What is the Crisis Support Service?

This service was established in 1997 and is jointly funded by Swindon Adult Social Care and Swindon Primary Care Trust. The main aim is to support people over the age of 65 who are facing a short-term medical crisis or whose carer is suddenly unable to continue caring for them. We offer a 365-day-a-year service and provide individually-tailored care in your own home.

Contact

The Crisis Support Team
Clarence House
Euclid Street
Swindon
SN1 2JH

Tel: 01793 466836 (office hours only)

Out of Hours Tel: 01793 541111

Who decides if I am eligible?

We respond to referrals from GPs who, having seen their patient, have decided that they can be treated safely at home rather than be admitted to hospital.

Patients being referred are normally visited within two hours by the district nurse or social worker.

The medical condition and social circumstances are assessed and the wishes of both patient and carer taken into full consideration.

An individualised care programme is then implemented immediately.

What does the service provide?

If the decision is made to provide care at home, a designated team of trained, experienced carers will visit at agreed intervals to provide assistance as required; although this remains a visiting service and does not provide 24-hour constant care within the home. Your own district nurse and GP will continue to visit as necessary.

What happens if it is unsafe for me to stay at home?

It may be more appropriate to offer residential/nursing care as an alternative to care at home. This care is a time of active recuperation and rehabilitation. During this time your needs will continue to be assessed in order to enable you to return to your previous level of independence as soon as possible.

How can I receive the service?

Whether you are cared for in your own home or in a residential/nursing home, the service will normally last for a maximum of ten days.

Is there any charge for the service?

All services are provided, whether in your own home or in a residential/nursing home, at no charge. If you stay at home and already have a care package, this will usually continue and you will pay for it as normal.

What happens if my condition changes?

During the ten days, the team will be monitoring your needs and adjusting the care accordingly. We may ask a consultant geriatrician to visit you. If your medical condition deteriorates, it may of course be necessary for you to be admitted to hospital.

How can the service help me keep my independence?

While you are receiving care, you may be contacted by the physiotherapist and occupational therapist from the Community Rehabilitation Team. They will discuss your needs and provide treatment, equipment and advice to enable you to maintain your independence. Therapy treatment may continue for up to six weeks, ie: after you have stopped receiving care from the Crisis Support Service.

Your views

We would welcome your comments. If you would like to give us your thoughts and ideas about this information or other Adult Social Care publication please contact:

Customer Liaison Officer
Tel: 01793 463496
E-mail: yourcommentscount@swindon.gov.uk

Printed leaflet

The information contained in this web page is also available in a printed leaflet. If you would like copies of this leaflet, or the same information in another format, please contact:

Customer Services
Tel: 01793 445500

The leaflet is also available as a downloadable pdf document:

Crisis Support Service