The Olympics/paralympics are coming - make care arrangements now.

The Olympics/ Paralympics are coming –

make care arrangements now!!!

London is gearing up for the Games in July/August and September. Although for visitors coming to experience the Games it will (hopefully) seem well organised, for people living/working in London there will be lots of upheaval. For people receiving care services, this will be a trying time – so start making arrangements now to ensure that you still get the care and support you need!

 The biggest problem will be delays on Public Transport as well as on the roads. Some Public transport will be re-routed. This could affect your workers – think about how your Personal Assistant (PA) or care worker will get to you.

 If you employ a Personal Assistant (PA /private Care worker) you might want to consider, if it is possible:

·        Having you PA come at different times – for example travelling when spectators are already in their venues so the roads / public transport are quieter.

·        Coming on a different day from usual

·        Having one longer visit each day, instead of a few short visits

·        Having a worker who lives close to you to work more during the Games and the other PAs can catch up after the Games.

·        Prioritising tasks that need to be done urgently/ regularly and seeing which non-urgent tasks can be left for a less busy time / after the Games.

·        Suggesting you PA uses different methods of transport – for example using a bike, or coming on foot if they aren’t too far away.

http://www.getaheadofthegames.com/ - for more advice and information

If you use an agency for your care –

·        Ask the agency what plans they have in place (and if they haven’t got plans, ask when they will have plans).

·        Tell them what you CAN be flexible with (for example, changes to times and days of visits, accepting other workers if necessary)

·        Tell them everything you CAN’T be flexible with (assistance with meals, taking medication at certain times, having help to use the toilet a certain number of times a day, specific appointments that you MUST keep).

The more advance planning the better - whether you employ a PA or get assistance from an Agency.

If you need assistance to ensure that your care and support run smoothly – feel free to contact the PB Team for help and advice. Also, whether you pay for care/support yourself, or you receive a Personal Budget – you are welcome to come to our PB meetings.  Contact Jenny or Martha (020 8960 8888) for more information.