Audiologist
Audiologists test hearing and fit hearing aids if necessary. If your relative seems to have difficulties in hearing ask the GP to refer them to the nearest NHS hearing centre. Hearing tests and equipment are free on the NHS and should be regularly checked.
Chiropodist
If someone you know has problems with their feet ask the GP for a referral to an NHS chiropodist or contact the District Chiropody Service direct. The GP surgery should be able to give you the address. It may sometimes be possible to arrange a home visit. Chiropody services are free to people of retirement age but there are often very long waiting lists. If you decide to consult a chiropodist privately. First check on fees and make sure that the chiropodist has the letters SRCh or MChS after their name as this shows that they are state registered.
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Psychologists work in the National Health Service. They are not medical doctors or psychiatrists and therefore do not prescribe medication. Instead, offer a range of therapeutic approaches to help people cope better with difficulties they are experiencing in their lives.
Community Psychiatric Nurses (CPNs)
CPNs are qualified psychiatric nurses who support people with mental health problems and their families in the community. They can carry out assessments of people in their own homes, advise on ways of dealing with behaviour problems and offer support to carers. They do not normally carry out any physical nursing tasks. CPNs may work from a GP surgery, community mental health centre or hospital. You may need a referral or you may be able to contact a CPN directly.
Dentist
Check first on fees whether for NHS or private treatment. Some people may qualify for free NHS treatment. You may find it helpful to contact your community dental service
which caters for people with disabilities and people who need home treatment. Contact Hounslow Primary Care Trust for details.
District nurses
District nurses, sometimes known as community nurses, are qualified nurses who have had extra training in nursing people at home. They may be able to visit on a regular basis to help with more complicated care such as to change dressings or supervise medication and sometimes work with nursing auxiliaries or aides. Visits from the district nurse can be arranged through the GP or contact the district nurse yourself at the surgery or health centre.
Geriatricians
Doctors who specialise in the physical illnesses and disabilities associated with older people. People who have reached retirement age may be referred to find out whether a physical illness is causing or contributing to their condition.
Health visitors
Health visitors are qualified nurses with further training who offer people information and advice in their own home on a wide range of topics including diet and exercise, benefits and useful services. They can offer support to carers and help people press for services. They do not perform physical nursing tasks. Your GP or the practice manager at the surgery will be able to tell you how to get in touch.
Home care workers
Home care workers help look after people in their own homes and are usually arranged by Social Services. Home care workers generally provide personal care, such as help with washing and dressing, preparing meals and other activities of daily life.
Key workers
The member of the team who is responsible for making sure that health and social care staff involved in your treatment or care needs know what plans and decisions are being made. Your key worker is normally responsible for keeping you and your family informed.
Neurologists
Doctors who specialise in disorders of the brain and the rest of the nervous system. The GP may refer younger patients as they are more likely than older patients to have conditions such as brain tumours which need to be excluded before a diagnosis can be made.
Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists can also assess the need for care. They can advise on ways of enabling people to maintain their skills and independence for as long as possible, and provide information about aids and home adaptations. They are employed by both health and social services.
Optometrist
The person’s sight should be regularly checked by an optometrist who can also examine their eyes for problems such as glaucoma, cataract, hypertension and diabetes. Some optometrists will make home visits. In some cases the person will be entitled to a free examination so check on fees.
Practice nurses
Most GP surgeries have a practice nurse, a qualified nurse who can change dressings, give injections and advise on aids and equipment. Some practice nurses offer counselling. Contact the practice nurse at the surgery.
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapists can advise on suitable exercise and on safe ways of supporting someone with mobility problems. Ask the GP for a referral to a hospital physiotherapy department or ask to speak to the physiotherapist if the person is attending a hospital or day hospital. It may sometimes be possible to arrange a home visit. If you consult a physiotherapist privately check on fees and qualifications. They should have the letters MCSP or SRP after their name.
Psychiatrists
Doctors who specialise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health problems. People may be referred to a psychiatrist to assist in the diagnosis, particularly if depression is suspected. Psychiatrists may be able to provide access to certain services.
Social Worker
Social workers can assess the need for care and arrange for suitable services. They can also advise on benefits and other local services and offer information and support if you need to talk things through. Hospital social workers work in hospital. They may be employed by health or social services. They can help to sort out any problems that arise when someone is in hospital or at a day hospital and help to arrange services when someone is discharged from hospital.
Speech & Language Therapist
The therapist works with people who have communication problems and their carers. They are able to assess and where appropriate offer advice and treatment such as help with swallowing difficulties associated with dementia.
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