Senior support services can cover everything from single items of equipment to help an older person maintain their general mobility to a complex range of coordinated services delivered by a number of service providers to deal with several different problems. Support needs may include both physical and mental problems that either may develop suddenly or emerge slowly over time.
Your approach to finding out about support services will depend on whether you yourself need the help, or it is for your partner, spouse, or parent, or someone more removed such as a neighbour or friend. If it is for another person, you need to discuss the issue with them at the outset to obtain their permission to do some research on their behalf, and also to avoid making assumptions about what type of support would be helpful or appropriate. Your views and those of the person needing the assistance may vary wildly; although this may flag up the need for future negotiation you need to be aware of this at the outset.
Start your research by speaking to a doctor or other medical advisor. If you are looking for help and support for someone else you will no doubt need to ensure that they themselves are present in order for the doctor to be able to discuss the issues with you. This conversation will help all of you gain some insight into what the problem is, how long it is likely to continue, whether it is likely to get worse, and what might be a possible range of solutions.
Acting on the advice you have received, contact a range of solutions providers and establish what they can do, what it involves, and how much, if at all it will cost. Make careful notes. Even if you decide you don’t need a particular type of service now, it may be something you will need at a future date. If their solution sounds appropriate, particularly if they are a commercial organization, ask them if you can speak to customers who have used their service or product to get some feedback.
Where possible contact both local government departments and other public sector service suppliers and commercial organizations to compare what is on offer. Become as knowledgable as possible by visiting specialist websites and reading books relating to particular ailments or conditions and ageing in general. Ask other people such as neighbours and colleagues who you know have senior care responsibilities for their tips and recommendations.Remember, whatever the issue, someone – somewhere – probably will have dealt with it before.
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