There are large increases expected in 65+ population in Buckinghamshire over the next 20 years. As our elderly population lives longer, healthier lives, it is also expected that the Bucks carer population (10%) will also increase. Therefore, being able to navigate the health and social care services quickly is really important. In this guide you can find an overview of the elderly care services in Buckinghamshire, supplied by the NHS and local councils.
Milton Keynes acts an independent local authority, separate from Buckinghamshire Council. This is key to remember when searching for health and social care serves as they will often be run by a different authority to the rest of the county.
- NHS Services in Buckinghamshire
- Buckinghamshire's Major Hospitals
- Community Healthcare in Buckinghamshire
- Find a GP
- Buckinghamshire Social Care
- Finding Care Services in your Area
- Booking a Care Needs Assessment in Buckinghamshire
- Mental Health Services across Buckinghamshire
- Home Care in Buckinghamshire
NHS Services for the Elderly in Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire’s health body (Integrated Care System, ICS) is part of the wider Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Sustainable Transformation Partnership (STP). What does all this mean? Well it simply means that Bucks NHS services, Bucks Council and the South Central Ambulance Service are all managed by the same group – the idea being to streamline services and help them interact better with each other.
For Milton Keynes Health Services, the larger group responsible is the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes ICS, which governs Milton Keynes University NHS Trust, East of England and South Central Ambulance Services, and Milton Keynes Council.
What really matters to you will be the services you have direct contact with: the hospitals, community care centres, and social services – but it is worth knowing who manages them all, so you can get a better idea of where everything fits in the system.
Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Major Hospitals
Across the two regions there are 2 major hospitals, although it is worth noting that the central location of Buckinghamshire means that a large general hospital is never too far away over county border lines in any direction. Click on any hospital below to be taken to their independently assessed Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating.
Community Healthcare in Buckinghamshire
On a more local level there are 6 community hospitals operated by Buckinghamshire NHS Trust. Similarly, clicking on a hospital below will take you to it’s CQC rating. Of special note is Amersham Hospital, which stands as Bucks main centre for elderly services, and Wycombe Hospital which has a specialised stroke care unit.
Over 75s Community Nursing Project
Knowing that the older generation is not only most at risk from complicated health conditions, but is also the least likely to be able to get themselves to a hospital, the Over 75s Community Nursing Project hopes to connect the elderly to healthcare services as close to home as possible. The nurses who run this project specialise in elderly care and are very knowledgeable of the normal ageing process and the services available in the area. To find out more about the community nurses in your area, talk to your local GP.
Finding a GP in Buckinghamshire
Getting your older relative set up with a GP they trust is important to do as soon as possible. For many, GPs will be the first point of contact for regular health check ups, but also often the first to know if there is a problem.
Find a GP by using the NHS GP search directory.
Local Authority Elderly Care Services in Buckinghamshire
Social Care services are funded and run by Buckinghamshire Council and Milton Keynes Council respectively. Both authorities will take responsibility for care needs assessments, resulting care plans, funding where applicable and more.
For some other services, such as day care centres, meal delivery services, community transport services, specialist stroke and dementia support groups, Age Space has collated the information you need, a lot of which won’t be found on the council websites.
Explore the councils’ websites by clicking the links below, or contact their respective social care teams using the contact details provided.
Buckinghamshire Council
- Buckinghamshire Social Care Website
- Telephone: 01296 383204
- Email: [email protected]
Milton Keynes Council
- Milton Keynes Social Care Website
- Telephone: 01908 253772
- Email: [email protected]
Healthwatch Bucks
There are over 140 local Healthwatch organisations set up across the country that work with local government to insure that the health and social care services work for the people that use them. In Bucks this mission is no different and the Healthwatch Bucks website acts as a fantastic resource for signposting to the health and social care services available in the county. Healthwatch Bucks also listens to Buckinghamshire residents to understand where the health and social care sector can improve, and then they work out the next steps to change it.
- Telephone: 01844 34 88 39
- Email: [email protected]
Searching for Elderly Care Services and Care Homes in Buckinghamshire
When searching for elderly care services, support groups and activities, it is important to search by whichever council your elderly lives in – Buckinghamshire or Milton Keynes. Both Councils have dedicated search directories for the care services they oversee, which you can find by following the links below.
To search for care homes visit Age Space’s guide to choosing a care home in Buckinghamshire.
Booking a Care Needs Assessment in Buckinghamshire
Booking a care needs assessment is different depending on which district your elderly relative lives in. Find out about the process and how to apply for a care needs assessment in Buckinghamshire by using our guide.
Specialist Mental Health Services for the Elderly in Buckinghamshire
When looking for mental health services it is important to start with a GP, as they will be able to narrow down the services available just to those your parent will actually benefit from. For further advice, information and support, there are a few additional services across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes that you might want to check out.
If you are a carer needing support, or you are looking for bereavement support in Buckinghamshire, follow the relevant link for more information.
Age UK Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes
Both Age UK branches in this region are dedicated to helping the elderly with loneliness, isolation, and through any other mental problems they might be experiencing. Follow the links below or call the number that relates to your region below to find out more and start a conversation with someone who can help make you and your parent’s life better and more enjoyable.
Age UK Bucks
- Age UK Bucks Website
- Telephone: 01296 431 911
Age UK Milton Keynes
- Age UK Milton Keynes
- Telephone: 01908 973720
Heads Up
This mental health service is specifically only for men, providing a toolbox to help increase happiness through a variety of ways. The service is available to residents of both Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire and you can even get an online check up on the site.
Healthy Minds
This NHS service has a goal to allow quick, easy access to mental health support, advice and talking therapies for a variety of different scenarios from anxiety to dealing with long term health conditions. Any one can self refer onto this scheme by calling 01865 901600, by going through the Healthy Minds website, or talking to their GP.
Bucks and Milton Keynes MIND
MIND is a charity dedicated to helping everyone through difficulties and mental health problems in their lives with a variety of different services. There are branches in both Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes and all of their services are community based. Visit the MIND website that relates to your region by clicking on the links below.
Home Care in Buckinghamshire
Home Care, or Domiciliary Care is professional care provided in the comfort of your own home. These services can allow your elderly relative to maintain the independence of living at home, whilst giving you the peace of mind that they’re being taken care of.
You can use Age Space’s own Home Care Directory to look for suitable home care that’s in your area. Search through our Buckinghamshire Home Care Directory here.
You may also find it convenient to find options from our dedicated Bedfordshire Home Care Directory, Oxfordshire Home Care Directory or Northamptonshire Home Care Directory if you live near to the border.
