Even if you don’t think of yourself as a carer, if you take care of someone with a disability due to their mental or physical health, you are one and you may be entitled to emotional, practical and financial support. At True Homecare, we’re here to help you access the support you need.
Respite Care
Whether you’re a fulltime carer looking to take a break or you need some added support after leaving hospital, our respite services could be an ideal choice for you.
It is vital for people to take time out and focus on themselves sometimes, especially when they’re caring for someone else. Taking care of others can be emotionally, mentally and physically draining so it’s important to be able to take breaks when you need it. This is why we provide respite care to give our clients the peace of mind that their loved one is in great hands while they take some time for themselves. We always aim to exceed the Care Quality Commission standards and take pride in going above and beyond to ensure our clients receive the service they need.
No matter how long you’ve been in hospital, it can be daunting to feel like you’ll be isolated and without help when you return home. True Homecare’s respite care gives you that helping hand you need to get back to your old self and get back on your feet. Regain your independence safe in the knowledge that everything is being taken care of and you have a team supporting you in every stage of your recovery.
If you’re based in Stockport, Wilmslow, or the surrounding areas and think that our respite care services could benefit you and your family, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today. We’re a friendly, approachable team with a passion for what we do. We take pride in exceeding expectations and providing our clients with a totally
personalised care package that focuses on their needs.
Useful Information in Community
At True Homecare, we believe in taking a proactive approach to health and wellbeing. This is why we’ve collated information that can help our clients ensure they have the best possible quality of life. We’re dedicated to going above and beyond and supporting clients in making the right decisions for their physical and mental health as well as their finances.
In addition to this list, our team is always happy to do what we can to help so don’t hesitate to contact us and see how we can support you.
Keeping the Mind and Body Healthy
It’s always important to contact your GP if you have concerns about your health and attend any medical appointments. Some services may be operating slightly differently due to COVID-19 so it’s always wise to check before going to any appointment.
- The Healthy Stockport website has information and support to help you stay fit and healthy both physically and mentally. It includes tips and activities to help you get more active and move more, which is great for physical and mental health. There is also practical advice on what you can do to prevent falls and fractures and keep your bones strong. It also has information to help you manage and take care of yourself if you have a long-term health condition. www.healthystockport.co.uk.
- Eating and drinking Nutrition is vital component of staying healthy. Eating and drinking enough to stay healthy can be difficult so visit www.ageuk.org.uk/salford/about-us/improving-nutrition-and-hydration or call 0161 480 1211 for advice.
- Memory If you’re concerned about your memory, make sure you speak to your GP. Alzheimer’s Society provides free information and support. Visit www.alzheimers.org.uk, email [email protected] or call 01614776999 to learn more.
Keeping well mentally is a crucial component of your overall health. We want to help ensure that you have access to the range of information, self-help resources, peer and local support available to keep you well mentally and can reach out to when you’re not feeling okay.
- Open Door is a mental health helpline available 24/7. Call 0161 549 9717 or
- 0800 138 7276. You can also drop into our daytime Safe Haven at 72-74 Prince’s Street, Stockport Town Centre. Email [email protected].
- Viaduct’s Wellbeing and Self-Care Team offers support for people around mental wellbeing and loneliness. They also support people with long-term physical health conditions. To access this service, speak to your GP.
- NESTAC provide a Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic communities support line on 07862 279289 / 07894 126157 or email [email protected].
- Stand TALL (Tackling Abuse in Later Life) is for people aged 55+ experiencing domestic abuse and for people concerned that someone they know is experiencing domestic abuse and violence. Contact [email protected] or call 0161 477 4294.
Keeping warm and well is a hugely important part of keeping healthy especially in the winter months. It can help prevent colds, flu and more seriously health issues and conditions. Eating well ensures you have energy, which will also keep you warm. Try and have regular hot meals and drinks throughout the day.
Other resources for keeping warm and well:
- Stockport Council provides advice and information, including how to access help with fuel bills www.stockport.gov.uk/keeping-warm-and-well-in-winter.
- Local Energy Advice Partnership offers free support and simple energy saving measures www.applyforleap.org.uk, 0800 060 7567.
Keeping your mind active through learning not only keeps your mind active, it’s also a great way to meet new friends.
