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West Dunbartonshire Council

Social Work Services

Your Guide to
Accessing
Community Care
Services in West
Dunbartonshire

June 2009
CONTENTS
Pages
1. YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED 3
1.1 What is community care? 3
1.2 Why do we prioritise access to community
4
care services?
1.3 How do we determine your care needs? 4
1.4 How would you request an assessment of
4
your care needs?
1.5 What happens next? 5
1.6 Services, which can help you, stay
6
independent
1.8 Community Health and Care Services 13
1.9 Direct Payments 17
1.10 Independent Living Fund 18
1.11 Violence Against Women Partnership 18
2. WHAT ARE THE PRIORITIES FOR
COMMUNITY CARE SERVICE 19
PROVISION
2.1 Emergency 19
2.2 High 19
2.3 Medium 20
2.4 Low 21
3. HOW WILL I OBTAIN THE SERVICES I
22
NEED
3.1 Social Work Services 22
4. WILL I HAVE TO PAY 23
5. HELP AND INFORMATION 23
5.1 What to do if things go wrong 23
5.2 Help from other organisations 24
6. DEFINITIONS 25
6.1 Explaining some of the words we use in
25
this booklet
7. CONTACT POINTS 26

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1. YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Introduction

Welcome to this guide on how to access Community Care Services in West


Dunbartonshire. West Dunbartonshire Council is committed to providing high
quality, best value services (in a way which is culturally sensitive) to all
members of the communities it serves. Within a culture which takes account of
diversity and promotes equality.

1.1 What is community care?

Community care is the help and support we provide to adults and those who
care for them, so that people can live independent lives in the community. We
can provide the support either in people's own homes (wherever possible) or
in other care settings such as sheltered or 'very' sheltered housing or in a care
home. People aged 16 years and over whom may need community care
services include those with needs arising from:

• Old age, physical frailty and/or dementia


• Physical ill health and disabilities
• Sensory disabilities (problems with your hearing or sight);
• Learning disabilities
• Mental health difficulties.
• Addictions/dependency issues
• Acquired brain injury
• Palliative Care
• Caring for someone on a regular basis

We give priority to people with the greatest care needs when providing help or
support. Community care also takes account of the needs of carers. We do
not provide community care support for life because the services we provide
can change, as people's needs change. Many people only need help for a
short time (sometimes for a few weeks after coming out of hospital) and are
then able to look after themselves without any more help. It is important that
we recognise people's abilities and their need for independence, therefore
community care support should only be given when it is actually needed. As
well as assessing people's care needs, we provide some community care
services and we also commission a range of services from independent or
voluntary care providers.

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1.2 Why do we prioritise access to community care services?

We know that demand for community care services in West Dunbartonshire is


growing and it is expected to increase in the coming years and there are
limited resources available in terms of budgets and staff. Decisions have to
be made, therefore in respect of priority of access to community care services
as well as the level of services provided. We are committed to providing
community care support to people who need it most. The aim of all community
care services is to protect, empower and sustain the most vulnerable people
and groups within their own communities. That is why we give support
services to people who most need it. Not everyone will receive a service, and
some people may have to contribute to the cost of the service they receive.

If we are unable to provide a service when we assess your needs, you may
choose to make your own arrangements and pay for any help you need. We
can offer advice in respect of this.

If your circumstances change, you can contact us again. In any case, please
ask us for advice if you are not sure.

1.3 How do we determine your care needs?

Community care services are provided if an assessment of need indicates that


they are required. In West Dunbartonshire we use a Single Shared
Assessment process. This means that if a person with community care needs
contacts a social worker, nurse, housing officer or any other care professional
from the Council or NHS, the assessment of need can be started by that
person. If during the assessment it becomes clear that other professionals
need to be involved, the Single Shared Assessment (SSA) can, with YOUR
CONSENT, be shared. This process means that if you need an assessment,
you will only have to give your main details once. It also means that the
worker who started the SSA will make all the necessary contacts with other
professionals or agencies on your behalf.

You are entitled to a Single Shared Assessment if you have a disability or any
social care or health needs. The type of assessment we carry out will depend
on what your needs are. In most cases we can start the assessment within
days and complete it within a month.

1.4 How would you request an assessment of your care needs?

To get an assessment of your needs, you or your carer or representative


should contact your local Social Work office, your doctor, community nursing
services or the ward staff if you are in hospital. You can always get advice
from other independent or voluntary organisations if you are not sure.
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For most services you should contact one of the three social work area teams.
A duty system operates to receive referrals and to direct them to the
appropriate team. The reason for referrals being dealt with in this way is to
ensure that all of your care needs are assessed not simply those for a specific
service. However for some services you can if that is all you want to be
assessed, for contact them directly.

These services include


• Occupational Therapy Services
• Home Care and Support
• Joint Addiction Services
• Welfare Rights Services

Carers
Carers have a right to an assessment of their needs. This should be a
separate assessment of your needs as a carer to make sure that your needs
are addressed separately from those of the person that you care for. On the
basis of our discussions with you we will develop a Carers Support Plan to
meet your needs.

