Angela Gifford
Managing Director of
Able Community Care
01603 764567
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: Are next of kin responsible for care home fees after a family member dies?
Answer: When a resident dies in a care home, next of kin will not have to pay any outstanding care home fees, as this will be taken from the deceased person’s estate unless a specific contract has been signed with the care home, saying you will do so.
Question: An older relative reliant on a Zimmer lives in a block of flats. With a recent report of a fire in a similar building, how can I find out what arrangements are within her building to evacuate my relative to safety should a fire or any other emergency situation take place?
Answer: A Personal Emergency Evacuation plan, more commonly known as a PEEP is used to document how people with a disability or people who would find evacuating a building difficult, could get to or be taken to safety.
Under current fire safety legislation, it is the responsibility of the person(s) having responsibility for the building to provide a fire safety risk assessment that includes an emergency evacuation plan for all people likely to be in the premises, including disabled people, and how that plan will be implemented.
Contact the person or company who is responsible for your relatives building and ask for a copy.
Question: Simple question, how do I know if a hot water bottle is fit for purpose?
Answer: Hot water bottles are only designed to last for about three years, so for safety, discard any bottle that is older. On the inside of a hot water bottle you should also find some numbers, dots and a circle. The number inside the circle shows when it was manufactured so you can date the bottle easily.
When purchasing a new one, look for bottles which conform to the British Standard BS1970 to ensure safety.
Question: Are incontinence products free?
Answer: Incontinence products on the NHS may be free but it depends on the local integrated care board (ICB). Ask your GP for details of your local continence service who can advise you.
