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When entering residential care, where individuals may have to give up their “home” and they may feel a lack of personal control, the trauma cannot be overstated. This can give rise to feelings of helplessness and of losing independence and control over their affairs. Consequently it is the role of the Advocate to help by acting as a conduit for each new Resident’s needs and concerns. It is also the Advocate’s role to ensure that all Residents are treated fairly, equitably and with dignity and that their wishes continue to be heard throughout their stay at the Home.
The aim of the service is……
- To represent the care home resident [service user].
- To ensure their choice, wishes and interests are heard.
- Not to judge; advocates simply reflect the care home resident’s wishes.
- Free – Confidential – Impartial - Independent.
- To review the service provisions on a 6 monthly or annual basis.
An Advocate will always try to ensure that those they advocate for……
- Are listened to.
- Feel safe and secure.
- Their rights are respected.
- Their wishes are taken into account.
- Make the right decisions for their future care by providing all the options available to ensure residents can make the best choices for themselves.
- Have access to their care plan.
Access to the Service happens automatically……
After admission to the chosen care home an advocate will visit to discuss, in confidence, with the resident, their feelings about their new home, staff, food, medication, funding, benefits and any concerns they wish to discuss.
Residents can have any person of their choice present at the visit.
If any resident does not want an Advocate to visit they have the right to refuse.
Throughout their stay in Residential and Nursing Care residents will have periodic contact with their advocate and access to contact them whenever there is a need.
[detailed information about the advocacy Service and how to access Advocates is available to all care homes]
Unfortunately because the Advocacy Service is provided, under a clearly defined contract, we are unable to advocate on behalf of any group other than Older People in Residential Care and Nursing Care who are placed by Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council Social Care and Health Department.
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