1.5 What happens next?


We will discuss your needs with you (and your carer if you have one).

We will find out your opinions and ideas about the help you need and the kind
of services that will best meet your needs.

We will also offer a benefits check to ensure you are receiving all benefits to
which you are entitled.

We will agree with you your level of needs and advise you of the outcome of
your assessment.

We will draw up a care plan/support plan detailing the agreed level of your
needs and the possible outcomes to best meet your needs.

This will confirm:

• what your assessed needs are;


• what services/support we will provide or arrange to be provided;
• when and how often the services will be provided;
• what these services aim to achieve.

We will give you a copy of your assessment, care plan/support plan, and
information about who to contact in an emergency, or who to contact if you
have a question about the services you receive.

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We will regularly review the services we provide to you, particularly when
there are major changes in your situation. Should your situation deteriorate,
we may need to increase services, even on a temporary basis.

One of the key priorities of Community Care is to work with you to help you
achieve and sustain as much independence as possible for as long as
possible.

This is why we review care needs regularly to ensure that the services you
receive reflect any change in needs.

1.6 Services which can help you to stay independent

We are committed to helping people live safely and independently in their own
homes, wherever possible and will attempt to ensure this with good quality
services.

If you reach the stage where you can go back to living independently, we will
reduce any services you no longer need. We will always discuss this with you
and let you know.

If you are not eligible for community care services, you may be able to get
other kinds of support. We may refer you to other organisations or give you
information about other support services you could access.

When we have assessed your needs, we may provide the following services
to help you stay independent: -

Social Work and Health Services

1.6.1 Welfare Rights and Money Advice


The Welfare Rights service within the Council provides an information,
support, advocacy and representation service which covers all benefits and
financial matters.

They can assist with your benefit enquiries, assist you in accessing the
relevant benefits and represent you at appeals.

Services include:
• Advice and Support
• Debt and Money Advice
• Benefits maximisation
• Helpline
• Claims, Representation and Appeals

The service also works in partnership with MacMillan Cancer Scotland to


ensure people affected by cancer get the financial support they require.

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1.6.2 HomeCare
This service is provided by home carers who are trained to help you with your
care needs such as help with washing, toileting, bathing, dressing, getting in
and out of bed, shopping, laundry and meals.

The aim of the service is to assist vulnerable people to live independently


within their homes wherever possible. We are committed to the provision of a
flexible and responsive high quality service, taking full account of client and
carer needs.

People who have a low income are not usually charged for home care
services. Charges for services are dependent on individual income levels,
excluding housing costs and the mobility component of the Disability Living
Allowance. The amount payable does not increase according to the level of
service provided, and is always less than the actual cost of service provision.
If you need assistance with personal care there will be no charge for these
tasks.

1.6.3 Meals Services and Lunch Clubs


Depending on your assessment, and available resources meals can be
prepared in your home and assistance with eating can be provided,
alternatively, a hot meal may be delivered to your home.

A number of lunch clubs operate in the area providing a hot meal and the
chance to socialise.

1.6.4 Rapid Response and Intensive Support Service


These are short-term (usually 4 weeks or less), intensive services to prevent
hospital admission or to help you recover quickly after an illness, fall or on
discharge from hospital. These services can be provided in your own home, or
in some cases within specific sheltered housing complexes where there are
designated step up/step down facilities. These services can be delivered
jointly with Health.

1.6.5 Community Alarms


This service is an emergency response service provided to those assessed as
requiring a community alarm. The care workers respond to any emergencies
that may arise, either by providing personal or practical assistance or
requesting medical help or contacting the keyholder. The service is
operational 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

1.6.6 Sheltered Housing


Sheltered Housing is provided by either the Council's Housing Department or
by some Housing Association's to those people assessed as requiring
additional support and security within the community.

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The complexes can provide people with the opportunity of remaining in a
community setting while receiving additional support and monitoring from the
Sheltered Housing Supervisors. The 9 complexes in West Dunbartonshire
Council are staffed and monitored 24 hours per day. As well as providing
support to the person living in the sheltered housing flat there are also
activities which take place on a regular basis within the complexes for
example, lunch club, video afternoons, outings etc.

Most Housing Associations also provide a Sheltered Housing service however


there may be differences with level and type of support available.

1.6.7 Smart Technology


This is the term used to describe technical solutions to assist people in
remaining independent.

Telecare is the use of sensors which works alongside a community alarm and
can provide a means of automatically signalling the required response to an
emergency or crisis situation as it arises. Telecare is very much at the
forefront of community care services and all local authorities are investigating
its use for helping to support people living at home, allowing them to remain
independent in the community.

People with a variety of needs can benefit from Telecare dependent upon the
individual circumstances. This can include Older People, Adults with Mental
Health or Learning Disabilities, Adults with Physical Disabilities, People with
Dementia and Children with Disabilities.

