The Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre
(Falkirk & Clackmannanshire)
Carers Information Pack
Section 1
Contents
- Contents & Introduction
- The Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre
- Social Work Services
- Health Services
- Benefits
- Transport
- Taking A Break
- Directory of Local Organisations & Groups
- Regional & National Organisations
- Telephone Helplines
Introduction
Carers
Carers are people who devote time to looking after an adult or child who needs help because of a disability, an illness, or the effects of age.
Carers may be young or old, male or female. They may be wives, husbands, sons, daughters, parents, friends or neighbours. Carers may help with shopping, washing, cooking, bathing, feeding and much, much more. Some carers provide care for short periods each week, some for 24 hours per day.
The majority of carers take on this role willingly, out of a sense of love and commitment; others become carers because they feel there is no choice. Caring can be exhausting and can cause difficulties for the carer - financial problems, stress, loneliness, isolation, health problems - and trying to obtain information can be frustrating.
It is estimated that, in Scotland, 482,000 people are carers, and that there are around 20,000 carers throughout Falkirk district and Clackmannanshire.
There is help and support available for carers and those for whom they care. However, it can be difficult and confusing trying to find out where to go and who to approach for different kinds of assistance.
The Information Pack
This information pack was produced by the Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre (Falkirk & Clackmannanshire). The aim of the pack is to try to provide information that might be useful to carers and to distribute it as widely as possible so that it is available to those who need it. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Carers Centre or the Alloa Carers Office.
The pack will be updated regularly. Please help us to keep our information up to date by letting us know if you become aware of any information which has been changed. We would also welcome your comments and suggestions for improving the pack. Please ring us, or complete the enclosed Evaluation Sheet.
The Carers Centre
The aim of the Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre (Falkirk and Clackmannanshire) is to provide information, advice and support to carers. The Centre is managed by a Committee drawn from the membership of Central Carers Association, a voluntary organisation comprising carers and those with an interest in carers’ issues. The Centre can provide information on a wide range of topics including benefits, holidays, support groups, respite care and more and can direct carers to appropriate help and services. Full details of the services provided by The Carers Centre are given in Section 2.
Carers Information Pack Updated: September 2009
The Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre
1A Bank Street
FALKIRK FK1 1NB
Telephone (01324) 611510
Fax (01324) 622022
Alloa Office
The Whins Resource Centre
Whins Road
ALLOA FK10 3RH
Telephone/Fax (01259) 219288
Carers Information Pack Updated: September 2009
Section 2 - Page 1
Website:
Carers Information Pack Updated: September 2009
Section 2 - Page 1
Carers Information Pack
Section 2
The Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre
(Falkirk & Clackmannanshire)
The Carers Centre
Bank Chambers
1A Bank Street
FALKIRK
FK1 1NB
Telephone (01324) 611510
Fax (01324) 622022
Website:
Alloa Office
The Whins Resource Centre
Whins Road
ALLOA
Clackmannanshire
FK10 3RH
Telephone/Fax (01259) 219288
The Carers Befriending Project
Bank Chambers
1A Bank Street
FALKIRK
FK1 1NB
Email:
Young Carers Project
Bank Chambers
1A Bank Street
FALKIRK
FK1 1NB
Email:
Managed by:
Central Carers Association (Falkirk & Clackmannan)
Company Limited by Guarantee
Company No. 184443
Scottish Charity number SCO 23658
The Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre
The Carers Centre was opened in January 1996 to provide information, advice and support to carers and former carers of all ages living in Falkirk and Clackmannanshire, and to encourage the development of local services that are sensitive to the needs and wishes of carers.
The Centre, which is situated in Newmarket Street in Falkirk (opposite Asda) and the Alloa Office, situated in the Whins Resource Centre, Whins Road, Alloa are both wheelchair accessible with accessible toilet facilities.
Carers can call in to the Centre in Falkirk from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Thursday and 9am to 1pm on Friday, or can telephone from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. The Alloa Office is normally staffed from 10am to 2pm Monday to Friday however, it is recommended that you call first to make an appointment. There is a 24-hour answer phone service outwith these times.
