fall or emergencybull Raise alerts for floods smoke carbon
monoxidebull Support a medication regimebull 24-hour reassurance for family and carers in
the knowledge that they will be alertedin the event of an incident
Telecare may be of benefit to
bull Older infirm or disabled peoplebull People who have been discharged from
hospital and need additional support at homebull People with sensory impairmentsbull Vulnerable people of any age living alone
Telecare also offers support and reassurance tocarers in the knowledge they will be alerted in theevent of an incident In this way Telecare can beof assistance to carers of people with dementiaphysical disabilities learning disabilities and long-term medical conditions
ADVICE ON PAYING FOR CARE
You may need to pay for all of your own care or youmay be entitled to local authority funding NHS care(free) or have entitlements to welfare benefits tohelp pay for your care and support
For most people needing social care services thefirst place to start is by asking your local authorityfor an assessment of your social care (care andsupport) needs As part of this the local authoritymay also carry out a financial assessment Thisassessment will determine whether the localauthority will meet all the cost of your care orwhether you will need to contribute towards yourcare cost or whether you will have to meet the fullcosts yourself Some of the rules for this financialassessment are applied differently based on whetheryou need care in your own home or care in aresidential home
There are several options for funding care andunderstanding them and which ones apply to youcan be complicated These options depend on yourneed for care and support as well as your personaland financial circumstances
Get personal advice on care funding
The cost of care and support is likely to be a long-term commitment and may be substantialparticularly if you opt for residential care If you ora member of the family need to pay for care athome or in a care home itrsquos important tounderstand the alternatives This makes advicetailored to your individual needs vital You can get advice from
Your local authority ndash through an assessment of yourcare and support needs as well as advice on whichservices are available locally
Financial advice from a qualified independentsource ndash there are independent financial adviserswho specialise in care funding advice They areregulated by the Financial Conduct Authority andmust stick to a code of conduct and ethics and takeshared responsibility for the suitability of anyproduct they recommend
Care and support services are means-tested and are not free to everyone Most people have to paysomething towards their own care and some will have to pay for all of the costs Who pays depends onwhat your needs are how much money you have and what level and type of care and support you require
The Mental Capacity Act
bull The actrsquos purpose is to allow adults to make as many decisions as they can for themselves
bull To enable adults to make advance decisions about whether they would like future medical treatment
bull To allow adults to appoint in advance of losing mental capacity another person to make decisions about personal welfare or property on their behalf at a future date
bull To allow decisions concerning personal welfare or property and affairs to be made in the best interests of adults when they have not made any future plans and cannot make a decision at the time
bull To ensure an NHS body or local authority will appoint an independent mental capacity advocate to support someone who cannot make a decision about seriousmedical treatment or about hospital care home or residential accommodation when there are no family or friends to be consulted
bull To provide protection against legal liability for carers who have honestly and reasonably sought to act in the personrsquos best interests
bull To provide clarity and safeguards around research in relation to those who lack capacity
LEGAL TERMS
Every day people make decisions about lots ofthings in their lives The ability to make decisionsis called mental capacity People may havedifficulties making some decisions either all orsome of the time This could be because they havea learning disability dementia a mental healthproblem or could be the result of a head injury ora stroke or a temporary condition such as anillness accident or the influence of alcohol ordrugs
Listed below are details about some of the legalterms and topics you may come across You mayneed to contact a solicitor who can give youimpartial advice which you may have to pay for oryou can contact an advocate who can advise onyour behalf
Lasting Power Of Attorney allows you to appointsomeone you trust to make decisions about yourpersonal welfare including healthcare and yourfinancial affairs
The Court of Protection can issue Ordersdirecting the management of a personrsquos propertyand financial affairs if you are incapable ofmanaging your own affairs and do not have aLasting Power of Attorney
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards protectspeople in residential care or hospital who areunable to make decisions for themselves due to abrain disorder If any of these people need to berestrained restricted or deprived in order to givethem physical care or keep them safe a Deprivationof Liberty Safeguards authorisation may be required
CARE IN YOUR OWN HOMEIf you are finding it difficult to manage at home you could consider using the services of a home careprovider Home care providers employ care assistants who can help you with bathing washing and dressingThe staff who work for these agencies are trained in personal care and safety procedures moving andhandling hygiene and infection control If you require nursing care at home many agencies employregistered nurses
This is only one option of supporting yourself with care at home Another could be to employ a personalassistant
A list of the care agencies registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who are located in the NorthStaffordshire CCG areas can be found below
Organising your own home care
If you are thinking about arranging your own home care it is a good idea to ask any agencies youapproach the following questions
bull Are there different rates for weekendseveningsbull Are there any extra charges ie for the carers travelling expensesbull What sort of services do you providebull Will somebody visit me before the service starts bull If you provide me with a service can I contact you out of office hours If so howbull Are your carers trainedbull Do you take up references on your carersbull Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission
To check up-to-date information on the providers of homecare in your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE with your Smartphone
Care Provider Address Telephone
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CAREThere are many types of residential care homes availableThese include permanent care homes for older peoplehomes for younger adults with disabilities and homes forchildren They may be privately owned or run by thevoluntary sector or local authorities You may want toconsider in detail the many options for residential carebefore you make a decision
Older PeopleCare homes for older people may provide personal care ornursing care A care home which is registered to providepersonal care (see the section on care home regulationbelow) will offer support ensuring that basic personal needssuch as meals bathing going to the toilet and medicationare taken care of In some homes more able residents havegreater independence and take care of many of their ownneeds
Some residents may need medical care and some care homesare registered to provide this These are often referred to asnursing homes Some homes specialise in certain types ofdisability for example dementia
Adults Aged 18-65There are also residential care homes that provide care andsupport for younger adults with for example severe physicaldisabilities learning disabilities acquired brain injuryprogressive neurological conditions or mental healthproblems Care can be provided for adults with more than
one condition and some homes have expertise in providingcare for adults with alcohol or drug dependency These homes offer permanent residence or provide care for atemporary period until the adult is able to live independentlyor move to a different type of accommodation
Choosing between residential care and independent livingSocial services normally encourage younger adults who theyassess for support to be as independent as theircircumstances allow The care plan for adults with disabilitieswill consider what independent tasks they can carry out andhow they can be helped to achieve more Even if adults havevery severe disabilities their needs are reviewed from time totime to check whether residential care or a very high level ofsupport is still appropriate
Supported living may be an option for younger adults Thisallows people to live independently in the community butwith basic support The support offered includes help withsetting up a home and managing finances and assistancewith cleaning and shopping
For older people there are various alternatives to residentialcare These include sheltered housing and extra care housingschemes which offer independence with an increased levelof care and support
For many people there is also the choice of livingindependently at home with community care support
Choice of Accommodation
The law says that where the local authority is fundingaccommodation it must allow the person enteringresidential care to choose which care home they wouldprefer Social services must first agree that the home issuitable for the personrsquos needs and that it would notcost more than they would normally pay for a homethat would meet those needs If the person chooses togo into a more expensive home a relative or friendmay be able to lsquotop uprsquo the difference in cost
Choosing a Care Home
Care homes may be arranged through the local authority but many people will want to arrange themindependently It is a good idea to visit several homesbefore making a choice Make sure you spend enoughtime in each home to get a good idea of what it is like
Respite and Short Term Stays
Residential care home stays dont necessarily have to bepermanent Temporary stays can be arranged forrespite care (in which you take a break from caring forsomebody else) or as a trial period before apermanent stay
Temporary stays can give you flexibility whencovering unexpected events such as
bull Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness
bull Support for newly disabled people and their carers
bull Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care
bull Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes
What your choices are
A list of all nursing and residential care homes withinyour locality can be found on the following pages Everycare home in England must be registered with thenational regulatory body Care Quality Commission(CQC)
They inspect each care home on a regular basis andwrite an inspection report for you to read It isadvisable to read this report before making a finaldecision
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CARE
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGNewcastle-Under-Lyme
Residential Address Telephone
Nursing Address Telephone
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGStaffordshire Moorlands
Address TelephoneResidential
Nursing Address Telephone
To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUP
Getting Involved with the CCG
North Staffordshire CCG believes that engagementis crucial and tries to ensure that the voices ofpatients and members of the North Staffordshirepublic are taken into proper consideration whenthe Clinical Commissioning Group makes importantdecisions about health
It is vital that as many people as possible areinvolved in the process if it is to be effective Itrsquosespecially important for people who traditionallyhave difficulty being heard such as those who arevery elderly or disabled
There are a number of ways that you can supportNorth Staffordshire GPs and the ClinicalCommissioning Group to shape local healthcareservices that meet the needs of local people
The easiest way for individuals to get involved is tojoin the Patient Membership Scheme Anyone isentitled to join if they are registered with a doctorwithin the Newcastle-under-Lyme or theStaffordshire Moorlands regions The PatientMembership Scheme is designed to give people andorganisations the opportunity to have more say inthe NHS and actively participate in designing andshaping healthcare services
North Staffordshire Patient Participation Groups
Consisting of a group of volunteer patients thePractice Manager and one or more of the GPs froma practice Patient Participation Groups (PPGs)meet on a regular basis to discuss the services onoffer and how improvements can be made tobenefit all parties
PPGs help practices to put both the patient andhealthcare at the heart of everything they doOften the action taken by the PPGs all depends onthe local needs of individuals in the locality
In the North Staffordshire CCG the majority of GPPractices already have an existing PPG Anyoneregistered with that practice is entitled to becomea member If you would like to know more aboutyour practice Patient Participation Group and howyou can get involved you should contact your GPpractice directly for further details
For more information about NHS NorthStaffordshire CCG visit-
wwwnorthstaffsccgnhsuk
Write to-NHS North Staffordshire Clinical
Commissioning GroupMorston House
The MidwayNewcastle-under-Lyme
StaffordshireST5 1QG
Tel 0845 602 6772Email nsccgnorthstaffsnhsuk
CHOOSE WELL
Donrsquot be a time loser be a time chooser and make sure you getthe right treatment in the right place at the right time Yourtime is a precious thing Hundreds of people spend hours atAccident and Emergency each week for minor illness andailments when other services would have been moreappropriate
Choose Well ndash Facts and Figures
bull 514m GP consultations are for minor ailments alone which would clear up by themselves or with a little help from an over-the-counter remedy from a pharmacy this is 18 percent of the GP workload nearly half of these consultations are generated by people aged 16 ndash 59 years
bull Up to 40000 GP visits per year are for dandruff 20000 go to their local surgery for travel-sickness and 52 million with blocked noses
bull Two million people who go to AampE could either self-care or have been treated elsewhere in the community 12 percent of people admit to having used AampE in the past even when they knew there was nothing seriously wrong with them
bull The estimated cost of treating people who go to AampE but who could have either self-treated or gone else where is pound136 million a year this is the equivalent cost of 6500 nurses
The following pages will provide details of where and when toaccess the right health services in North Staffordshire and whatyour choices are
Choose Well
AampE 999ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCYOpen 247 365 days a year
The AampE department in NorthStaffordshire is at University Hospital of
North Staffordshire ndashNewcastle Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6QG
The Emergency Department is for ambulance traffic and critical or life-threatening situations only and you should only go there or call 999 ifimmediate emergency care is needed
NHS WALK-INCENTRE
Walk-in centres treat minor illnesses and injuries that donrsquot
need a visit to AampEHanley Health and Welling Being Centre
6971 Stafford Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 1LW
Telephone 0300 123 6759Open 800mdash2000 7 days a week
365 days a year
MINOR INjURY UNITSNewcastle-under-Lyme ndash Haywood HospitalmdashMinor Injuries Unit High LaneBurslem Stoke-on-Trent ST6 7AG Telephone 01782 715 444
Staffordshire Moorlands ndash Leek Moorlands Hospital Ashbourne Road Leek ST135BG Telephone 01538 487103 0300 123 1894
OUT OF HOURS URGENT CAREIf you live in North Staffordshire you should contact Staffordshire DoctorsUrgent Care on 0300 123 0814 0300 790 0247
GP GP SURGERY Your local GP surgery provides a range of services including ndashbull General medical advice and treatment for an illness or injury that wonrsquot
go awaybull Routine health checks ndash Travel advice ndash Prescriptionsbull Help managing long-term medical problemsbull Immunisations and testsbull Referrals to a specialist or a hospital
PHARMACIST PHARMACISTGo to a pharmacist if you have thesymptoms of a cough cold or think
yoursquove got the flu A pharmacist is thebest place to go as they can usually
provide you with the help andinformation you need on the spot
You can speak to any pharmacist for advice on how to treat lots of minorinjuries and common complaints such as coughs colds bites stings aches andpains They also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight orgiving up smoking
NHS 111 NHS 111NHS 111 is available 24 hours a dayand is free to call from landlines and
mobiles and offers confidentialhealth advice and information
Is a new national telephone service if you need medical help fast but itrsquos notlife ndash threatening NHS 111 provides a new way to ensure people receive theright care from the right person in the right time and place
SELF ndash CARESELF CAREEnsure your medicine cabinet is well
stocked withbull Anti-diarrhoeal medicinebull Paracetamol or aspirinbull Rehydration mixturebull Indigestion mixturebull Thermometerbull Plasters
Many patients make appointments to see their Doctor or Nurse when theycould be using a well stocked medicines cabinet or visiting a pharmacist totreat their symptoms ndash and getting the same help or advice a lot quicker Selfcare is the very best choice you can make for treating very minor illnesses andinjuries
CHOOSE WELL
Our GP surgeries also have trainednurses who can give advice take tests
diagnose and be able to treat manyillnesses that used to be only dealt withby doctors - making the level of serviceyou can expect from your GP surgery
even better than ever
HEALTHY LIVING
The choices we make about how we livecan have a significant effect on ourhealth Eating a healthy diet doingregular exercise not smoking and notdrinking too much alcohol can help youstay well and enjoy a long life
Keeping fit and healthy can be a challenge if youare living with a long-term condition but it willmake a big difference to your wellbeing If yoursquovebeen thinking about making changes to yourlifestyle such as stopping smoking losing weighteating healthily drinking a little less alcohol ordoing more exercise therersquos plenty of help andsupport available
Talking to your GP and other healthcare workersincluding pharmacists is the first step Theyrsquollhelp you look at your lifestyle and suggest changesthat are suitable for your condition and anytreatment yoursquore having Your health or careworker can also let you know about local servicesthat can help you
For example if you want to start exercising butyoure unsure how to your GP can put you on theExercise on Referral scheme These schemes arerun with local gyms and fitness centres and caninclude swimming Ask at your GP practice formore information
Your GP can also help you if you want to stopsmoking for instance by enrolling you in a clinicwhere yoursquoll get support from other people whoare also trying to stop Nicotine replacementtherapy and other stop smoking treatmentsprovided by your GP can also help you resistcravings and boost your chances of quittingsuccessfully
Youre never too young or too old to switch to ahealthier lifestyle Children who learn healthyhabits at a young age will benefit from themthroughout their life And giving up bad habits canimprove your health at any age
Rethink your drinking
Drinking too much alcohol could increase your riskof getting 14 major diseases including mouth andthroat cancers liver cirrhosis strokes and mentalhealth problems
Alcohol is believed to be responsible for as many as22000 premature deaths in England and Walesevery year But itrsquos not just binge drinkers who areat risk regularly drinking more than therecommended limit can cause significant healthproblems
Stop Smoking for good
Giving up smoking is probably the best thing youcan do to improve your healthResearch shows that smokingis responsible for almostone in five of alldeaths in the UK Thismeans that smokingcauses an estimated110000 deaths a year
Smokers are almosttwice as likely tohave a heartattack as peoplewho have neversmokedSmoking alsoincreases yourrisk ofdeveloping manycancers and lungdisease
Get active feel fitter live longer
Whatever your age theres strong scientificevidence that being physically active can help youlead a healthier and even happier life
Adults should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activityeach week Young people (5-18) should do 60minutes every day
If you do this it can reduce your risk of heartdisease and stroke by up to 50 and lower your riskof early death by up to 30
CHOOSING A GP
Choosing a GP can seem a daunting task especially if you have just moved into an area and dont knowanything about the local health services But there are some easy ways to find the doctor to suit you Itsimportant to be registered with a doctor because youll need them to refer you for specialist hospital andcommunity treatment services
Try to avoid attending AampE for minor complaints
A surgery may refuse an applicationto join its list of patients if
You dont reside in the surgery area
It has formally closed its list of patients eg when apractice has more patients than it can deal with ornot enough doctors - this is less common than it usedto be
If your application is refused the surgery mustwrite to you and give the reasons for this
How do I find a surgery
Most surgeries operate a fairly strict catchmentarea system and only those who live within thearea may be able to register
This isnt to be awkward but ensures a GP can visita person at home in an emergency in reasonabletime
How do I register
This is straightforward and far easier than mostpeople realise Simply take your NHS medical cardalong to your chosen surgery You will then beasked to sign a registration form
Not all NHS trusts issue medical cards If you donthave one the receptionist will give you form GMS1to fill in
Once youve completed and returned the formsyour local NHS will transfer your medical recordsto your new surgery and write to you to confirmyour registration as a patient with the surgeryMany surgeries ask a new patient to attend alsquoregistration medicalrsquo that checks your generalhealth
What if I canrsquot get an appointmentIf you cant get a doctors appointment or have anon-urgent health problem or query you cancontact a nurse by ringing 111 at any time
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
GP SURGERIES
Your local GP surgery provides a range of services including general medical advice and treatment for illnessesor injuries that just wonrsquot go away
Your local GP surgery provides a wide range of family health services as well as advice on health problems they can alsohelp with
Vaccinations bull Examinations and treatment bull Prescriptions for medicines bull Referrals to other health servicesand social services bull Screening Management of long term conditions preventative care
Please note that GP surgeries in Blythe Bridge are covered by Stoke-on-Trent CCG However there are listedin this directory as they are located in the Staffordshire Moorlands district Patients living in Blythe Bridgeshould contact NHS Stoke-on-Trent CCG 79 London Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7PZ Tel 01782 298002
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
PHARMACIES
Newcastle Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
If you have the symptoms of a cough cold or think yoursquove got the flu a pharmacist is thebest place to go as they can usually provide you the help and information you need onthe spot
They can also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight or giving up smoking
For opening times and NHS SERVICES available from your Pharmacy Please scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit wwwnhsuk
DENTISTS
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Always ask your dentist whether the treatment theyre recommending is available on the NHS and how muchit will cost before you go ahead
Emergency Dental ServiceDental Access Centres are available to treat patients who need emergency treatment This service gives priorityto pain relief and urgent care Not all dentists take on NHS patients you should check before hand
Emergency Dentist out of hours 111 bull Emergency Dentist normal working hours 111
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
OPTICIANS amp HEARING CENTRES
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Hearing Centres Address Telephone
Regular eye tests are important because your eyes donrsquot usually hurt when something is wrong Many eyeconditions can be treated if found early enough A sight test is a vital health check for your eyes It can pickup early signs of conditions that can affect the eyes before yoursquore aware of any symptoms
Including Diabetes bull Macular Degeneration bull Glaucoma
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
ARE YOU A CARER
A Carer spends a significant proportion of their life providing unpaid support to family or friends Thiscould be caring for a relative partner or friend who has a long term illness or disability includingmental illness alcohol or drug misuse or those that are elderly forgetful or frail
Caring can be a very difficult demanding and all-consuming task no matter how close you are to theperson you care for
Caring can affect your health making you feel tired frustrated stressed and feeling guilty leaving you withno time to yourself In fact 52 of carers need treatment for stress related problems and many carers feelthey have to give up work because of the effects caring has on their life
You are not alone It is estimated there are around 65 million Carers in the UK today You are certainly notalone but you still need to take care of yourself as well as the person you care for
Thankfully armed with the right support and information caring can be a rewarding and enjoyableexperience Just follow a few simple tips that can make a real difference
bull Ask for Help We all need help from time to time and carers are no exception Help is out there you only need to ask
bull Know your rights It sounds simple but knowing what yoursquore entitled to and what support is available can help a great deal
bull Tell your GP Your GP practice can record that you are a carer to ensure you get your annual flu vaccination and additional support as a carer
bull Have an assessment This can sound a little daunting at first but ensuring that you and the person you care for get an assessment of your needs through the Local Authority can give you access to a whole host of additional practical help and support
bull Be a little selfish We all need time to ourselves but itrsquos particularly important for carers This could be as simple as setting some me time aside for a relaxing bath or a night out
We at North Staffs Carers Association are there to help and benefit informal
unpaid Carers in the North Staffordshire area
North Staffs Carers is a registered Charity which provides information training and
ongoing support in the most appropriate way to Carers of all ages living in the districts
of Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
The Carers Centre Fenn House Duke Street Fenton Staffordshire ST4 3NRTelephone 01782 793100 Fax 01782 330792 bull Website wwwcarersfirstcom
There are an estimated 80000 Carers in Staffordshire help and support is available locally from the North Staffs Carers Association If yoursquore a carer and you need someone to talk to contact
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Aids and Adaptations If you or a member of your family has difficultyliving in your home due to a long-term illness ordisability you may be able to get help by adaptingyour home to better meet your needs You canapply to your local council for a disabled facilitiesgrant The grant helps you adapt your home tomake it suitable for a disabled person Dependingon your income you may need to pay towards thecost of the work to the property
You could get a grant from your council if yoursquoredisabled and need to make changes to yourhome for example to
bull widen doors and install rampsbull improve access to rooms and facilities - eg
stairlifts or a downstairs bathroombull provide a heating system suitable for your
needsbull adapt heating or lighting controls to make
them easier to use
How can I find out more about the aids andadaptations that would help me
Contact your social services department at yourlocal council about what difficulties you are havingat home They will send an occupational therapistto carry out an assessment and provide advice onwhich equipment or housing adaptation needs suityou best
Assistive Technology can help vulnerable peopleand their carers live more independently in theirown homes
Telecare which is part of assistive technology cansupport people whose sight hearing or cognitionmay have deteriorated This could be due tophysical or mental conditions which may have along-term effect on their health and wellbeing
There are many Telecare devices whichautomatically alert a 24-hour monitoring centre oryour chosen carer should you need assistanceThere are also Telehealth solutions which monitormedical conditions in your own home speak toyour GP to find out more about Telehealth
Telecare Technology Can
bull Raise an alarm in case of a fall or emergencybull Raise alerts for floods smoke carbon
monoxidebull Support a medication regimebull 24-hour reassurance for family and carers in
the knowledge that they will be alertedin the event of an incident
Telecare may be of benefit to
bull Older infirm or disabled peoplebull People who have been discharged from
hospital and need additional support at homebull People with sensory impairmentsbull Vulnerable people of any age living alone
Telecare also offers support and reassurance tocarers in the knowledge they will be alerted in theevent of an incident In this way Telecare can beof assistance to carers of people with dementiaphysical disabilities learning disabilities and long-term medical conditions
ADVICE ON PAYING FOR CARE
You may need to pay for all of your own care or youmay be entitled to local authority funding NHS care(free) or have entitlements to welfare benefits tohelp pay for your care and support
For most people needing social care services thefirst place to start is by asking your local authorityfor an assessment of your social care (care andsupport) needs As part of this the local authoritymay also carry out a financial assessment Thisassessment will determine whether the localauthority will meet all the cost of your care orwhether you will need to contribute towards yourcare cost or whether you will have to meet the fullcosts yourself Some of the rules for this financialassessment are applied differently based on whetheryou need care in your own home or care in aresidential home
There are several options for funding care andunderstanding them and which ones apply to youcan be complicated These options depend on yourneed for care and support as well as your personaland financial circumstances
Get personal advice on care funding
The cost of care and support is likely to be a long-term commitment and may be substantialparticularly if you opt for residential care If you ora member of the family need to pay for care athome or in a care home itrsquos important tounderstand the alternatives This makes advicetailored to your individual needs vital You can get advice from
Your local authority ndash through an assessment of yourcare and support needs as well as advice on whichservices are available locally
Financial advice from a qualified independentsource ndash there are independent financial adviserswho specialise in care funding advice They areregulated by the Financial Conduct Authority andmust stick to a code of conduct and ethics and takeshared responsibility for the suitability of anyproduct they recommend
Care and support services are means-tested and are not free to everyone Most people have to paysomething towards their own care and some will have to pay for all of the costs Who pays depends onwhat your needs are how much money you have and what level and type of care and support you require
The Mental Capacity Act
bull The actrsquos purpose is to allow adults to make as many decisions as they can for themselves
bull To enable adults to make advance decisions about whether they would like future medical treatment
bull To allow adults to appoint in advance of losing mental capacity another person to make decisions about personal welfare or property on their behalf at a future date
bull To allow decisions concerning personal welfare or property and affairs to be made in the best interests of adults when they have not made any future plans and cannot make a decision at the time
bull To ensure an NHS body or local authority will appoint an independent mental capacity advocate to support someone who cannot make a decision about seriousmedical treatment or about hospital care home or residential accommodation when there are no family or friends to be consulted
bull To provide protection against legal liability for carers who have honestly and reasonably sought to act in the personrsquos best interests
bull To provide clarity and safeguards around research in relation to those who lack capacity
LEGAL TERMS
Every day people make decisions about lots ofthings in their lives The ability to make decisionsis called mental capacity People may havedifficulties making some decisions either all orsome of the time This could be because they havea learning disability dementia a mental healthproblem or could be the result of a head injury ora stroke or a temporary condition such as anillness accident or the influence of alcohol ordrugs
Listed below are details about some of the legalterms and topics you may come across You mayneed to contact a solicitor who can give youimpartial advice which you may have to pay for oryou can contact an advocate who can advise onyour behalf
Lasting Power Of Attorney allows you to appointsomeone you trust to make decisions about yourpersonal welfare including healthcare and yourfinancial affairs
The Court of Protection can issue Ordersdirecting the management of a personrsquos propertyand financial affairs if you are incapable ofmanaging your own affairs and do not have aLasting Power of Attorney