Sensors Include:

• Fall Detectors
• Smoke Sensor
• Heat Sensor
• Pressure Mat
• Ruggedised Alarm
• Mobile Assessment Packages
• Gas Sensors
• Bed Sensors
• Flood Detector

1.6.8 Occupational Therapy Equipment and Adaptations


Occupational Therapy services can provide, on assessment, equipment,
adaptations or advice to assist with all aspects of daily living activities. For
instance, with using the WC, bathing, and/or access issues.

Equipment provision can now be accessed through GGiles, which is a


partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde and other Local Authority's.

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This means some equipment items can be accessed directly via our health
colleagues i.e. District Nurses and Allied Health professionals such as speech
and language therapists or physiotherapists.

Homeowners may be eligible to apply for a home improvement grant, if the


outcome of their assessment indicates an adaptation to their home is
necessary to maintain their independence. This grant is subject to a financial
assessment. Adaptations can include provision of stair lifts, shower facilities
and ramped access.

Occupational Therapy Other Services

Occupational Therapists can provide:

• Information/advice and support to promote greater independence


and confidence;

• Rehabilitation to maximise independence for disabled people;

• Assistance in arranging for provision of equipment and adaptations;

• Advice and support to carers;

• Advice on housing access issues;

• Advice on employment/leisure issues; and

Anyone can refer themselves to the service; you do not need to be referred by
a doctor or nurse.

You will be asked for some basic information about yourself and the problem
you need help with. A letter will be sent to your about your request for
assessment, which will tell you if you have been placed on a waiting list. This
is because there is a high demand for services. A senior member of staff
checks all referrals to ensure the appropriate priority is given to them.

1.6.9 Services for people with sensory difficulties


The Sensory Impairment Team provides assessment, advice and assistance
to people of all ages, and their carers, who have vision and/or learning
difficulties.

They provide a range of services for deaf, deaf/blind and visually impaired
people, including support services such as guide communication, specialist
equipment and rehabilitation services, advice, information and counselling.

The Sensory Impairment Team also accesses additional specialist services


from private or voluntary agencies:-
• Assessment of people with sight loss and learning disability
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• Assessment of people with sight loss and a brain injury
• British Sign Language interpreters, lip speakers, and note takes
• Guide/communication services for deaf/blind people or people with
a dual sensory loss
• Respite for deaf/blind children and young people with complex
needs

1.6.10 Support for carers


All of our services aim to support carers in their caring role. As stated earlier
carers have the right to a separate assessment as well as information and
advice. Through the Carers Strategy Group we work in partnership with
carers and the Carers Centre to develop responsive support services which
match the priorities identified by carers. These include Carer Support Plans,
Home Care, Respite and Short Breaks and Welfare Rights Advice.

1.6.11 Day care services


This is a service where, for example, older people or people with learning
and/or disabilities can get involved in a wide range of activities to meet their
needs. Within West Dunbartonshire there are day care services for older
people and also for people with physical and learning disabilities. The NHS
also provides day services based in hospital settings which provide medical
assessment, intervention and rehabilitation.

1.6.12 Community Based Short Break Services


These services can either be in your own home, or within another community
setting and are designed to give you or your carer short breaks.

The Carers Short Break Service provides a break to carers of up to 4 hours on


a weekly basis. The service is assessed through a carers support plan and is
coordinated via the Short Breaks Co-ordinator. The service can be flexible
and through discussion between the carer, cared for person, the Short Breaks
Co-ordinator based in the Carers Centre and the providing agency, a service
may be agreed to suit the hours of respite required. The service can be
provided either within your own home or another setting.

Other community based short break services are provided through joint
Learning Disability Services by organisations such as Cornerstone, which
runs a service for people with learning disabilities and their carers.

1.6.13 Respite care in residential settings


Respite care in a residential setting is designed to give you or your carer a
break, where additional support outwith your own home is assessed as
appropriate. Where possible we will attempt to provide this service within
West Dunbartonshire Council area. However, in some circumstances, we
may require to commission the service e.g. a Nursing Home. Where

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specialist care is indicated this may have to be accessed from outwith the
West Dunbartonshire Council area.

People accessing this service will require to make a contribution to the cost of
their care.

1.6.14 Support in a residential care home


If your assessment indicates that you are no longer able to live at home, even
with intensive support a care home placement may be appropriate. While we
try to match people who need a care home place with their choice of home
this not always possible. If you do have to go to a home that is not your first
choice, we will do our best to help you transfer your chosen home as soon as
your place on the list matches with an available place, should this continue to
be your choice.

1.6.15 Education, Training and Employment Opportunities


All of our services where appropriate support people in accessing education,
training and employment in line with their needs and circumstances.

1.7 Joint Health and Social Care Services

1.7. Learning Disability


Services to people with a Learning Disability and their carer are delivered by a
Joint Social Work and Health Team. Services are provided to people with a
Learning Disability and their carers and including assessment, person
centered care planning, care management, and access to jointly delivered
health and social care services such as health checks.

Support is also provided to access training and employment opportunities and


practical support to sustain tenancies.

Referrals to joint learning disability service can be made through the Social
Work Duty System, your doctor or nurse or by contacting the team directly.

