Bath & North East Somerset Council is committed to supporting carers.  A carer is someone who looks after a person at home who is ill, frail or disabled,  who is not a paid care worker or volunteer.  We know that carers often carry a considerable weight of responsibility and worry about what would happen if a sudden emergency arose which meant they were temporarily unable to carry on caring.

Adult Social and Housing Services will provide care in an emergency for up to 72 hours to enable someone to stay safely in their own home until either the emergency is over or alternative arrangements can be made.  If care at home is not safe or appropriate, short term (72 hours) residential care can be provided in a registered care home.

The carer need not necessarily be ill or totally prevented from caring.  For example a sudden loss of support normally provided by others, resulting in a greater stress on the carer, could qualify for help.  

What kind of help is available?

The service is provided by trained staff who would provide the same kind of care that a caring relative provides.  This might include help with dressing, toileting, washing, food preparation, help with eating and drinking and generally keeping the person warm, safe and comfortable.   Other more specialised services such as community nursing can be called on if needed. Staff are trained to use hoists and other care equipment.  In some circumstances two staff will be provided to cover Health and Safety requirements.

Who will provide care?

Trained staff from a registered domiciliary care agency.  All providers must meet the standards of the Commission for Social Care Inspection which is the body responsible for inspection and regulation of domiciliary care.  For more information please see www.csci.org.uk

Is there a charge for the service?

There is no charge for care provided in an emergency until other arrangements can be made, for a maximum of 72 hours.  If the care is needed after that time, the Council’s normal charging arrangements will apply.   You will be given information about any charges and be offered a Financial Assessment if this is the case. 

What the Service does NOT cover

The service is not intended to be a substitute for normal respite care or short breaks from caring to cover non-emergency situations, such as the carer wishing to take part in social occasions, work or hobbies.

 The Emergency Respite Service will only cover care that is necessary to safeguard the person’s health, welfare and dignity.   Therefore the level of help received will be different for different people according to need as assessed by us.  

What about getting a break when it isn’t an emergency?

All carers should be able to choose how much caring and what caring tasks they undertake. If you are a carer and are not getting a regular break from caring we recommend you talk to us about what help may be available.  Contact the Adult Duty Team on 01225 477000.   You can also receive information and other kinds of support from The Care Network, 1 Riverside Cottage, Radstock, Bath. BA3 3PS.  Tel 01761 431388.

 All carers who provide a substantial amount of care on a regular basis are eligible:

• to have an assessment of their needs from Social Services and
• to receive information and advice regardless of their financial means.
• Depending on meeting certain conditions, carers may be eligible to receive services to support them in their caring role.

Many people find the assessment helpful in itself, as it gives an opportunity to discuss their thoughts and wishes with a sympathetic and knowledgeable person, in confidence. 

How you can help us provide the best service – ask for an assessment.

We can provide a better emergency service if we already have information about you and the person you look after.   We recommend that you and the person you care for have an assessment and record an emergency plan, which we can then hold on record.  You would also hold a copy at home.  In the case of an emergency you, a relative or someone like a nurse can contact one of two contact telephone numbers. 

The worker would also talk to you about making alternative arrangements, possibly with the help of family friends or neighbours, and recording what they might be able to do and how they would be contacted if the need arose.

An assessment may highlight other needs that are eligible for help from Social Services.

You will be given a file with copies of your assessments and careplan to keep at home in a prominent place. 

Please note that having an assessment in itself does not guarantee provision of the service, it will be necessary to show that the situation is an emergency.  However in most cases this is not in doubt.  For full eligibility criteria contact the Adult Duty Team on 01225 477000 or look at http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/BathNES/healthandsocial/carers/default.htm

Having an Emergency Careplan

We will offer to help you create an Emergency plan if you wish. You do not need to be receiving other services from Social Services in order to get help with this.

If you would rather, you can approach The Care Network, a local carers organisation, whose Carers Support workers can help you with a wide range of carers issues including emergency planning.  You can contact The Care Network on 01761 431388 or email carerssupport@thecarenetwork.co.uk.

An emergency plan should ideally set out all the relevant arrangements, such as people who have agreed to help, what they can do and their contact telephone numbers.    It would record in detail what help the person needs and what they can do for themselves, and what kind of professional help is needed if any.

What happens when the Emergency Respite Service ends?

At the end of the emergency period, if further help is needed, a social worker can help to set up alternative care arrangements if these are necessary.   If further care is to be provided through Social Services it may be chargeable according to your circumstances.  However you may be able to arrange for alternative help through family or friends.

How would I be able to contact the Service?

This is a service which can be contacted through two access points, on a 24 hour basis. Anyone, professional or lay person can make a referral to these numbers:

• Office Hours - Monday to Friday 8.30 am until 5.00 pm ( 4.30 on Fridays) :  Adult Duty Team  01225 396231
• Out of office Hours:  Emergency Duty Team 01454 615165

Useful Telephone Numbers

If you have any further questions, or would like an assessment, please contact the Adult Duty Team on 01225 477000. 

The Care Network:  01761 431388 - Information advice and support for carers

Rethink Carers Service 0117 986 4706 - Specialist Information and support for people caring for someone with a mental illness.