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards protectspeople in residential care or hospital who areunable to make decisions for themselves due to abrain disorder If any of these people need to berestrained restricted or deprived in order to givethem physical care or keep them safe a Deprivationof Liberty Safeguards authorisation may be required
CARE IN YOUR OWN HOMEIf you are finding it difficult to manage at home you could consider using the services of a home careprovider Home care providers employ care assistants who can help you with bathing washing and dressingThe staff who work for these agencies are trained in personal care and safety procedures moving andhandling hygiene and infection control If you require nursing care at home many agencies employregistered nurses
This is only one option of supporting yourself with care at home Another could be to employ a personalassistant
A list of the care agencies registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who are located in the NorthStaffordshire CCG areas can be found below
Organising your own home care
If you are thinking about arranging your own home care it is a good idea to ask any agencies youapproach the following questions
bull Are there different rates for weekendseveningsbull Are there any extra charges ie for the carers travelling expensesbull What sort of services do you providebull Will somebody visit me before the service starts bull If you provide me with a service can I contact you out of office hours If so howbull Are your carers trainedbull Do you take up references on your carersbull Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission
To check up-to-date information on the providers of homecare in your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE with your Smartphone
Care Provider Address Telephone
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CAREThere are many types of residential care homes availableThese include permanent care homes for older peoplehomes for younger adults with disabilities and homes forchildren They may be privately owned or run by thevoluntary sector or local authorities You may want toconsider in detail the many options for residential carebefore you make a decision
Older PeopleCare homes for older people may provide personal care ornursing care A care home which is registered to providepersonal care (see the section on care home regulationbelow) will offer support ensuring that basic personal needssuch as meals bathing going to the toilet and medicationare taken care of In some homes more able residents havegreater independence and take care of many of their ownneeds
Some residents may need medical care and some care homesare registered to provide this These are often referred to asnursing homes Some homes specialise in certain types ofdisability for example dementia
Adults Aged 18-65There are also residential care homes that provide care andsupport for younger adults with for example severe physicaldisabilities learning disabilities acquired brain injuryprogressive neurological conditions or mental healthproblems Care can be provided for adults with more than
one condition and some homes have expertise in providingcare for adults with alcohol or drug dependency These homes offer permanent residence or provide care for atemporary period until the adult is able to live independentlyor move to a different type of accommodation
Choosing between residential care and independent livingSocial services normally encourage younger adults who theyassess for support to be as independent as theircircumstances allow The care plan for adults with disabilitieswill consider what independent tasks they can carry out andhow they can be helped to achieve more Even if adults havevery severe disabilities their needs are reviewed from time totime to check whether residential care or a very high level ofsupport is still appropriate
Supported living may be an option for younger adults Thisallows people to live independently in the community butwith basic support The support offered includes help withsetting up a home and managing finances and assistancewith cleaning and shopping
For older people there are various alternatives to residentialcare These include sheltered housing and extra care housingschemes which offer independence with an increased levelof care and support
For many people there is also the choice of livingindependently at home with community care support
Choice of Accommodation
The law says that where the local authority is fundingaccommodation it must allow the person enteringresidential care to choose which care home they wouldprefer Social services must first agree that the home issuitable for the personrsquos needs and that it would notcost more than they would normally pay for a homethat would meet those needs If the person chooses togo into a more expensive home a relative or friendmay be able to lsquotop uprsquo the difference in cost
Choosing a Care Home
Care homes may be arranged through the local authority but many people will want to arrange themindependently It is a good idea to visit several homesbefore making a choice Make sure you spend enoughtime in each home to get a good idea of what it is like
Respite and Short Term Stays
Residential care home stays dont necessarily have to bepermanent Temporary stays can be arranged forrespite care (in which you take a break from caring forsomebody else) or as a trial period before apermanent stay
Temporary stays can give you flexibility whencovering unexpected events such as
bull Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness
bull Support for newly disabled people and their carers
bull Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care
bull Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes
What your choices are
A list of all nursing and residential care homes withinyour locality can be found on the following pages Everycare home in England must be registered with thenational regulatory body Care Quality Commission(CQC)
They inspect each care home on a regular basis andwrite an inspection report for you to read It isadvisable to read this report before making a finaldecision
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CARE
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGNewcastle-Under-Lyme
Residential Address Telephone
Nursing Address Telephone
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGStaffordshire Moorlands
Address TelephoneResidential
Nursing Address Telephone
To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
CHOOSE WELL
Donrsquot be a time loser be a time chooser and make sure you getthe right treatment in the right place at the right time Yourtime is a precious thing Hundreds of people spend hours atAccident and Emergency each week for minor illness andailments when other services would have been moreappropriate
Choose Well ndash Facts and Figures
bull 514m GP consultations are for minor ailments alone which would clear up by themselves or with a little help from an over-the-counter remedy from a pharmacy this is 18 percent of the GP workload nearly half of these consultations are generated by people aged 16 ndash 59 years
bull Up to 40000 GP visits per year are for dandruff 20000 go to their local surgery for travel-sickness and 52 million with blocked noses
bull Two million people who go to AampE could either self-care or have been treated elsewhere in the community 12 percent of people admit to having used AampE in the past even when they knew there was nothing seriously wrong with them
bull The estimated cost of treating people who go to AampE but who could have either self-treated or gone else where is pound136 million a year this is the equivalent cost of 6500 nurses
The following pages will provide details of where and when toaccess the right health services in North Staffordshire and whatyour choices are
Choose Well
AampE 999ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCYOpen 247 365 days a year
The AampE department in NorthStaffordshire is at University Hospital of
North Staffordshire ndashNewcastle Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6QG
The Emergency Department is for ambulance traffic and critical or life-threatening situations only and you should only go there or call 999 ifimmediate emergency care is needed
NHS WALK-INCENTRE
Walk-in centres treat minor illnesses and injuries that donrsquot
need a visit to AampEHanley Health and Welling Being Centre
6971 Stafford Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 1LW
Telephone 0300 123 6759Open 800mdash2000 7 days a week
365 days a year
MINOR INjURY UNITSNewcastle-under-Lyme ndash Haywood HospitalmdashMinor Injuries Unit High LaneBurslem Stoke-on-Trent ST6 7AG Telephone 01782 715 444
Staffordshire Moorlands ndash Leek Moorlands Hospital Ashbourne Road Leek ST135BG Telephone 01538 487103 0300 123 1894
OUT OF HOURS URGENT CAREIf you live in North Staffordshire you should contact Staffordshire DoctorsUrgent Care on 0300 123 0814 0300 790 0247
GP GP SURGERY Your local GP surgery provides a range of services including ndashbull General medical advice and treatment for an illness or injury that wonrsquot
go awaybull Routine health checks ndash Travel advice ndash Prescriptionsbull Help managing long-term medical problemsbull Immunisations and testsbull Referrals to a specialist or a hospital
PHARMACIST PHARMACISTGo to a pharmacist if you have thesymptoms of a cough cold or think
yoursquove got the flu A pharmacist is thebest place to go as they can usually
provide you with the help andinformation you need on the spot
You can speak to any pharmacist for advice on how to treat lots of minorinjuries and common complaints such as coughs colds bites stings aches andpains They also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight orgiving up smoking
NHS 111 NHS 111NHS 111 is available 24 hours a dayand is free to call from landlines and
mobiles and offers confidentialhealth advice and information
Is a new national telephone service if you need medical help fast but itrsquos notlife ndash threatening NHS 111 provides a new way to ensure people receive theright care from the right person in the right time and place
SELF ndash CARESELF CAREEnsure your medicine cabinet is well
stocked withbull Anti-diarrhoeal medicinebull Paracetamol or aspirinbull Rehydration mixturebull Indigestion mixturebull Thermometerbull Plasters
Many patients make appointments to see their Doctor or Nurse when theycould be using a well stocked medicines cabinet or visiting a pharmacist totreat their symptoms ndash and getting the same help or advice a lot quicker Selfcare is the very best choice you can make for treating very minor illnesses andinjuries
CHOOSE WELL
Our GP surgeries also have trainednurses who can give advice take tests
diagnose and be able to treat manyillnesses that used to be only dealt withby doctors - making the level of serviceyou can expect from your GP surgery
even better than ever
HEALTHY LIVING
The choices we make about how we livecan have a significant effect on ourhealth Eating a healthy diet doingregular exercise not smoking and notdrinking too much alcohol can help youstay well and enjoy a long life
Keeping fit and healthy can be a challenge if youare living with a long-term condition but it willmake a big difference to your wellbeing If yoursquovebeen thinking about making changes to yourlifestyle such as stopping smoking losing weighteating healthily drinking a little less alcohol ordoing more exercise therersquos plenty of help andsupport available
Talking to your GP and other healthcare workersincluding pharmacists is the first step Theyrsquollhelp you look at your lifestyle and suggest changesthat are suitable for your condition and anytreatment yoursquore having Your health or careworker can also let you know about local servicesthat can help you
For example if you want to start exercising butyoure unsure how to your GP can put you on theExercise on Referral scheme These schemes arerun with local gyms and fitness centres and caninclude swimming Ask at your GP practice formore information
Your GP can also help you if you want to stopsmoking for instance by enrolling you in a clinicwhere yoursquoll get support from other people whoare also trying to stop Nicotine replacementtherapy and other stop smoking treatmentsprovided by your GP can also help you resistcravings and boost your chances of quittingsuccessfully
Youre never too young or too old to switch to ahealthier lifestyle Children who learn healthyhabits at a young age will benefit from themthroughout their life And giving up bad habits canimprove your health at any age
Rethink your drinking
Drinking too much alcohol could increase your riskof getting 14 major diseases including mouth andthroat cancers liver cirrhosis strokes and mentalhealth problems
Alcohol is believed to be responsible for as many as22000 premature deaths in England and Walesevery year But itrsquos not just binge drinkers who areat risk regularly drinking more than therecommended limit can cause significant healthproblems
Stop Smoking for good
Giving up smoking is probably the best thing youcan do to improve your healthResearch shows that smokingis responsible for almostone in five of alldeaths in the UK Thismeans that smokingcauses an estimated110000 deaths a year
Smokers are almosttwice as likely tohave a heartattack as peoplewho have neversmokedSmoking alsoincreases yourrisk ofdeveloping manycancers and lungdisease
Get active feel fitter live longer
Whatever your age theres strong scientificevidence that being physically active can help youlead a healthier and even happier life
Adults should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activityeach week Young people (5-18) should do 60minutes every day
If you do this it can reduce your risk of heartdisease and stroke by up to 50 and lower your riskof early death by up to 30
CHOOSING A GP
Choosing a GP can seem a daunting task especially if you have just moved into an area and dont knowanything about the local health services But there are some easy ways to find the doctor to suit you Itsimportant to be registered with a doctor because youll need them to refer you for specialist hospital andcommunity treatment services
Try to avoid attending AampE for minor complaints
A surgery may refuse an applicationto join its list of patients if
You dont reside in the surgery area
It has formally closed its list of patients eg when apractice has more patients than it can deal with ornot enough doctors - this is less common than it usedto be
If your application is refused the surgery mustwrite to you and give the reasons for this
How do I find a surgery
Most surgeries operate a fairly strict catchmentarea system and only those who live within thearea may be able to register
This isnt to be awkward but ensures a GP can visita person at home in an emergency in reasonabletime
How do I register
This is straightforward and far easier than mostpeople realise Simply take your NHS medical cardalong to your chosen surgery You will then beasked to sign a registration form
Not all NHS trusts issue medical cards If you donthave one the receptionist will give you form GMS1to fill in
Once youve completed and returned the formsyour local NHS will transfer your medical recordsto your new surgery and write to you to confirmyour registration as a patient with the surgeryMany surgeries ask a new patient to attend alsquoregistration medicalrsquo that checks your generalhealth
What if I canrsquot get an appointmentIf you cant get a doctors appointment or have anon-urgent health problem or query you cancontact a nurse by ringing 111 at any time
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
GP SURGERIES
Your local GP surgery provides a range of services including general medical advice and treatment for illnessesor injuries that just wonrsquot go away
Your local GP surgery provides a wide range of family health services as well as advice on health problems they can alsohelp with
Vaccinations bull Examinations and treatment bull Prescriptions for medicines bull Referrals to other health servicesand social services bull Screening Management of long term conditions preventative care
Please note that GP surgeries in Blythe Bridge are covered by Stoke-on-Trent CCG However there are listedin this directory as they are located in the Staffordshire Moorlands district Patients living in Blythe Bridgeshould contact NHS Stoke-on-Trent CCG 79 London Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7PZ Tel 01782 298002
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
PHARMACIES
Newcastle Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
If you have the symptoms of a cough cold or think yoursquove got the flu a pharmacist is thebest place to go as they can usually provide you the help and information you need onthe spot
They can also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight or giving up smoking
For opening times and NHS SERVICES available from your Pharmacy Please scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit wwwnhsuk
DENTISTS
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Always ask your dentist whether the treatment theyre recommending is available on the NHS and how muchit will cost before you go ahead
Emergency Dental ServiceDental Access Centres are available to treat patients who need emergency treatment This service gives priorityto pain relief and urgent care Not all dentists take on NHS patients you should check before hand
Emergency Dentist out of hours 111 bull Emergency Dentist normal working hours 111
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
OPTICIANS amp HEARING CENTRES
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Hearing Centres Address Telephone
Regular eye tests are important because your eyes donrsquot usually hurt when something is wrong Many eyeconditions can be treated if found early enough A sight test is a vital health check for your eyes It can pickup early signs of conditions that can affect the eyes before yoursquore aware of any symptoms
Including Diabetes bull Macular Degeneration bull Glaucoma
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
ARE YOU A CARER
A Carer spends a significant proportion of their life providing unpaid support to family or friends Thiscould be caring for a relative partner or friend who has a long term illness or disability includingmental illness alcohol or drug misuse or those that are elderly forgetful or frail
Caring can be a very difficult demanding and all-consuming task no matter how close you are to theperson you care for
Caring can affect your health making you feel tired frustrated stressed and feeling guilty leaving you withno time to yourself In fact 52 of carers need treatment for stress related problems and many carers feelthey have to give up work because of the effects caring has on their life
You are not alone It is estimated there are around 65 million Carers in the UK today You are certainly notalone but you still need to take care of yourself as well as the person you care for
Thankfully armed with the right support and information caring can be a rewarding and enjoyableexperience Just follow a few simple tips that can make a real difference
bull Ask for Help We all need help from time to time and carers are no exception Help is out there you only need to ask
bull Know your rights It sounds simple but knowing what yoursquore entitled to and what support is available can help a great deal
bull Tell your GP Your GP practice can record that you are a carer to ensure you get your annual flu vaccination and additional support as a carer
bull Have an assessment This can sound a little daunting at first but ensuring that you and the person you care for get an assessment of your needs through the Local Authority can give you access to a whole host of additional practical help and support
bull Be a little selfish We all need time to ourselves but itrsquos particularly important for carers This could be as simple as setting some me time aside for a relaxing bath or a night out
We at North Staffs Carers Association are there to help and benefit informal
unpaid Carers in the North Staffordshire area
North Staffs Carers is a registered Charity which provides information training and
ongoing support in the most appropriate way to Carers of all ages living in the districts
of Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
The Carers Centre Fenn House Duke Street Fenton Staffordshire ST4 3NRTelephone 01782 793100 Fax 01782 330792 bull Website wwwcarersfirstcom
There are an estimated 80000 Carers in Staffordshire help and support is available locally from the North Staffs Carers Association If yoursquore a carer and you need someone to talk to contact
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Aids and Adaptations If you or a member of your family has difficultyliving in your home due to a long-term illness ordisability you may be able to get help by adaptingyour home to better meet your needs You canapply to your local council for a disabled facilitiesgrant The grant helps you adapt your home tomake it suitable for a disabled person Dependingon your income you may need to pay towards thecost of the work to the property
You could get a grant from your council if yoursquoredisabled and need to make changes to yourhome for example to
bull widen doors and install rampsbull improve access to rooms and facilities - eg
stairlifts or a downstairs bathroombull provide a heating system suitable for your
needsbull adapt heating or lighting controls to make
them easier to use
How can I find out more about the aids andadaptations that would help me
Contact your social services department at yourlocal council about what difficulties you are havingat home They will send an occupational therapistto carry out an assessment and provide advice onwhich equipment or housing adaptation needs suityou best
Assistive Technology can help vulnerable peopleand their carers live more independently in theirown homes
Telecare which is part of assistive technology cansupport people whose sight hearing or cognitionmay have deteriorated This could be due tophysical or mental conditions which may have along-term effect on their health and wellbeing
There are many Telecare devices whichautomatically alert a 24-hour monitoring centre oryour chosen carer should you need assistanceThere are also Telehealth solutions which monitormedical conditions in your own home speak toyour GP to find out more about Telehealth
Telecare Technology Can
bull Raise an alarm in case of a fall or emergencybull Raise alerts for floods smoke carbon
monoxidebull Support a medication regimebull 24-hour reassurance for family and carers in
the knowledge that they will be alertedin the event of an incident
Telecare may be of benefit to
bull Older infirm or disabled peoplebull People who have been discharged from
hospital and need additional support at homebull People with sensory impairmentsbull Vulnerable people of any age living alone
Telecare also offers support and reassurance tocarers in the knowledge they will be alerted in theevent of an incident In this way Telecare can beof assistance to carers of people with dementiaphysical disabilities learning disabilities and long-term medical conditions
ADVICE ON PAYING FOR CARE
You may need to pay for all of your own care or youmay be entitled to local authority funding NHS care(free) or have entitlements to welfare benefits tohelp pay for your care and support
For most people needing social care services thefirst place to start is by asking your local authorityfor an assessment of your social care (care andsupport) needs As part of this the local authoritymay also carry out a financial assessment Thisassessment will determine whether the localauthority will meet all the cost of your care orwhether you will need to contribute towards yourcare cost or whether you will have to meet the fullcosts yourself Some of the rules for this financialassessment are applied differently based on whetheryou need care in your own home or care in aresidential home
There are several options for funding care andunderstanding them and which ones apply to youcan be complicated These options depend on yourneed for care and support as well as your personaland financial circumstances
Get personal advice on care funding
The cost of care and support is likely to be a long-term commitment and may be substantialparticularly if you opt for residential care If you ora member of the family need to pay for care athome or in a care home itrsquos important tounderstand the alternatives This makes advicetailored to your individual needs vital You can get advice from
Your local authority ndash through an assessment of yourcare and support needs as well as advice on whichservices are available locally
Financial advice from a qualified independentsource ndash there are independent financial adviserswho specialise in care funding advice They areregulated by the Financial Conduct Authority andmust stick to a code of conduct and ethics and takeshared responsibility for the suitability of anyproduct they recommend
Care and support services are means-tested and are not free to everyone Most people have to paysomething towards their own care and some will have to pay for all of the costs Who pays depends onwhat your needs are how much money you have and what level and type of care and support you require
The Mental Capacity Act
bull The actrsquos purpose is to allow adults to make as many decisions as they can for themselves
bull To enable adults to make advance decisions about whether they would like future medical treatment
bull To allow adults to appoint in advance of losing mental capacity another person to make decisions about personal welfare or property on their behalf at a future date
bull To allow decisions concerning personal welfare or property and affairs to be made in the best interests of adults when they have not made any future plans and cannot make a decision at the time
bull To ensure an NHS body or local authority will appoint an independent mental capacity advocate to support someone who cannot make a decision about seriousmedical treatment or about hospital care home or residential accommodation when there are no family or friends to be consulted
bull To provide protection against legal liability for carers who have honestly and reasonably sought to act in the personrsquos best interests
bull To provide clarity and safeguards around research in relation to those who lack capacity
LEGAL TERMS
Every day people make decisions about lots ofthings in their lives The ability to make decisionsis called mental capacity People may havedifficulties making some decisions either all orsome of the time This could be because they havea learning disability dementia a mental healthproblem or could be the result of a head injury ora stroke or a temporary condition such as anillness accident or the influence of alcohol ordrugs
Listed below are details about some of the legalterms and topics you may come across You mayneed to contact a solicitor who can give youimpartial advice which you may have to pay for oryou can contact an advocate who can advise onyour behalf
Lasting Power Of Attorney allows you to appointsomeone you trust to make decisions about yourpersonal welfare including healthcare and yourfinancial affairs
The Court of Protection can issue Ordersdirecting the management of a personrsquos propertyand financial affairs if you are incapable ofmanaging your own affairs and do not have aLasting Power of Attorney
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards protectspeople in residential care or hospital who areunable to make decisions for themselves due to abrain disorder If any of these people need to berestrained restricted or deprived in order to givethem physical care or keep them safe a Deprivationof Liberty Safeguards authorisation may be required
CARE IN YOUR OWN HOMEIf you are finding it difficult to manage at home you could consider using the services of a home careprovider Home care providers employ care assistants who can help you with bathing washing and dressingThe staff who work for these agencies are trained in personal care and safety procedures moving andhandling hygiene and infection control If you require nursing care at home many agencies employregistered nurses
This is only one option of supporting yourself with care at home Another could be to employ a personalassistant
A list of the care agencies registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who are located in the NorthStaffordshire CCG areas can be found below
Organising your own home care
If you are thinking about arranging your own home care it is a good idea to ask any agencies youapproach the following questions
bull Are there different rates for weekendseveningsbull Are there any extra charges ie for the carers travelling expensesbull What sort of services do you providebull Will somebody visit me before the service starts bull If you provide me with a service can I contact you out of office hours If so howbull Are your carers trainedbull Do you take up references on your carersbull Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission
To check up-to-date information on the providers of homecare in your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE with your Smartphone
Care Provider Address Telephone
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CAREThere are many types of residential care homes availableThese include permanent care homes for older peoplehomes for younger adults with disabilities and homes forchildren They may be privately owned or run by thevoluntary sector or local authorities You may want toconsider in detail the many options for residential carebefore you make a decision
Older PeopleCare homes for older people may provide personal care ornursing care A care home which is registered to providepersonal care (see the section on care home regulationbelow) will offer support ensuring that basic personal needssuch as meals bathing going to the toilet and medicationare taken care of In some homes more able residents havegreater independence and take care of many of their ownneeds
Some residents may need medical care and some care homesare registered to provide this These are often referred to asnursing homes Some homes specialise in certain types ofdisability for example dementia
Adults Aged 18-65There are also residential care homes that provide care andsupport for younger adults with for example severe physicaldisabilities learning disabilities acquired brain injuryprogressive neurological conditions or mental healthproblems Care can be provided for adults with more than
one condition and some homes have expertise in providingcare for adults with alcohol or drug dependency These homes offer permanent residence or provide care for atemporary period until the adult is able to live independentlyor move to a different type of accommodation
Choosing between residential care and independent livingSocial services normally encourage younger adults who theyassess for support to be as independent as theircircumstances allow The care plan for adults with disabilitieswill consider what independent tasks they can carry out andhow they can be helped to achieve more Even if adults havevery severe disabilities their needs are reviewed from time totime to check whether residential care or a very high level ofsupport is still appropriate
Supported living may be an option for younger adults Thisallows people to live independently in the community butwith basic support The support offered includes help withsetting up a home and managing finances and assistancewith cleaning and shopping
For older people there are various alternatives to residentialcare These include sheltered housing and extra care housingschemes which offer independence with an increased levelof care and support
For many people there is also the choice of livingindependently at home with community care support
Choice of Accommodation
The law says that where the local authority is fundingaccommodation it must allow the person enteringresidential care to choose which care home they wouldprefer Social services must first agree that the home issuitable for the personrsquos needs and that it would notcost more than they would normally pay for a homethat would meet those needs If the person chooses togo into a more expensive home a relative or friendmay be able to lsquotop uprsquo the difference in cost
Choosing a Care Home
Care homes may be arranged through the local authority but many people will want to arrange themindependently It is a good idea to visit several homesbefore making a choice Make sure you spend enoughtime in each home to get a good idea of what it is like
Respite and Short Term Stays
Residential care home stays dont necessarily have to bepermanent Temporary stays can be arranged forrespite care (in which you take a break from caring forsomebody else) or as a trial period before apermanent stay
Temporary stays can give you flexibility whencovering unexpected events such as
bull Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness
bull Support for newly disabled people and their carers
bull Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care
bull Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes
What your choices are
A list of all nursing and residential care homes withinyour locality can be found on the following pages Everycare home in England must be registered with thenational regulatory body Care Quality Commission(CQC)
They inspect each care home on a regular basis andwrite an inspection report for you to read It isadvisable to read this report before making a finaldecision
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CARE
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGNewcastle-Under-Lyme
Residential Address Telephone
Nursing Address Telephone
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGStaffordshire Moorlands
Address TelephoneResidential
Nursing Address Telephone
To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
AampE 999ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCYOpen 247 365 days a year
The AampE department in NorthStaffordshire is at University Hospital of
North Staffordshire ndashNewcastle Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6QG
The Emergency Department is for ambulance traffic and critical or life-threatening situations only and you should only go there or call 999 ifimmediate emergency care is needed
NHS WALK-INCENTRE
