Cheshire, like other counties, is experiencing an increase in population, in particular the rise of residents who are over the age of 85. As such, it’s incredibly important to be aware of all the support available. This is our “where to start” guide to elderly care services in Cheshire which is split into between Cheshire West & Chester and Cheshire East.
NHS Services & Charities
It is the responsibility of the Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) to oversee and organise GP practices in Cheshire and for planning health services to meet the needs of local people.
You can find the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and a list of GPs for your area by visiting the CCG’s ‘search’ page. Or to save you time, follow these helpful links below:
NHS Choices is the official website of the National Health Service in England. Throughout this website you will find articles, tips and videos to help you make informed medical choices about elderly care. Its useful postcode search engine makes it simple for you to find and compare health services in Cheshire.
The mission of the East Cheshire NHS Trust is to provide high-quality integrated services delivered by their highly-motivated staff. They are a community and acute trust serving a large population with over 2,500 staff working across the community and in their three hospital sites.
NHS England – Cheshire and Merseyside
Here you will find lists of CCGs, providers, Local Authorities, and Health and Wellbeing Boards included in each area of Cheshire, as well as their associated New Models of Care. This website really deserves the ‘good customer service’ award as it is constantly being reviewed and updated to provides the most up to date information.
Cheshire West and Chester Older Peoples network
The Older People’s Network is a user led organisation providing valuable information about council and other local services with its members.
Council Adult Care services
There may come a time when you think your parent might need some help at home, or perhaps it would be in their best interest to move out of their home and live in residential care. You can request a free care needs assessment from your local council which will help you identify the support your parent needs based on their individual circumstances.
We believe you will find the following links helpful:
- Cheshire West and Chester social care assessment
- Cheshire East social care assessment
- Cheshire West and Chester health and social care
Live Well Cheshire East provides a wealth of information and advice to help your parent maintain their wellbeing and improve the choice and control over their care and support needed. The Live Well Cheshire East’s resource directory will guide you round the available support in your local area.
Choosing Care
There are so many options available and we understand that it can be confusing to identify what is available and what is right for your parent. The Care Choices North West is an up to date directory of local social care services. You can search by postcode to find elderly care options near you with detailed service information, including CQC ratings.
You can also source information from The UK Care Guide which brings together all aspects of care. They cover topics such as:
- Finding your parent a residential or home care provider
- How much your parent’s care will cost
- Helping you find professionals that can help pay for the care
- Providing access to a shop where you can buy discounted care products
- Health and wellbeing information
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of all health and care services in England, including hospitals, care homes and GP surgeries. They monitor services, register providers and protect service users. Using their website you can view any care provider’s service ratings and inspection reports for an independent quality evaluation.
Dementia Support
Dementia affects people in different ways and caring for a parent with dementia can be distressing for everyone involved. The impact can be physical and emotional and completely change the practicalities of everyday life.
There are many different types of dementia, of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common.
Alzheimer’s Society, the UK’s leading dementia charity, has published a handy online directory of dementia services throughout the UK. You can enter your postcode to find public, independent and voluntary services in Cheshire to suit your parent’s personal needs.
Support for dementia is also available through your local council and social services:
