The person I care for is/ I am having a mental health crisis or emergency. Who do I contact? Details of what is considered a mental health care emergency and who to contact in an emergency Expand Q The person I care for is/ I am having a mental health crisis or emergency. Who do I contact? A Mental health is a varied area of medicine. The nature of a mental health crisis always depends on the particular circumstances of an individual and there is no one-size-fits-all approach as people experience a wide variety of symptoms. Some people feel highly agitated, anxious, in despair, experience suicidal impulses or the need to self-harm, are immobilised by depression, or are frightened when they are in the changed reality of psychosis. Others feel confused or delirious because of an infection, overdose, illicit drugs or intoxication with alcohol. Confusion may also be associated with dementia. The crisis may be a sudden deterioration of an existing mental health problem, or a person may be experiencing mental health problems for the first time. Acute emergencies If you or someone you know experiences an acute emergency, you should call 999 and ask for the ambulance service or the police. Crisis If you, a family member or friend require urgent care but it is not life threatening, you can call NHS 111. You should call NHS 111 in the following circumstances: if a person is experiencing a mental health problem for the first time if a person with an existing mental health problem is suffering a relapse in their symptoms if someone has self-harmed in a way that clearly does not immediately threaten their life, or is talking about wanting to self-harm if a person shows signs of onset of dementia if a young person leaves care if a person is experiencing domestic violence or physical, sexual or emotional abuse However, if you've already been given a Crisis Line number by your GP, or are under the care of a mental health team and have a specific care plan that states who to contact when you need urgent care, you should call them instead. Contact Numbers Acute Mental Health Team: North area: 01256 817718 East area: 02392 344562 West area: 01962 897726 Southampton area: 07736 953423 Samaritans: 116 123 Southampton Social Services Single Point of Access: 023 8083 3003
I’m a parent carer. Can I have a Carers Assessment? Details of process for assessments for disabled children Expand Q I’m a parent carer. Can I have a Carers Assessment? A Assessments for disabled children are carried out under the Children’s Act 1989. Local councils have a duty to assess a ‘child in need’ under the age of 18. The assessment considers all the help that your disabled child needs, the needs of any other children in the family and the help that you may need to care for the disabled child. This assessment can be combined with the parent carer’s assessment, and could be carried out by the same person at the same time. Parent carers of children under 18 can access a combined child, parent and family assessment via JIGSAW, Southampton City Council’s integrated health and social care provision. They support children and young people and their families who have a Southampton address with a significant level of need. Jigsaw's phone no is: 023 8091 5702. The referral criteria is here: http://sid.southampton.gov.uk/kb5/southampton/directory/service.page?id=nStqYS7rVXQ. Who can have a Children’s Act Assessment? Local councils have a duty to assess a ‘child in need’ under the age of 18 for any services that they or their family may need. A ‘child in need’ is defined as one of the following: a child who is unlikely to achieve or maintain, or to have the opportunity of achieving or maintaining, a reasonable standard of health or development without the provision of services by a local council a child whose health or development is likely to be significantly impaired, or further impaired, without the provision of services a child who is disabled Note: The Children Act considers a child disabled if the child is blind, deaf, non-verbal, suffering from a mental disorder of any kind, substantially and permanently handicapped by illness, injury or congenital deformity or such other disability as may be prescribed How do I arrange a Children Act Assessment? You can request a Children’s Act assessment by contacting or writing to Southampton City Council requesting that an assessment of the needs of your child and your family is carried out, explaining that your child is disabled and a child in need. You should describe your child’s impairment, and (if you have one), you could provide a copy of any diagnosis of your child’s disability. You should also describe what difficulties you are having and the type of help you would like. Alternatively you could ask your GP, health visitor or voluntary organisation to contact them on your behalf. If your child’s educational needs are also being assessed then both can be done at the same time. The local council should respond immediately (should be within one working day), letting you know whether it will carry out the assessment. The assessment will normally be carried out by a social worker at a visit to the home of your child but other agencies may also be involved, such as health and education. Clarification about the term disability under the Equality Act can be found on this webpage that discuss it in relation to autism. https://planetautismblog.wordpress.com/2015/02/01/aspergers-and-high-functioning-autism-a-disability-in-law/ If you are refused an assessment and you feel that this is wrong you should make a complaint using the council’s complaint process. Link to complaints webpage: http://www.southampton.gov.uk/council-democracy/have-your-say/comments-complaints/complaints.aspx Link to specific complaints policy for Children’s Services http://www.southampton.gov.uk/policies/Childrens-Complaint-Policy_tcm63-361791.pdf You can also contact your local councillor regarding this: http://www.southampton.gov.uk/whereilive/default.aspx?UPRN=100060696723 You can find more information about this on this fact sheet: http://www.carersuk.org/files/section/4630/factsheet-e1029--assessments-and-the-care-act-after-april-2015.pdf
