Older Carers Support Scheme (MS)

Background Information

The Older Carers Support Scheme (OCSS) is an innovative new partnership scheme to support the most vulnerable older carers of people with learning disabilities who told the Sharing Caring Project (SCP) that they want more contact with statutory services. The project is managed by Community Health Sheffield NHS Trust (CHS), and is steered by a partnership group that includes carers, the SCP, CHs and Sheffield Social Services. The project has enabled strong links to be established between older peoples services and learning disabilities services throughout the city.

Two OCSS Support Visitors work within CHs alongside their Case Register, who already collect information about children and adults with learning disabilities throughout the city. The workers visit carers over 70 years on an annual basis and then keep in touch through monthly telephone calls. They collect information and offer advice about different services available for carers, older people and people with learning disabilities around Sheffield, and help carers to access appropriate support. The overall aim of the OCSS is to enable older carers to build up positive partnerships with statutory services so that problems can be dealt with before they turn into a crisis.

Contact:

Anita Winter
Community Health Sheffield NHS Trust
Disabilities Division
Fulwood House
Old Fulwood House
Sheffield S10 3TH

Tel: 0114 271 8807