Able Community Care has been in the same family for nearly four decades and now provides live-in care services throughout the UK. Since 1980 we have provided care and have met with thousands of families who are seeking an alternative to moving into a residential care home. Meeting people inevitably leads, either at the time of an assessment or even years later, to questions for which people are looking for answers.
Information around all aspects of care is available but the road to finding out, especially at a time of crisis, about specific factors can be difficult and stressful. Able Community Care receives calls and emails on a regular basis with people asking if we can help with their search for information.
Recently these questions have been asked of us…
Angela Gifford, Managing Director of Able Community Care answers your questions…
Question: I have Power of Attorney for both of my older parents and sometimes I have to get in touch with the local surgery on their behalf. Each time I seem to be routed to anyone who is available who can respond to my phone call. Is it possible anymore to have a GP allocated to patients?
Answer: This information comes from the Age UK website: Your GP practice must allocate everyone a named, accountable GP. This GP will oversee your care and take responsibility for evaluating your current physical and psychological needs. Though this doesn’t mean the named GP is the only doctor at your practice who will or can provide care.
Question: I have some unwanted disability equipment, e.g., wheelchair, Zimmer frame, etc. which I would like to donate to a charity. Do you have details of any charity, not a charity shop, which not only would like them but would collect from my home?
Answer: Physionet is a charity based in Norfolk which collects items such as mobility aids and sends them in large batches to countries which include Africa and Asia. If they have some damage, they will refurbish them and they also offer, if necessary, to collect the donated items.
The charity website for further details is: www.physionet.org.uk
Question: I would like to move and rent a property where there is some support, such as a warden, 24-hour helpline, etc. Currently I am independent but looking towards my future. Where can I find out details of what accommodation is like, available and how much it costs?
Answer: There is a shortage of private rentals in the over 55’s age group and often there is a waiting list for Council owned properties. There are a few websites which offer to locate properties for senior living but perhaps the easiest way to get an idea re the information you are seeking is to visit a charity accommodation website such as Anchor. This charity has a national, housing presence, with varied housing properties, varied rental costs and will give a good base for you to start forming an opinion of what you would like.