Walk-in centres treat minor illnesses and injuries that donrsquot
need a visit to AampEHanley Health and Welling Being Centre
6971 Stafford Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 1LW
Telephone 0300 123 6759Open 800mdash2000 7 days a week
365 days a year
MINOR INjURY UNITSNewcastle-under-Lyme ndash Haywood HospitalmdashMinor Injuries Unit High LaneBurslem Stoke-on-Trent ST6 7AG Telephone 01782 715 444
Staffordshire Moorlands ndash Leek Moorlands Hospital Ashbourne Road Leek ST135BG Telephone 01538 487103 0300 123 1894
OUT OF HOURS URGENT CAREIf you live in North Staffordshire you should contact Staffordshire DoctorsUrgent Care on 0300 123 0814 0300 790 0247
GP GP SURGERY Your local GP surgery provides a range of services including ndashbull General medical advice and treatment for an illness or injury that wonrsquot
go awaybull Routine health checks ndash Travel advice ndash Prescriptionsbull Help managing long-term medical problemsbull Immunisations and testsbull Referrals to a specialist or a hospital
PHARMACIST PHARMACISTGo to a pharmacist if you have thesymptoms of a cough cold or think
yoursquove got the flu A pharmacist is thebest place to go as they can usually
provide you with the help andinformation you need on the spot
You can speak to any pharmacist for advice on how to treat lots of minorinjuries and common complaints such as coughs colds bites stings aches andpains They also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight orgiving up smoking
NHS 111 NHS 111NHS 111 is available 24 hours a dayand is free to call from landlines and
mobiles and offers confidentialhealth advice and information
Is a new national telephone service if you need medical help fast but itrsquos notlife ndash threatening NHS 111 provides a new way to ensure people receive theright care from the right person in the right time and place
SELF ndash CARESELF CAREEnsure your medicine cabinet is well
stocked withbull Anti-diarrhoeal medicinebull Paracetamol or aspirinbull Rehydration mixturebull Indigestion mixturebull Thermometerbull Plasters
Many patients make appointments to see their Doctor or Nurse when theycould be using a well stocked medicines cabinet or visiting a pharmacist totreat their symptoms ndash and getting the same help or advice a lot quicker Selfcare is the very best choice you can make for treating very minor illnesses andinjuries
CHOOSE WELL
Our GP surgeries also have trainednurses who can give advice take tests
diagnose and be able to treat manyillnesses that used to be only dealt withby doctors - making the level of serviceyou can expect from your GP surgery
even better than ever
HEALTHY LIVING
The choices we make about how we livecan have a significant effect on ourhealth Eating a healthy diet doingregular exercise not smoking and notdrinking too much alcohol can help youstay well and enjoy a long life
Keeping fit and healthy can be a challenge if youare living with a long-term condition but it willmake a big difference to your wellbeing If yoursquovebeen thinking about making changes to yourlifestyle such as stopping smoking losing weighteating healthily drinking a little less alcohol ordoing more exercise therersquos plenty of help andsupport available
Talking to your GP and other healthcare workersincluding pharmacists is the first step Theyrsquollhelp you look at your lifestyle and suggest changesthat are suitable for your condition and anytreatment yoursquore having Your health or careworker can also let you know about local servicesthat can help you
For example if you want to start exercising butyoure unsure how to your GP can put you on theExercise on Referral scheme These schemes arerun with local gyms and fitness centres and caninclude swimming Ask at your GP practice formore information
Your GP can also help you if you want to stopsmoking for instance by enrolling you in a clinicwhere yoursquoll get support from other people whoare also trying to stop Nicotine replacementtherapy and other stop smoking treatmentsprovided by your GP can also help you resistcravings and boost your chances of quittingsuccessfully
Youre never too young or too old to switch to ahealthier lifestyle Children who learn healthyhabits at a young age will benefit from themthroughout their life And giving up bad habits canimprove your health at any age
Rethink your drinking
Drinking too much alcohol could increase your riskof getting 14 major diseases including mouth andthroat cancers liver cirrhosis strokes and mentalhealth problems
Alcohol is believed to be responsible for as many as22000 premature deaths in England and Walesevery year But itrsquos not just binge drinkers who areat risk regularly drinking more than therecommended limit can cause significant healthproblems
Stop Smoking for good
Giving up smoking is probably the best thing youcan do to improve your healthResearch shows that smokingis responsible for almostone in five of alldeaths in the UK Thismeans that smokingcauses an estimated110000 deaths a year
Smokers are almosttwice as likely tohave a heartattack as peoplewho have neversmokedSmoking alsoincreases yourrisk ofdeveloping manycancers and lungdisease
Get active feel fitter live longer
Whatever your age theres strong scientificevidence that being physically active can help youlead a healthier and even happier life
Adults should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activityeach week Young people (5-18) should do 60minutes every day
If you do this it can reduce your risk of heartdisease and stroke by up to 50 and lower your riskof early death by up to 30
CHOOSING A GP
Choosing a GP can seem a daunting task especially if you have just moved into an area and dont knowanything about the local health services But there are some easy ways to find the doctor to suit you Itsimportant to be registered with a doctor because youll need them to refer you for specialist hospital andcommunity treatment services
Try to avoid attending AampE for minor complaints
A surgery may refuse an applicationto join its list of patients if
You dont reside in the surgery area
It has formally closed its list of patients eg when apractice has more patients than it can deal with ornot enough doctors - this is less common than it usedto be
If your application is refused the surgery mustwrite to you and give the reasons for this
How do I find a surgery
Most surgeries operate a fairly strict catchmentarea system and only those who live within thearea may be able to register
This isnt to be awkward but ensures a GP can visita person at home in an emergency in reasonabletime
How do I register
This is straightforward and far easier than mostpeople realise Simply take your NHS medical cardalong to your chosen surgery You will then beasked to sign a registration form
Not all NHS trusts issue medical cards If you donthave one the receptionist will give you form GMS1to fill in
Once youve completed and returned the formsyour local NHS will transfer your medical recordsto your new surgery and write to you to confirmyour registration as a patient with the surgeryMany surgeries ask a new patient to attend alsquoregistration medicalrsquo that checks your generalhealth
What if I canrsquot get an appointmentIf you cant get a doctors appointment or have anon-urgent health problem or query you cancontact a nurse by ringing 111 at any time
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
GP SURGERIES
Your local GP surgery provides a range of services including general medical advice and treatment for illnessesor injuries that just wonrsquot go away
Your local GP surgery provides a wide range of family health services as well as advice on health problems they can alsohelp with
Vaccinations bull Examinations and treatment bull Prescriptions for medicines bull Referrals to other health servicesand social services bull Screening Management of long term conditions preventative care
Please note that GP surgeries in Blythe Bridge are covered by Stoke-on-Trent CCG However there are listedin this directory as they are located in the Staffordshire Moorlands district Patients living in Blythe Bridgeshould contact NHS Stoke-on-Trent CCG 79 London Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7PZ Tel 01782 298002
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
PHARMACIES
Newcastle Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
If you have the symptoms of a cough cold or think yoursquove got the flu a pharmacist is thebest place to go as they can usually provide you the help and information you need onthe spot
They can also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight or giving up smoking
For opening times and NHS SERVICES available from your Pharmacy Please scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit wwwnhsuk
DENTISTS
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Always ask your dentist whether the treatment theyre recommending is available on the NHS and how muchit will cost before you go ahead
Emergency Dental ServiceDental Access Centres are available to treat patients who need emergency treatment This service gives priorityto pain relief and urgent care Not all dentists take on NHS patients you should check before hand
Emergency Dentist out of hours 111 bull Emergency Dentist normal working hours 111
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
OPTICIANS amp HEARING CENTRES
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Hearing Centres Address Telephone
Regular eye tests are important because your eyes donrsquot usually hurt when something is wrong Many eyeconditions can be treated if found early enough A sight test is a vital health check for your eyes It can pickup early signs of conditions that can affect the eyes before yoursquore aware of any symptoms
Including Diabetes bull Macular Degeneration bull Glaucoma
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
ARE YOU A CARER
A Carer spends a significant proportion of their life providing unpaid support to family or friends Thiscould be caring for a relative partner or friend who has a long term illness or disability includingmental illness alcohol or drug misuse or those that are elderly forgetful or frail
Caring can be a very difficult demanding and all-consuming task no matter how close you are to theperson you care for
Caring can affect your health making you feel tired frustrated stressed and feeling guilty leaving you withno time to yourself In fact 52 of carers need treatment for stress related problems and many carers feelthey have to give up work because of the effects caring has on their life
You are not alone It is estimated there are around 65 million Carers in the UK today You are certainly notalone but you still need to take care of yourself as well as the person you care for
Thankfully armed with the right support and information caring can be a rewarding and enjoyableexperience Just follow a few simple tips that can make a real difference
bull Ask for Help We all need help from time to time and carers are no exception Help is out there you only need to ask
bull Know your rights It sounds simple but knowing what yoursquore entitled to and what support is available can help a great deal
bull Tell your GP Your GP practice can record that you are a carer to ensure you get your annual flu vaccination and additional support as a carer
bull Have an assessment This can sound a little daunting at first but ensuring that you and the person you care for get an assessment of your needs through the Local Authority can give you access to a whole host of additional practical help and support
bull Be a little selfish We all need time to ourselves but itrsquos particularly important for carers This could be as simple as setting some me time aside for a relaxing bath or a night out
We at North Staffs Carers Association are there to help and benefit informal
unpaid Carers in the North Staffordshire area
North Staffs Carers is a registered Charity which provides information training and
ongoing support in the most appropriate way to Carers of all ages living in the districts
of Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
The Carers Centre Fenn House Duke Street Fenton Staffordshire ST4 3NRTelephone 01782 793100 Fax 01782 330792 bull Website wwwcarersfirstcom
There are an estimated 80000 Carers in Staffordshire help and support is available locally from the North Staffs Carers Association If yoursquore a carer and you need someone to talk to contact
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Aids and Adaptations If you or a member of your family has difficultyliving in your home due to a long-term illness ordisability you may be able to get help by adaptingyour home to better meet your needs You canapply to your local council for a disabled facilitiesgrant The grant helps you adapt your home tomake it suitable for a disabled person Dependingon your income you may need to pay towards thecost of the work to the property
You could get a grant from your council if yoursquoredisabled and need to make changes to yourhome for example to
bull widen doors and install rampsbull improve access to rooms and facilities - eg
stairlifts or a downstairs bathroombull provide a heating system suitable for your
needsbull adapt heating or lighting controls to make
them easier to use
How can I find out more about the aids andadaptations that would help me
Contact your social services department at yourlocal council about what difficulties you are havingat home They will send an occupational therapistto carry out an assessment and provide advice onwhich equipment or housing adaptation needs suityou best
Assistive Technology can help vulnerable peopleand their carers live more independently in theirown homes
Telecare which is part of assistive technology cansupport people whose sight hearing or cognitionmay have deteriorated This could be due tophysical or mental conditions which may have along-term effect on their health and wellbeing
There are many Telecare devices whichautomatically alert a 24-hour monitoring centre oryour chosen carer should you need assistanceThere are also Telehealth solutions which monitormedical conditions in your own home speak toyour GP to find out more about Telehealth
Telecare Technology Can
bull Raise an alarm in case of a fall or emergencybull Raise alerts for floods smoke carbon
monoxidebull Support a medication regimebull 24-hour reassurance for family and carers in
the knowledge that they will be alertedin the event of an incident
Telecare may be of benefit to
bull Older infirm or disabled peoplebull People who have been discharged from
hospital and need additional support at homebull People with sensory impairmentsbull Vulnerable people of any age living alone
Telecare also offers support and reassurance tocarers in the knowledge they will be alerted in theevent of an incident In this way Telecare can beof assistance to carers of people with dementiaphysical disabilities learning disabilities and long-term medical conditions
ADVICE ON PAYING FOR CARE
You may need to pay for all of your own care or youmay be entitled to local authority funding NHS care(free) or have entitlements to welfare benefits tohelp pay for your care and support
For most people needing social care services thefirst place to start is by asking your local authorityfor an assessment of your social care (care andsupport) needs As part of this the local authoritymay also carry out a financial assessment Thisassessment will determine whether the localauthority will meet all the cost of your care orwhether you will need to contribute towards yourcare cost or whether you will have to meet the fullcosts yourself Some of the rules for this financialassessment are applied differently based on whetheryou need care in your own home or care in aresidential home
There are several options for funding care andunderstanding them and which ones apply to youcan be complicated These options depend on yourneed for care and support as well as your personaland financial circumstances
Get personal advice on care funding
The cost of care and support is likely to be a long-term commitment and may be substantialparticularly if you opt for residential care If you ora member of the family need to pay for care athome or in a care home itrsquos important tounderstand the alternatives This makes advicetailored to your individual needs vital You can get advice from
Your local authority ndash through an assessment of yourcare and support needs as well as advice on whichservices are available locally
Financial advice from a qualified independentsource ndash there are independent financial adviserswho specialise in care funding advice They areregulated by the Financial Conduct Authority andmust stick to a code of conduct and ethics and takeshared responsibility for the suitability of anyproduct they recommend
Care and support services are means-tested and are not free to everyone Most people have to paysomething towards their own care and some will have to pay for all of the costs Who pays depends onwhat your needs are how much money you have and what level and type of care and support you require
The Mental Capacity Act
bull The actrsquos purpose is to allow adults to make as many decisions as they can for themselves
bull To enable adults to make advance decisions about whether they would like future medical treatment
bull To allow adults to appoint in advance of losing mental capacity another person to make decisions about personal welfare or property on their behalf at a future date
bull To allow decisions concerning personal welfare or property and affairs to be made in the best interests of adults when they have not made any future plans and cannot make a decision at the time
bull To ensure an NHS body or local authority will appoint an independent mental capacity advocate to support someone who cannot make a decision about seriousmedical treatment or about hospital care home or residential accommodation when there are no family or friends to be consulted
bull To provide protection against legal liability for carers who have honestly and reasonably sought to act in the personrsquos best interests
bull To provide clarity and safeguards around research in relation to those who lack capacity
LEGAL TERMS
Every day people make decisions about lots ofthings in their lives The ability to make decisionsis called mental capacity People may havedifficulties making some decisions either all orsome of the time This could be because they havea learning disability dementia a mental healthproblem or could be the result of a head injury ora stroke or a temporary condition such as anillness accident or the influence of alcohol ordrugs
Listed below are details about some of the legalterms and topics you may come across You mayneed to contact a solicitor who can give youimpartial advice which you may have to pay for oryou can contact an advocate who can advise onyour behalf
Lasting Power Of Attorney allows you to appointsomeone you trust to make decisions about yourpersonal welfare including healthcare and yourfinancial affairs
The Court of Protection can issue Ordersdirecting the management of a personrsquos propertyand financial affairs if you are incapable ofmanaging your own affairs and do not have aLasting Power of Attorney
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards protectspeople in residential care or hospital who areunable to make decisions for themselves due to abrain disorder If any of these people need to berestrained restricted or deprived in order to givethem physical care or keep them safe a Deprivationof Liberty Safeguards authorisation may be required
CARE IN YOUR OWN HOMEIf you are finding it difficult to manage at home you could consider using the services of a home careprovider Home care providers employ care assistants who can help you with bathing washing and dressingThe staff who work for these agencies are trained in personal care and safety procedures moving andhandling hygiene and infection control If you require nursing care at home many agencies employregistered nurses
This is only one option of supporting yourself with care at home Another could be to employ a personalassistant
A list of the care agencies registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who are located in the NorthStaffordshire CCG areas can be found below
Organising your own home care
If you are thinking about arranging your own home care it is a good idea to ask any agencies youapproach the following questions
bull Are there different rates for weekendseveningsbull Are there any extra charges ie for the carers travelling expensesbull What sort of services do you providebull Will somebody visit me before the service starts bull If you provide me with a service can I contact you out of office hours If so howbull Are your carers trainedbull Do you take up references on your carersbull Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission
To check up-to-date information on the providers of homecare in your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE with your Smartphone
Care Provider Address Telephone
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CAREThere are many types of residential care homes availableThese include permanent care homes for older peoplehomes for younger adults with disabilities and homes forchildren They may be privately owned or run by thevoluntary sector or local authorities You may want toconsider in detail the many options for residential carebefore you make a decision
Older PeopleCare homes for older people may provide personal care ornursing care A care home which is registered to providepersonal care (see the section on care home regulationbelow) will offer support ensuring that basic personal needssuch as meals bathing going to the toilet and medicationare taken care of In some homes more able residents havegreater independence and take care of many of their ownneeds
Some residents may need medical care and some care homesare registered to provide this These are often referred to asnursing homes Some homes specialise in certain types ofdisability for example dementia
Adults Aged 18-65There are also residential care homes that provide care andsupport for younger adults with for example severe physicaldisabilities learning disabilities acquired brain injuryprogressive neurological conditions or mental healthproblems Care can be provided for adults with more than
one condition and some homes have expertise in providingcare for adults with alcohol or drug dependency These homes offer permanent residence or provide care for atemporary period until the adult is able to live independentlyor move to a different type of accommodation
Choosing between residential care and independent livingSocial services normally encourage younger adults who theyassess for support to be as independent as theircircumstances allow The care plan for adults with disabilitieswill consider what independent tasks they can carry out andhow they can be helped to achieve more Even if adults havevery severe disabilities their needs are reviewed from time totime to check whether residential care or a very high level ofsupport is still appropriate
Supported living may be an option for younger adults Thisallows people to live independently in the community butwith basic support The support offered includes help withsetting up a home and managing finances and assistancewith cleaning and shopping
For older people there are various alternatives to residentialcare These include sheltered housing and extra care housingschemes which offer independence with an increased levelof care and support
For many people there is also the choice of livingindependently at home with community care support
Choice of Accommodation
The law says that where the local authority is fundingaccommodation it must allow the person enteringresidential care to choose which care home they wouldprefer Social services must first agree that the home issuitable for the personrsquos needs and that it would notcost more than they would normally pay for a homethat would meet those needs If the person chooses togo into a more expensive home a relative or friendmay be able to lsquotop uprsquo the difference in cost
Choosing a Care Home
Care homes may be arranged through the local authority but many people will want to arrange themindependently It is a good idea to visit several homesbefore making a choice Make sure you spend enoughtime in each home to get a good idea of what it is like
Respite and Short Term Stays
Residential care home stays dont necessarily have to bepermanent Temporary stays can be arranged forrespite care (in which you take a break from caring forsomebody else) or as a trial period before apermanent stay
Temporary stays can give you flexibility whencovering unexpected events such as
bull Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness
bull Support for newly disabled people and their carers
bull Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care
bull Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes
What your choices are
A list of all nursing and residential care homes withinyour locality can be found on the following pages Everycare home in England must be registered with thenational regulatory body Care Quality Commission(CQC)
They inspect each care home on a regular basis andwrite an inspection report for you to read It isadvisable to read this report before making a finaldecision
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CARE
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGNewcastle-Under-Lyme
Residential Address Telephone
Nursing Address Telephone
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGStaffordshire Moorlands
Address TelephoneResidential
Nursing Address Telephone
To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
HEALTHY LIVING
The choices we make about how we livecan have a significant effect on ourhealth Eating a healthy diet doingregular exercise not smoking and notdrinking too much alcohol can help youstay well and enjoy a long life
Keeping fit and healthy can be a challenge if youare living with a long-term condition but it willmake a big difference to your wellbeing If yoursquovebeen thinking about making changes to yourlifestyle such as stopping smoking losing weighteating healthily drinking a little less alcohol ordoing more exercise therersquos plenty of help andsupport available
Talking to your GP and other healthcare workersincluding pharmacists is the first step Theyrsquollhelp you look at your lifestyle and suggest changesthat are suitable for your condition and anytreatment yoursquore having Your health or careworker can also let you know about local servicesthat can help you
For example if you want to start exercising butyoure unsure how to your GP can put you on theExercise on Referral scheme These schemes arerun with local gyms and fitness centres and caninclude swimming Ask at your GP practice formore information
Your GP can also help you if you want to stopsmoking for instance by enrolling you in a clinicwhere yoursquoll get support from other people whoare also trying to stop Nicotine replacementtherapy and other stop smoking treatmentsprovided by your GP can also help you resistcravings and boost your chances of quittingsuccessfully
Youre never too young or too old to switch to ahealthier lifestyle Children who learn healthyhabits at a young age will benefit from themthroughout their life And giving up bad habits canimprove your health at any age
Rethink your drinking
Drinking too much alcohol could increase your riskof getting 14 major diseases including mouth andthroat cancers liver cirrhosis strokes and mentalhealth problems
Alcohol is believed to be responsible for as many as22000 premature deaths in England and Walesevery year But itrsquos not just binge drinkers who areat risk regularly drinking more than therecommended limit can cause significant healthproblems
Stop Smoking for good
Giving up smoking is probably the best thing youcan do to improve your healthResearch shows that smokingis responsible for almostone in five of alldeaths in the UK Thismeans that smokingcauses an estimated110000 deaths a year
Smokers are almosttwice as likely tohave a heartattack as peoplewho have neversmokedSmoking alsoincreases yourrisk ofdeveloping manycancers and lungdisease
Get active feel fitter live longer
Whatever your age theres strong scientificevidence that being physically active can help youlead a healthier and even happier life
Adults should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activityeach week Young people (5-18) should do 60minutes every day
If you do this it can reduce your risk of heartdisease and stroke by up to 50 and lower your riskof early death by up to 30
CHOOSING A GP
Choosing a GP can seem a daunting task especially if you have just moved into an area and dont knowanything about the local health services But there are some easy ways to find the doctor to suit you Itsimportant to be registered with a doctor because youll need them to refer you for specialist hospital andcommunity treatment services
Try to avoid attending AampE for minor complaints
A surgery may refuse an applicationto join its list of patients if
You dont reside in the surgery area
It has formally closed its list of patients eg when apractice has more patients than it can deal with ornot enough doctors - this is less common than it usedto be
If your application is refused the surgery mustwrite to you and give the reasons for this
How do I find a surgery
Most surgeries operate a fairly strict catchmentarea system and only those who live within thearea may be able to register
This isnt to be awkward but ensures a GP can visita person at home in an emergency in reasonabletime
How do I register
This is straightforward and far easier than mostpeople realise Simply take your NHS medical cardalong to your chosen surgery You will then beasked to sign a registration form
Not all NHS trusts issue medical cards If you donthave one the receptionist will give you form GMS1to fill in
Once youve completed and returned the formsyour local NHS will transfer your medical recordsto your new surgery and write to you to confirmyour registration as a patient with the surgeryMany surgeries ask a new patient to attend alsquoregistration medicalrsquo that checks your generalhealth
What if I canrsquot get an appointmentIf you cant get a doctors appointment or have anon-urgent health problem or query you cancontact a nurse by ringing 111 at any time
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
GP SURGERIES
Your local GP surgery provides a range of services including general medical advice and treatment for illnessesor injuries that just wonrsquot go away
Your local GP surgery provides a wide range of family health services as well as advice on health problems they can alsohelp with
Vaccinations bull Examinations and treatment bull Prescriptions for medicines bull Referrals to other health servicesand social services bull Screening Management of long term conditions preventative care
Please note that GP surgeries in Blythe Bridge are covered by Stoke-on-Trent CCG However there are listedin this directory as they are located in the Staffordshire Moorlands district Patients living in Blythe Bridgeshould contact NHS Stoke-on-Trent CCG 79 London Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7PZ Tel 01782 298002
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
PHARMACIES
Newcastle Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
If you have the symptoms of a cough cold or think yoursquove got the flu a pharmacist is thebest place to go as they can usually provide you the help and information you need onthe spot
They can also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight or giving up smoking
For opening times and NHS SERVICES available from your Pharmacy Please scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit wwwnhsuk
DENTISTS
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Always ask your dentist whether the treatment theyre recommending is available on the NHS and how muchit will cost before you go ahead
Emergency Dental ServiceDental Access Centres are available to treat patients who need emergency treatment This service gives priorityto pain relief and urgent care Not all dentists take on NHS patients you should check before hand
Emergency Dentist out of hours 111 bull Emergency Dentist normal working hours 111
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
OPTICIANS amp HEARING CENTRES
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Hearing Centres Address Telephone
Regular eye tests are important because your eyes donrsquot usually hurt when something is wrong Many eyeconditions can be treated if found early enough A sight test is a vital health check for your eyes It can pickup early signs of conditions that can affect the eyes before yoursquore aware of any symptoms
Including Diabetes bull Macular Degeneration bull Glaucoma
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
ARE YOU A CARER
A Carer spends a significant proportion of their life providing unpaid support to family or friends Thiscould be caring for a relative partner or friend who has a long term illness or disability includingmental illness alcohol or drug misuse or those that are elderly forgetful or frail
Caring can be a very difficult demanding and all-consuming task no matter how close you are to theperson you care for
Caring can affect your health making you feel tired frustrated stressed and feeling guilty leaving you withno time to yourself In fact 52 of carers need treatment for stress related problems and many carers feelthey have to give up work because of the effects caring has on their life
You are not alone It is estimated there are around 65 million Carers in the UK today You are certainly notalone but you still need to take care of yourself as well as the person you care for
Thankfully armed with the right support and information caring can be a rewarding and enjoyableexperience Just follow a few simple tips that can make a real difference
bull Ask for Help We all need help from time to time and carers are no exception Help is out there you only need to ask
bull Know your rights It sounds simple but knowing what yoursquore entitled to and what support is available can help a great deal
bull Tell your GP Your GP practice can record that you are a carer to ensure you get your annual flu vaccination and additional support as a carer
bull Have an assessment This can sound a little daunting at first but ensuring that you and the person you care for get an assessment of your needs through the Local Authority can give you access to a whole host of additional practical help and support
bull Be a little selfish We all need time to ourselves but itrsquos particularly important for carers This could be as simple as setting some me time aside for a relaxing bath or a night out
We at North Staffs Carers Association are there to help and benefit informal
unpaid Carers in the North Staffordshire area
North Staffs Carers is a registered Charity which provides information training and
ongoing support in the most appropriate way to Carers of all ages living in the districts
of Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
The Carers Centre Fenn House Duke Street Fenton Staffordshire ST4 3NRTelephone 01782 793100 Fax 01782 330792 bull Website wwwcarersfirstcom
There are an estimated 80000 Carers in Staffordshire help and support is available locally from the North Staffs Carers Association If yoursquore a carer and you need someone to talk to contact
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Aids and Adaptations If you or a member of your family has difficultyliving in your home due to a long-term illness ordisability you may be able to get help by adaptingyour home to better meet your needs You canapply to your local council for a disabled facilitiesgrant The grant helps you adapt your home tomake it suitable for a disabled person Dependingon your income you may need to pay towards thecost of the work to the property
You could get a grant from your council if yoursquoredisabled and need to make changes to yourhome for example to
bull widen doors and install rampsbull improve access to rooms and facilities - eg
stairlifts or a downstairs bathroombull provide a heating system suitable for your
needsbull adapt heating or lighting controls to make
them easier to use
How can I find out more about the aids andadaptations that would help me
Contact your social services department at yourlocal council about what difficulties you are havingat home They will send an occupational therapistto carry out an assessment and provide advice onwhich equipment or housing adaptation needs suityou best
Assistive Technology can help vulnerable peopleand their carers live more independently in theirown homes
Telecare which is part of assistive technology cansupport people whose sight hearing or cognitionmay have deteriorated This could be due tophysical or mental conditions which may have along-term effect on their health and wellbeing
There are many Telecare devices whichautomatically alert a 24-hour monitoring centre oryour chosen carer should you need assistanceThere are also Telehealth solutions which monitormedical conditions in your own home speak toyour GP to find out more about Telehealth
Telecare Technology Can
bull Raise an alarm in case of a fall or emergencybull Raise alerts for floods smoke carbon
monoxidebull Support a medication regimebull 24-hour reassurance for family and carers in
the knowledge that they will be alertedin the event of an incident
Telecare may be of benefit to
bull Older infirm or disabled peoplebull People who have been discharged from
hospital and need additional support at homebull People with sensory impairmentsbull Vulnerable people of any age living alone
Telecare also offers support and reassurance tocarers in the knowledge they will be alerted in theevent of an incident In this way Telecare can beof assistance to carers of people with dementiaphysical disabilities learning disabilities and long-term medical conditions
ADVICE ON PAYING FOR CARE
You may need to pay for all of your own care or youmay be entitled to local authority funding NHS care(free) or have entitlements to welfare benefits tohelp pay for your care and support
For most people needing social care services thefirst place to start is by asking your local authorityfor an assessment of your social care (care andsupport) needs As part of this the local authoritymay also carry out a financial assessment Thisassessment will determine whether the localauthority will meet all the cost of your care orwhether you will need to contribute towards yourcare cost or whether you will have to meet the fullcosts yourself Some of the rules for this financialassessment are applied differently based on whetheryou need care in your own home or care in aresidential home
There are several options for funding care andunderstanding them and which ones apply to youcan be complicated These options depend on yourneed for care and support as well as your personaland financial circumstances
Get personal advice on care funding
The cost of care and support is likely to be a long-term commitment and may be substantialparticularly if you opt for residential care If you ora member of the family need to pay for care athome or in a care home itrsquos important tounderstand the alternatives This makes advicetailored to your individual needs vital You can get advice from
Your local authority ndash through an assessment of yourcare and support needs as well as advice on whichservices are available locally
Financial advice from a qualified independentsource ndash there are independent financial adviserswho specialise in care funding advice They areregulated by the Financial Conduct Authority andmust stick to a code of conduct and ethics and takeshared responsibility for the suitability of anyproduct they recommend
Care and support services are means-tested and are not free to everyone Most people have to paysomething towards their own care and some will have to pay for all of the costs Who pays depends onwhat your needs are how much money you have and what level and type of care and support you require
The Mental Capacity Act
bull The actrsquos purpose is to allow adults to make as many decisions as they can for themselves
bull To enable adults to make advance decisions about whether they would like future medical treatment
bull To allow adults to appoint in advance of losing mental capacity another person to make decisions about personal welfare or property on their behalf at a future date
bull To allow decisions concerning personal welfare or property and affairs to be made in the best interests of adults when they have not made any future plans and cannot make a decision at the time
bull To ensure an NHS body or local authority will appoint an independent mental capacity advocate to support someone who cannot make a decision about seriousmedical treatment or about hospital care home or residential accommodation when there are no family or friends to be consulted
bull To provide protection against legal liability for carers who have honestly and reasonably sought to act in the personrsquos best interests
bull To provide clarity and safeguards around research in relation to those who lack capacity
LEGAL TERMS
Every day people make decisions about lots ofthings in their lives The ability to make decisionsis called mental capacity People may havedifficulties making some decisions either all orsome of the time This could be because they havea learning disability dementia a mental healthproblem or could be the result of a head injury ora stroke or a temporary condition such as anillness accident or the influence of alcohol ordrugs
Listed below are details about some of the legalterms and topics you may come across You mayneed to contact a solicitor who can give youimpartial advice which you may have to pay for oryou can contact an advocate who can advise onyour behalf
Lasting Power Of Attorney allows you to appointsomeone you trust to make decisions about yourpersonal welfare including healthcare and yourfinancial affairs
The Court of Protection can issue Ordersdirecting the management of a personrsquos propertyand financial affairs if you are incapable ofmanaging your own affairs and do not have aLasting Power of Attorney
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards protectspeople in residential care or hospital who areunable to make decisions for themselves due to abrain disorder If any of these people need to berestrained restricted or deprived in order to givethem physical care or keep them safe a Deprivationof Liberty Safeguards authorisation may be required
CARE IN YOUR OWN HOMEIf you are finding it difficult to manage at home you could consider using the services of a home careprovider Home care providers employ care assistants who can help you with bathing washing and dressingThe staff who work for these agencies are trained in personal care and safety procedures moving andhandling hygiene and infection control If you require nursing care at home many agencies employregistered nurses
This is only one option of supporting yourself with care at home Another could be to employ a personalassistant
A list of the care agencies registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who are located in the NorthStaffordshire CCG areas can be found below
Organising your own home care
If you are thinking about arranging your own home care it is a good idea to ask any agencies youapproach the following questions
bull Are there different rates for weekendseveningsbull Are there any extra charges ie for the carers travelling expensesbull What sort of services do you providebull Will somebody visit me before the service starts bull If you provide me with a service can I contact you out of office hours If so howbull Are your carers trainedbull Do you take up references on your carersbull Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission
To check up-to-date information on the providers of homecare in your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE with your Smartphone
Care Provider Address Telephone
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CAREThere are many types of residential care homes availableThese include permanent care homes for older peoplehomes for younger adults with disabilities and homes forchildren They may be privately owned or run by thevoluntary sector or local authorities You may want toconsider in detail the many options for residential carebefore you make a decision
Older PeopleCare homes for older people may provide personal care ornursing care A care home which is registered to providepersonal care (see the section on care home regulationbelow) will offer support ensuring that basic personal needssuch as meals bathing going to the toilet and medicationare taken care of In some homes more able residents havegreater independence and take care of many of their ownneeds
Some residents may need medical care and some care homesare registered to provide this These are often referred to asnursing homes Some homes specialise in certain types ofdisability for example dementia
Adults Aged 18-65There are also residential care homes that provide care andsupport for younger adults with for example severe physicaldisabilities learning disabilities acquired brain injuryprogressive neurological conditions or mental healthproblems Care can be provided for adults with more than
one condition and some homes have expertise in providingcare for adults with alcohol or drug dependency These homes offer permanent residence or provide care for atemporary period until the adult is able to live independentlyor move to a different type of accommodation
Choosing between residential care and independent livingSocial services normally encourage younger adults who theyassess for support to be as independent as theircircumstances allow The care plan for adults with disabilitieswill consider what independent tasks they can carry out andhow they can be helped to achieve more Even if adults havevery severe disabilities their needs are reviewed from time totime to check whether residential care or a very high level ofsupport is still appropriate
Supported living may be an option for younger adults Thisallows people to live independently in the community butwith basic support The support offered includes help withsetting up a home and managing finances and assistancewith cleaning and shopping
For older people there are various alternatives to residentialcare These include sheltered housing and extra care housingschemes which offer independence with an increased levelof care and support
For many people there is also the choice of livingindependently at home with community care support
Choice of Accommodation
The law says that where the local authority is fundingaccommodation it must allow the person enteringresidential care to choose which care home they wouldprefer Social services must first agree that the home issuitable for the personrsquos needs and that it would notcost more than they would normally pay for a homethat would meet those needs If the person chooses togo into a more expensive home a relative or friendmay be able to lsquotop uprsquo the difference in cost
Choosing a Care Home
Care homes may be arranged through the local authority but many people will want to arrange themindependently It is a good idea to visit several homesbefore making a choice Make sure you spend enoughtime in each home to get a good idea of what it is like
Respite and Short Term Stays
Residential care home stays dont necessarily have to bepermanent Temporary stays can be arranged forrespite care (in which you take a break from caring forsomebody else) or as a trial period before apermanent stay
Temporary stays can give you flexibility whencovering unexpected events such as
bull Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness
bull Support for newly disabled people and their carers
bull Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care
bull Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes
What your choices are
A list of all nursing and residential care homes withinyour locality can be found on the following pages Everycare home in England must be registered with thenational regulatory body Care Quality Commission(CQC)
They inspect each care home on a regular basis andwrite an inspection report for you to read It isadvisable to read this report before making a finaldecision
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CARE
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGNewcastle-Under-Lyme
Residential Address Telephone
Nursing Address Telephone
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGStaffordshire Moorlands
Address TelephoneResidential
Nursing Address Telephone
To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
CHOOSING A GP
Choosing a GP can seem a daunting task especially if you have just moved into an area and dont knowanything about the local health services But there are some easy ways to find the doctor to suit you Itsimportant to be registered with a doctor because youll need them to refer you for specialist hospital andcommunity treatment services
Try to avoid attending AampE for minor complaints
A surgery may refuse an applicationto join its list of patients if
You dont reside in the surgery area
It has formally closed its list of patients eg when apractice has more patients than it can deal with ornot enough doctors - this is less common than it usedto be
If your application is refused the surgery mustwrite to you and give the reasons for this
How do I find a surgery
Most surgeries operate a fairly strict catchmentarea system and only those who live within thearea may be able to register
This isnt to be awkward but ensures a GP can visita person at home in an emergency in reasonabletime
How do I register
This is straightforward and far easier than mostpeople realise Simply take your NHS medical cardalong to your chosen surgery You will then beasked to sign a registration form
Not all NHS trusts issue medical cards If you donthave one the receptionist will give you form GMS1to fill in
Once youve completed and returned the formsyour local NHS will transfer your medical recordsto your new surgery and write to you to confirmyour registration as a patient with the surgeryMany surgeries ask a new patient to attend alsquoregistration medicalrsquo that checks your generalhealth
What if I canrsquot get an appointmentIf you cant get a doctors appointment or have anon-urgent health problem or query you cancontact a nurse by ringing 111 at any time
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
GP SURGERIES
Your local GP surgery provides a range of services including general medical advice and treatment for illnessesor injuries that just wonrsquot go away
Your local GP surgery provides a wide range of family health services as well as advice on health problems they can alsohelp with
Vaccinations bull Examinations and treatment bull Prescriptions for medicines bull Referrals to other health servicesand social services bull Screening Management of long term conditions preventative care
Please note that GP surgeries in Blythe Bridge are covered by Stoke-on-Trent CCG However there are listedin this directory as they are located in the Staffordshire Moorlands district Patients living in Blythe Bridgeshould contact NHS Stoke-on-Trent CCG 79 London Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7PZ Tel 01782 298002
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
PHARMACIES
Newcastle Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
If you have the symptoms of a cough cold or think yoursquove got the flu a pharmacist is thebest place to go as they can usually provide you the help and information you need onthe spot
They can also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight or giving up smoking
For opening times and NHS SERVICES available from your Pharmacy Please scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit wwwnhsuk
DENTISTS
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Always ask your dentist whether the treatment theyre recommending is available on the NHS and how muchit will cost before you go ahead
Emergency Dental ServiceDental Access Centres are available to treat patients who need emergency treatment This service gives priorityto pain relief and urgent care Not all dentists take on NHS patients you should check before hand
Emergency Dentist out of hours 111 bull Emergency Dentist normal working hours 111
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
OPTICIANS amp HEARING CENTRES
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Hearing Centres Address Telephone
Regular eye tests are important because your eyes donrsquot usually hurt when something is wrong Many eyeconditions can be treated if found early enough A sight test is a vital health check for your eyes It can pickup early signs of conditions that can affect the eyes before yoursquore aware of any symptoms
Including Diabetes bull Macular Degeneration bull Glaucoma
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
ARE YOU A CARER
A Carer spends a significant proportion of their life providing unpaid support to family or friends Thiscould be caring for a relative partner or friend who has a long term illness or disability includingmental illness alcohol or drug misuse or those that are elderly forgetful or frail
Caring can be a very difficult demanding and all-consuming task no matter how close you are to theperson you care for
Caring can affect your health making you feel tired frustrated stressed and feeling guilty leaving you withno time to yourself In fact 52 of carers need treatment for stress related problems and many carers feelthey have to give up work because of the effects caring has on their life
You are not alone It is estimated there are around 65 million Carers in the UK today You are certainly notalone but you still need to take care of yourself as well as the person you care for
Thankfully armed with the right support and information caring can be a rewarding and enjoyableexperience Just follow a few simple tips that can make a real difference
bull Ask for Help We all need help from time to time and carers are no exception Help is out there you only need to ask
bull Know your rights It sounds simple but knowing what yoursquore entitled to and what support is available can help a great deal
bull Tell your GP Your GP practice can record that you are a carer to ensure you get your annual flu vaccination and additional support as a carer
bull Have an assessment This can sound a little daunting at first but ensuring that you and the person you care for get an assessment of your needs through the Local Authority can give you access to a whole host of additional practical help and support
bull Be a little selfish We all need time to ourselves but itrsquos particularly important for carers This could be as simple as setting some me time aside for a relaxing bath or a night out
We at North Staffs Carers Association are there to help and benefit informal
unpaid Carers in the North Staffordshire area
North Staffs Carers is a registered Charity which provides information training and
ongoing support in the most appropriate way to Carers of all ages living in the districts
of Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
The Carers Centre Fenn House Duke Street Fenton Staffordshire ST4 3NRTelephone 01782 793100 Fax 01782 330792 bull Website wwwcarersfirstcom
There are an estimated 80000 Carers in Staffordshire help and support is available locally from the North Staffs Carers Association If yoursquore a carer and you need someone to talk to contact
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Aids and Adaptations If you or a member of your family has difficultyliving in your home due to a long-term illness ordisability you may be able to get help by adaptingyour home to better meet your needs You canapply to your local council for a disabled facilitiesgrant The grant helps you adapt your home tomake it suitable for a disabled person Dependingon your income you may need to pay towards thecost of the work to the property
You could get a grant from your council if yoursquoredisabled and need to make changes to yourhome for example to
bull widen doors and install rampsbull improve access to rooms and facilities - eg
stairlifts or a downstairs bathroombull provide a heating system suitable for your
needsbull adapt heating or lighting controls to make
them easier to use
How can I find out more about the aids andadaptations that would help me
Contact your social services department at yourlocal council about what difficulties you are havingat home They will send an occupational therapistto carry out an assessment and provide advice onwhich equipment or housing adaptation needs suityou best
Assistive Technology can help vulnerable peopleand their carers live more independently in theirown homes
Telecare which is part of assistive technology cansupport people whose sight hearing or cognitionmay have deteriorated This could be due tophysical or mental conditions which may have along-term effect on their health and wellbeing
There are many Telecare devices whichautomatically alert a 24-hour monitoring centre oryour chosen carer should you need assistanceThere are also Telehealth solutions which monitormedical conditions in your own home speak toyour GP to find out more about Telehealth
Telecare Technology Can
bull Raise an alarm in case of a fall or emergencybull Raise alerts for floods smoke carbon
monoxidebull Support a medication regimebull 24-hour reassurance for family and carers in
the knowledge that they will be alertedin the event of an incident
Telecare may be of benefit to
bull Older infirm or disabled peoplebull People who have been discharged from
hospital and need additional support at homebull People with sensory impairmentsbull Vulnerable people of any age living alone
Telecare also offers support and reassurance tocarers in the knowledge they will be alerted in theevent of an incident In this way Telecare can beof assistance to carers of people with dementiaphysical disabilities learning disabilities and long-term medical conditions
ADVICE ON PAYING FOR CARE
You may need to pay for all of your own care or youmay be entitled to local authority funding NHS care(free) or have entitlements to welfare benefits tohelp pay for your care and support
For most people needing social care services thefirst place to start is by asking your local authorityfor an assessment of your social care (care andsupport) needs As part of this the local authoritymay also carry out a financial assessment Thisassessment will determine whether the localauthority will meet all the cost of your care orwhether you will need to contribute towards yourcare cost or whether you will have to meet the fullcosts yourself Some of the rules for this financialassessment are applied differently based on whetheryou need care in your own home or care in aresidential home
There are several options for funding care andunderstanding them and which ones apply to youcan be complicated These options depend on yourneed for care and support as well as your personaland financial circumstances
Get personal advice on care funding
The cost of care and support is likely to be a long-term commitment and may be substantialparticularly if you opt for residential care If you ora member of the family need to pay for care athome or in a care home itrsquos important tounderstand the alternatives This makes advicetailored to your individual needs vital You can get advice from
Your local authority ndash through an assessment of yourcare and support needs as well as advice on whichservices are available locally
Financial advice from a qualified independentsource ndash there are independent financial adviserswho specialise in care funding advice They areregulated by the Financial Conduct Authority andmust stick to a code of conduct and ethics and takeshared responsibility for the suitability of anyproduct they recommend
Care and support services are means-tested and are not free to everyone Most people have to paysomething towards their own care and some will have to pay for all of the costs Who pays depends onwhat your needs are how much money you have and what level and type of care and support you require
The Mental Capacity Act
bull The actrsquos purpose is to allow adults to make as many decisions as they can for themselves
bull To enable adults to make advance decisions about whether they would like future medical treatment
bull To allow adults to appoint in advance of losing mental capacity another person to make decisions about personal welfare or property on their behalf at a future date
bull To allow decisions concerning personal welfare or property and affairs to be made in the best interests of adults when they have not made any future plans and cannot make a decision at the time
bull To ensure an NHS body or local authority will appoint an independent mental capacity advocate to support someone who cannot make a decision about seriousmedical treatment or about hospital care home or residential accommodation when there are no family or friends to be consulted
bull To provide protection against legal liability for carers who have honestly and reasonably sought to act in the personrsquos best interests
bull To provide clarity and safeguards around research in relation to those who lack capacity
LEGAL TERMS
Every day people make decisions about lots ofthings in their lives The ability to make decisionsis called mental capacity People may havedifficulties making some decisions either all orsome of the time This could be because they havea learning disability dementia a mental healthproblem or could be the result of a head injury ora stroke or a temporary condition such as anillness accident or the influence of alcohol ordrugs
Listed below are details about some of the legalterms and topics you may come across You mayneed to contact a solicitor who can give youimpartial advice which you may have to pay for oryou can contact an advocate who can advise onyour behalf
Lasting Power Of Attorney allows you to appointsomeone you trust to make decisions about yourpersonal welfare including healthcare and yourfinancial affairs
The Court of Protection can issue Ordersdirecting the management of a personrsquos propertyand financial affairs if you are incapable ofmanaging your own affairs and do not have aLasting Power of Attorney
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards protectspeople in residential care or hospital who areunable to make decisions for themselves due to abrain disorder If any of these people need to berestrained restricted or deprived in order to givethem physical care or keep them safe a Deprivationof Liberty Safeguards authorisation may be required
CARE IN YOUR OWN HOMEIf you are finding it difficult to manage at home you could consider using the services of a home careprovider Home care providers employ care assistants who can help you with bathing washing and dressingThe staff who work for these agencies are trained in personal care and safety procedures moving andhandling hygiene and infection control If you require nursing care at home many agencies employregistered nurses
This is only one option of supporting yourself with care at home Another could be to employ a personalassistant
A list of the care agencies registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who are located in the NorthStaffordshire CCG areas can be found below
Organising your own home care
If you are thinking about arranging your own home care it is a good idea to ask any agencies youapproach the following questions
bull Are there different rates for weekendseveningsbull Are there any extra charges ie for the carers travelling expensesbull What sort of services do you providebull Will somebody visit me before the service starts bull If you provide me with a service can I contact you out of office hours If so howbull Are your carers trainedbull Do you take up references on your carersbull Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission
To check up-to-date information on the providers of homecare in your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE with your Smartphone
Care Provider Address Telephone
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CAREThere are many types of residential care homes availableThese include permanent care homes for older peoplehomes for younger adults with disabilities and homes forchildren They may be privately owned or run by thevoluntary sector or local authorities You may want toconsider in detail the many options for residential carebefore you make a decision
Older PeopleCare homes for older people may provide personal care ornursing care A care home which is registered to providepersonal care (see the section on care home regulationbelow) will offer support ensuring that basic personal needssuch as meals bathing going to the toilet and medicationare taken care of In some homes more able residents havegreater independence and take care of many of their ownneeds
Some residents may need medical care and some care homesare registered to provide this These are often referred to asnursing homes Some homes specialise in certain types ofdisability for example dementia
Adults Aged 18-65There are also residential care homes that provide care andsupport for younger adults with for example severe physicaldisabilities learning disabilities acquired brain injuryprogressive neurological conditions or mental healthproblems Care can be provided for adults with more than
one condition and some homes have expertise in providingcare for adults with alcohol or drug dependency These homes offer permanent residence or provide care for atemporary period until the adult is able to live independentlyor move to a different type of accommodation
Choosing between residential care and independent livingSocial services normally encourage younger adults who theyassess for support to be as independent as theircircumstances allow The care plan for adults with disabilitieswill consider what independent tasks they can carry out andhow they can be helped to achieve more Even if adults havevery severe disabilities their needs are reviewed from time totime to check whether residential care or a very high level ofsupport is still appropriate
Supported living may be an option for younger adults Thisallows people to live independently in the community butwith basic support The support offered includes help withsetting up a home and managing finances and assistancewith cleaning and shopping
For older people there are various alternatives to residentialcare These include sheltered housing and extra care housingschemes which offer independence with an increased levelof care and support
For many people there is also the choice of livingindependently at home with community care support
Choice of Accommodation
The law says that where the local authority is fundingaccommodation it must allow the person enteringresidential care to choose which care home they wouldprefer Social services must first agree that the home issuitable for the personrsquos needs and that it would notcost more than they would normally pay for a homethat would meet those needs If the person chooses togo into a more expensive home a relative or friendmay be able to lsquotop uprsquo the difference in cost
Choosing a Care Home
Care homes may be arranged through the local authority but many people will want to arrange themindependently It is a good idea to visit several homesbefore making a choice Make sure you spend enoughtime in each home to get a good idea of what it is like
Respite and Short Term Stays
Residential care home stays dont necessarily have to bepermanent Temporary stays can be arranged forrespite care (in which you take a break from caring forsomebody else) or as a trial period before apermanent stay
Temporary stays can give you flexibility whencovering unexpected events such as
bull Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness
bull Support for newly disabled people and their carers
bull Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care
bull Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes
What your choices are
A list of all nursing and residential care homes withinyour locality can be found on the following pages Everycare home in England must be registered with thenational regulatory body Care Quality Commission(CQC)
They inspect each care home on a regular basis andwrite an inspection report for you to read It isadvisable to read this report before making a finaldecision
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CARE
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGNewcastle-Under-Lyme
Residential Address Telephone
Nursing Address Telephone
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGStaffordshire Moorlands
Address TelephoneResidential
Nursing Address Telephone
To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
GP SURGERIES
Your local GP surgery provides a range of services including general medical advice and treatment for illnessesor injuries that just wonrsquot go away
