Case study

Doris Clark is 73 and she lives with her husband.

Eve Roach, field co-ordinator for first Contact got in touch with Mrs Clark after hearing about her circumstances from a friend. Eve visited Mrs Clark to find out if first contact could provide services to make life at home easier.

Eve quickly realised that there were four services that could help- the local pension service, transport, age concern Lindsey and share the care.

The agencies contacted Mrs Clark within 28 days of the referral and provided her with information and advice on their services.

Share the Care

Mrs Clark cares for her husband and asked for some information and support that would benefit her in her caring role. The Share the Care worker put referrals through to Adult Social Care for an alteration to the steps to and from their home and a referral was also made to the British Legion for funding for some other alterations to the property. The Share the Care worker looked into additional funding to help pay for a break in the near future.

Age Concern

Mrs Clark wanted to know if there was a night sitting service that Age Concern Provides. There was a service that is £9.50 per hour but this was more than she wanted to pay at present. Age Concern left their details with her for future reference.

Accessibility Team

Mrs Clark was concerned as she was unaware of the transport links in her local area and this was causing a problem. A transport information pack that is tailored to her local area needs was produced by Lincolnshire County Council. The pack included information on local bus time tables, Dial a Ride, Call Connect and Voluntary Car Schemes.

Mrs Clark said’ I used the Voluntary Car Schemes to visit my husband when he was in Hospital which halved the cost. It was a lifeline as I felt I couldn’t ask friends and neighbours to help in the long-term’

Pensions

Mrs Clark wanted to know if she was entitled to any more benefits. At the present moment she was not entitled to any further pension support.

Mrs Clark’s overall view of the Scheme.

‘First Contact was a great help to me at a time when I needed it the most. I had no idea there was such a range of help and support, never mind how to contact them. It was great to know that someone can visit at home and take some of the strain of caring for a loved one. I found the checklist questions simple and all agencies contacted me at home within 28 days’

Mr’s Clark also said she thinks the scheme is a wonderful idea and I would not hesitate to use it in the future: ‘It is so comforting to know that there is such help available.’ she explained.

Since this, Mrs Clark has received a Home Fire Safety Check and smoke alarms fitted by Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue fire safety Advocates.

First Contact Helpline: 01522 782 172

(8.45 am to 5.15pm between Monday to Thursday and 8.45am to 4.45pm on Friday)