Adult education resources
- U3A (University of the Third Age) brings together people in their ‘third age’. This is a great resource for people looking to develop their interests and continue learning. Find out more at https://u3asites.org.uk/north-west/members.
- Stockport Culture Champions supports those 50+ with a passion for art, music, dance, theatre, heritage, craft, or film. For more information, email [email protected] or call 0161 480 7731.
Keeping engaged with others is always important, but even more so during the pandemic. We might need to find slightly different ways to look out for each other but it’s vital that we engage with others.
Libraries, leisure centres and community buildings are following Government guidance for users’ safety. If you’re involved in a community group, contact the group leader to see when they are meeting again.
Take the time to say “hello” when you see people. Phone friends and family. Others may have been shielding or isolating and will be glad to speak to someone.
Other resources to keep engaged with others:
- Stockport Homes has information about age friendly activities and events where you can meet new people, learn new skills and get involved with your local community. You don’t need to be a tenant to access this information. Visit www.stockporthomes.org/community or call 0161 474 3335.
- Healthwatch Stockport can link anyone looking to volunteer with local organisations. They also run a PenPal scheme where you can correspond by letter with a PenPal. For more information, visit www.healthwatchstockport.co.uk, email [email protected] or call 0161 974 0753.
Keeping financially healthy can feel difficult, especially in today’s cost of living crisis. There is a range of free financial information available to ensure you’re accessing the resources available to you.
There is a variety of free financial information and advice to help you, for example:
- Citizens Advice Stockport offers free, confidential, independent, and impartial advice and information. Visit www.casort.org, call 0300 330 9073 or visit Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 5:30pm.
- Shelter Manchester provides housing advice. For more information visit england.shelter.org.uk, or call 0344 515 1640.
It is important to be aware of scams. These are some of the warning signs of a scam:
- Something seems too good to be true.
- Someone you don’t know contacts you unexpectedly.
- You suspect you’re not dealing with a real company.
- You’ve been asked to transfer money quickly.
- You’ve been asked to pay in an unusual way.
- You’ve been asked to give away personal information.
- You haven’t had written confirmation of what’s been agreed.
If the interaction doesn’t feel right, end it. For example, if someone has called saying they’re from the bank, but you’re not sure, hang up and call your bank directly.
Keep independent with support at home, in the community and with transport. The Wellbeing and Independence Network (WIN) helps ensure people can maintain as much independence as possible without having to sacrifice their safety, activities or social life. Learn more at www.winstockport.co.uk.
- Age UK Stockport deliver WIN at Home offering support in and around the home, enabling people to continue living in their own homes, independently and safely. They also provide home safety checks and advice on any adaptations. For more information call 0161 480 1211.
- Pure Innovations deliver WIN In The Community, supporting people to take part in a wide variety of social, civic, leisure, learning, work, or volunteering opportunities. For more information, call 0161 804 4416.
- Stockport Car Schemes deliver WIN Community Transport by organising and providing journeys for adults who are unable to use public transport. For more information call 0161 476 2812.
- Age UK Stockport provides information and advice.
Find more information: www.ageuk.org.uk/stockport. email [email protected], 0161 477 1213. - Signpost for Carers provides free, confidential information and support to unpaid carers of all ages. Find more information: www.signpostforcarers.org.uk, 0161 442 0442.
- The Prevention Alliance (TPA) provide information, advice and guidance and can work with you on a one-to-one basis to improve your health and wellbeing.
Find more information: www.stockporttpa.co.uk, 0161 474 1042. - Housing Options for Older People’s Officer provides advice and information on housing and care options.
Find more information: www.stockporthomes.org/hoop, 0161 217 6016. - Walthew House provides support for people who are blind, visually impaired, hard of hearing or have dual sensory loss.
Find more information: www.walthewhouse.org.uk, 0161 480 2612 or text 07980 507884. - Disability Stockport provides information, advice, and practical support to residents with disability or sensory loss.
Find more information: www.disabilitystockport.co.uk, 0161 474 8283. - Stockport Advocacy supports people who are at risk of social exclusion to have their voices heard. Find more information: www.stockportadvocacy.org.uk, 0161 480 8979.
- LGBT Foundation helpline offers support and advice to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities.
Find more information: 0345 330 3030 or email [email protected] - Stockport Stroke Support Group provides mutual support.
Find more information: www.stroke.org.uk, 0303 3033 100.
Other support available in Stockport includes: