Checklist Scheme Helps 350 Older People
Hundreds of older people have benefited from a home visit checklist scheme, which puts them in touch with extra help and support.Help with benefits, fire safety checks and home library visits are among the support offered by Leicestershire County Council’s First Contact scheme.
First Contact uses a simple checklist to find out what help people require to remain safe, secure and independent. Its motto is: help is just a tick away”.
Since it was launched last year, 350 people have had checklists completed, leading to 1,250 referrals for services.
The scheme is run by the County Council, in partnership with the district councils, the fire service, voluntary groups and other organisations that work with older people.
Whenever anyone from the scheme visits an older person – for example, if a worker visits to install grab rails at their home – they will ask the householder to fill in a simple checklist, which will help assess if they require any other help.
Examples of services on offer include help with benefits, fire safety checks, advice on heating and insulation, visits from the home library service and referrals to physical activity schemes.
The scheme is voluntary, so people only receive help if they want it. It helps to give people the information and advice they need to help them to choose services. If they want help, they should receive it within 28 days.
Mrs Florence Southwell, 83, from Hinckley, was offered a chance to complete the checklist when she was visited by a benefits officer from the Pensions Service.
As a result, she:
•Had a home security check from the handyman service and a door chain fitted
•Had a visit from the police, to reassure her they could be contacted if needed
•Had a lifeline alarm installed by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council
•Had cavity wall insulation supplied, following a check by Warm Front
•Had small repairs undertaken by Care and Repair
Mrs Southwell said: Thanks to this scheme, I was able to receive all of the services that I didn’t know I could get. It’s really given me peace of mind.”
David Sprason, Cabinet member for Adults and Communities, said: This is a common sense scheme that is making a real difference to people’s lives.
Many older people don’t want to make a fuss, but this is a friendly, informal way of letting them choose the support they need.
Some of these visits result in people receiving £70 per week attendance allowance for the first time, which is a big help.”
First Contact is an example of how adult social care is changing. There is an increasing emphasis on giving older people support to make their own care choices and live independently for as long as possible. For further details about adult social care, see www.leics.gov.uk
For further details about First Contact, please contact Debbie Preston on 0116 3058240 or Debbie.Preston@leics.gov.uk