Choosing a care home can be a difficult decision. But help is at hand thanks to a new directory of care home providers in West Lothian, which was unveiled this week.
The aim of the directory – which was developed by West Lothian Community Health and Care Partnership and care home providers – is to provide quality information on each care home and guidance for an older person considering a move into care. It is also a valuable resource for family and carers who may be involved in the decision.
The development of the directory and the provision of local information also meets one of the key recommendations of the 2005 Office of Fair Trading report – Care Homes for Older People in the UK: A Market Study. The report specifically highlighted the need for people to have readily available information about local care home provision and services.
Bob Anderson, chair of West Lothian Community Health and Care Partnership (CHCP), commented: “We know that considering whether to move into care is one of the most significant decisions that a person and their family or carer will make. This new directory will provide key information in a consistent, standardised and accessible format to enable people to compare and contrast each care home, weekly fees and the services available.”
The CHCP’s Head of Social Policy, Grahame Blair added: “We know that choosing a care home can be a difficult and emotive decision. By providing all of the information in a way that is accessible and standardised the care home directory will help to make the process easier.”
The directory is available at local social work offices, all care homes, Carers of West Lothian and online at www.westlothianchcp.org.uk and www.westlothian.gov.uk
More information on the Community Health and Care Partnership, and health and social care services such as, OT, GP practices, dentists, dieticians, podiatry, services for adults with disabilities, mental health, services for older people, healthy eating and much more are now available online www.westlothianchcp.org.uk
Issued by: Elaine Henderson, PR development manager
Date: 25 April 2007
Fri, 27 Apr 2007 00:59:15
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