1.7.2 Mental Health


West Dunbartonshire Adult Mental Health Services are delivered by
Community Mental Health team (CMHTs). CMHTs are jointly resourced by
Social Work and Health. Services provided include assessment, care
management and support to people with severe or enduring mental health
problems and their carers.

Assistance with education, training and employment is also offered where


appropriate as is support to sustain tenancies.

A Mental Health Officer service is also provided by the Local Authority. This is
a separate service from the CMHT resourced by specially trained Social
Workers appointed by the Local Authority to carry out specific duties such as

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providing interventions in relation to the Mental Health Care and Treatment
Act and Adults with Incapacity Act.

There is also a Brain Injury Team which supports adults where an acquired
brain injury is affecting their quality of life. Support to carers is also provided.

The Acquired Brain Injury Team forms part of the WDC Social Work Mental
Health Service. The team is led and managed by the Social Work Mental
Health Team Leaders and includes Service Co-ordinator, Social Workers,
Support Workers, Assistant Psychologist; and sessional support from a
Consultant psychologist. The team provides an assessment and care
management service to adults aged 16 years and over and their carers where
acquired brain injury is the primary issue affecting quality of life. Training and
support is also offered to carers and other agencies.

1.7.3 Addictions/Dependency services.


Addiction Services are delivered by Joint Social Work and Health teams and
voluntary providers. They provide a range of supports to those experiencing
problems with their drug or alcohol use, as well as support for those affected
by someone else’s substance misuse, such as family members. Services aim
to address problematic use and assist individuals to maintain a stable lifestyle
through specialist interventions and rehabilitation.

Referrals to Addiction Services can come from anyone and the response
and service offered is based on the perceived need at the point of referral.
Service responses are therefore "tiered" and include;
• Information/Advice/Support
• Harm Reduction
• Groupwork
• Social Support
• Relapse management
• Clinical Interventions
• Therapies (non clinical)
• Assistance with training and an employment
• Support to sustain tenancies

The Service would always work with people through a community based
approach before considering any form of residential rehabilitation.

1.7.4 Community Older People Team (COPT), Community Assessment and


Rehabilitation Team (CART)

The COPT is made up of a range of Health and Social Work staff who provide
services to support older people aged 65 years and over and their carers
living in the Clydebank community. The CART is for individuals aged 16
years and over who live in the Dumbarton and Alexandria area. A key aim of

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COPT/CART is to enable people to remain in their own homes for as long as
possible and avoid unnecessary hospital admission through help with the
following: promoting independent living, mobility - getting around, exercise
programme, nursing care, podiatry - foot care, dietary advice, falls prevention,
arranging packages of care, respite and community alarms and advice on
healthy living.

Anyone can refer to the COPT/CART service i.e. self, family members,
someone who is looking after you, health and social care professionals and
voluntary organisations.

1.7.5 Hospital Discharge Teams - Social Work Services; IRIS and Vale of Leven
Hospital (Ward 14 & 15)

West Dumbarton is covered by 2 Hospital Discharge teams - IRIS for


Clydebank and Vale of Leven Hospital for Alexandria and Dumbarton areas

The IRIS team is made up of nurses, physiotherapists, occupational


therapists, rehabilitation assistants and clerical staff. They provide time
limited support to adults for up to 4 weeks following discharge from hospital.
This includes help with the following: promoting independent living, mobility -
getting around, exercise programmes, nursing care, falls prevention,
arranging packages of care and community alarms and advice on healthy
living.

The Vale of Leven model has hospital based physiotherapists; occupational


therapists contributing to supported discharge and are supported by a
rehabilitation assistant. Supported discharge is time limited to 4 weeks and
the hospital based staff work in collaboration with other community services
including District nursing and Social Work. Patients can have their planned
intervention either at home or at the day hospital.

The Social Work Hospital Discharge teams support patients at the Royal
Alexandria, Vale of Leven, Western Infirmary, Gartnavel General, and
Southern General Hospitals.

1.8 Community Health and Care Services

As was said earlier many of our services are delivered by integrated care
teams e.g. Mental Health, Learning Disability and Addiction and some Older
Peoples Services. In addition to this through the assessment process people
can be referred for a variety of support services provided by the NHS. These
include

• Community Nursing Services


• Speech and Language Therapy
• Podiatry
• Community Physiotherapy

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• Community Assessment and Rehabilitation
• Hospital Discharge

1.8.1 Community Physical Disability Team (including Your Enablement Service
YES)

The aim of the Community Physical Disability Teams continues to be:


To enable disabled people to achieve their rehabilitation goals, live inclusive
lives and provide access to high quality health and social care, which will
support them in achieving their goals.

The interdisciplinary team provides coordinated assessment, treatment within


an individuals own home, or other appropriate community or workplace
setting, to maximise health gain and independence within their own
surroundings.

Treatment focuses on intensive specialist rehabilitation which is goal


orientated, takes account of clients' priorities and includes monitoring of the
wider health issues during the period of treatment.

