Within any care package there is usually a team of people involved including the service user, this can include a family member, a social worker, GP, District nurse, care provider etc. The team will always be working towards providing a package or care or level of service that maintains a service users independance and dignity, gives a service user choice and maintains or improves the service users quality of life. Each team member regardless of their area of expertise are a valuble part of the team for each individual. The team as a whole must communicate well, be supportive, be observant and know when to consult others.
GP - a GP plays a key role in the care of a service user that. A GP should always be kept informed of any changes in a service users condition and any changes relevant to the health and wellbeing of a service user. Starcare Ltd ensures through our communication system that any changes are reported to the service users GP. A GP can make a referral to other services where necessary to assist the service user and or support worker where the service users condition changes eg: District Nurse, Physiotherapist etc.
District Nurse - Where a District Nurse is involved with a service users, they are usually part of the team involved in the care of the service user. Starcare Ltd staff will act upon any recommendations made by the District Nurse regarding improving care provision for a service user. Through Starcare Ltd communication sytems we will always keep a District Nurse up to date with a service users condition and take advice where needed in any matter regarding a service users health, including skin care, dressings, medication, continence aids.
CPN Community Psychiatiric Nurse) - A CPN has received specialised training in Mental Health Issues, an individual's mental health often depends on home circumstances or family relationships, a CPN will make home visits and can assist where service users need regular medication or injections to minimise the need for the service user to go to hospital or the GP surgery. Where nesessary Starcare Ltd will contact the CPN if from observations of a service user and behaviour that raise concern to seek advice and or assistance. The CPN is a valuble team member and will give advice on caring for service users with deteriorating mental health condtions. The CPN will also support family members who care for people with mental health issues.
Social Worker - A social worker will assist service users and their family's in the development of a care package. A social worker is employed by local social services and will be assigned to a service user where a referral is made, a referral can be made through various chanels including through a family member, friend, GP, District Nurse or from a care provider due to a change in a service users condition. A social worker is can also be a care manager or case manager within a service users care package, they will where necessary arrange a care package for a service user they take responsibility for allocating the recouses for care provision, this may be where a care package is paid totally by social services or require some financial payment or will be payable totally by a service user. This depends on each individuals financial position and usally denpends on a financial assesment. A social worker will also monitor the standard of service you are receiving to ensure that relevant and a high standard of care is provided. Should you not be happy with any aspect of your care you can contact you social worker regarding these matters.
OT (Occupational Therapist) - An Occupational Therapists role includes helping people to undertake everyday living tasks, with as much independance as possible. OT's are employed both in the Health and Social Service department. An OT has expertise in assisting people who have impairments and disabilities. Through their knowledge and understanding of the physical, neurological and psychological workings people. They are able to advise and provide methods or aids / adaptions to compensate for functions which a service user has lost or is having difficulty with.
Physiotherapist - Physiotherapists have expertise in matters of mobility and movement. Many Physiotherapist work in the community to assist people to maximise their abilities at home. Even where a person is not mobile ie: they cannot get around on their own, they usually have movement of an arm, leg, hand or finger and this movement can be put to good purpose in daily living with the advice and guidance of a Physiotherapist. A Physiotherapist will also advise or train carers / support workers in special individual requirements of a service user.