CAREdirect
- Information for older people
About
CAREdirect
CAREdirect
is a new service being developed by the Department of Health in
partnership with some local councils for people aged 60 years and
older and their carers and relatives. Its aim is to make it easier
for older people to get information and help when they need it.
CAREdirect can help you get in touch with the organisations that
provide social care, health, housing and social security benefits.
CAREdirect
is the result of consultation with older people, carers, their representative
organisations and service providers from across the public, voluntary
and private sectors including:
- UK
Home Care Association
- Local
Government Association
- Royal
College of Nursing
- Carers
National Association
- National
Housing Federation
- Housing
Corporation
- Association
of Directors of Social Services
- Community
District Nursing Association
- Age
Concern
- Help
the Aged
- National
Centre for Independent Living
- Royal
National Institute for the Blind
CAREdirect
is currently being tried in pilot schemes in the South West of England.
The new service is now available in Plymouth, Somerset, Bournemouth,
Gloucestershire, Bristol and Devon.
CAREdirect
key elements
1.
The 0800 444 000 FREEPHONE number
This is a single telephone number that can be used to put you
in touch with the CAREdirect service. Calls to the CAREdirect Freephone
number do not cost anything unless you phone from a mobile phone.
It will connect you to trained staff who can provide you with information,
help and other details of local and national services.
2.
Local Help-Desks
If you are an older person, or someone who cares for an older
person, who lives in a CAREdirect pilot area then you can arrange
to see a CAREdirect adviser in person to get local information and
practical help. For example, your local help-desk can help you make
appointments, and give you help in completing forms.
To
find out how you can see a helpdesk adviser please ring FREEPHONE
0800 444 000
©
Crown copyright
2003
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