The team has an open referral system in that anyone can refer providing the
person is between the ages of 16-64 and has complex needs.

1.8.2 Community Physiotherapy


Physiotherapists combine their knowledge, skills and approach to improve a
broad range of physical problems associated with different "systems" of the
body.
In particular they treat neuromuscular (brain and nervous system),
musculoskeletal (soft tissues, joints and bones), cardiovascular and respiratory
systems (heart and lungs and associated physiology). Physiotherapists work
autonomously, most often as a member of a team with other health or social
care professionals.

People are often referred for physiotherapy by doctors or other health and
social care professionals and can also make self referral by telephone, drop in
or completion of a self referral form (available form your General Practice).

Musculo-skeletal out-patient physiotherapy services are for all ages People


requiring physiotherapy will have a mixture of conditions and include more than
150 different diseases, trauma and syndromes, which are usually associated
with pain and loss of function.

Physiotherapy Service Aims


•To facilitate recovery/resolution of the health problem and prevent
complications
•To teach patients to manage their own condition and prevent recurrence of
problem
•To enable patients to reach their maximum functional potential
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•To promote general good health and well being.

Domiciliary Service provides visits to people in their own home who are unable
to attend a clinic. People who need to be seen at home have a very wide
range of problems from acute musculoskeletal pain affecting mobility; acute
exacerbation of respiratory problems; follow up of post-acute care conditions,
long term neurological and musculoskeletal problems, people with palliative
care needs. Referral is through general practitioner or hospital team.

Neurology services are provided as part of Community rehabilitation teams or


by Stroke Outreach service. Physiotherapists also work with Learning Disability
and Community Older People's Mental Health team.

1.8.3 Speech and Language Therapy

Speech and Language Therapists assess, diagnose and treat the full range of
Communication and/or Eating and Drinking Disorders in Children and adults
of all ages.

The range includes delayed development of Phonology and/or Language,


Specific Language Impairment, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dysfluency, Voice
and Communication difficulties following stroke or brain injury.

The service works in partnership with parents, carers teachers, nurses, allied
health professionals and in the location to best meet individual needs.

The service is available Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm

Speech and Language Therapy

1.8.4 West Dunbartonshire CHP Nutrition and Dietetic Service

West Dunbartonshire CHP Nutrition and Dietetic Service provides a service to


the people and health professionals working across West Dunbartonshire.
The service provides the secondary care nutrition and dietetic service to the
Vale of Leven Hospital and Dumbarton Joint Hospital and areas across
primary care, mental heath, learning disabilities and health improvement
activities. All Dieticians are registered with the Health Professionals Council.
More recently a number of community food workers have been employed by
the CHP to deliver public health work in primary care.

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The Nutrition and Dietetic Service aims to prevent and offer effective dietary
treatment for nutrition related diseases. The service works with patients,
carers, staff ad the public and all ages across the population groups.
Referrals can be made by patients, relatives, health professionals and other
agencies.

Outpatients
Outpatients referred to the service are offered appointment in the following
settings ;
• Outpatients clinics at Clydebank Health Centre, Dumbarton Health Centre,
Alexandria Medical Centre, 75 Bank Street, and the Vale of Leven Hospital
Out patients department.
• Joint Consultant/multi-professional/team outpatient clinics e.g. diabetes,
renal paediatrics.

Home /Care Home - Enteral Nutrition Service


This service is available to patients who cannot obtain adequate nutrition via
the normal route (i.e. from a normal diet). Enteral nutrition is a way of
providing nutrition and fluid via a tube, into the digestive tract. Historically this
method of ensuring adequate nutrition would have been provided in a hospital
setting. However, once the patients medical condition is stable and the
patient and/or relatives/carers are trained in administering the feed, the trend
in more recent years has been to discharge to the home environment for on-
going care. The Home Enteral Feeding Dietician co-ordinates pre-discharge
preparation and monitors the patient after discharge.

Home Visits
People referred for nutrition and dietetic advice from Primary Care can be
seen in the home environment or at patient's clinics as appropriate.

Patient Client Sessions

There are a range of Nutrition and Dietary education sessions provided by the
Service.

These include:-
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Diabetes Group Education
Coeliac Disease Annual Information Event
Eat Up Programme

1.8.5 District Nursing West Dunbartonshire CHP

The District Nursing Team provides a 24 hour, nursing service for the house-
bound

The West Dumbarton CHP District Nursing Teams are based in Health
Centres, at three localities, Clydebank, Dumbarton and Alexandria.

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The District Nursing Sister leading the team is a Register Nurse (RN) further
educate to degree level as a Specialist Community Practitioners.

The nursing team comprise of Community Staff Nurses (RN); and Health Care
Assistants (HCA) who have undertaken SVQ Training.

Patient-centred care is the central philosophy that underpins District Nursing.

