Change how menu appearsTHE OLDER PEOPLE’S SOCIAL WORK TEAM
Our aim is to help older people – the over-65s – live in their own homes as independently as possible for as long as possible. We offer support, advice and guidance to older people (and their carers), both at home and in hospital. We assess their individual care needs and, if necessary, arrange care packages.
If remaining at home is no longer possible, we can help with the move to sheltered accommodation, residential care or nursing care.
The service consists of two teams – the Community Social Work Team and the Hospital Social Work Team. The Community Social Work Team operates a patch system, so social workers generally work in specific areas – North, South, East and West. The Hospital Social Work Team has social workers allocated to specific wards in Noble's Hospital and Ramsey Cottage Hospital.
WHO CAN REFER A PERSON?
Anyone can – the older person him/herself, family, friends, neighbours or other professionals e.g. Health Visitor, G.P. or the Police.
HOW?
- By telephone – the Duty Team’s number is 686179.
- By letter – to Social Services, Hillary House, Prospect Hill, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 1EQ
- In person, to Hillary House.
- By fax – to 686321
- By e-mail – to DutySocialWorker.DHSS@gov.im
WHEN?
- Office hours are 9.15 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Monday – Thursday, and 9.15 a.m. – 4.30p.m. on Friday.
- Out-of-Hours referrals – for emergencies only – should be made via Noble's Hospital on 650000.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The Duty Social Worker will discuss your concerns with you and may be able to give the information you need straight away. If your needs are more complex, a social worker will arrange to come to see you, to discuss it further and to make an Initial Assessment.
WHAT IS AN ASSESSMENT?
The purpose of an assessment is to find out about your situation. In this way the social worker can get to know what support you have, what you want and what you need. Your wishes will be taken into account. The views of your family/carer will also be considered. The social worker may also contact other professionals e.g. Health Visitor or Occupational Therapist. The social worker can then, with you, draw up a Care Plan.
WHAT IS A CARE PLAN?
A Care Plan is a list of the services you will get to support you. The Care Plan will cover all services - it will provide information on what services are to be provided, by whom and when, and the needs the services are intended to meet. It should also say when the Care Plan will be reviewed and who you should contact in the meantime if there is a change in your circumstances.
You or your carer may be asked to sign the Care Plan to show that you agree with it, and you can be given a copy of it. The information in the Care Plan may be shared with the other agencies involved in your care.
WHAT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?
There is a wide range of services available to meet the needs of older people on the Island. Some are provided by Social Services or Health Services, some by voluntary organisations and some by commercial organisations. Some examples are:-
- Home Care
- Meals on Wheels
- Manx Carephone
- Private Care Agencies
- Manx Foundation
- Crossroads Care
- Age Concern Day Centres
- Health Visitors
- District Nurses
- Community Mental Health Professionals (OPAS Team)
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Aids and Adaptations
- Blue Badge disabled parking scheme
- Respite care in one of the Government residential homes – Cummal Mooar, Glenside, Reayrt ny Baie and Southlands – or the three respite beds we have in the Corrin Home in Peel
- Sheltered accommodation
- Residential homes
- Nursing homes
This list is not exhaustive - your social worker can give you information about other services.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
Your social worker’s time and advice is free, and so is Health Services’ provision. Some of the services you choose to have may have to be paid for. People with limited income or savings may get Home Care without charge, and may get financial assistance towards the cost of residential home fees or nursing home fees (including respite costs) from Income Support.
People who need a lot of help with personal care on a regular basis may be eligible to receive Attendance Allowance (and their carer may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance).
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Social Services is committed to delivering a quality service to the public. To maintain a high standard we need you to tell us when standards are being met, and just as importantly when standards are not being met. All comments - compliments and complaints – are welcome:
- In the first instance, to the manager of the social work team
- If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, the Director of Social Services, Mr Andrew Swithinbank.
| Contacts: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Duty Social Worker | 686179 | |
| Andrew Swithinbank | Director | 686180 |
| Tony Lever | Assistant Director, Adult Services | 686203 |
| Margaret Lannen | Manager,Adult Services (Older People and Adults with Disabilities) | 686182 |
| Tim Norton | Senior Social Worker (Older People’s Community Team) | 685056 |
| David Griffiths | Senior Social Worker (Older People’s Hospital Team) | 686456 |
| DisabledGo Information |  | Terms & Conditions | ©2010 Crown Copyright |