Other sources of information about care and funding
This page covers:
• The importance of getting help from a wide range of people and places
• Websites and charities that people found helpful and why
• How local communities and groups helped
People told us that they got a lot of information and advice from charities. Some of that information was through speaking to advisers on the phone, at drop-in centres or group meetings, and some was from the internet. Some people said they had help through their work or benevolent societies such trade guilds or the armed forces. No one said that they felt there was one right place to start. When Jane looked for a care home in an area where she had a lot of friends, she started by asking those friends, but when she looked for one in another area where she had fewer friends, she started with the internet.
Compared to a clinical trial, Derek is happy with the activities involved in his cohort study and doesn’t feel there are any risks.
People told us that finding the right information on the internet at the right time was quite hard. They said that part of the problem was that there was so much information to work through. They also said some information wasn’t there. For example, Hazel told us she had tried to compare online recommendations for two care homes but one had only just opened so didn’t have any recommendations.
The websites people told us they used to find information about care and paying for care were usually websites of charities that focused on a condition like dementia, such as the Alzheimer’s Society. Some people said it was good even for people without dementia, while other people said it was better to look at websites like Age UK or the Carers Trust because they were for anyone. People also said that Citizen’s Advice was very helpful. Some people told us government websites were excellent while others preferred the charities.
As well as online information, people described their local charity groups and networks as very helpful. Sometimes these groups brought people together to share experiences. Some local groups arranged for volunteers to take the older people needing care out for the day. Jennifer told us about experts in her local area who were trained in providing information to people about help and support in their communities but Paula picked up her information from other carers.
After Ronald was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), he was asked to take part in an eyesight survey which involved him going to the hospital each week for eye tests.
A couple of people said they liked to print out relevant information to keep track of it. Tracey said she would like a ‘Trip Advisor for care homes’.
Jackie and Gary said the most important thing was to get help rather than try to do everything on your own.