What We Offer
- A telephone and drop in information and advice service for carers providing information on services, benefits, respite, holidays, support groups, transport and many other topics of interest to carers
- Advocacy
- Individual support and a sympathetic ear
- Opportunities to meet other carers and former carers
- Carers Support Groups
- Activities, outings and social events
- A regular newsletter covering issues of interest to carers
- Help with form filling
- Individual and group support and activities for young carers
- A Carers Befriending Service
- An opportunity to have your say in the development of local health and community care services
Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre
(Falkirk & Clackmannanshire)
Carers Groups and Information Sessions
Although we try to keep times and dates of sessions constant, changes may occur from time to time. It is therefore advisable to contact the Centre to confirm the details of groups and local sessions.
Falkirk District
Carers Lunch
All carers in Falkirk district are invited to lunch on the first Tuesday of every month from 12noon -2 pm in the St Francis Xavier’s Church Hall, Hope Street, Falkirk.
Men's Group
A group for male carers meets for lunch on the first Tuesday of every month from 12 noon - 2pm please contact Anne on 01324 626046 for details of venue. At this meeting, an outing is planned for later in the month.
Women's Group
A Women’s Social Group meets on the third Wednesday of the month, 10.30am - 12.30pm in the Christian Centre, Glebe Street, Falkirk (or elsewhere if an outing has been arranged). A programme of talks and activities is available from the Carers Centre.
Parents Group
A support group for parents of children with special needs meets on the first Tuesday of each month from 7.30pm - 9.30pm and on the first Friday of each month 10.30am - 12.00noon a drop in service is available at the Carers Centre, 5 Newmarket Street, Falkirk.
Bo’ness Information Session
Information sessions with speakers on various topics are held on the last Wednesday of each month from 10.30am - 12.30pm in Salvation Army Hall, Corbiehall, Bo’ness.
Clackmannanshire
Carers Lunch
All carers in Clackmannanshire are invited to lunch on the second Wednesday of every month from 12 noon - 1.30pm. Contact the Alloa office on (01259) 219288 for details of venue.
Support Group for Carers in Clackmannanshire
A support group meets on the last Monday of every month from 7.30pm – 9.30 pm in the Alloa Office, Whins Resource Centre, Whins Road, Alloa.
Learning Disabilities Group
A support group for carers of people with learning disabilities meets on the second Wednesday of every month from 7.30pm - 9.30 pm in the Alloa Office, Whins Resource Centre, Whins Road, Alloa.
Dollar Carers Coffee Morning
All carers in and around Dollar are invited to a coffee morning held on the last Thursday of every month at 10.00am in The Castle Campbell Hotel, Dollar.
All of the above groups are open to new members. Help with transport and alternative care costs may be available. Please phone the Carers Centre or the Alloa Office to make arrangements. We also have information on support groups facilitated by other organisations.
Young Carers Groups
Groups for young carers meet regularly in Falkirk & Clackmannanshire. Contact the Young Carers Project (01324) 611510 or the Alloa Office (01259) 729917 for details.
Carers Information Pack Updated: September 2009
Section 2 - Page 1
The Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre
1A Bank Street
FALKIRK FK1 1NB
Telephone (01324) 611510
Fax (01324) 622022
Alloa Office
The Whins Resource Centre
Whins Road
ALLOA FK10 3RH
Telephone/Fax (01259) 219288
Carers Information Pack Updated: September 2009
Section 2 - Page 1
Website:
Carers Information Pack Updated: September 2009
Section 2 - Page 1
Carers Information Pack Updated: September 2009
Section 2 - Page 1
Young Carers Project
The Young Carers Project provides support for children and young people (18 and under) who have caring responsibilities at home. They may be involved in the care of a parent or a sibling who has a disability, illness, mental health or substance abuse problems. Information, advice and individual support is available. There are several groups for young carers which meet for fun activities and outings or to explore issues relevant to their caring situations. Young carers can be referred to the Project by parents, Social Work Services or schools. Please contact the Carers Centre for details.