Your local GP surgery provides a wide range of family health services as well as advice on health problems they can alsohelp with
Vaccinations bull Examinations and treatment bull Prescriptions for medicines bull Referrals to other health servicesand social services bull Screening Management of long term conditions preventative care
Please note that GP surgeries in Blythe Bridge are covered by Stoke-on-Trent CCG However there are listedin this directory as they are located in the Staffordshire Moorlands district Patients living in Blythe Bridgeshould contact NHS Stoke-on-Trent CCG 79 London Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7PZ Tel 01782 298002
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
PHARMACIES
Newcastle Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
If you have the symptoms of a cough cold or think yoursquove got the flu a pharmacist is thebest place to go as they can usually provide you the help and information you need onthe spot
They can also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight or giving up smoking
For opening times and NHS SERVICES available from your Pharmacy Please scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit wwwnhsuk
DENTISTS
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Always ask your dentist whether the treatment theyre recommending is available on the NHS and how muchit will cost before you go ahead
Emergency Dental ServiceDental Access Centres are available to treat patients who need emergency treatment This service gives priorityto pain relief and urgent care Not all dentists take on NHS patients you should check before hand
Emergency Dentist out of hours 111 bull Emergency Dentist normal working hours 111
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
OPTICIANS amp HEARING CENTRES
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Hearing Centres Address Telephone
Regular eye tests are important because your eyes donrsquot usually hurt when something is wrong Many eyeconditions can be treated if found early enough A sight test is a vital health check for your eyes It can pickup early signs of conditions that can affect the eyes before yoursquore aware of any symptoms
Including Diabetes bull Macular Degeneration bull Glaucoma
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
ARE YOU A CARER
A Carer spends a significant proportion of their life providing unpaid support to family or friends Thiscould be caring for a relative partner or friend who has a long term illness or disability includingmental illness alcohol or drug misuse or those that are elderly forgetful or frail
Caring can be a very difficult demanding and all-consuming task no matter how close you are to theperson you care for
Caring can affect your health making you feel tired frustrated stressed and feeling guilty leaving you withno time to yourself In fact 52 of carers need treatment for stress related problems and many carers feelthey have to give up work because of the effects caring has on their life
You are not alone It is estimated there are around 65 million Carers in the UK today You are certainly notalone but you still need to take care of yourself as well as the person you care for
Thankfully armed with the right support and information caring can be a rewarding and enjoyableexperience Just follow a few simple tips that can make a real difference
bull Ask for Help We all need help from time to time and carers are no exception Help is out there you only need to ask
bull Know your rights It sounds simple but knowing what yoursquore entitled to and what support is available can help a great deal
bull Tell your GP Your GP practice can record that you are a carer to ensure you get your annual flu vaccination and additional support as a carer
bull Have an assessment This can sound a little daunting at first but ensuring that you and the person you care for get an assessment of your needs through the Local Authority can give you access to a whole host of additional practical help and support
bull Be a little selfish We all need time to ourselves but itrsquos particularly important for carers This could be as simple as setting some me time aside for a relaxing bath or a night out
We at North Staffs Carers Association are there to help and benefit informal
unpaid Carers in the North Staffordshire area
North Staffs Carers is a registered Charity which provides information training and
ongoing support in the most appropriate way to Carers of all ages living in the districts
of Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
The Carers Centre Fenn House Duke Street Fenton Staffordshire ST4 3NRTelephone 01782 793100 Fax 01782 330792 bull Website wwwcarersfirstcom
There are an estimated 80000 Carers in Staffordshire help and support is available locally from the North Staffs Carers Association If yoursquore a carer and you need someone to talk to contact
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Aids and Adaptations If you or a member of your family has difficultyliving in your home due to a long-term illness ordisability you may be able to get help by adaptingyour home to better meet your needs You canapply to your local council for a disabled facilitiesgrant The grant helps you adapt your home tomake it suitable for a disabled person Dependingon your income you may need to pay towards thecost of the work to the property
You could get a grant from your council if yoursquoredisabled and need to make changes to yourhome for example to
bull widen doors and install rampsbull improve access to rooms and facilities - eg
stairlifts or a downstairs bathroombull provide a heating system suitable for your
needsbull adapt heating or lighting controls to make
them easier to use
How can I find out more about the aids andadaptations that would help me
Contact your social services department at yourlocal council about what difficulties you are havingat home They will send an occupational therapistto carry out an assessment and provide advice onwhich equipment or housing adaptation needs suityou best
Assistive Technology can help vulnerable peopleand their carers live more independently in theirown homes
Telecare which is part of assistive technology cansupport people whose sight hearing or cognitionmay have deteriorated This could be due tophysical or mental conditions which may have along-term effect on their health and wellbeing
There are many Telecare devices whichautomatically alert a 24-hour monitoring centre oryour chosen carer should you need assistanceThere are also Telehealth solutions which monitormedical conditions in your own home speak toyour GP to find out more about Telehealth
Telecare Technology Can
bull Raise an alarm in case of a fall or emergencybull Raise alerts for floods smoke carbon
monoxidebull Support a medication regimebull 24-hour reassurance for family and carers in
the knowledge that they will be alertedin the event of an incident
Telecare may be of benefit to
bull Older infirm or disabled peoplebull People who have been discharged from
hospital and need additional support at homebull People with sensory impairmentsbull Vulnerable people of any age living alone
Telecare also offers support and reassurance tocarers in the knowledge they will be alerted in theevent of an incident In this way Telecare can beof assistance to carers of people with dementiaphysical disabilities learning disabilities and long-term medical conditions
ADVICE ON PAYING FOR CARE
You may need to pay for all of your own care or youmay be entitled to local authority funding NHS care(free) or have entitlements to welfare benefits tohelp pay for your care and support
For most people needing social care services thefirst place to start is by asking your local authorityfor an assessment of your social care (care andsupport) needs As part of this the local authoritymay also carry out a financial assessment Thisassessment will determine whether the localauthority will meet all the cost of your care orwhether you will need to contribute towards yourcare cost or whether you will have to meet the fullcosts yourself Some of the rules for this financialassessment are applied differently based on whetheryou need care in your own home or care in aresidential home
There are several options for funding care andunderstanding them and which ones apply to youcan be complicated These options depend on yourneed for care and support as well as your personaland financial circumstances
Get personal advice on care funding
The cost of care and support is likely to be a long-term commitment and may be substantialparticularly if you opt for residential care If you ora member of the family need to pay for care athome or in a care home itrsquos important tounderstand the alternatives This makes advicetailored to your individual needs vital You can get advice from
Your local authority ndash through an assessment of yourcare and support needs as well as advice on whichservices are available locally
Financial advice from a qualified independentsource ndash there are independent financial adviserswho specialise in care funding advice They areregulated by the Financial Conduct Authority andmust stick to a code of conduct and ethics and takeshared responsibility for the suitability of anyproduct they recommend
Care and support services are means-tested and are not free to everyone Most people have to paysomething towards their own care and some will have to pay for all of the costs Who pays depends onwhat your needs are how much money you have and what level and type of care and support you require
The Mental Capacity Act
bull The actrsquos purpose is to allow adults to make as many decisions as they can for themselves
bull To enable adults to make advance decisions about whether they would like future medical treatment
bull To allow adults to appoint in advance of losing mental capacity another person to make decisions about personal welfare or property on their behalf at a future date
bull To allow decisions concerning personal welfare or property and affairs to be made in the best interests of adults when they have not made any future plans and cannot make a decision at the time
bull To ensure an NHS body or local authority will appoint an independent mental capacity advocate to support someone who cannot make a decision about seriousmedical treatment or about hospital care home or residential accommodation when there are no family or friends to be consulted
bull To provide protection against legal liability for carers who have honestly and reasonably sought to act in the personrsquos best interests
bull To provide clarity and safeguards around research in relation to those who lack capacity
LEGAL TERMS
Every day people make decisions about lots ofthings in their lives The ability to make decisionsis called mental capacity People may havedifficulties making some decisions either all orsome of the time This could be because they havea learning disability dementia a mental healthproblem or could be the result of a head injury ora stroke or a temporary condition such as anillness accident or the influence of alcohol ordrugs
Listed below are details about some of the legalterms and topics you may come across You mayneed to contact a solicitor who can give youimpartial advice which you may have to pay for oryou can contact an advocate who can advise onyour behalf
Lasting Power Of Attorney allows you to appointsomeone you trust to make decisions about yourpersonal welfare including healthcare and yourfinancial affairs
The Court of Protection can issue Ordersdirecting the management of a personrsquos propertyand financial affairs if you are incapable ofmanaging your own affairs and do not have aLasting Power of Attorney
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards protectspeople in residential care or hospital who areunable to make decisions for themselves due to abrain disorder If any of these people need to berestrained restricted or deprived in order to givethem physical care or keep them safe a Deprivationof Liberty Safeguards authorisation may be required
CARE IN YOUR OWN HOMEIf you are finding it difficult to manage at home you could consider using the services of a home careprovider Home care providers employ care assistants who can help you with bathing washing and dressingThe staff who work for these agencies are trained in personal care and safety procedures moving andhandling hygiene and infection control If you require nursing care at home many agencies employregistered nurses
This is only one option of supporting yourself with care at home Another could be to employ a personalassistant
A list of the care agencies registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who are located in the NorthStaffordshire CCG areas can be found below
Organising your own home care
If you are thinking about arranging your own home care it is a good idea to ask any agencies youapproach the following questions
bull Are there different rates for weekendseveningsbull Are there any extra charges ie for the carers travelling expensesbull What sort of services do you providebull Will somebody visit me before the service starts bull If you provide me with a service can I contact you out of office hours If so howbull Are your carers trainedbull Do you take up references on your carersbull Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission
To check up-to-date information on the providers of homecare in your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE with your Smartphone
Care Provider Address Telephone
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CAREThere are many types of residential care homes availableThese include permanent care homes for older peoplehomes for younger adults with disabilities and homes forchildren They may be privately owned or run by thevoluntary sector or local authorities You may want toconsider in detail the many options for residential carebefore you make a decision
Older PeopleCare homes for older people may provide personal care ornursing care A care home which is registered to providepersonal care (see the section on care home regulationbelow) will offer support ensuring that basic personal needssuch as meals bathing going to the toilet and medicationare taken care of In some homes more able residents havegreater independence and take care of many of their ownneeds
Some residents may need medical care and some care homesare registered to provide this These are often referred to asnursing homes Some homes specialise in certain types ofdisability for example dementia
Adults Aged 18-65There are also residential care homes that provide care andsupport for younger adults with for example severe physicaldisabilities learning disabilities acquired brain injuryprogressive neurological conditions or mental healthproblems Care can be provided for adults with more than
one condition and some homes have expertise in providingcare for adults with alcohol or drug dependency These homes offer permanent residence or provide care for atemporary period until the adult is able to live independentlyor move to a different type of accommodation
Choosing between residential care and independent livingSocial services normally encourage younger adults who theyassess for support to be as independent as theircircumstances allow The care plan for adults with disabilitieswill consider what independent tasks they can carry out andhow they can be helped to achieve more Even if adults havevery severe disabilities their needs are reviewed from time totime to check whether residential care or a very high level ofsupport is still appropriate
Supported living may be an option for younger adults Thisallows people to live independently in the community butwith basic support The support offered includes help withsetting up a home and managing finances and assistancewith cleaning and shopping
For older people there are various alternatives to residentialcare These include sheltered housing and extra care housingschemes which offer independence with an increased levelof care and support
For many people there is also the choice of livingindependently at home with community care support
Choice of Accommodation
The law says that where the local authority is fundingaccommodation it must allow the person enteringresidential care to choose which care home they wouldprefer Social services must first agree that the home issuitable for the personrsquos needs and that it would notcost more than they would normally pay for a homethat would meet those needs If the person chooses togo into a more expensive home a relative or friendmay be able to lsquotop uprsquo the difference in cost
Choosing a Care Home
Care homes may be arranged through the local authority but many people will want to arrange themindependently It is a good idea to visit several homesbefore making a choice Make sure you spend enoughtime in each home to get a good idea of what it is like
Respite and Short Term Stays
Residential care home stays dont necessarily have to bepermanent Temporary stays can be arranged forrespite care (in which you take a break from caring forsomebody else) or as a trial period before apermanent stay
Temporary stays can give you flexibility whencovering unexpected events such as
bull Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness
bull Support for newly disabled people and their carers
bull Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care
bull Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes
What your choices are
A list of all nursing and residential care homes withinyour locality can be found on the following pages Everycare home in England must be registered with thenational regulatory body Care Quality Commission(CQC)
They inspect each care home on a regular basis andwrite an inspection report for you to read It isadvisable to read this report before making a finaldecision
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CARE
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGNewcastle-Under-Lyme
Residential Address Telephone
Nursing Address Telephone
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGStaffordshire Moorlands
Address TelephoneResidential
Nursing Address Telephone
To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
PHARMACIES
Newcastle Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
If you have the symptoms of a cough cold or think yoursquove got the flu a pharmacist is thebest place to go as they can usually provide you the help and information you need onthe spot
They can also offer help with healthy living issues such as losing weight or giving up smoking
For opening times and NHS SERVICES available from your Pharmacy Please scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit wwwnhsuk
DENTISTS
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Always ask your dentist whether the treatment theyre recommending is available on the NHS and how muchit will cost before you go ahead
Emergency Dental ServiceDental Access Centres are available to treat patients who need emergency treatment This service gives priorityto pain relief and urgent care Not all dentists take on NHS patients you should check before hand
Emergency Dentist out of hours 111 bull Emergency Dentist normal working hours 111
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
OPTICIANS amp HEARING CENTRES
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Hearing Centres Address Telephone
Regular eye tests are important because your eyes donrsquot usually hurt when something is wrong Many eyeconditions can be treated if found early enough A sight test is a vital health check for your eyes It can pickup early signs of conditions that can affect the eyes before yoursquore aware of any symptoms
Including Diabetes bull Macular Degeneration bull Glaucoma
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
ARE YOU A CARER
A Carer spends a significant proportion of their life providing unpaid support to family or friends Thiscould be caring for a relative partner or friend who has a long term illness or disability includingmental illness alcohol or drug misuse or those that are elderly forgetful or frail
Caring can be a very difficult demanding and all-consuming task no matter how close you are to theperson you care for
Caring can affect your health making you feel tired frustrated stressed and feeling guilty leaving you withno time to yourself In fact 52 of carers need treatment for stress related problems and many carers feelthey have to give up work because of the effects caring has on their life
You are not alone It is estimated there are around 65 million Carers in the UK today You are certainly notalone but you still need to take care of yourself as well as the person you care for
Thankfully armed with the right support and information caring can be a rewarding and enjoyableexperience Just follow a few simple tips that can make a real difference
bull Ask for Help We all need help from time to time and carers are no exception Help is out there you only need to ask
bull Know your rights It sounds simple but knowing what yoursquore entitled to and what support is available can help a great deal
bull Tell your GP Your GP practice can record that you are a carer to ensure you get your annual flu vaccination and additional support as a carer
bull Have an assessment This can sound a little daunting at first but ensuring that you and the person you care for get an assessment of your needs through the Local Authority can give you access to a whole host of additional practical help and support
bull Be a little selfish We all need time to ourselves but itrsquos particularly important for carers This could be as simple as setting some me time aside for a relaxing bath or a night out
We at North Staffs Carers Association are there to help and benefit informal
unpaid Carers in the North Staffordshire area
North Staffs Carers is a registered Charity which provides information training and
ongoing support in the most appropriate way to Carers of all ages living in the districts
of Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
The Carers Centre Fenn House Duke Street Fenton Staffordshire ST4 3NRTelephone 01782 793100 Fax 01782 330792 bull Website wwwcarersfirstcom
There are an estimated 80000 Carers in Staffordshire help and support is available locally from the North Staffs Carers Association If yoursquore a carer and you need someone to talk to contact
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Aids and Adaptations If you or a member of your family has difficultyliving in your home due to a long-term illness ordisability you may be able to get help by adaptingyour home to better meet your needs You canapply to your local council for a disabled facilitiesgrant The grant helps you adapt your home tomake it suitable for a disabled person Dependingon your income you may need to pay towards thecost of the work to the property
You could get a grant from your council if yoursquoredisabled and need to make changes to yourhome for example to
bull widen doors and install rampsbull improve access to rooms and facilities - eg
stairlifts or a downstairs bathroombull provide a heating system suitable for your
needsbull adapt heating or lighting controls to make
them easier to use
How can I find out more about the aids andadaptations that would help me
Contact your social services department at yourlocal council about what difficulties you are havingat home They will send an occupational therapistto carry out an assessment and provide advice onwhich equipment or housing adaptation needs suityou best
Assistive Technology can help vulnerable peopleand their carers live more independently in theirown homes
Telecare which is part of assistive technology cansupport people whose sight hearing or cognitionmay have deteriorated This could be due tophysical or mental conditions which may have along-term effect on their health and wellbeing
There are many Telecare devices whichautomatically alert a 24-hour monitoring centre oryour chosen carer should you need assistanceThere are also Telehealth solutions which monitormedical conditions in your own home speak toyour GP to find out more about Telehealth
Telecare Technology Can
bull Raise an alarm in case of a fall or emergencybull Raise alerts for floods smoke carbon
monoxidebull Support a medication regimebull 24-hour reassurance for family and carers in
the knowledge that they will be alertedin the event of an incident
Telecare may be of benefit to
bull Older infirm or disabled peoplebull People who have been discharged from
hospital and need additional support at homebull People with sensory impairmentsbull Vulnerable people of any age living alone
Telecare also offers support and reassurance tocarers in the knowledge they will be alerted in theevent of an incident In this way Telecare can beof assistance to carers of people with dementiaphysical disabilities learning disabilities and long-term medical conditions
ADVICE ON PAYING FOR CARE
You may need to pay for all of your own care or youmay be entitled to local authority funding NHS care(free) or have entitlements to welfare benefits tohelp pay for your care and support
For most people needing social care services thefirst place to start is by asking your local authorityfor an assessment of your social care (care andsupport) needs As part of this the local authoritymay also carry out a financial assessment Thisassessment will determine whether the localauthority will meet all the cost of your care orwhether you will need to contribute towards yourcare cost or whether you will have to meet the fullcosts yourself Some of the rules for this financialassessment are applied differently based on whetheryou need care in your own home or care in aresidential home
There are several options for funding care andunderstanding them and which ones apply to youcan be complicated These options depend on yourneed for care and support as well as your personaland financial circumstances
Get personal advice on care funding
The cost of care and support is likely to be a long-term commitment and may be substantialparticularly if you opt for residential care If you ora member of the family need to pay for care athome or in a care home itrsquos important tounderstand the alternatives This makes advicetailored to your individual needs vital You can get advice from
Your local authority ndash through an assessment of yourcare and support needs as well as advice on whichservices are available locally
Financial advice from a qualified independentsource ndash there are independent financial adviserswho specialise in care funding advice They areregulated by the Financial Conduct Authority andmust stick to a code of conduct and ethics and takeshared responsibility for the suitability of anyproduct they recommend
Care and support services are means-tested and are not free to everyone Most people have to paysomething towards their own care and some will have to pay for all of the costs Who pays depends onwhat your needs are how much money you have and what level and type of care and support you require
The Mental Capacity Act
bull The actrsquos purpose is to allow adults to make as many decisions as they can for themselves
bull To enable adults to make advance decisions about whether they would like future medical treatment
bull To allow adults to appoint in advance of losing mental capacity another person to make decisions about personal welfare or property on their behalf at a future date
bull To allow decisions concerning personal welfare or property and affairs to be made in the best interests of adults when they have not made any future plans and cannot make a decision at the time
bull To ensure an NHS body or local authority will appoint an independent mental capacity advocate to support someone who cannot make a decision about seriousmedical treatment or about hospital care home or residential accommodation when there are no family or friends to be consulted
bull To provide protection against legal liability for carers who have honestly and reasonably sought to act in the personrsquos best interests
bull To provide clarity and safeguards around research in relation to those who lack capacity
LEGAL TERMS
Every day people make decisions about lots ofthings in their lives The ability to make decisionsis called mental capacity People may havedifficulties making some decisions either all orsome of the time This could be because they havea learning disability dementia a mental healthproblem or could be the result of a head injury ora stroke or a temporary condition such as anillness accident or the influence of alcohol ordrugs
Listed below are details about some of the legalterms and topics you may come across You mayneed to contact a solicitor who can give youimpartial advice which you may have to pay for oryou can contact an advocate who can advise onyour behalf
Lasting Power Of Attorney allows you to appointsomeone you trust to make decisions about yourpersonal welfare including healthcare and yourfinancial affairs
The Court of Protection can issue Ordersdirecting the management of a personrsquos propertyand financial affairs if you are incapable ofmanaging your own affairs and do not have aLasting Power of Attorney
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards protectspeople in residential care or hospital who areunable to make decisions for themselves due to abrain disorder If any of these people need to berestrained restricted or deprived in order to givethem physical care or keep them safe a Deprivationof Liberty Safeguards authorisation may be required
CARE IN YOUR OWN HOMEIf you are finding it difficult to manage at home you could consider using the services of a home careprovider Home care providers employ care assistants who can help you with bathing washing and dressingThe staff who work for these agencies are trained in personal care and safety procedures moving andhandling hygiene and infection control If you require nursing care at home many agencies employregistered nurses
This is only one option of supporting yourself with care at home Another could be to employ a personalassistant
A list of the care agencies registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who are located in the NorthStaffordshire CCG areas can be found below
Organising your own home care
If you are thinking about arranging your own home care it is a good idea to ask any agencies youapproach the following questions
bull Are there different rates for weekendseveningsbull Are there any extra charges ie for the carers travelling expensesbull What sort of services do you providebull Will somebody visit me before the service starts bull If you provide me with a service can I contact you out of office hours If so howbull Are your carers trainedbull Do you take up references on your carersbull Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission
To check up-to-date information on the providers of homecare in your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE with your Smartphone
Care Provider Address Telephone
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CAREThere are many types of residential care homes availableThese include permanent care homes for older peoplehomes for younger adults with disabilities and homes forchildren They may be privately owned or run by thevoluntary sector or local authorities You may want toconsider in detail the many options for residential carebefore you make a decision
Older PeopleCare homes for older people may provide personal care ornursing care A care home which is registered to providepersonal care (see the section on care home regulationbelow) will offer support ensuring that basic personal needssuch as meals bathing going to the toilet and medicationare taken care of In some homes more able residents havegreater independence and take care of many of their ownneeds
Some residents may need medical care and some care homesare registered to provide this These are often referred to asnursing homes Some homes specialise in certain types ofdisability for example dementia
Adults Aged 18-65There are also residential care homes that provide care andsupport for younger adults with for example severe physicaldisabilities learning disabilities acquired brain injuryprogressive neurological conditions or mental healthproblems Care can be provided for adults with more than
one condition and some homes have expertise in providingcare for adults with alcohol or drug dependency These homes offer permanent residence or provide care for atemporary period until the adult is able to live independentlyor move to a different type of accommodation
Choosing between residential care and independent livingSocial services normally encourage younger adults who theyassess for support to be as independent as theircircumstances allow The care plan for adults with disabilitieswill consider what independent tasks they can carry out andhow they can be helped to achieve more Even if adults havevery severe disabilities their needs are reviewed from time totime to check whether residential care or a very high level ofsupport is still appropriate
Supported living may be an option for younger adults Thisallows people to live independently in the community butwith basic support The support offered includes help withsetting up a home and managing finances and assistancewith cleaning and shopping
For older people there are various alternatives to residentialcare These include sheltered housing and extra care housingschemes which offer independence with an increased levelof care and support
For many people there is also the choice of livingindependently at home with community care support
Choice of Accommodation
The law says that where the local authority is fundingaccommodation it must allow the person enteringresidential care to choose which care home they wouldprefer Social services must first agree that the home issuitable for the personrsquos needs and that it would notcost more than they would normally pay for a homethat would meet those needs If the person chooses togo into a more expensive home a relative or friendmay be able to lsquotop uprsquo the difference in cost
Choosing a Care Home
Care homes may be arranged through the local authority but many people will want to arrange themindependently It is a good idea to visit several homesbefore making a choice Make sure you spend enoughtime in each home to get a good idea of what it is like
Respite and Short Term Stays
Residential care home stays dont necessarily have to bepermanent Temporary stays can be arranged forrespite care (in which you take a break from caring forsomebody else) or as a trial period before apermanent stay