Patient centred care provided by District Nurse are defined as:

• Safe and effective


• Promoting health and well being
• Integrated and seamless
• Informing and empowering
• Timely and convenient

The types of care provided at home include:

Terminal Care
Palliative Care
Wound Care Management
Pain Management
Complex Medication Treatments
Chronic Disease Management

In addition to care at home each Health Centre has a Treatment Room


available for patients who are able to attend the Centres for treatments e.g.
wound management and medication treatments. This service can be
accessed directly by patients. Referrals are also taken from other health
professions. Treatment Rooms can be accessed Monday to Friday 08.30-
16.30 and are closed at weekends.

People can access services in a variety of ways:

• Self referral
• GP
• Other Health Professionals
• Social Work

1.9 Direct payments

Direct payments is not a service as such however if you quality for community
care support and want to arrange your own care in relation to most of the
services noted above, we can offer you 'direct payments' to allow you to do

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this. Direct payments are used to secure services to meet the needs identified
on a Single Shared Assessment. You can employ your own Personal
Assistants or buy services from agencies or local authorities. Any services set
up using Direct Payments or Personal Assistants employed are accountable
to you, not the local authority.

You can also choose to have a mixed package of support where the Council
will arrange some services for you whilst you arrange other services using
Direct Payments. People who receive Direct Payments must use the money
to arrange services. It is not additional income and will not affect welfare
benefits.

You may be eligible for a Direct Payment if you are:

• aged 18 years or over and eligible for community care services


OR;
• aged 16 – 17 years and eligible for children’s services OR;
• the person with parental responsibility for a disabled child eligible
for children’s services OR;
• a disabled person with parental responsibility for a child eligible for
children’s services.

You must also be willing to accept and able to manage Direct Payments. You
do not need to be able to manage the Direct Payment on your own, you can
get as much help as you need and the Independent Living Support Service
will offer
advice,support and training.

1.10 Independent Living Fund

The Independent Living Fund (ILF) is a trust which works in partnership with
the local authority to provide financial help to allow disabled people to live
independently in their own home. West Dunbartonshire Council's ILF
Development Worker offers information and assistance to service users,
carers and social workers regarding the Independent Living Fund.

1.11 Violence Against Women Partnership Services

Within West Dunbartonshire there are a range of services to support Women,


Children and Young People affected by violence against women in general
and Domestic Abuse in particular

These include:

• CARA Service: supports women through advocacy, counselling and


access to services, CARA also provides a counselling service for adult
survivors of children's sexual abuse

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• Women's Safety Service: Supports women within the Criminal Justice
system and also women whose partners offending patterns involves Domestic
Abuse and who are involved in programmes to address this.

• Reduce Abuse Project: an awareness raising and educational service


within West Dunbartonshire schools.

• Women's Aid Services: provides information, counselling, support,


accommodation and follow on services to women and their children who are
affected by Domestic Abuse.

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2. WHAT ARE THE PRIORITIES FOR COMMUNITY CARE
ASSESSMENTS AND SERVICE PROVISION

Everyone is entitled to an assessment of need and there is no charge for this. There are
however 4 levels of priority set, which are aimed at ensuring that everyone who asks for
a service is dealt with fairly and in a timely fashion, depending on the urgency of leave
situation.

Eligibility for services is based on the assessment of your needs and is intended to
ensure that these with the greatest need and at most risk are first to receive services.

To qualify for services your circumstances should be similar to those described below.
These are categories of need which have been developed in line with the Scottish
Governments Eligibility Criteria. You do not need to meet all of the priorities in all the
categories to qualify for services.

All requests for assessment will be acknowledged within 5 working days.

We prioritise requests for assessment in line with national guidance:.

2.1. CRITICAL NEED


Assessment
When you or your carer experience problems or difficulties that place you or other
people at unacceptable and immediate risk? For example:-

• A sudden or severe illness or marked deterioration in your condition


• The sudden illness or absence of your main carers
• Where abuse or neglect has occurred or is likely to occur
• Where your condition indicates that you are at risk yourself or to
others
• There is a risk of an unplanned admission to hospital or care home
if your needs are not met
• You are unable to carry out vital aspects of personal care.

We would aim to commence assessment within 2hrs -24hrs

Service Provision
If your level of need or risk is due to a sudden change of circumstances.,
services will be put in place to meet your needs immediately. These services
may change if your situation becomes stabilised.
SUBSTANTIAL NEED
Assessment
You will be assessed as having a high priority if your circumstances identify you
as being at substantial risk. For example

• You live alone and your essential, daily, personal, nutritional care and safety
needs are not being met.
• Where your essential daily personal care and nutritional needs are not being
met or they are being met by a carer whose own health is seriously at risk.
• Where you are in hospital and cannot be discharged until essential services
have been arranged
• You are a vulnerable person who has been, or is at risk of being exploited or
abused.
• You are experiencing severe mental health problems and may require
assistance from the Mental Health Service
• Where your condition indicates that you are a risk in yourself or to others
• You are leaving prison and have a mental health problem
• You are pregnant and are at risk due to mental health or addiction issues

We would aim to commence assessment within 2-5 working days

Services that Social Work & Health may provide

If you are assessed as having a high priority, it is likely that more than one of
the following services may be provided.

