The cost of care is not something we are always prepared for, and in the midst of a cost of living crisis, it can feel even more hopeless than usual. We understand the stress that comes with trying to find affordable care for the ones you love that still offers excellent quality and will give you the peace of mind that they are being looked after properly.
This is why we work with Perth and Kinross Council, our local council, to help provide care for those who need it most. However, we also know that looking for resources and information on how your local council can help can be overwhelming. We’d like to take some of the weight off your shoulders and help provide you with the key facts you need to get started.
How Perth and Kinross Council Works with Home Care
The way in which home care assistance works is that you must first ensure you meet the eligibility criteria that they have set out on their website. This will let you know if you are eligible for council-funded home care and will allow you to move on to the next step.
The council will then determine how much care you need, and this will include examining your individual needs and routines as well as what your home care staff will be able to assist you with. General speaking, this will include (but is not limited to) the following:
- Getting up
- Getting dressed
- Getting undressed
- Going to bed
- Personal hygiene
- Laundry
- Minor housework
It should be noted that tasks like the latter two on the list tend to be part of a more complex package for those with more severe restrictions and needs. These packages usually include assistance with meals and handling money (such as collecting pensions, shopping, and paying bills).
Usually, this kind of care is achieved through a referral from a GP, who will then put you through to a social worker. However, it is also possible to contact Perth and Kinross Council directly.
How Perth and Kinross Council Works with Day Care
Day services exist to help people maintain their independence even if they are struggling with their mobility or health. It offers essential social opportunities for older people, giving them the opportunity to meet other people who are around their age and engage in social activities.
These activities will usually take place in a day centre, but they can also be located within the community alongside support from the council care workers. Once again, this is a service that tends to be referred by a GP or a social worker. However, it is possible to contact the council directly if you are struggling to get anywhere with either of those options.
How Perth and Kinross Council Works with Kinship Care
Kinship care is a little different, and it refers to a family member or friend who is caring for a child or young person on a daily basis. In order to be approved, you will need to be assessed. However, Perth and Kinross Council have an excellent Family Based Care Team that will be there to support you throughout the process.
There are allowances provided for kinship carers that will depend on the age of the child or young person that you are caring for. Additionally, there is emotional and practical support available for those who are classed as informal kinship carers (which is where you are caring for a relative via a private arrangement with your family).
There is also plenty of assistance provided for those who are seeking approval as a kinship carer, and this is offered in the case of a child being Looked After or one who is at risk of being Looked After. In this case, the support provided is primarily emotional and practice, but there are some situations where this can also become financial aid.
It can feel like a very stressful and overwhelming situation to be in, but Perth and Kinross Council have a fantastic Family Based Care Team that isn’t just available for those who are applying for financial aid. Any questions or concerns you have about kinship care can be answered directly when you contact them.
Working with Perth and Kinross Council
We make sure to maintain a strong relationship with Perth and Kinross Council. This is both in regard to the care process as well as any complaints or concerns you might have. We never want you to feel as though you can’t raise concerns with us, but should you feel unable to, you always have access to your Council Care Manager, who is separate from our organisation.
Similarly, we worked closely with Perth and Kinross Council throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and we still ensure that we take all necessary measures to keep you and your loved ones safe. This includes following all Health Protection Scotland coronavirus guidance and working to limit the risk of cross-contamination where possible.
However, the pandemic and Brexit have led to staff shortages across the country in all industries. This includes the care sector, and as a result, we may not always be able to honour gender requests for carers that come to visit you. In these cases, we have been working with the council to try and fill roles when needed so that all of our patients feel safe and happy.
To Conclude
We hope that this has been able to ease your mind and give you plenty of information to get started in your search for care. Perth and Kinross Council are exceptionally helpful and sure to be able to assist you with anything you need in order to get started.
At Kippen Care, you always come first. If you have any questions or concerns, make sure you get in touch so that we can help you through it. We are always on hand to guide you through the process if you’re feeling unsure or don’t know which path to take. We’re just a phone call or email away.