Temporary stays can give you flexibility whencovering unexpected events such as
bull Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness
bull Support for newly disabled people and their carers
bull Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care
bull Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes
What your choices are
A list of all nursing and residential care homes withinyour locality can be found on the following pages Everycare home in England must be registered with thenational regulatory body Care Quality Commission(CQC)
They inspect each care home on a regular basis andwrite an inspection report for you to read It isadvisable to read this report before making a finaldecision
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CARE
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGNewcastle-Under-Lyme
Residential Address Telephone
Nursing Address Telephone
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGStaffordshire Moorlands
Address TelephoneResidential
Nursing Address Telephone
To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
DENTISTS
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Always ask your dentist whether the treatment theyre recommending is available on the NHS and how muchit will cost before you go ahead
Emergency Dental ServiceDental Access Centres are available to treat patients who need emergency treatment This service gives priorityto pain relief and urgent care Not all dentists take on NHS patients you should check before hand
Emergency Dentist out of hours 111 bull Emergency Dentist normal working hours 111
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
OPTICIANS amp HEARING CENTRES
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Hearing Centres Address Telephone
Regular eye tests are important because your eyes donrsquot usually hurt when something is wrong Many eyeconditions can be treated if found early enough A sight test is a vital health check for your eyes It can pickup early signs of conditions that can affect the eyes before yoursquore aware of any symptoms
Including Diabetes bull Macular Degeneration bull Glaucoma
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
ARE YOU A CARER
A Carer spends a significant proportion of their life providing unpaid support to family or friends Thiscould be caring for a relative partner or friend who has a long term illness or disability includingmental illness alcohol or drug misuse or those that are elderly forgetful or frail
Caring can be a very difficult demanding and all-consuming task no matter how close you are to theperson you care for
Caring can affect your health making you feel tired frustrated stressed and feeling guilty leaving you withno time to yourself In fact 52 of carers need treatment for stress related problems and many carers feelthey have to give up work because of the effects caring has on their life
You are not alone It is estimated there are around 65 million Carers in the UK today You are certainly notalone but you still need to take care of yourself as well as the person you care for
Thankfully armed with the right support and information caring can be a rewarding and enjoyableexperience Just follow a few simple tips that can make a real difference
bull Ask for Help We all need help from time to time and carers are no exception Help is out there you only need to ask
bull Know your rights It sounds simple but knowing what yoursquore entitled to and what support is available can help a great deal
bull Tell your GP Your GP practice can record that you are a carer to ensure you get your annual flu vaccination and additional support as a carer
bull Have an assessment This can sound a little daunting at first but ensuring that you and the person you care for get an assessment of your needs through the Local Authority can give you access to a whole host of additional practical help and support
bull Be a little selfish We all need time to ourselves but itrsquos particularly important for carers This could be as simple as setting some me time aside for a relaxing bath or a night out
We at North Staffs Carers Association are there to help and benefit informal
unpaid Carers in the North Staffordshire area
North Staffs Carers is a registered Charity which provides information training and
ongoing support in the most appropriate way to Carers of all ages living in the districts
of Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
The Carers Centre Fenn House Duke Street Fenton Staffordshire ST4 3NRTelephone 01782 793100 Fax 01782 330792 bull Website wwwcarersfirstcom
There are an estimated 80000 Carers in Staffordshire help and support is available locally from the North Staffs Carers Association If yoursquore a carer and you need someone to talk to contact
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Aids and Adaptations If you or a member of your family has difficultyliving in your home due to a long-term illness ordisability you may be able to get help by adaptingyour home to better meet your needs You canapply to your local council for a disabled facilitiesgrant The grant helps you adapt your home tomake it suitable for a disabled person Dependingon your income you may need to pay towards thecost of the work to the property
You could get a grant from your council if yoursquoredisabled and need to make changes to yourhome for example to
bull widen doors and install rampsbull improve access to rooms and facilities - eg
stairlifts or a downstairs bathroombull provide a heating system suitable for your
needsbull adapt heating or lighting controls to make
them easier to use
How can I find out more about the aids andadaptations that would help me
Contact your social services department at yourlocal council about what difficulties you are havingat home They will send an occupational therapistto carry out an assessment and provide advice onwhich equipment or housing adaptation needs suityou best
Assistive Technology can help vulnerable peopleand their carers live more independently in theirown homes
Telecare which is part of assistive technology cansupport people whose sight hearing or cognitionmay have deteriorated This could be due tophysical or mental conditions which may have along-term effect on their health and wellbeing
There are many Telecare devices whichautomatically alert a 24-hour monitoring centre oryour chosen carer should you need assistanceThere are also Telehealth solutions which monitormedical conditions in your own home speak toyour GP to find out more about Telehealth
Telecare Technology Can
bull Raise an alarm in case of a fall or emergencybull Raise alerts for floods smoke carbon
monoxidebull Support a medication regimebull 24-hour reassurance for family and carers in
the knowledge that they will be alertedin the event of an incident
Telecare may be of benefit to
bull Older infirm or disabled peoplebull People who have been discharged from
hospital and need additional support at homebull People with sensory impairmentsbull Vulnerable people of any age living alone
Telecare also offers support and reassurance tocarers in the knowledge they will be alerted in theevent of an incident In this way Telecare can beof assistance to carers of people with dementiaphysical disabilities learning disabilities and long-term medical conditions
ADVICE ON PAYING FOR CARE
You may need to pay for all of your own care or youmay be entitled to local authority funding NHS care(free) or have entitlements to welfare benefits tohelp pay for your care and support
For most people needing social care services thefirst place to start is by asking your local authorityfor an assessment of your social care (care andsupport) needs As part of this the local authoritymay also carry out a financial assessment Thisassessment will determine whether the localauthority will meet all the cost of your care orwhether you will need to contribute towards yourcare cost or whether you will have to meet the fullcosts yourself Some of the rules for this financialassessment are applied differently based on whetheryou need care in your own home or care in aresidential home
There are several options for funding care andunderstanding them and which ones apply to youcan be complicated These options depend on yourneed for care and support as well as your personaland financial circumstances
Get personal advice on care funding
The cost of care and support is likely to be a long-term commitment and may be substantialparticularly if you opt for residential care If you ora member of the family need to pay for care athome or in a care home itrsquos important tounderstand the alternatives This makes advicetailored to your individual needs vital You can get advice from
Your local authority ndash through an assessment of yourcare and support needs as well as advice on whichservices are available locally
Financial advice from a qualified independentsource ndash there are independent financial adviserswho specialise in care funding advice They areregulated by the Financial Conduct Authority andmust stick to a code of conduct and ethics and takeshared responsibility for the suitability of anyproduct they recommend
Care and support services are means-tested and are not free to everyone Most people have to paysomething towards their own care and some will have to pay for all of the costs Who pays depends onwhat your needs are how much money you have and what level and type of care and support you require
The Mental Capacity Act
bull The actrsquos purpose is to allow adults to make as many decisions as they can for themselves
bull To enable adults to make advance decisions about whether they would like future medical treatment
bull To allow adults to appoint in advance of losing mental capacity another person to make decisions about personal welfare or property on their behalf at a future date
bull To allow decisions concerning personal welfare or property and affairs to be made in the best interests of adults when they have not made any future plans and cannot make a decision at the time
bull To ensure an NHS body or local authority will appoint an independent mental capacity advocate to support someone who cannot make a decision about seriousmedical treatment or about hospital care home or residential accommodation when there are no family or friends to be consulted
bull To provide protection against legal liability for carers who have honestly and reasonably sought to act in the personrsquos best interests
bull To provide clarity and safeguards around research in relation to those who lack capacity
LEGAL TERMS
Every day people make decisions about lots ofthings in their lives The ability to make decisionsis called mental capacity People may havedifficulties making some decisions either all orsome of the time This could be because they havea learning disability dementia a mental healthproblem or could be the result of a head injury ora stroke or a temporary condition such as anillness accident or the influence of alcohol ordrugs
Listed below are details about some of the legalterms and topics you may come across You mayneed to contact a solicitor who can give youimpartial advice which you may have to pay for oryou can contact an advocate who can advise onyour behalf
Lasting Power Of Attorney allows you to appointsomeone you trust to make decisions about yourpersonal welfare including healthcare and yourfinancial affairs
The Court of Protection can issue Ordersdirecting the management of a personrsquos propertyand financial affairs if you are incapable ofmanaging your own affairs and do not have aLasting Power of Attorney
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards protectspeople in residential care or hospital who areunable to make decisions for themselves due to abrain disorder If any of these people need to berestrained restricted or deprived in order to givethem physical care or keep them safe a Deprivationof Liberty Safeguards authorisation may be required
CARE IN YOUR OWN HOMEIf you are finding it difficult to manage at home you could consider using the services of a home careprovider Home care providers employ care assistants who can help you with bathing washing and dressingThe staff who work for these agencies are trained in personal care and safety procedures moving andhandling hygiene and infection control If you require nursing care at home many agencies employregistered nurses
This is only one option of supporting yourself with care at home Another could be to employ a personalassistant
A list of the care agencies registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who are located in the NorthStaffordshire CCG areas can be found below
Organising your own home care
If you are thinking about arranging your own home care it is a good idea to ask any agencies youapproach the following questions
bull Are there different rates for weekendseveningsbull Are there any extra charges ie for the carers travelling expensesbull What sort of services do you providebull Will somebody visit me before the service starts bull If you provide me with a service can I contact you out of office hours If so howbull Are your carers trainedbull Do you take up references on your carersbull Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission
To check up-to-date information on the providers of homecare in your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE with your Smartphone
Care Provider Address Telephone
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CAREThere are many types of residential care homes availableThese include permanent care homes for older peoplehomes for younger adults with disabilities and homes forchildren They may be privately owned or run by thevoluntary sector or local authorities You may want toconsider in detail the many options for residential carebefore you make a decision
Older PeopleCare homes for older people may provide personal care ornursing care A care home which is registered to providepersonal care (see the section on care home regulationbelow) will offer support ensuring that basic personal needssuch as meals bathing going to the toilet and medicationare taken care of In some homes more able residents havegreater independence and take care of many of their ownneeds
Some residents may need medical care and some care homesare registered to provide this These are often referred to asnursing homes Some homes specialise in certain types ofdisability for example dementia
Adults Aged 18-65There are also residential care homes that provide care andsupport for younger adults with for example severe physicaldisabilities learning disabilities acquired brain injuryprogressive neurological conditions or mental healthproblems Care can be provided for adults with more than
one condition and some homes have expertise in providingcare for adults with alcohol or drug dependency These homes offer permanent residence or provide care for atemporary period until the adult is able to live independentlyor move to a different type of accommodation
Choosing between residential care and independent livingSocial services normally encourage younger adults who theyassess for support to be as independent as theircircumstances allow The care plan for adults with disabilitieswill consider what independent tasks they can carry out andhow they can be helped to achieve more Even if adults havevery severe disabilities their needs are reviewed from time totime to check whether residential care or a very high level ofsupport is still appropriate
Supported living may be an option for younger adults Thisallows people to live independently in the community butwith basic support The support offered includes help withsetting up a home and managing finances and assistancewith cleaning and shopping
For older people there are various alternatives to residentialcare These include sheltered housing and extra care housingschemes which offer independence with an increased levelof care and support
For many people there is also the choice of livingindependently at home with community care support
Choice of Accommodation
The law says that where the local authority is fundingaccommodation it must allow the person enteringresidential care to choose which care home they wouldprefer Social services must first agree that the home issuitable for the personrsquos needs and that it would notcost more than they would normally pay for a homethat would meet those needs If the person chooses togo into a more expensive home a relative or friendmay be able to lsquotop uprsquo the difference in cost
Choosing a Care Home
Care homes may be arranged through the local authority but many people will want to arrange themindependently It is a good idea to visit several homesbefore making a choice Make sure you spend enoughtime in each home to get a good idea of what it is like
Respite and Short Term Stays
Residential care home stays dont necessarily have to bepermanent Temporary stays can be arranged forrespite care (in which you take a break from caring forsomebody else) or as a trial period before apermanent stay
Temporary stays can give you flexibility whencovering unexpected events such as
bull Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness
bull Support for newly disabled people and their carers
bull Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care
bull Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes
What your choices are
A list of all nursing and residential care homes withinyour locality can be found on the following pages Everycare home in England must be registered with thenational regulatory body Care Quality Commission(CQC)
They inspect each care home on a regular basis andwrite an inspection report for you to read It isadvisable to read this report before making a finaldecision
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CARE
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGNewcastle-Under-Lyme
Residential Address Telephone
Nursing Address Telephone
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGStaffordshire Moorlands
Address TelephoneResidential
Nursing Address Telephone
To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
OPTICIANS amp HEARING CENTRES
Newcastle-Under-Lyme Address Telephone
Hearing Centres Address Telephone
Regular eye tests are important because your eyes donrsquot usually hurt when something is wrong Many eyeconditions can be treated if found early enough A sight test is a vital health check for your eyes It can pickup early signs of conditions that can affect the eyes before yoursquore aware of any symptoms
Including Diabetes bull Macular Degeneration bull Glaucoma
Staffordshire Moorlands Address Telephone
ARE YOU A CARER
A Carer spends a significant proportion of their life providing unpaid support to family or friends Thiscould be caring for a relative partner or friend who has a long term illness or disability includingmental illness alcohol or drug misuse or those that are elderly forgetful or frail
Caring can be a very difficult demanding and all-consuming task no matter how close you are to theperson you care for
Caring can affect your health making you feel tired frustrated stressed and feeling guilty leaving you withno time to yourself In fact 52 of carers need treatment for stress related problems and many carers feelthey have to give up work because of the effects caring has on their life
You are not alone It is estimated there are around 65 million Carers in the UK today You are certainly notalone but you still need to take care of yourself as well as the person you care for
Thankfully armed with the right support and information caring can be a rewarding and enjoyableexperience Just follow a few simple tips that can make a real difference
bull Ask for Help We all need help from time to time and carers are no exception Help is out there you only need to ask
bull Know your rights It sounds simple but knowing what yoursquore entitled to and what support is available can help a great deal
bull Tell your GP Your GP practice can record that you are a carer to ensure you get your annual flu vaccination and additional support as a carer
bull Have an assessment This can sound a little daunting at first but ensuring that you and the person you care for get an assessment of your needs through the Local Authority can give you access to a whole host of additional practical help and support
bull Be a little selfish We all need time to ourselves but itrsquos particularly important for carers This could be as simple as setting some me time aside for a relaxing bath or a night out
We at North Staffs Carers Association are there to help and benefit informal
unpaid Carers in the North Staffordshire area
North Staffs Carers is a registered Charity which provides information training and
ongoing support in the most appropriate way to Carers of all ages living in the districts
of Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
The Carers Centre Fenn House Duke Street Fenton Staffordshire ST4 3NRTelephone 01782 793100 Fax 01782 330792 bull Website wwwcarersfirstcom
There are an estimated 80000 Carers in Staffordshire help and support is available locally from the North Staffs Carers Association If yoursquore a carer and you need someone to talk to contact
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Aids and Adaptations If you or a member of your family has difficultyliving in your home due to a long-term illness ordisability you may be able to get help by adaptingyour home to better meet your needs You canapply to your local council for a disabled facilitiesgrant The grant helps you adapt your home tomake it suitable for a disabled person Dependingon your income you may need to pay towards thecost of the work to the property
You could get a grant from your council if yoursquoredisabled and need to make changes to yourhome for example to
bull widen doors and install rampsbull improve access to rooms and facilities - eg
stairlifts or a downstairs bathroombull provide a heating system suitable for your
needsbull adapt heating or lighting controls to make
them easier to use
How can I find out more about the aids andadaptations that would help me
Contact your social services department at yourlocal council about what difficulties you are havingat home They will send an occupational therapistto carry out an assessment and provide advice onwhich equipment or housing adaptation needs suityou best
Assistive Technology can help vulnerable peopleand their carers live more independently in theirown homes
Telecare which is part of assistive technology cansupport people whose sight hearing or cognitionmay have deteriorated This could be due tophysical or mental conditions which may have along-term effect on their health and wellbeing
There are many Telecare devices whichautomatically alert a 24-hour monitoring centre oryour chosen carer should you need assistanceThere are also Telehealth solutions which monitormedical conditions in your own home speak toyour GP to find out more about Telehealth
Telecare Technology Can
bull Raise an alarm in case of a fall or emergencybull Raise alerts for floods smoke carbon
monoxidebull Support a medication regimebull 24-hour reassurance for family and carers in
the knowledge that they will be alertedin the event of an incident
Telecare may be of benefit to
bull Older infirm or disabled peoplebull People who have been discharged from
hospital and need additional support at homebull People with sensory impairmentsbull Vulnerable people of any age living alone
Telecare also offers support and reassurance tocarers in the knowledge they will be alerted in theevent of an incident In this way Telecare can beof assistance to carers of people with dementiaphysical disabilities learning disabilities and long-term medical conditions
ADVICE ON PAYING FOR CARE
You may need to pay for all of your own care or youmay be entitled to local authority funding NHS care(free) or have entitlements to welfare benefits tohelp pay for your care and support
For most people needing social care services thefirst place to start is by asking your local authorityfor an assessment of your social care (care andsupport) needs As part of this the local authoritymay also carry out a financial assessment Thisassessment will determine whether the localauthority will meet all the cost of your care orwhether you will need to contribute towards yourcare cost or whether you will have to meet the fullcosts yourself Some of the rules for this financialassessment are applied differently based on whetheryou need care in your own home or care in aresidential home
There are several options for funding care andunderstanding them and which ones apply to youcan be complicated These options depend on yourneed for care and support as well as your personaland financial circumstances
Get personal advice on care funding
The cost of care and support is likely to be a long-term commitment and may be substantialparticularly if you opt for residential care If you ora member of the family need to pay for care athome or in a care home itrsquos important tounderstand the alternatives This makes advicetailored to your individual needs vital You can get advice from
Your local authority ndash through an assessment of yourcare and support needs as well as advice on whichservices are available locally
Financial advice from a qualified independentsource ndash there are independent financial adviserswho specialise in care funding advice They areregulated by the Financial Conduct Authority andmust stick to a code of conduct and ethics and takeshared responsibility for the suitability of anyproduct they recommend
Care and support services are means-tested and are not free to everyone Most people have to paysomething towards their own care and some will have to pay for all of the costs Who pays depends onwhat your needs are how much money you have and what level and type of care and support you require
The Mental Capacity Act
bull The actrsquos purpose is to allow adults to make as many decisions as they can for themselves
bull To enable adults to make advance decisions about whether they would like future medical treatment
bull To allow adults to appoint in advance of losing mental capacity another person to make decisions about personal welfare or property on their behalf at a future date
bull To allow decisions concerning personal welfare or property and affairs to be made in the best interests of adults when they have not made any future plans and cannot make a decision at the time
bull To ensure an NHS body or local authority will appoint an independent mental capacity advocate to support someone who cannot make a decision about seriousmedical treatment or about hospital care home or residential accommodation when there are no family or friends to be consulted
bull To provide protection against legal liability for carers who have honestly and reasonably sought to act in the personrsquos best interests
bull To provide clarity and safeguards around research in relation to those who lack capacity
LEGAL TERMS
Every day people make decisions about lots ofthings in their lives The ability to make decisionsis called mental capacity People may havedifficulties making some decisions either all orsome of the time This could be because they havea learning disability dementia a mental healthproblem or could be the result of a head injury ora stroke or a temporary condition such as anillness accident or the influence of alcohol ordrugs
Listed below are details about some of the legalterms and topics you may come across You mayneed to contact a solicitor who can give youimpartial advice which you may have to pay for oryou can contact an advocate who can advise onyour behalf
Lasting Power Of Attorney allows you to appointsomeone you trust to make decisions about yourpersonal welfare including healthcare and yourfinancial affairs
The Court of Protection can issue Ordersdirecting the management of a personrsquos propertyand financial affairs if you are incapable ofmanaging your own affairs and do not have aLasting Power of Attorney
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards protectspeople in residential care or hospital who areunable to make decisions for themselves due to abrain disorder If any of these people need to berestrained restricted or deprived in order to givethem physical care or keep them safe a Deprivationof Liberty Safeguards authorisation may be required
CARE IN YOUR OWN HOMEIf you are finding it difficult to manage at home you could consider using the services of a home careprovider Home care providers employ care assistants who can help you with bathing washing and dressingThe staff who work for these agencies are trained in personal care and safety procedures moving andhandling hygiene and infection control If you require nursing care at home many agencies employregistered nurses
This is only one option of supporting yourself with care at home Another could be to employ a personalassistant
A list of the care agencies registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who are located in the NorthStaffordshire CCG areas can be found below
Organising your own home care
If you are thinking about arranging your own home care it is a good idea to ask any agencies youapproach the following questions
bull Are there different rates for weekendseveningsbull Are there any extra charges ie for the carers travelling expensesbull What sort of services do you providebull Will somebody visit me before the service starts bull If you provide me with a service can I contact you out of office hours If so howbull Are your carers trainedbull Do you take up references on your carersbull Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission
To check up-to-date information on the providers of homecare in your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE with your Smartphone
Care Provider Address Telephone
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CAREThere are many types of residential care homes availableThese include permanent care homes for older peoplehomes for younger adults with disabilities and homes forchildren They may be privately owned or run by thevoluntary sector or local authorities You may want toconsider in detail the many options for residential carebefore you make a decision
Older PeopleCare homes for older people may provide personal care ornursing care A care home which is registered to providepersonal care (see the section on care home regulationbelow) will offer support ensuring that basic personal needssuch as meals bathing going to the toilet and medicationare taken care of In some homes more able residents havegreater independence and take care of many of their ownneeds
Some residents may need medical care and some care homesare registered to provide this These are often referred to asnursing homes Some homes specialise in certain types ofdisability for example dementia
Adults Aged 18-65There are also residential care homes that provide care andsupport for younger adults with for example severe physicaldisabilities learning disabilities acquired brain injuryprogressive neurological conditions or mental healthproblems Care can be provided for adults with more than
one condition and some homes have expertise in providingcare for adults with alcohol or drug dependency These homes offer permanent residence or provide care for atemporary period until the adult is able to live independentlyor move to a different type of accommodation
Choosing between residential care and independent livingSocial services normally encourage younger adults who theyassess for support to be as independent as theircircumstances allow The care plan for adults with disabilitieswill consider what independent tasks they can carry out andhow they can be helped to achieve more Even if adults havevery severe disabilities their needs are reviewed from time totime to check whether residential care or a very high level ofsupport is still appropriate
Supported living may be an option for younger adults Thisallows people to live independently in the community butwith basic support The support offered includes help withsetting up a home and managing finances and assistancewith cleaning and shopping
For older people there are various alternatives to residentialcare These include sheltered housing and extra care housingschemes which offer independence with an increased levelof care and support
For many people there is also the choice of livingindependently at home with community care support
Choice of Accommodation
The law says that where the local authority is fundingaccommodation it must allow the person enteringresidential care to choose which care home they wouldprefer Social services must first agree that the home issuitable for the personrsquos needs and that it would notcost more than they would normally pay for a homethat would meet those needs If the person chooses togo into a more expensive home a relative or friendmay be able to lsquotop uprsquo the difference in cost
Choosing a Care Home
Care homes may be arranged through the local authority but many people will want to arrange themindependently It is a good idea to visit several homesbefore making a choice Make sure you spend enoughtime in each home to get a good idea of what it is like
Respite and Short Term Stays
Residential care home stays dont necessarily have to bepermanent Temporary stays can be arranged forrespite care (in which you take a break from caring forsomebody else) or as a trial period before apermanent stay
Temporary stays can give you flexibility whencovering unexpected events such as
bull Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness
bull Support for newly disabled people and their carers
bull Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care
bull Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes
What your choices are
A list of all nursing and residential care homes withinyour locality can be found on the following pages Everycare home in England must be registered with thenational regulatory body Care Quality Commission(CQC)
They inspect each care home on a regular basis andwrite an inspection report for you to read It isadvisable to read this report before making a finaldecision
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CARE
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGNewcastle-Under-Lyme
Residential Address Telephone
Nursing Address Telephone
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGStaffordshire Moorlands
Address TelephoneResidential
Nursing Address Telephone
To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
ARE YOU A CARER
