Introduction

Advice

Counsel and Care's advice work team works over the telephone and by letter backed up by a range of well researched and regularly updated fact sheets. We are able to advise on a wide range of subjects such as welfare benefits, accommodation, residential care, Community Care and hospital discharge. We will if necessary advocate on an older person's behalf with a wide range of agencies.

Grants

We administer a number of trust funds from which single payments can be made for items such as telephone installations, household goods and holidays. As the amount needed is often substantial, we can also advise about and liaise with other charities who may be able to help. To ensure that Counsel and Care's funds are used only where essential, we give thorough advice on any statutory help available to older people and carers. We can also advise on sources of charitable help toward home fees.

Home care

The Advice Workers are able to advise individuals on private and voluntary employment or nursing agencies throughout the country using our extensive computer database.

Greater London Nursing home suggestion service

Counsel and Care's advice workers visit registered private and voluntary nursing homes in the Greater London area. From the information that we collect we may be able to suggest homes on an individual basis and to advise people of the suitability of particular homes. For those looking for a residential care home we can also supply lists of residential homes in London boroughs. For those outside London we can advise on appropriate sources of local information on homes and what to look for in selecting a home.

Other work at Counsel and Care

Research and campaigning: We have undertaken research, published reports of the findings and campaigned on such issues as depression, elder abuse, death and dying, privacy and restraint.

Training and conferences: The training department can provide tailor made courses for organisations on topics such as community care, welfare benefits, paying for residential care and good practice in residential care and nursing homes. Fees are negotiable. The department also organises conferences on a variety of issues for those involved in the care of older people.

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