Young Carers Schools Project
The Young Carers Schools Project provides support for young people (High School pupils aged between 12 and 18 years) who have caring responsibilities at home. They may be involved in the care of a parent or a sibling who has a disability, illness, mental health or substance abuse problems. Information, advice and individual support is available to help address topics such as educational achievement, health issues and local community services. Support is offered in a practical way either on a one to one basis or within small groups. The Young Carer School Liaison Workers can also act as a link between young carers and their families and schools. Young carers can be referred to the Project by school staff, Social Work Services or other professional agencies. Please contact the Carers Centre for further details.
Carers Befriending Project
Because of their caring responsibilities, carers can become isolated, tied to their homes and out of touch with friends and family. When breaks can be arranged they may not have the confidence or the desire to go out by themselves. The Carers Befriending Project provides the carer with the opportunity to be linked with a volunteer befriender who will offer companionship and support by visiting on a regular basis, accompanying the carer on outings, perhaps to the shops or out for a coffee, or to formal meetings or appointments. This service is also available for young carers.
A Telephone Befriending Service and befriending for young carers is also available.
For further information contact:
The Carers Befriending Project
Bank Chambers
1A Bank Street
FALKIRK
FK1 1NB
Telephone (01324) 611510
Fax (01324) 622022
Email:
Carer Participation
The Carers Centre facilitates a Carers Forum in Falkirk and Focus Groups in Clackmannanshire. These allow carers to meet together to discuss issues relevant to their situation and to ensure that planners of local health and social work services are aware of carers’ views.
How to Contact Us
You can contact the Carers Centre or the Alloa Office by telephone, post, fax, email or you can drop into the Centre or make an individual appointment to visit the Alloa Office. Information can be obtained from our website:
You can also contact us by completing the tear-off slip attached to the Evaluation Sheet included in this pack.
Carers can call in to the Centre in Falkirk from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Thursday and 10am to 1pm on Friday, or can telephone from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. The Alloa Office is open from 10am to 2pm Monday to Friday (please telephone first to make an appointment). There is a 24-hour answer phone service outwith these times.
Home Visits
If you are unable to call at the Centre, or our Alloa Office, we may be able to arrange for a member of staff to visit you at home.
Complaints Procedure
We aim to provide a responsive and effective service. If you can see ways in which we can improve or develop any aspect of our service, or if you feel dissatisfied with the service we offer, please contact the Carers Centre for details of our Comments and Complaints Procedure.
Data Protection
Central Carers Association adheres to the Data Protection Act 1998, ensuring any information supplied to us is treated in the strictest confidence and not shared with any third parties unless explicit consent has been obtained.
We are committed to running an organisation with high standards of organisational and operational practice. To that end, the Centre operates a continuous programme addressing quality issues.
Carers Information Pack Updated: September 2009
Section 2 - Page 1
Carers Information Pack Updated: September 2009
Section 2 - Page 1
The Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre
1A Bank Street
FALKIRK FK1 1NB
Telephone (01324) 611510
Fax (01324) 622022
Alloa Office
The Whins Resource Centre
Whins Road
ALLOA FK10 3RH
Telephone/Fax (01259) 219288
Carers Information Pack Updated: September 2009
Section 3 - Page 1
Website:
The Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre
(Falkirk & Clackmannanshire)
Carers Information Pack
Section 3
Social Work Services
Community Care
‘Community Care’ is designed to enable people over the age of 18 who have an illness or disability to live at home by ensuring that the right amount of support is in place. Social Work Services (or ‘Social Services’ in Clackmannanshire) are responsible for providing or arranging services which will enable people to live independently in the community and to ensure that carers are supported. Social Work Services also assess people for residential care where required.
The range of services which can be provided or arranged through Social Work Services following a community care assessment (see page 2) includes:
- Home Care
- Day Care
- Meals Service
- Welfare Benefits and Debt Advice
- Disability Information
- Occupational Therapy
- Equipment and Adaptations for Disabled People
- Mobile Emergency Care Service
- Help for people with sight or hearing impairments
- Short Breaks / Respite to give carers a break
- Residential Care
- Lunch Clubs and Social Clubs
- Advice and Counselling
Further information on individual services is given later in this section.