A Carer spends a significant proportion of their life providing unpaid support to family or friends Thiscould be caring for a relative partner or friend who has a long term illness or disability includingmental illness alcohol or drug misuse or those that are elderly forgetful or frail
Caring can be a very difficult demanding and all-consuming task no matter how close you are to theperson you care for
Caring can affect your health making you feel tired frustrated stressed and feeling guilty leaving you withno time to yourself In fact 52 of carers need treatment for stress related problems and many carers feelthey have to give up work because of the effects caring has on their life
You are not alone It is estimated there are around 65 million Carers in the UK today You are certainly notalone but you still need to take care of yourself as well as the person you care for
Thankfully armed with the right support and information caring can be a rewarding and enjoyableexperience Just follow a few simple tips that can make a real difference
bull Ask for Help We all need help from time to time and carers are no exception Help is out there you only need to ask
bull Know your rights It sounds simple but knowing what yoursquore entitled to and what support is available can help a great deal
bull Tell your GP Your GP practice can record that you are a carer to ensure you get your annual flu vaccination and additional support as a carer
bull Have an assessment This can sound a little daunting at first but ensuring that you and the person you care for get an assessment of your needs through the Local Authority can give you access to a whole host of additional practical help and support
bull Be a little selfish We all need time to ourselves but itrsquos particularly important for carers This could be as simple as setting some me time aside for a relaxing bath or a night out
We at North Staffs Carers Association are there to help and benefit informal
unpaid Carers in the North Staffordshire area
North Staffs Carers is a registered Charity which provides information training and
ongoing support in the most appropriate way to Carers of all ages living in the districts
of Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
The Carers Centre Fenn House Duke Street Fenton Staffordshire ST4 3NRTelephone 01782 793100 Fax 01782 330792 bull Website wwwcarersfirstcom
There are an estimated 80000 Carers in Staffordshire help and support is available locally from the North Staffs Carers Association If yoursquore a carer and you need someone to talk to contact
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Aids and Adaptations If you or a member of your family has difficultyliving in your home due to a long-term illness ordisability you may be able to get help by adaptingyour home to better meet your needs You canapply to your local council for a disabled facilitiesgrant The grant helps you adapt your home tomake it suitable for a disabled person Dependingon your income you may need to pay towards thecost of the work to the property
You could get a grant from your council if yoursquoredisabled and need to make changes to yourhome for example to
bull widen doors and install rampsbull improve access to rooms and facilities - eg
stairlifts or a downstairs bathroombull provide a heating system suitable for your
needsbull adapt heating or lighting controls to make
them easier to use
How can I find out more about the aids andadaptations that would help me
Contact your social services department at yourlocal council about what difficulties you are havingat home They will send an occupational therapistto carry out an assessment and provide advice onwhich equipment or housing adaptation needs suityou best
Assistive Technology can help vulnerable peopleand their carers live more independently in theirown homes
Telecare which is part of assistive technology cansupport people whose sight hearing or cognitionmay have deteriorated This could be due tophysical or mental conditions which may have along-term effect on their health and wellbeing
There are many Telecare devices whichautomatically alert a 24-hour monitoring centre oryour chosen carer should you need assistanceThere are also Telehealth solutions which monitormedical conditions in your own home speak toyour GP to find out more about Telehealth
Telecare Technology Can
bull Raise an alarm in case of a fall or emergencybull Raise alerts for floods smoke carbon
monoxidebull Support a medication regimebull 24-hour reassurance for family and carers in
the knowledge that they will be alertedin the event of an incident
Telecare may be of benefit to
bull Older infirm or disabled peoplebull People who have been discharged from
hospital and need additional support at homebull People with sensory impairmentsbull Vulnerable people of any age living alone
Telecare also offers support and reassurance tocarers in the knowledge they will be alerted in theevent of an incident In this way Telecare can beof assistance to carers of people with dementiaphysical disabilities learning disabilities and long-term medical conditions
ADVICE ON PAYING FOR CARE
You may need to pay for all of your own care or youmay be entitled to local authority funding NHS care(free) or have entitlements to welfare benefits tohelp pay for your care and support
For most people needing social care services thefirst place to start is by asking your local authorityfor an assessment of your social care (care andsupport) needs As part of this the local authoritymay also carry out a financial assessment Thisassessment will determine whether the localauthority will meet all the cost of your care orwhether you will need to contribute towards yourcare cost or whether you will have to meet the fullcosts yourself Some of the rules for this financialassessment are applied differently based on whetheryou need care in your own home or care in aresidential home
There are several options for funding care andunderstanding them and which ones apply to youcan be complicated These options depend on yourneed for care and support as well as your personaland financial circumstances
Get personal advice on care funding
The cost of care and support is likely to be a long-term commitment and may be substantialparticularly if you opt for residential care If you ora member of the family need to pay for care athome or in a care home itrsquos important tounderstand the alternatives This makes advicetailored to your individual needs vital You can get advice from
Your local authority ndash through an assessment of yourcare and support needs as well as advice on whichservices are available locally
Financial advice from a qualified independentsource ndash there are independent financial adviserswho specialise in care funding advice They areregulated by the Financial Conduct Authority andmust stick to a code of conduct and ethics and takeshared responsibility for the suitability of anyproduct they recommend
Care and support services are means-tested and are not free to everyone Most people have to paysomething towards their own care and some will have to pay for all of the costs Who pays depends onwhat your needs are how much money you have and what level and type of care and support you require
The Mental Capacity Act
bull The actrsquos purpose is to allow adults to make as many decisions as they can for themselves
bull To enable adults to make advance decisions about whether they would like future medical treatment
bull To allow adults to appoint in advance of losing mental capacity another person to make decisions about personal welfare or property on their behalf at a future date
bull To allow decisions concerning personal welfare or property and affairs to be made in the best interests of adults when they have not made any future plans and cannot make a decision at the time
bull To ensure an NHS body or local authority will appoint an independent mental capacity advocate to support someone who cannot make a decision about seriousmedical treatment or about hospital care home or residential accommodation when there are no family or friends to be consulted
bull To provide protection against legal liability for carers who have honestly and reasonably sought to act in the personrsquos best interests
bull To provide clarity and safeguards around research in relation to those who lack capacity
LEGAL TERMS
Every day people make decisions about lots ofthings in their lives The ability to make decisionsis called mental capacity People may havedifficulties making some decisions either all orsome of the time This could be because they havea learning disability dementia a mental healthproblem or could be the result of a head injury ora stroke or a temporary condition such as anillness accident or the influence of alcohol ordrugs
Listed below are details about some of the legalterms and topics you may come across You mayneed to contact a solicitor who can give youimpartial advice which you may have to pay for oryou can contact an advocate who can advise onyour behalf
Lasting Power Of Attorney allows you to appointsomeone you trust to make decisions about yourpersonal welfare including healthcare and yourfinancial affairs
The Court of Protection can issue Ordersdirecting the management of a personrsquos propertyand financial affairs if you are incapable ofmanaging your own affairs and do not have aLasting Power of Attorney
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards protectspeople in residential care or hospital who areunable to make decisions for themselves due to abrain disorder If any of these people need to berestrained restricted or deprived in order to givethem physical care or keep them safe a Deprivationof Liberty Safeguards authorisation may be required
CARE IN YOUR OWN HOMEIf you are finding it difficult to manage at home you could consider using the services of a home careprovider Home care providers employ care assistants who can help you with bathing washing and dressingThe staff who work for these agencies are trained in personal care and safety procedures moving andhandling hygiene and infection control If you require nursing care at home many agencies employregistered nurses
This is only one option of supporting yourself with care at home Another could be to employ a personalassistant
A list of the care agencies registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who are located in the NorthStaffordshire CCG areas can be found below
Organising your own home care
If you are thinking about arranging your own home care it is a good idea to ask any agencies youapproach the following questions
bull Are there different rates for weekendseveningsbull Are there any extra charges ie for the carers travelling expensesbull What sort of services do you providebull Will somebody visit me before the service starts bull If you provide me with a service can I contact you out of office hours If so howbull Are your carers trainedbull Do you take up references on your carersbull Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission
To check up-to-date information on the providers of homecare in your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE with your Smartphone
Care Provider Address Telephone
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CAREThere are many types of residential care homes availableThese include permanent care homes for older peoplehomes for younger adults with disabilities and homes forchildren They may be privately owned or run by thevoluntary sector or local authorities You may want toconsider in detail the many options for residential carebefore you make a decision
Older PeopleCare homes for older people may provide personal care ornursing care A care home which is registered to providepersonal care (see the section on care home regulationbelow) will offer support ensuring that basic personal needssuch as meals bathing going to the toilet and medicationare taken care of In some homes more able residents havegreater independence and take care of many of their ownneeds
Some residents may need medical care and some care homesare registered to provide this These are often referred to asnursing homes Some homes specialise in certain types ofdisability for example dementia
Adults Aged 18-65There are also residential care homes that provide care andsupport for younger adults with for example severe physicaldisabilities learning disabilities acquired brain injuryprogressive neurological conditions or mental healthproblems Care can be provided for adults with more than
one condition and some homes have expertise in providingcare for adults with alcohol or drug dependency These homes offer permanent residence or provide care for atemporary period until the adult is able to live independentlyor move to a different type of accommodation
Choosing between residential care and independent livingSocial services normally encourage younger adults who theyassess for support to be as independent as theircircumstances allow The care plan for adults with disabilitieswill consider what independent tasks they can carry out andhow they can be helped to achieve more Even if adults havevery severe disabilities their needs are reviewed from time totime to check whether residential care or a very high level ofsupport is still appropriate
Supported living may be an option for younger adults Thisallows people to live independently in the community butwith basic support The support offered includes help withsetting up a home and managing finances and assistancewith cleaning and shopping
For older people there are various alternatives to residentialcare These include sheltered housing and extra care housingschemes which offer independence with an increased levelof care and support
For many people there is also the choice of livingindependently at home with community care support
Choice of Accommodation
The law says that where the local authority is fundingaccommodation it must allow the person enteringresidential care to choose which care home they wouldprefer Social services must first agree that the home issuitable for the personrsquos needs and that it would notcost more than they would normally pay for a homethat would meet those needs If the person chooses togo into a more expensive home a relative or friendmay be able to lsquotop uprsquo the difference in cost
Choosing a Care Home
Care homes may be arranged through the local authority but many people will want to arrange themindependently It is a good idea to visit several homesbefore making a choice Make sure you spend enoughtime in each home to get a good idea of what it is like
Respite and Short Term Stays
Residential care home stays dont necessarily have to bepermanent Temporary stays can be arranged forrespite care (in which you take a break from caring forsomebody else) or as a trial period before apermanent stay
Temporary stays can give you flexibility whencovering unexpected events such as
bull Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness
bull Support for newly disabled people and their carers
bull Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care
bull Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes
What your choices are
A list of all nursing and residential care homes withinyour locality can be found on the following pages Everycare home in England must be registered with thenational regulatory body Care Quality Commission(CQC)
They inspect each care home on a regular basis andwrite an inspection report for you to read It isadvisable to read this report before making a finaldecision
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CARE
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGNewcastle-Under-Lyme
Residential Address Telephone
Nursing Address Telephone
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGStaffordshire Moorlands
Address TelephoneResidential
Nursing Address Telephone
To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
INDEPENDENT LIVING
Aids and Adaptations If you or a member of your family has difficultyliving in your home due to a long-term illness ordisability you may be able to get help by adaptingyour home to better meet your needs You canapply to your local council for a disabled facilitiesgrant The grant helps you adapt your home tomake it suitable for a disabled person Dependingon your income you may need to pay towards thecost of the work to the property
You could get a grant from your council if yoursquoredisabled and need to make changes to yourhome for example to
bull widen doors and install rampsbull improve access to rooms and facilities - eg
stairlifts or a downstairs bathroombull provide a heating system suitable for your
needsbull adapt heating or lighting controls to make
them easier to use
How can I find out more about the aids andadaptations that would help me
Contact your social services department at yourlocal council about what difficulties you are havingat home They will send an occupational therapistto carry out an assessment and provide advice onwhich equipment or housing adaptation needs suityou best
Assistive Technology can help vulnerable peopleand their carers live more independently in theirown homes
Telecare which is part of assistive technology cansupport people whose sight hearing or cognitionmay have deteriorated This could be due tophysical or mental conditions which may have along-term effect on their health and wellbeing
There are many Telecare devices whichautomatically alert a 24-hour monitoring centre oryour chosen carer should you need assistanceThere are also Telehealth solutions which monitormedical conditions in your own home speak toyour GP to find out more about Telehealth
Telecare Technology Can
bull Raise an alarm in case of a fall or emergencybull Raise alerts for floods smoke carbon
monoxidebull Support a medication regimebull 24-hour reassurance for family and carers in
the knowledge that they will be alertedin the event of an incident
Telecare may be of benefit to
bull Older infirm or disabled peoplebull People who have been discharged from
hospital and need additional support at homebull People with sensory impairmentsbull Vulnerable people of any age living alone
Telecare also offers support and reassurance tocarers in the knowledge they will be alerted in theevent of an incident In this way Telecare can beof assistance to carers of people with dementiaphysical disabilities learning disabilities and long-term medical conditions
ADVICE ON PAYING FOR CARE
You may need to pay for all of your own care or youmay be entitled to local authority funding NHS care(free) or have entitlements to welfare benefits tohelp pay for your care and support
For most people needing social care services thefirst place to start is by asking your local authorityfor an assessment of your social care (care andsupport) needs As part of this the local authoritymay also carry out a financial assessment Thisassessment will determine whether the localauthority will meet all the cost of your care orwhether you will need to contribute towards yourcare cost or whether you will have to meet the fullcosts yourself Some of the rules for this financialassessment are applied differently based on whetheryou need care in your own home or care in aresidential home
There are several options for funding care andunderstanding them and which ones apply to youcan be complicated These options depend on yourneed for care and support as well as your personaland financial circumstances
Get personal advice on care funding
The cost of care and support is likely to be a long-term commitment and may be substantialparticularly if you opt for residential care If you ora member of the family need to pay for care athome or in a care home itrsquos important tounderstand the alternatives This makes advicetailored to your individual needs vital You can get advice from
Your local authority ndash through an assessment of yourcare and support needs as well as advice on whichservices are available locally
Financial advice from a qualified independentsource ndash there are independent financial adviserswho specialise in care funding advice They areregulated by the Financial Conduct Authority andmust stick to a code of conduct and ethics and takeshared responsibility for the suitability of anyproduct they recommend
Care and support services are means-tested and are not free to everyone Most people have to paysomething towards their own care and some will have to pay for all of the costs Who pays depends onwhat your needs are how much money you have and what level and type of care and support you require
The Mental Capacity Act
bull The actrsquos purpose is to allow adults to make as many decisions as they can for themselves
bull To enable adults to make advance decisions about whether they would like future medical treatment
bull To allow adults to appoint in advance of losing mental capacity another person to make decisions about personal welfare or property on their behalf at a future date
bull To allow decisions concerning personal welfare or property and affairs to be made in the best interests of adults when they have not made any future plans and cannot make a decision at the time
bull To ensure an NHS body or local authority will appoint an independent mental capacity advocate to support someone who cannot make a decision about seriousmedical treatment or about hospital care home or residential accommodation when there are no family or friends to be consulted
bull To provide protection against legal liability for carers who have honestly and reasonably sought to act in the personrsquos best interests
bull To provide clarity and safeguards around research in relation to those who lack capacity
LEGAL TERMS
Every day people make decisions about lots ofthings in their lives The ability to make decisionsis called mental capacity People may havedifficulties making some decisions either all orsome of the time This could be because they havea learning disability dementia a mental healthproblem or could be the result of a head injury ora stroke or a temporary condition such as anillness accident or the influence of alcohol ordrugs
Listed below are details about some of the legalterms and topics you may come across You mayneed to contact a solicitor who can give youimpartial advice which you may have to pay for oryou can contact an advocate who can advise onyour behalf
Lasting Power Of Attorney allows you to appointsomeone you trust to make decisions about yourpersonal welfare including healthcare and yourfinancial affairs
The Court of Protection can issue Ordersdirecting the management of a personrsquos propertyand financial affairs if you are incapable ofmanaging your own affairs and do not have aLasting Power of Attorney
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards protectspeople in residential care or hospital who areunable to make decisions for themselves due to abrain disorder If any of these people need to berestrained restricted or deprived in order to givethem physical care or keep them safe a Deprivationof Liberty Safeguards authorisation may be required
CARE IN YOUR OWN HOMEIf you are finding it difficult to manage at home you could consider using the services of a home careprovider Home care providers employ care assistants who can help you with bathing washing and dressingThe staff who work for these agencies are trained in personal care and safety procedures moving andhandling hygiene and infection control If you require nursing care at home many agencies employregistered nurses
This is only one option of supporting yourself with care at home Another could be to employ a personalassistant
A list of the care agencies registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who are located in the NorthStaffordshire CCG areas can be found below
Organising your own home care
If you are thinking about arranging your own home care it is a good idea to ask any agencies youapproach the following questions
bull Are there different rates for weekendseveningsbull Are there any extra charges ie for the carers travelling expensesbull What sort of services do you providebull Will somebody visit me before the service starts bull If you provide me with a service can I contact you out of office hours If so howbull Are your carers trainedbull Do you take up references on your carersbull Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission
To check up-to-date information on the providers of homecare in your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE with your Smartphone
Care Provider Address Telephone
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CAREThere are many types of residential care homes availableThese include permanent care homes for older peoplehomes for younger adults with disabilities and homes forchildren They may be privately owned or run by thevoluntary sector or local authorities You may want toconsider in detail the many options for residential carebefore you make a decision
Older PeopleCare homes for older people may provide personal care ornursing care A care home which is registered to providepersonal care (see the section on care home regulationbelow) will offer support ensuring that basic personal needssuch as meals bathing going to the toilet and medicationare taken care of In some homes more able residents havegreater independence and take care of many of their ownneeds
Some residents may need medical care and some care homesare registered to provide this These are often referred to asnursing homes Some homes specialise in certain types ofdisability for example dementia
Adults Aged 18-65There are also residential care homes that provide care andsupport for younger adults with for example severe physicaldisabilities learning disabilities acquired brain injuryprogressive neurological conditions or mental healthproblems Care can be provided for adults with more than
one condition and some homes have expertise in providingcare for adults with alcohol or drug dependency These homes offer permanent residence or provide care for atemporary period until the adult is able to live independentlyor move to a different type of accommodation
Choosing between residential care and independent livingSocial services normally encourage younger adults who theyassess for support to be as independent as theircircumstances allow The care plan for adults with disabilitieswill consider what independent tasks they can carry out andhow they can be helped to achieve more Even if adults havevery severe disabilities their needs are reviewed from time totime to check whether residential care or a very high level ofsupport is still appropriate
Supported living may be an option for younger adults Thisallows people to live independently in the community butwith basic support The support offered includes help withsetting up a home and managing finances and assistancewith cleaning and shopping
For older people there are various alternatives to residentialcare These include sheltered housing and extra care housingschemes which offer independence with an increased levelof care and support
For many people there is also the choice of livingindependently at home with community care support
Choice of Accommodation
The law says that where the local authority is fundingaccommodation it must allow the person enteringresidential care to choose which care home they wouldprefer Social services must first agree that the home issuitable for the personrsquos needs and that it would notcost more than they would normally pay for a homethat would meet those needs If the person chooses togo into a more expensive home a relative or friendmay be able to lsquotop uprsquo the difference in cost
Choosing a Care Home
Care homes may be arranged through the local authority but many people will want to arrange themindependently It is a good idea to visit several homesbefore making a choice Make sure you spend enoughtime in each home to get a good idea of what it is like
Respite and Short Term Stays
Residential care home stays dont necessarily have to bepermanent Temporary stays can be arranged forrespite care (in which you take a break from caring forsomebody else) or as a trial period before apermanent stay
Temporary stays can give you flexibility whencovering unexpected events such as
bull Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness
bull Support for newly disabled people and their carers
bull Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care
bull Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes
What your choices are
A list of all nursing and residential care homes withinyour locality can be found on the following pages Everycare home in England must be registered with thenational regulatory body Care Quality Commission(CQC)
They inspect each care home on a regular basis andwrite an inspection report for you to read It isadvisable to read this report before making a finaldecision
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CARE
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGNewcastle-Under-Lyme
Residential Address Telephone
Nursing Address Telephone
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGStaffordshire Moorlands
Address TelephoneResidential
Nursing Address Telephone
To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
ADVICE ON PAYING FOR CARE
You may need to pay for all of your own care or youmay be entitled to local authority funding NHS care(free) or have entitlements to welfare benefits tohelp pay for your care and support
For most people needing social care services thefirst place to start is by asking your local authorityfor an assessment of your social care (care andsupport) needs As part of this the local authoritymay also carry out a financial assessment Thisassessment will determine whether the localauthority will meet all the cost of your care orwhether you will need to contribute towards yourcare cost or whether you will have to meet the fullcosts yourself Some of the rules for this financialassessment are applied differently based on whetheryou need care in your own home or care in aresidential home
There are several options for funding care andunderstanding them and which ones apply to youcan be complicated These options depend on yourneed for care and support as well as your personaland financial circumstances
Get personal advice on care funding
The cost of care and support is likely to be a long-term commitment and may be substantialparticularly if you opt for residential care If you ora member of the family need to pay for care athome or in a care home itrsquos important tounderstand the alternatives This makes advicetailored to your individual needs vital You can get advice from
Your local authority ndash through an assessment of yourcare and support needs as well as advice on whichservices are available locally
Financial advice from a qualified independentsource ndash there are independent financial adviserswho specialise in care funding advice They areregulated by the Financial Conduct Authority andmust stick to a code of conduct and ethics and takeshared responsibility for the suitability of anyproduct they recommend
Care and support services are means-tested and are not free to everyone Most people have to paysomething towards their own care and some will have to pay for all of the costs Who pays depends onwhat your needs are how much money you have and what level and type of care and support you require
The Mental Capacity Act
bull The actrsquos purpose is to allow adults to make as many decisions as they can for themselves
bull To enable adults to make advance decisions about whether they would like future medical treatment
bull To allow adults to appoint in advance of losing mental capacity another person to make decisions about personal welfare or property on their behalf at a future date
bull To allow decisions concerning personal welfare or property and affairs to be made in the best interests of adults when they have not made any future plans and cannot make a decision at the time
bull To ensure an NHS body or local authority will appoint an independent mental capacity advocate to support someone who cannot make a decision about seriousmedical treatment or about hospital care home or residential accommodation when there are no family or friends to be consulted
bull To provide protection against legal liability for carers who have honestly and reasonably sought to act in the personrsquos best interests
bull To provide clarity and safeguards around research in relation to those who lack capacity
LEGAL TERMS
Every day people make decisions about lots ofthings in their lives The ability to make decisionsis called mental capacity People may havedifficulties making some decisions either all orsome of the time This could be because they havea learning disability dementia a mental healthproblem or could be the result of a head injury ora stroke or a temporary condition such as anillness accident or the influence of alcohol ordrugs
Listed below are details about some of the legalterms and topics you may come across You mayneed to contact a solicitor who can give youimpartial advice which you may have to pay for oryou can contact an advocate who can advise onyour behalf
Lasting Power Of Attorney allows you to appointsomeone you trust to make decisions about yourpersonal welfare including healthcare and yourfinancial affairs
The Court of Protection can issue Ordersdirecting the management of a personrsquos propertyand financial affairs if you are incapable ofmanaging your own affairs and do not have aLasting Power of Attorney
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards protectspeople in residential care or hospital who areunable to make decisions for themselves due to abrain disorder If any of these people need to berestrained restricted or deprived in order to givethem physical care or keep them safe a Deprivationof Liberty Safeguards authorisation may be required
CARE IN YOUR OWN HOMEIf you are finding it difficult to manage at home you could consider using the services of a home careprovider Home care providers employ care assistants who can help you with bathing washing and dressingThe staff who work for these agencies are trained in personal care and safety procedures moving andhandling hygiene and infection control If you require nursing care at home many agencies employregistered nurses
This is only one option of supporting yourself with care at home Another could be to employ a personalassistant
A list of the care agencies registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who are located in the NorthStaffordshire CCG areas can be found below
Organising your own home care
