Healthwatch Rochdale host first forum care home information day

Healthwatch Rochdale recently hosted its first forum of 2019, with the theme of ‘Choosing a Care Home’ at the Lighthouse Project in Middleton.

The aim of the event was to provide members of the public with information about what they should be looking for when choosing a care home. Guest speakers included Clare Gardner and Fiona Love Roberts from Rochdale Adult Social Care and Moni Noszkay from Rochdale Advocacy Together Hub.

Team members from Rochdale Adult Social Care presented information on what to look for when choosing a care home and where to look for information, help and advice, including other organisations that can help. The council website has their own Choosing a Care Home information page and newly produced leaflets will be available in public places to help those who do not access online.

Rochdale Advocacy Together Hub presented information regarding the Deprivations of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), which are safeguards that aim to make sure that people being cared for in care homes and hospitals aren't being deprived of their freedom inappropriately.

They also provided information on how the role of a relevant person representative (RPR) from the advocacy service can represent and support a person subject to a DoLS.

Kate Jones, Healthwatch Rochdale Chief Executive Officer, said “Part of our statutory role is to provide information and advice to members of the public. We have previously received enquiries from people asking us what they should look for when choosing a care home and so we put on this information day to help answer their questions.

“Our guest speakers were chosen for their knowledge in the area and we hope that everybody left the event feeling more informed and confident about choosing a care home.”

Tracey Harrison, Rochdale Borough Council’s assistant director for commissioning, public health and adult care, said: “We were pleased to attend this important event, to showcase our services and discuss the key things people should look for when choosing a care home for loved ones.

“Over 80% of care homes across the borough are rated as good or better by the Care Quality Commission, so there are plenty of high-quality homes for people to choose from.

“A huge thanks to Healthwatch for inviting us to such an interesting and informative afternoon.”

Healthwatch’s next forum will take place in January and will be held in Rochdale. Information will be provided from Springhill Hospice on advanced care planning and The Alzheimer’s Society will be holding a dementia friends training session.

If you have any questions or would like further details on the upcoming forum then you can contact Healthwatch by emailing: info@healthwatchrochdale.org.uk

For more information about care homes in Rochdale, please visit:

• www.rochdale.gov.uk/carehomes