CASS has secured funding for home based flexible night time support services for family Carers. Carers who regularly care for at least 20 hours per week can apply for up to £150 per session, for a maximum of 2 sessions, to pay for respite care in their own home. The sessions must consist of evening or overnight support to enable the Carer to have a break e.g., to go away from home for the weekend or to have a full nights uninterrupted sleep. The care can be provided by a professional care agency, a relative or a friend.
Please note that the funding can only be used for evening or through the night for the person who needs care. It cannot be used to pay the expenses of the family carer. This is also a time limited project and you are advised to apply as soon as possible – all successful applicants must use their allocation within two months of receipt.
For more information go to the CASS pages - Carers Breaks Fund
www.carersinformation.org.uk/cass/carers_breaks.htm
The Pension Service is advising people to be aware of bogus telephone calls from people claiming you are entitled to an additional Winter Fuel Payment. The Pension Service has received reports from individuals who have received such a call. The bogus caller claims to be from the Department of Work and Pensions and asks for bank details in order to pay the additional payment.
This is not activity from Winter Fuels and therefore we are treating these as bogus calls.
The Pension Service advises customers not to give bank details under any circumstances to anyone calling in relation to Winter Fuel Payments or saying they are from DWP. If anyone has given out information they are advised to contact their bank immediately for further advice.
CONTINGENCY TEMPLATE for CARERS
This document provides information in respect of the alternative arrangements Carers have in place should they experience illness, notably swine flu or other incidents which will impact on the care they provide. This document is for Carers to keep and share with the persons you consider best able to provide care and assistance in an emergency.
See section: Staffs Social Care & Health - Information leaflets - Contingency Template for Carers
www.carersinfor...
The Carers Association Southern Staffordshire (CASS) will be running an information stand in the foyer area of Tesco Extra in
Stafford and Tesco Extra in Lichfield to promote Carers Rights.
Thursday 3rd December
Stafford Tesco Extra, Newport Road, Stafford, ST16 2HE.
(3 hours Free Parking on the Tesco Extra Car Park)
Friday 4th December
Lichfield Tesco Extra, Church Street, Lichfield, WS13 6DZ.
(3 hours Free Parking on the Tesco Extra Car Park)
Both events will be information stands within the foyer area of
the Tesco stores and will be run from 10.00am - 7.00pm by our
Outreach Workers who will be available to offer information and
advice regarding Carers Rights and the issues that carers face.
The cost of Care for people in Staffordshire affects every service user and tax payer
Make sure you have your say with this invitation to the Staffordshire County Council Consultation Events throughout November 2009:
Newcastle: 2nd Nov, 11-1pm St Geaorges Church Hall, Newcastle-under-Lyme
Tamworth: 4th Nov, 10.30 - 12.30 Assembly Rooms, Tamworth
Stafford: 5th nov, 11 - 1pm Rising Brook Conference Centre, Stafford
Moorlands: 10th Nov, 10.30 - 12.30 Churnet Room, SMDC, Leek
East Staffs: 11th Nov, 11 - 1pm The Craythorne,Rolleston on Dove
Lichfield: 13th Nov, 2 - 4pm The Guildhall. Lichfield
Cannock: 18th Nov, 6 - 8pm The Ballroom, Cannock Chase Council
South Staffordshire: 26th Nov, 11 - 1pm Council Chambers, South Staffs Council, Codsall
You are invited to attend one of these events to give your views on a number of questions such as
• how much people should pay for their care,
• whether people should pay different amounts depending on their income and
• what level of support for individuals should come from tax and community charge payers
This might not directly affect you or your family now but the discussions will influence the decisions made about how much people pay for services in the future.
People are living longer and have higher expectations about the quality of support and care they receive which is placing a greater demand on public resources.
Staffordshire County Council wants to make sure that every citizen can get quality care, both today and in the future and is therefore holding a series of consultation events about paying for care in Staffordshire.
Senior Social Care and Health staff will be at each event and members of the voluntary sector will also be there to help make sure there is a broad and balanced debate.
You can attend any of the eight events and transport can be arranged for you if needed.