If you are thinking about arranging your own home care it is a good idea to ask any agencies youapproach the following questions
bull Are there different rates for weekendseveningsbull Are there any extra charges ie for the carers travelling expensesbull What sort of services do you providebull Will somebody visit me before the service starts bull If you provide me with a service can I contact you out of office hours If so howbull Are your carers trainedbull Do you take up references on your carersbull Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission
To check up-to-date information on the providers of homecare in your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE with your Smartphone
Care Provider Address Telephone
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CAREThere are many types of residential care homes availableThese include permanent care homes for older peoplehomes for younger adults with disabilities and homes forchildren They may be privately owned or run by thevoluntary sector or local authorities You may want toconsider in detail the many options for residential carebefore you make a decision
Older PeopleCare homes for older people may provide personal care ornursing care A care home which is registered to providepersonal care (see the section on care home regulationbelow) will offer support ensuring that basic personal needssuch as meals bathing going to the toilet and medicationare taken care of In some homes more able residents havegreater independence and take care of many of their ownneeds
Some residents may need medical care and some care homesare registered to provide this These are often referred to asnursing homes Some homes specialise in certain types ofdisability for example dementia
Adults Aged 18-65There are also residential care homes that provide care andsupport for younger adults with for example severe physicaldisabilities learning disabilities acquired brain injuryprogressive neurological conditions or mental healthproblems Care can be provided for adults with more than
one condition and some homes have expertise in providingcare for adults with alcohol or drug dependency These homes offer permanent residence or provide care for atemporary period until the adult is able to live independentlyor move to a different type of accommodation
Choosing between residential care and independent livingSocial services normally encourage younger adults who theyassess for support to be as independent as theircircumstances allow The care plan for adults with disabilitieswill consider what independent tasks they can carry out andhow they can be helped to achieve more Even if adults havevery severe disabilities their needs are reviewed from time totime to check whether residential care or a very high level ofsupport is still appropriate
Supported living may be an option for younger adults Thisallows people to live independently in the community butwith basic support The support offered includes help withsetting up a home and managing finances and assistancewith cleaning and shopping
For older people there are various alternatives to residentialcare These include sheltered housing and extra care housingschemes which offer independence with an increased levelof care and support
For many people there is also the choice of livingindependently at home with community care support
Choice of Accommodation
The law says that where the local authority is fundingaccommodation it must allow the person enteringresidential care to choose which care home they wouldprefer Social services must first agree that the home issuitable for the personrsquos needs and that it would notcost more than they would normally pay for a homethat would meet those needs If the person chooses togo into a more expensive home a relative or friendmay be able to lsquotop uprsquo the difference in cost
Choosing a Care Home
Care homes may be arranged through the local authority but many people will want to arrange themindependently It is a good idea to visit several homesbefore making a choice Make sure you spend enoughtime in each home to get a good idea of what it is like
Respite and Short Term Stays
Residential care home stays dont necessarily have to bepermanent Temporary stays can be arranged forrespite care (in which you take a break from caring forsomebody else) or as a trial period before apermanent stay
Temporary stays can give you flexibility whencovering unexpected events such as
bull Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness
bull Support for newly disabled people and their carers
bull Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care
bull Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes
What your choices are
A list of all nursing and residential care homes withinyour locality can be found on the following pages Everycare home in England must be registered with thenational regulatory body Care Quality Commission(CQC)
They inspect each care home on a regular basis andwrite an inspection report for you to read It isadvisable to read this report before making a finaldecision
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CARE
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGNewcastle-Under-Lyme
Residential Address Telephone
Nursing Address Telephone
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGStaffordshire Moorlands
Address TelephoneResidential
Nursing Address Telephone
To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
The Mental Capacity Act
bull The actrsquos purpose is to allow adults to make as many decisions as they can for themselves
bull To enable adults to make advance decisions about whether they would like future medical treatment
bull To allow adults to appoint in advance of losing mental capacity another person to make decisions about personal welfare or property on their behalf at a future date
bull To allow decisions concerning personal welfare or property and affairs to be made in the best interests of adults when they have not made any future plans and cannot make a decision at the time
bull To ensure an NHS body or local authority will appoint an independent mental capacity advocate to support someone who cannot make a decision about seriousmedical treatment or about hospital care home or residential accommodation when there are no family or friends to be consulted
bull To provide protection against legal liability for carers who have honestly and reasonably sought to act in the personrsquos best interests
bull To provide clarity and safeguards around research in relation to those who lack capacity
LEGAL TERMS
Every day people make decisions about lots ofthings in their lives The ability to make decisionsis called mental capacity People may havedifficulties making some decisions either all orsome of the time This could be because they havea learning disability dementia a mental healthproblem or could be the result of a head injury ora stroke or a temporary condition such as anillness accident or the influence of alcohol ordrugs
Listed below are details about some of the legalterms and topics you may come across You mayneed to contact a solicitor who can give youimpartial advice which you may have to pay for oryou can contact an advocate who can advise onyour behalf
Lasting Power Of Attorney allows you to appointsomeone you trust to make decisions about yourpersonal welfare including healthcare and yourfinancial affairs
The Court of Protection can issue Ordersdirecting the management of a personrsquos propertyand financial affairs if you are incapable ofmanaging your own affairs and do not have aLasting Power of Attorney
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards protectspeople in residential care or hospital who areunable to make decisions for themselves due to abrain disorder If any of these people need to berestrained restricted or deprived in order to givethem physical care or keep them safe a Deprivationof Liberty Safeguards authorisation may be required
CARE IN YOUR OWN HOMEIf you are finding it difficult to manage at home you could consider using the services of a home careprovider Home care providers employ care assistants who can help you with bathing washing and dressingThe staff who work for these agencies are trained in personal care and safety procedures moving andhandling hygiene and infection control If you require nursing care at home many agencies employregistered nurses
This is only one option of supporting yourself with care at home Another could be to employ a personalassistant
A list of the care agencies registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who are located in the NorthStaffordshire CCG areas can be found below
Organising your own home care
If you are thinking about arranging your own home care it is a good idea to ask any agencies youapproach the following questions
bull Are there different rates for weekendseveningsbull Are there any extra charges ie for the carers travelling expensesbull What sort of services do you providebull Will somebody visit me before the service starts bull If you provide me with a service can I contact you out of office hours If so howbull Are your carers trainedbull Do you take up references on your carersbull Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission
To check up-to-date information on the providers of homecare in your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE with your Smartphone
Care Provider Address Telephone
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CAREThere are many types of residential care homes availableThese include permanent care homes for older peoplehomes for younger adults with disabilities and homes forchildren They may be privately owned or run by thevoluntary sector or local authorities You may want toconsider in detail the many options for residential carebefore you make a decision
Older PeopleCare homes for older people may provide personal care ornursing care A care home which is registered to providepersonal care (see the section on care home regulationbelow) will offer support ensuring that basic personal needssuch as meals bathing going to the toilet and medicationare taken care of In some homes more able residents havegreater independence and take care of many of their ownneeds
Some residents may need medical care and some care homesare registered to provide this These are often referred to asnursing homes Some homes specialise in certain types ofdisability for example dementia
Adults Aged 18-65There are also residential care homes that provide care andsupport for younger adults with for example severe physicaldisabilities learning disabilities acquired brain injuryprogressive neurological conditions or mental healthproblems Care can be provided for adults with more than
one condition and some homes have expertise in providingcare for adults with alcohol or drug dependency These homes offer permanent residence or provide care for atemporary period until the adult is able to live independentlyor move to a different type of accommodation
Choosing between residential care and independent livingSocial services normally encourage younger adults who theyassess for support to be as independent as theircircumstances allow The care plan for adults with disabilitieswill consider what independent tasks they can carry out andhow they can be helped to achieve more Even if adults havevery severe disabilities their needs are reviewed from time totime to check whether residential care or a very high level ofsupport is still appropriate
Supported living may be an option for younger adults Thisallows people to live independently in the community butwith basic support The support offered includes help withsetting up a home and managing finances and assistancewith cleaning and shopping
For older people there are various alternatives to residentialcare These include sheltered housing and extra care housingschemes which offer independence with an increased levelof care and support
For many people there is also the choice of livingindependently at home with community care support
Choice of Accommodation
The law says that where the local authority is fundingaccommodation it must allow the person enteringresidential care to choose which care home they wouldprefer Social services must first agree that the home issuitable for the personrsquos needs and that it would notcost more than they would normally pay for a homethat would meet those needs If the person chooses togo into a more expensive home a relative or friendmay be able to lsquotop uprsquo the difference in cost
Choosing a Care Home
Care homes may be arranged through the local authority but many people will want to arrange themindependently It is a good idea to visit several homesbefore making a choice Make sure you spend enoughtime in each home to get a good idea of what it is like
Respite and Short Term Stays
Residential care home stays dont necessarily have to bepermanent Temporary stays can be arranged forrespite care (in which you take a break from caring forsomebody else) or as a trial period before apermanent stay
Temporary stays can give you flexibility whencovering unexpected events such as
bull Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness
bull Support for newly disabled people and their carers
bull Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care
bull Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes
What your choices are
A list of all nursing and residential care homes withinyour locality can be found on the following pages Everycare home in England must be registered with thenational regulatory body Care Quality Commission(CQC)
They inspect each care home on a regular basis andwrite an inspection report for you to read It isadvisable to read this report before making a finaldecision
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CARE
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGNewcastle-Under-Lyme
Residential Address Telephone
Nursing Address Telephone
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGStaffordshire Moorlands
Address TelephoneResidential
Nursing Address Telephone
To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
CARE IN YOUR OWN HOMEIf you are finding it difficult to manage at home you could consider using the services of a home careprovider Home care providers employ care assistants who can help you with bathing washing and dressingThe staff who work for these agencies are trained in personal care and safety procedures moving andhandling hygiene and infection control If you require nursing care at home many agencies employregistered nurses
This is only one option of supporting yourself with care at home Another could be to employ a personalassistant
A list of the care agencies registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who are located in the NorthStaffordshire CCG areas can be found below
Organising your own home care
If you are thinking about arranging your own home care it is a good idea to ask any agencies youapproach the following questions
bull Are there different rates for weekendseveningsbull Are there any extra charges ie for the carers travelling expensesbull What sort of services do you providebull Will somebody visit me before the service starts bull If you provide me with a service can I contact you out of office hours If so howbull Are your carers trainedbull Do you take up references on your carersbull Are you registered with the Care Quality Commission
To check up-to-date information on the providers of homecare in your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE with your Smartphone
Care Provider Address Telephone
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CAREThere are many types of residential care homes availableThese include permanent care homes for older peoplehomes for younger adults with disabilities and homes forchildren They may be privately owned or run by thevoluntary sector or local authorities You may want toconsider in detail the many options for residential carebefore you make a decision
Older PeopleCare homes for older people may provide personal care ornursing care A care home which is registered to providepersonal care (see the section on care home regulationbelow) will offer support ensuring that basic personal needssuch as meals bathing going to the toilet and medicationare taken care of In some homes more able residents havegreater independence and take care of many of their ownneeds
Some residents may need medical care and some care homesare registered to provide this These are often referred to asnursing homes Some homes specialise in certain types ofdisability for example dementia
Adults Aged 18-65There are also residential care homes that provide care andsupport for younger adults with for example severe physicaldisabilities learning disabilities acquired brain injuryprogressive neurological conditions or mental healthproblems Care can be provided for adults with more than
one condition and some homes have expertise in providingcare for adults with alcohol or drug dependency These homes offer permanent residence or provide care for atemporary period until the adult is able to live independentlyor move to a different type of accommodation
Choosing between residential care and independent livingSocial services normally encourage younger adults who theyassess for support to be as independent as theircircumstances allow The care plan for adults with disabilitieswill consider what independent tasks they can carry out andhow they can be helped to achieve more Even if adults havevery severe disabilities their needs are reviewed from time totime to check whether residential care or a very high level ofsupport is still appropriate
Supported living may be an option for younger adults Thisallows people to live independently in the community butwith basic support The support offered includes help withsetting up a home and managing finances and assistancewith cleaning and shopping
For older people there are various alternatives to residentialcare These include sheltered housing and extra care housingschemes which offer independence with an increased levelof care and support
For many people there is also the choice of livingindependently at home with community care support
Choice of Accommodation
The law says that where the local authority is fundingaccommodation it must allow the person enteringresidential care to choose which care home they wouldprefer Social services must first agree that the home issuitable for the personrsquos needs and that it would notcost more than they would normally pay for a homethat would meet those needs If the person chooses togo into a more expensive home a relative or friendmay be able to lsquotop uprsquo the difference in cost
Choosing a Care Home
Care homes may be arranged through the local authority but many people will want to arrange themindependently It is a good idea to visit several homesbefore making a choice Make sure you spend enoughtime in each home to get a good idea of what it is like
Respite and Short Term Stays
Residential care home stays dont necessarily have to bepermanent Temporary stays can be arranged forrespite care (in which you take a break from caring forsomebody else) or as a trial period before apermanent stay
Temporary stays can give you flexibility whencovering unexpected events such as
bull Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness
bull Support for newly disabled people and their carers
bull Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care
bull Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes
What your choices are
A list of all nursing and residential care homes withinyour locality can be found on the following pages Everycare home in England must be registered with thenational regulatory body Care Quality Commission(CQC)
They inspect each care home on a regular basis andwrite an inspection report for you to read It isadvisable to read this report before making a finaldecision
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CARE
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGNewcastle-Under-Lyme
Residential Address Telephone
Nursing Address Telephone
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGStaffordshire Moorlands
Address TelephoneResidential
Nursing Address Telephone
To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CAREThere are many types of residential care homes availableThese include permanent care homes for older peoplehomes for younger adults with disabilities and homes forchildren They may be privately owned or run by thevoluntary sector or local authorities You may want toconsider in detail the many options for residential carebefore you make a decision
Older PeopleCare homes for older people may provide personal care ornursing care A care home which is registered to providepersonal care (see the section on care home regulationbelow) will offer support ensuring that basic personal needssuch as meals bathing going to the toilet and medicationare taken care of In some homes more able residents havegreater independence and take care of many of their ownneeds
Some residents may need medical care and some care homesare registered to provide this These are often referred to asnursing homes Some homes specialise in certain types ofdisability for example dementia
Adults Aged 18-65There are also residential care homes that provide care andsupport for younger adults with for example severe physicaldisabilities learning disabilities acquired brain injuryprogressive neurological conditions or mental healthproblems Care can be provided for adults with more than
one condition and some homes have expertise in providingcare for adults with alcohol or drug dependency These homes offer permanent residence or provide care for atemporary period until the adult is able to live independentlyor move to a different type of accommodation
Choosing between residential care and independent livingSocial services normally encourage younger adults who theyassess for support to be as independent as theircircumstances allow The care plan for adults with disabilitieswill consider what independent tasks they can carry out andhow they can be helped to achieve more Even if adults havevery severe disabilities their needs are reviewed from time totime to check whether residential care or a very high level ofsupport is still appropriate
Supported living may be an option for younger adults Thisallows people to live independently in the community butwith basic support The support offered includes help withsetting up a home and managing finances and assistancewith cleaning and shopping
For older people there are various alternatives to residentialcare These include sheltered housing and extra care housingschemes which offer independence with an increased levelof care and support
For many people there is also the choice of livingindependently at home with community care support
Choice of Accommodation
The law says that where the local authority is fundingaccommodation it must allow the person enteringresidential care to choose which care home they wouldprefer Social services must first agree that the home issuitable for the personrsquos needs and that it would notcost more than they would normally pay for a homethat would meet those needs If the person chooses togo into a more expensive home a relative or friendmay be able to lsquotop uprsquo the difference in cost
Choosing a Care Home
Care homes may be arranged through the local authority but many people will want to arrange themindependently It is a good idea to visit several homesbefore making a choice Make sure you spend enoughtime in each home to get a good idea of what it is like
Respite and Short Term Stays
Residential care home stays dont necessarily have to bepermanent Temporary stays can be arranged forrespite care (in which you take a break from caring forsomebody else) or as a trial period before apermanent stay
Temporary stays can give you flexibility whencovering unexpected events such as
bull Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness
bull Support for newly disabled people and their carers
bull Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care
bull Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes
What your choices are
A list of all nursing and residential care homes withinyour locality can be found on the following pages Everycare home in England must be registered with thenational regulatory body Care Quality Commission(CQC)
They inspect each care home on a regular basis andwrite an inspection report for you to read It isadvisable to read this report before making a finaldecision
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CARE
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGNewcastle-Under-Lyme
Residential Address Telephone
Nursing Address Telephone
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGStaffordshire Moorlands
Address TelephoneResidential
Nursing Address Telephone
To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
Choice of Accommodation
The law says that where the local authority is fundingaccommodation it must allow the person enteringresidential care to choose which care home they wouldprefer Social services must first agree that the home issuitable for the personrsquos needs and that it would notcost more than they would normally pay for a homethat would meet those needs If the person chooses togo into a more expensive home a relative or friendmay be able to lsquotop uprsquo the difference in cost
Choosing a Care Home
Care homes may be arranged through the local authority but many people will want to arrange themindependently It is a good idea to visit several homesbefore making a choice Make sure you spend enoughtime in each home to get a good idea of what it is like
Respite and Short Term Stays
Residential care home stays dont necessarily have to bepermanent Temporary stays can be arranged forrespite care (in which you take a break from caring forsomebody else) or as a trial period before apermanent stay
Temporary stays can give you flexibility whencovering unexpected events such as
bull Palliative care (which manages or reduces pain) after a hospital stay or illness
bull Support for newly disabled people and their carers
bull Enabling someone to continue living independently if they live alone and suddenly require care
bull Giving someone a chance to try potential future homes
What your choices are
A list of all nursing and residential care homes withinyour locality can be found on the following pages Everycare home in England must be registered with thenational regulatory body Care Quality Commission(CQC)
They inspect each care home on a regular basis andwrite an inspection report for you to read It isadvisable to read this report before making a finaldecision
NURSING amp RESIDENTIAL CARE
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGNewcastle-Under-Lyme
Residential Address Telephone
Nursing Address Telephone
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGStaffordshire Moorlands
Address TelephoneResidential
Nursing Address Telephone
To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGNewcastle-Under-Lyme
Residential Address Telephone
Nursing Address Telephone
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGStaffordshire Moorlands
Address TelephoneResidential
Nursing Address Telephone
To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
RESIDENTIAL amp NURSINGStaffordshire Moorlands
Address TelephoneResidential
Nursing Address Telephone
To check up-to-date information on the Nursing and Residential care homes within your locality visit wwwcqcorguk or scan the QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
HELP amp ADVICEInformation and Advice ServiceInformation and advice officers are trained to provide information on a vast range oftopics from benefit entitlement to housing and home safety to long term care Generaladvice on how to deal with issues with utility companies telesales calls and doorstepscallers or simply find a tradesperson is also available Covers Newcastle-under-Lyme the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent
Age UK North Staffordshire 83-85 Trinity Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5NA
Tel 01782 204995 or Age UK North Staffordshire - Newcastle Office 4 Merrial Street Newcastle-
under-Lyme ST5 2AD Telephone 01782 238282 or Age UK North Staffordshire Leek Office Lion
House 4 Russell Street Leek ST13 5jF Tel 01538 387732
Helping people with a learning disability to speak up and make decisions about what isimportant to them
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0808 808 1111
Approach provides services to meet the needs of older people with dementia or mentalhealth needs and adults who are socially disadvantaged We work mainly in NorthStaffordshire and the City of Stoke-on-Trent
Approach Cauldon Chambers 10 Stoke Road Shelton Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DP
Tel 01782 214999
Free confidential impartial and independent advice We can offer help with a range ofproblems including debt benefits housing employment consumer relationships anddiscrimination
Newcastle-under-Lyme Citizens Advice Bureau 25-27 Well Street Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1BPTel 0844 4111 444 or 0844 499 4115
Leek Citizens Advice Bureau 20 St Edward Street Leek ST13 5DSTel 0844 4111 444
Cheadle Citizens Advice Bureau Harborne Road Cheadle ST10 1jYTel 0844 4111 444
Biddulph Citizens Advice Bureau 10 Tunstall Road Biddulph ST8 6HHTel 0844 4111 444
Call the Carers Direct helpline if you need help with your caring role and want to talk tosomeone about what options are available to you If you are busy at certain times of dayyou can send us a message to ask us to call you back for free at a time that is convenientto you
This service is available for people living in or caring for someone in England Lines areopen 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) 11am to 4pm at weekendsCalls are free from UK landlines and mobiles or you can request a free call back
Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202
Asist works alongside people with physical disabilities learning disabilities or mentalhealth conditions They support for people who have difficulty speaking out so that theycan have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives
Asist Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2RW
Tel 01782 845584 Website wwwasistcouk
Staffordshire Parent Partnership Service is a free impartial and confidential service forparents and carers of children (0 ndash 19) with special educational needs It providesinformation and support on all aspects relating to a childs education Training for parentsis offered through the SkillShare project
Tel 01785 356921 Email sppsstaffordshiregovuk
The Family Information Service can provide you with the information you need to makeimportant family decisions Whether itrsquos a quick call to check something or a moredetailed discussion to find the right type of childcare
Family Information Service Staffordshire County Council Tipping Street Stafford ST16 2DHTel 0300 111 8007 bull Email fisstaffordshiregovuk
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making
North Staffs Users Group is a pressure group for people living in North Staffordshire whohave personal experience of mental distress or illness We work together to try to get thebest local mental health services whether these are provided by hospitals GPs SocialWorkers Community Nurses or Voluntary Services
North Staffs Users Group The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Tel 01782 683043M Website wwwnsugcouk
The MS Society is the UKrsquos leading MS charity who provides information and support topeople with Multiple Sclerosis
Free MS Helpline The helpline provides support to anyone affected by MS in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 9pm Monday ndash Friday Tel 0808 800 8000
MS Society ndash North Staffs Branch 33 Marychurch RoadBucknall ST2 9Bj
Tel 01782 503855 Website wwwmssocietyorguk
Facebook wwwfacebookcomMSSociety Twitter mssocietyuk
The Newcastle Community amp Voluntary Services (NCVS) offers organisation advice fundingadvice training help and support to all new and existing voluntary and community groupsthroughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme area
Newcastle Community and Voluntary Service 12 Andrew Place Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1DL
Tel 01782 629269 Website wwwnulcvsinfo
NCVS has now since merged with VAST however NCVS still operates as a charity in its own right
You can contact VAST at The Dudson Centre Hope Street Hanley Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire
ST1 5DD Tel 01782 683030 0300 3038608
Support Staffordshire is the countywide service for voluntary and community organisationsin Staffordshire providing advice on funding volunteering training and organisationaldevelopment services Support Staffordshire - Staffordshire Moorlands provides support fororganisations throughout the Moorlands district
Contact the Central Triage and Signposting Helpline on 0300 777 1207 or
Support Staffordshire Staffordshire Moorlands Bank House 20 St Edwards Street Leek ST13 5DS
Tel 01538 381356 or 9 High Street Leek ST13 5DZ Tel 01538 398240
Email staffordshiremoorlandssupportstaffordshireorguk
The Staffordshire Neurological Alliance exists to provide a united voice for those affectedby any of the 80 or so neurological conditions and address the wide disparity in provisionacross the county
Staffordshire Neurological Alliance 4 Bracken View Brocton Stafford ST17 0TF
Website wwwstaffsneurologicalallianceorguk
The Stroke Association is there to provide information advice and support for people withstrokes and their carers This service is available for all individuals who live in Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands
The National Stroke Hotline provides help and support to anyone affected by strokes in the UK
Lines are open 9am ndash 5pm Monday ndash Friday 0845 3033 100
Stroke Association ndash Stoke-on-Trent (Covers the whole of North Staffordshire)
Winton House Stoke Road Stoke-On-Trent ST4 2RW North Staffs Stroke Support Group
Cobridge Community Centre Bursley Road Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3DQT
DEAFvibe aims to support people with a hearing loss as well as their families friends andcarers in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
DEAFvibe PO Box 3511 Stoke-on-Trent ST6 9EF Website wwwdeafvibecouk
Have your say on Health and Social Care
Healthwatch Staffordshire bull Tel 0800 051 8371 bull Website wwwhealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
Email enquirieshealthwatchstaffordshirecouk
HELP amp ADVICE
yourvoicecount
Making