Advocacy Service

What is Advocacy?

The following are just some of the things we can do: -

• Support Older People through decision making situations, enabling them to be involved.
• Give emotional support during periods of adjustment to major change.
• Accompany Older People on visits to Care Homes, giving an independent overview to help when choosing a suitable home.
• Give an independent second opinion to ensure that the Older Person’s wishes are fully considered.
• Attend assessment meetings.
• Provide independent information.

What happens when you contact the Advocacy Service?

• Anyone may contact the Advocacy Service e.g. Older Person, their family, friends, carers and health professionals. If a referral is made:-
• The Older Person’s permission must be obtained before Age Concern can become involved.
• The problem is discussed with the Co-ordinator and an appropriate ‘Action Plan’ is formulated. (We are able to provide extra independent information in most cases. This is sometimes all that is required).*
• The Co-ordinator will need to consult with others, usually professionals involved in the case. This will be made clear at the outset of the involvement of the Advocacy Service.
• The Co-ordinator will visit the older person and/or anyone else involved, as required.
• The ‘Action Plan’ is reviewed.* If it appears that it may take some time to resolve a particular situation, a volunteer will be assigned to keep contact with the Older Person and assist where appropriate. The volunteer and Co-ordinator will work together to ensure all is well.

• When the situation is resolved the Advocacy Service can withdraw and begin new cases. As every case is unique, there will be variations to the above.

* Even if a case appears to be resolved, we remain in contact. A volunteer will telephone from time to time to ensure all is still well. This will continue until all is happily settled. Should we be required we will be happy to respond again.

Some things we have done:

• Assisted hospital patients and their families in finding residential care, working together with Health Professionals by providing independent information, emotional support and, sometimes, practical help.
• Resolved a family dispute so a lady could remain in the residential home of her choice.
• Assisted care staff to re-focus social activity to help an older resident be more cheerful.
• Assisted with the relocation of a disruptive resident, helping ensure the new home could provide all she required.
• Found a light bulb so a resident could read in his room. A simple solution to a larger conflict.