For further information please call Victoria Young on 01785 277054 who will be able to help with transport or any other special requirements.
If you are unable to attend, but would still like to take part in the consultation, you can complete the questionnaire on line at: www.staffordshire.gov.uk/health/care/consultation or request a hard copy.
We hope to see you there and look forward to hearing your views.
Eric Robinson
Corporate Director Social Care and Health
The Secretary of State for Health has made it clear that Disability Living Allowance for the Under 65s will not be affected by Government plans to create a National Care Service.
Speaking at the National Children and Adult Services Conference in Harrogate, Andy Burnham MP said: "I am encouraged by the response to our Big Care Debate and welcome the fact that other political parties are beginning to put their ideas on the table. There are big
differences between what we are saying but we are beginning to create what I wanted to see - unstoppable momentum for legislation in the next Parliament.
"But, while the debate is moving quickly, I do want to stress that the door is wide open for discussion. We are still in a consultation
period. No decisions have been made on funding options. We are still
listening – about funding, about structures, and about how to build a
forward-looking system of care.
"One avenue I do want to close down, however, is the debate and controversy over Disability Living Allowance.
"We recognise that this is an important benefit for disabled people, and I can state categorically that we have now ruled out any suggestion that DLA for under-65s will be brought into the new National Care
Service.
"This is because, whilst there will be increases in the numbers of disabled people of working age who need care, the majority of the people needing care in the future will be older people.
"However, we do think there may be a case for bringing together elements of some disability benefits, such as Attendance Allowance, with social care funding, to create a new care and support system to provide for the needs of older and disabled people.
"But the important principle is that people receiving any of the relevant benefits at the time of reform would continue to receive an
equivalent level of support and protection under a new and better care and support system.
"And let's not forget, everyone - regardless of wealth or asset base –
will benefit from the protection and piece of mind that the National Care Service will provide."
The Government is currently carrying out a consultation – the Big Care Debate - on the new National Care Service, a vision for which was set out in July’s Green Paper Shaping the Future of Care Together. The Big Care Debate continues until 13th November.
Call for evidence
The Inquiry wants to hear from people with views on the care provided by Mid
Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust between January 2005 and March 2009.
Patients, families, the general public and hospital staff, past and present, are
encouraged to contact the Inquiry with their experiences.
Information can be submitted via post or email to:
Mid Staffordshire Inquiry
7th Floor
New Kings Beam House
22 Upper Ground
London
SE1 9BW
Email:info@midstaffsinquiry.com
Alternatively people can call 0207 633 4172 for further
information (Monday - Friday 9am – 6:30pm), or log
onto www.midstaffsinquiry.com
If you want to know more about the Inquiry and how to
tell us your views, you can drop in to see a member of the
Inquiry Team at:
Oldfellows Hall, Greengate Street, Stafford:
Tuesday 13th October 8.30am – 6.30pm
Chase Council for Voluntary Services, Arthur Street, Cannock:
Thursday 15th October 12pm – 4.30pm
Avon Business & Leisure Ltd, Avon Road, Cannock:
Thursday 22 October 12pm – 5pm
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Eastgate Street, Stafford:
Friday 23rd October 10am – 2.30pm
Stafford District Voluntary Services, 131 – 141 North Walls, Stafford:
(appointments are not required)
The Inquiry will treat your information in confidence if that is your preference.
The Future of Caring: Know The Facts
Log onto our live WebTV show to quiz Phil Hope MP, Minister of State for Care Services, about proposed changes to Britain’s care system
Show date: Tuesday 6th October
Show time: 5.15pm
There are currently six million people across the UK who provide unpaid care to someone they know – a figure that will only increase with Britain’s ageing population.
If you care for a friend or relative, or are a receiver of care yourself, you will know firsthand the true cost of caring. Carers Allowance is the lowest benefit, set at just £53.10 a week. Carers also rarely get chance to take a break from the role - over a third (31%) of long-term providers have never taken a holiday.
The government’s recent Green Paper, ‘Shaping the Future of Care Together’, is attempting to update the nation’s care system for the first time since the 1940s to create a system that fits our 21st century needs and provides long-term financial provision for those in care.
The problem of how to ‘fix’ the funding gap is addressed in the green paper. According to research by Saga – who have been advising the Government – the current postcode lottery looks particularly unpopular, with half of over 50s questioned (51%) in favour of a system that would see the government provide a set standard of care for everybody, regardless of where they live, and which could be topped up by the individual if they wish. Only one in five (21%) of those preferred an insurance policy approach, paid throughout their working lives. The alternative strategy of a one off payment at retirement or death equally lacks support (6%). The vast majority (84%) of over 50s also resoundingly agree that the current system of means testing is unfair.
Carers need to be empowered and informed to the help currently available, and what they can do to improve the quality of life – for both themselves and recipients of care. In our live and interactive webTV show you have the chance to question Phil Hope MP, Minister of State for Care Services, over some of the proposed changes and where the future for caring lies. Joining the minister will be Emma Soames, Editor-at-Large of Saga Magazine, who is at the forefront of attempts to lobby for change.
There will also be more details on the current initiatives available to UK carers, such as the Saga Respite for Carers Trust, which this year is increasing the number of people it can help.
Emma Soames, Editor-At-Large of Saga Magazine, and Phil Hope MP, Minister of State for Care Services, join us live online at
www.webchats.tv/chat/the_future_of_caring_know_the_facts
on Tuesday 6th October at 3:00pm to answer your questions about the government’s Green Paper
Click here to submit questions before the chat
www.webchats.tv/chat/the_future_of_caring_know_the_facts
For more information visit www.saga.co.uk
14th July 2009 saw the release of the Government long awaited Green Paper Shaping the Future of Care Together
The Green Paper highlights the challenges faced by the current social care system and the need for radical reform. It proposes the establishment of a National Care Service that will be fair, simple, high quality and affordable.
It sets out a vision of what people can expect:
· Access to prevention services
· A national assessment
· A joined up service
· Information and advice
· Personalised care and support
· Fair funding
The vision would be achieved through:
· More joined up working
· A wider range of services in care and support
· Better quality and innovation
This is to be achieved with no additional government funding although it is proposed that some disability benefits like Attendance Allowance should be integrated with social care.
Three funding options are proposed by government, all of which are based on the principle of the full cost being shared between the state and individuals and families who need support:
Partnership - the responsibility for paying for care would be shared between the Government and the person who has care needs. The Government provides between a quarter and a third of the cost of care, more for people on a low income.
Insurance - everyone who qualifies for care and support is guaranteed a level of state funding, as with the partnership option. People take out voluntary insurance to cover the outstanding amount. The government suggests that the costs might be around £20,000 to £25,000 to cover the potential average of £30,000 worth of care costs for over 65s.
Comprehensive - everyone who can afford it would pay into a state insurance scheme in return for their basic care and support being fully funded. The government estimates that individuals would have to pay around £17,000 to £20,000 into the scheme, which could be made as a lump sum or by instalments before or after retirement, or from their estate after death.
The government has ruled out a system funded totally by individual contributions or through national taxation.
There are also proposals around whether the funding for each level of need is set by government or locally.
Have Your Say on the Proposals
Staffordshire County Council believes this is an excellent opportunity to help shape the future National Care Service.
We would like to encourage all residents including staff, users, carers, partners and the wider community to share their views and opinions either through the online questionnaire or through their district office.
We believe that all contributions are valuable and every attempt will be made to include them in Staffordshire County Council's formal response.
Submissions should be received no later than 23 October 2009.
Policy and research team: 01785 277054
policyandresearchunit@staffordshire.gov.uk
www.staffordshi...
E-mail
Carers UK welcomes historic end to means testing for personal care
The Prime Minister today announced that disabled and older people with critical needs will be entitled to free care in their homes. This would benefit up to 350,000 people and could mean families who are currently struggling to meet the costs of care could be hundreds of pounds better off.
He said that from October 2010 those with the highest needs would get free personal care in their own homes, with the aim of encouraging saving and helping older people to stay in their own homes for as long as possible.
www.carersuk.or...