• Information and Advice


• Counselling and Support
• Home Care Support –assistance with personal care and housing support
• Access to Mental Health Crisis Service
• Day Services
• Short Breaks/Respite
• Housing Support Services
• Provision of equipment and adaptations
• Benefits advice
• Care Home Placement
• Provision of equipment or adaptation
• Referral for sheltered housing

(This is not a complete list but helps identify the services available to meet high
priority needs).

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2.3 MODERATE NEED
Assessment
You will be assessed as having a moderate priority if your circumstances
identify you as being at a moderate level of risk in your daily life. For example:-

• You have some difficulties in carrying out personal care tasks but this does
not place you at initial risk
• Practical home based support would sustain your situation
• Your family or care network may require support and/or advice to maintain
your situation at home
• You need services to allow for rehabilitation from illness or injury assist
you to be more independent and to meet any developmental needs
• Your mental health or addiction problems are affecting your ability to cope
with day to day life to the extent that your physical health and personal
relationships may be suffering.

We would aim to commence assessment within 5-20 working days

Services that Social Work and Health may provide


If you are assessed as having medium priority, one or more of the following
services may be provided.

• Information and Advice


• Counseling and Support
• Home Care support - assistance with personal care and housing support
• Housing Support
• Day Services
• Short Breaks/Respite
• Support to obtain work or participate in education
• Benefits advice
• Provision of equipment and adaptations

(This is not a complete list but helps identify the services available to meet
medium priority needs).

If for any reason we are unable to meet the typical response times, you and the
person who makes the referral will be informed of the reasons why we have been
unable to meet the timescales and when you can expect an assessment.

2.4 LOW

Low Priority
Assessment
You will be assessed as having a low priority if your circumstances identify no
significant risks in your daily life. For example;

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• Your basic care needs are being met and there is no immediate risk to your
health, safety and independence.
• You are not at risk of social isolation as you appear to have sufficient support
in place
• You have a few health problems indicating low risks to your independence
• You have difficulty undertaking one or two aspects of your
work/learning/education/family and/or social networks indicating little risk to
your independence
• Your carer has difficulty undertaking one or two aspects of their
caring/domestic role

Services that Social Work and Health may provide


If you are assessed as being at a low level of risk the department of Social Work
and Health may not provide or purchase services for you.

However we will, where possible,

• Provide information and advice about other sources of support.


• Reassess your needs if you or your carer's circumstances change.
• Assist you in identifying ways you can improve or sustain your current
situation.

We cannot provide a typical assessment response time in these circumstances,


as we carry out assessments defined as 'low priority' in the date order from which
we receive them. This may alter if you tell us about any significant changes in
your circumstances which may impact on the priority assigned to your
assessment.

3. HOW WILL I OBTAIN THE SERVICES I NEED

The type and amount of services you may receive will be based on your
assessed needs and on the availability of the services. After assessment we will
arrange for services to be provided as quickly as possible but if there is high
demand for the service we may not be able to provide it immediately (this may
apply even if you have been given a high priority).

West Dunbartonshire Department of Social Work and Health will discuss this with
you as soon as your assessment is finalised and your care plan is complete.
Where appropriate, you will be offered a choice of services available but we are
unable to guarantee that a particular service will always be available. If you are
not satisfied with the priority we give you, you can ask us to review our decision.

There is a charge for some Social Work services. We will discuss any services
you may need to pay for and details of any charges will be available from your
Social Worker/Care Manager. More information can be obtained from the West
Dunbartonshire Charging Policy for Social Work Services.

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3.1 Social Work Services
As noted in section 1.4 of this document most services are accessed through the
Social Work Duty System located in geographically based area teams.

3.2 To get an assessment of your needs, you or your carer or representative should
contact your local Social Work office, your doctor, community nursing services or
the ward staff if you are in hospital. You can always get advice from other
independent or voluntary organisations if you are not sure.

However many of our services are of a specialised nature and may be delivered
jointly with health. Information about these services, who can access them and
how to go about it is also detailed in 1.6.15, 1.6.16, 1.6.17.

3.2.3 All of our Services have leaflets describing their services and what you can
expect from them. These can be found on the Social Work and Health section of
West Dunbartonshire Council’s website under “Services Provided”.

4. WILL I HAVE TO PAY

4.1 There is no charge for a assessment of your needs or NHS Community Care
Services but we may ask some people who then go on to receive Social Work
Services to make a contribution towards the care they receive.

Examples of these include

• The practical support element of Home Care e.g. Domestic tasks or shopping
• Residential respite care
• Community Alarms.
• Day Care.
• Some Equipment and Adaptations
• Some Housing Support Services

Any contribution we ask you to make will depend on your financial position. We
will assess your financial situation when we are assessing your needs, and will
tell you if you need to pay towards the cost of your care. In order to maximize
your income. We will always offer you a benefits check which would be carried
out by our Welfare Rights Service. Further information on charges for services
are contained in West Dunbartonshire Council, Department of Social Work and
Health Charging Policy.