How do I get a Blue Badge? Link to Southampton City Council Blue Badge web page Expand Q How do I get a Blue Badge? A Southampton City Council administers the Blue Badge scheme for the Southampton area on behalf of the Department for Transport. Information on the criteria and how to apply can be found here https://www.southampton.gov.uk/roads-parking/parking/blue-badge-parking/individual-blue-badge.aspx
How do I find out about paying for permanent residential care? Information from Age UK Expand Q How do I find out about paying for permanent residential care? A Age UK produce good information on this. See here: http://www.ageuk.org.uk/home-and-care/care-homes/paying-for-permanent-residential-care/ You can also call them on 0800 678 1174 for information and advice
Are there day care clubs in Southampton? Details of day care clubs in Southampton Expand Q Are there day care clubs in Southampton? A SCA Day Care Clubs - 023 8082 9257 SCA run five day clubs providing fun, friendship, support and respite in a safe and accessible venue. Transport is provided to and from the clubs by SCA Transport who provide a door-to-door service in fully accessible minibuses with fully trained drivers and escorts. Clubs are run by a team of trained and professional care staff along with a team of volunteers. They have been running clubs across the whole of Southampton for over 20 years. SCA’s dementia day clubs are specifically for older people with dementia. The added value of these clubs is the help and assistance they provide to carers. They have sensory gardens and sensory rooms to provide rest and relaxation or gentle stimulation for members of the club To find out more or to arrange a free visit to see for yourself then call Joy Burton on 023 8082 9257. They currently run SCA Clubs at the following venues: Brook Centre, 2a Beech Avenue, Midanbury, Southampton, SO18 4HS. For older people with physical difficulties, open 5 days a week. Telephone 023 8082 9257. Manager Erica Smith. Oak Lodge, Freemantle Common Road, Bitterne, Southampton, SO19 7NG. For older people with memory problems, open 4 days a week. Telephone 023 8044 7438. Manager Josie Mills. Woodside Day Centre, Holy Family Church, Redbridge Hill, Southampton, SO16 4PL. Telephone 0784 1662819. Manager Mandi Parker. Brownhill Day Centre, Freemantle Community Centre, Randolph Street, Shirley, SO15 3HE. Telephone 07764 573747. Manager Louise Muir. Fenwick Day Care Club, Pikes Hill, Lyndhurst, SO43 7NG. For older people with memory loss on Tuesdays and Thursdays and older people (including the physically frail) on Wednesdays. Telephone 023 8028 6345. For more information on our Fenwick Club please click here. Manager Elena Prieto-Ruiz. Padwell Road 023 8022 7166 Their activities aim to interest and stimulate. These range from competitions, quizzes and group games to music and movement, arts and crafts. Participation is always the individual’s choice. It is their aim to support older people who may be physically and mentally frail, to generally give them a purpose to their week.
How can I find a care provider? A list of care providers Expand Q How can I find a care provider? A You can do an on-line search https://ukcareguide.co.uk/home-care-agencies/ or we can provide you with a list of providers. You may want to ask some of the following questions: Do your carers hold any qualifications in care? This would usually be an NVQ Do your carers have up to date DBS certificate? This is the check that is made on their criminal record Can you provide the care my husband needs and meet his personal preferences? Is your organisation insured in order to protect my safety and interests? Do you interview all your care workers before offering them work? Do you obtain at least two written references from your careworkers' previous employers? What happens if my regular careworker is sick or on holiday? What charges will I be expected to pay? What payment methods are available (cheque, direct debit etc)? Is there a minimum charge if I only need a small amount of care?
I need someone to help with personal care at home. Where do I start? How to find personal care services Expand Q I need someone to help with personal care at home. Where do I start? A Southampton City Council has many services available to help and assist you in your own home, for example getting help with your personal care needs. Their aim is to help you live independently in your own home for as long as possible. Some of them may require an assessment and there may be associated costs. You can find out more information and complete a Social care eligibility self-assessment here https://www.southampton.gov.uk/health-social-care/adults/help-at-home/
If I don’t get Carers Allowance am I still a carer? Definition of a carer Expand Q If I don’t get Carers Allowance am I still a carer? A A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support. Carers Allowance is paid to some people who meet this definition who have a low income. More information here: https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/overview
I need help right now. What do I do? What to do in an emergency Expand Q I need help right now. What do I do? A If you have an emergency that means your cared for will be on their own and in danger you should call the Single Point of Access Team on 023 8083 3003. Do you have an emergency plan? We can help. See here
Where can I find out about having home adaptations done to make it easier to move around or bathe? Where to apply for advice or financial assistance and details of the assessment process Expand Q Where can I find out about having home adaptations done to make it easier to move around or bathe? A Support and assistance can be arranged by Southampton City Council and NHS Solent Healthcare to help you continue to manage independently. This includes: Offering advice and information Managing an assessment of your needs and if it is felt you would benefit, arranging rehabilitation services to help you continue to manage day to day tasks There are different ways adaptations may be provided to help you manage day to day tasks in your home. This is dependent on whether you are an owner occupier, a tenant of a private landlord or a registered social landlord or a tenant of Southampton City Council. You can find out more information here on what help is available: https://www.southampton.gov.uk/housing/your-home/repairs/improvements/adaptations.aspx