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: My Father has been diagnosed with dementia and a friend suggested I should think about letting the Police know his details in case he goes missing?
Answer: Research suggests around 70% of people with dementia may go missing at least once, with some at risk of going missing multiple times, and what I think your friend was referring to is the Herbert Protocol.
The Herbert Protocol is named after George Herbert, who was a War Veteran of the Normandy landings. Herbert had dementia and sadly died while he was ‘missing’ on his way to his childhood home.
The Herbert Protocol Form, obtainable from your local police force, can be completed by carers to give useful information which can be used
in the event of a vulnerable person going missing.
Carers, family members and friends can complete the form in advance, recording all vital details, such as medication required, mobile numbers, places previously located, a photograph etc. In the event of a family member or friend going missing, the form can be easily handed to the police to reduce the time it can take in gathering this information.
The protocol is now a national scheme used by many police forces.
Question: It is difficult to get an appointment with my local surgery, but I understand that some retail outlets offer free health Checks?
Answer: If you are unable to get an appointment but are concerned about whether you have diabetes, your blood pressure is high, you are worried about whether your cholesterol is high, your weight or you want to have professional advice about giving up smoking, you can access free help.
Chain stores such as Tesco (Pharmacy), Boots the Chemist, Lloyds Chemist and other outlets, offer free checks and advice. Either drop in and make a confidential appointment or give them a call to arrange a date and time.
Question: Can I get a mobility scooter on the NHS and can I take it into my local supermarket for example?
Answer: The NHS does not provide mobility scooters but if you are in receipt of The Motability Scheme funding you can use this to purchase access to one.
There is no right to go into stores in a mobility scooter especially if stores, such as the large supermarkets offer wheelchairs for customers with mobility problems.