Community Care Teams
Social Work Services have established local community care teams to help individuals, and their carers, to access services.
Falkirk Community Care teams are located as follows:
Carers Information Pack Updated: September 2009
Section 3 - Page 1
Bo’nessKinglass Centre, Gauze Road,
Bo’ness
EH51 9UE
Tel. (01506) 778668 / Stenhousemuir/Larbert
130 King Street
Stenhousemuir
FK5 4HS
Tel. (01324) 503503
The Braes
1 Salmon Inn Road
Polmont
Falkirk
FK2 0XF
Tel. (01324) 503883 / Falkirk Grahamston
155 Grahams Road
Falkirk
FK2 7BQ
Tel. (01324) 506595
Denny
Carronbank House
Carronbank Crescent
Denny
FK6 6GA
Tel. (01324) 504160 / Falkirk West
108b Glasgow Road
Camelon
FK1 4HS
Tel. (01324) 501200
Falkirk Royal Infirmary
Social Work Unit
Majors Loan
Falkirk
FK1 5QE
Tel. (01324) 616039 / Grangemouth
Oxgang Road
Grangemouth
FK3 9EF
Tel. (01324) 504343
Clackmannanshire Community Care Assessment teams are based in:
Alloa Team7/8 Miller Court
Alloa
FK10 3SA
Tel. (01259) 727010 / Hillfoots & Tullibody Team
Lime Tree House
North Castle Street
Alloa FK10 1EX
Tel. (01259) 452482
Social Work Services offices are open Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm. Outside these hours, the Emergency Duty Team can be contacted (in emergencies only) on (01786) 470500.
Falkirk Home Care Services can be contacted out of hours in emergencies on (01324) 503050.
Community Care Assessment
You can ask your local office (see above) to carry out a community care assessmentwith the person you care for to find out what help they need. When you contact Social Work Services, a member of staff will normally arrange to meet you and the person you care for to discuss their care needs and the kind of assistance required. They will explain what can be done to help. Community care assessments can also be carried out by staff from other agencies such as health. As a carer, your needs will be taken into account but you are also entitled to a separate carers assessment (see below)
Carer’s Assessment
You can ask for a separate carers assessment at any time to discuss your situation as a carer and the type of support you feel you need to help you to continue caring. This might be information or advice, a chance to meet other carers, or a break from caring. The carers assessment should look at the tasks you have to perform and how you are coping with caring. It should take account of your circumstances, age, views and the amount of help you receive. It should not be assumed that you are able or willing to continue caring or to continue to provide the same level of support. You are entitled to receive a written copy of your assessment and its conclusions.
It can be difficult to start thinking about what you need to know and what kind of help you would like, and it may be useful to think in advance about the things you would like to discuss and the services which might help. For example, are there any changes to the home or equipment which might help, do you need someone to help with any aspects of your daily routine (e.g. bathing), would it help to have a few hours break on a regular basis, or longer break occasionally, would you like to discuss longer term residential care or would you like information about benefits? It may help to make a list in advance. Further information to help you prepare for a carers assessment, or a community care assessment, is available from the Carers Centre.
Cost
Assessment and advice are provided free of charge. Services identified as a result of assessment may however incur charges. This will be explained to you and will be calculated depending on income and capital. The person requiring the service will be the person asked to pay. As a carer you will not be asked about your finances, unless you are receiving a service which is not a carers’ service. Carers services are free.
Free Personal and Nursing Care
If the person you care for at home is 65 or over and is assessed by Social Work Services as needing personal care, they will not have to pay for this part of the care package. Care home residents of all ages are entitled to free nursing care (up to £65), and free personal care (up to £145) if 65 or over. If living at home, receipt of free personal care will not affect the person’s entitlement to attendance allowance or disability living allowance, (care home residents who are self-funding and receiving free personal care are not eligible to receive attendance allowance or the care component of disability living allowance), after 4 weeks (anyone) receiving financial assistance from public funds while in a nursing/residential care home loses their entitlement to Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance (care component) after 4 weeks.