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5. HELP AND INFORMATION

5.1 What to do if things go wrong


If you have any problems or worries about the community care services you
receive, or you are unclear about any aspect of this booklet and how it affects
you, you can contact your local Social Work office. Please see below for contact
details. If you are not satisfied with the service or with our decision, you have a
right to make a complaint. You can find more information in the leaflet called "If
you wish to complain" which is available from your local Social Work office.
These are detailed in Section 7 of this document.

5.2 Help from other organisations


There are a number of voluntary organisations in West Dunbartonshire who can
give you help and advice. Some of these provide help and advice for people with
specific disabilities or problems such as Alzheimer's Scotland.

Others are more general organisations, such as Citizens Advice Bureaux, Help
the Aged, and Age Concern. Addresses are usually listed in the phone book, or
you can contact your local Social Work office. Some organisations offer advocacy
services where they will act on your behalf if you have a complaint about a
particular service, as well as providing information and advice.

In addition, Social Work can also commission other independent services, such
as interpreting services and some specialist services from outwith the West
Dunbartonshire Council area when necessary.

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6. DEFINITIONS
6.1 Explaining some of the words we use in this booklet

Assessment Information gathering to identify a person's needs and


evaluate how they affect daily living and quality of life.

Care package a range of services designed to meet a person's


assessed needs.

Careplan/Support Plan a written record based on an individual's assessed


need that describes: -

the level and type of support we will provide to meet


those needs; and the aims and potential outcomes
that we can achieve.

Carer a person, usually a relative or friend, who provides


care on an unpaid basis.

Home Care care provided in a person's home.

Financial assessment a process to work out how much someone needs to


contribute towards the cost of his or her care.

Independent and
voluntary providers organisations other than the Council or health service
that provide social care support.

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7. CONTACT POINTS

Access to Social Work, Health and Social Care Services

Application for an assessment for Social Work Services can be sent to the
following Offices. You can also discuss your needs with your GP or nurse who
can make a referral for you.

SOCIAL WORK SERVICES AREA OFFICES WHICH OPERATE DUTY SERVICES:

Bridge Street
(access to assessments for those people living in the Dumbarton Area)
6-14 Bridge St
Dumbarton
G82
Tel: 01389 737020
Fax: 01389 737022

Clydebank Social Work


(access to assessments for people living in the Clydebank and Faifley areas)
Rosebery Place
Clydebank
G81 1TG
Tel: 0141 562 8800
Fax: 0141 562 8888

Vale Social Work Office


(access to assessments for people living in the Alexandria area)
4 Church Street
Alexandria
G83 ONP

Tel: 01389 608080


Fax: 01389 608088

Vale of Leven Hospital


(access to assessments for people who are in hospital)
Main Street
Alexandria
G83 OAU
Hospital switchboard: 01389 754121
Social Work Services: 01389 817550/817551

Welfare Rights
6-14 Bridge Street
Dumbarton
Tel: 01389 737048

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Occupational Therapy
7 Bruce Street
Clydebank
Tel: 0141 951 6161

JOINT HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE SERVICES

Learning Disability
Beardmore Business Centre
Dalmuir
Clydebank
G81 4HA
Tel: 0141 562 2332
Fax: 0141 562 2323

Mental Health & Acquired Brain Injury


4-16 Bridge Street
Dumbarton
Tel: 01389 737020

Addiction Services Leven Addiction Service


Clydebank CAT Dumbarton Joint Hospital
6 Miller Street Tel: 01389 812018
Tel: 0141 562 2311

COMMUNITY HEALTH AND CARE SERVICES.

Physiotherapy Services
Physiotherapy Self Referral Physiotherapy Self Referral
Clydebank Dumbarton
Tel: 0141 531 6367 Tel: 01389 817569

Physiotherapy Outpatients and Domiciliary


Clydebank Dumbarton
Tel: 0141 531 6324 Tel: 01389 811803

Alexandria
Tel: 01389 817531

Speech and Language Therapy


Dumbarton Health Centre Vale of Leven Hospital
Tel: 01389 754121 ext 21766 Tel: 01389 817380

Bank Street Clinic, Alexandria Language and Communication Unit


Tel: 01389 817006 Tel: 01389 711050

Beardmore Centre, Tel: 0141 562 2324

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District Nursing Services
Clydebank Health Centre Dumbarton Health Centre
Tel: 0141 531 6400 Tel: 01389 811847
Out of Hours: 0141 232 8100 Out of Hours: 01389 710278

Alexandria Medical Centre


Tel: 01389 817000
Out of Hours: 01389 710278

PARTNERSHIP SERVICES.

Violence Against Women Partnership


Tel: 01389 738680

This Booklet is also available on request from the Public Involvement


Team on tape and in large print on tape or CD as well as in community
languages.

You can also see information about us on West Dunbartonshire Council Website
www.wdcweb.info

West Dunbartonshire Community Health Partnership Website


www.chps.org.uk

West Dunbartonshire Violence Against Women Partnership.


www.wdcweb.info

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