Care Information Service Available by Phone and Online

3rd August 2010

The Care Information Scotland telephone helpline and website offers a single point of information on the care available for older people throughout the country.

Care Information Scotland (CIS) was launched earlier this year by the Scottish Government. Since March 2010, almost 12,500 people have sourced information from the helpline or website on the range of community care services available for older people from local authorities, the private and voluntary sectors.

The Care Information Scotland helpline is manned by Health Information Advisors (HIAs) who provide information on a wide range of care-related queries, such as local care-at-home and carer support services, nursing care as well as where to find out about financial help.

Councillor Margaret Davidson, Chairman of The Highland Council's Housing and Social Work Committee welcomed the introduction of the new service and said, "The work of Care Information Scotland compliments what is happening here in the Highlands. We have a wide range of services that provide help to older people and their families, through the Highland Council, the independent sector and the many community and faith based groups that are run locally."

Health Information Advisor, Beth Allan, said: "It's important to ensure the social needs of older people are met, as well as their care needs. I recently had a call from an older lady who lived on her own in sheltered housing. She was beginning to feel isolated so she took the initiative to call CIS to find out about what services were available to her. I was able to provide her with information on a local day care centre, as well as a befriending scheme in her area.

"I regularly discuss Care Needs Assessments to callers as they are the first step in assessing the appropriate type of care for older people. Many callers have never heard of a Care Needs Assessment, so it's important that we take the time to explain what it is, how it works and who to phone to request one."

The service is available by calling the helpline on 08456 001 001 or visiting the website, www.careinfoscotland.co.uk. The phone line is available from 1000hrs - 2000hrs, Monday to Friday and 1000hrs - 1600hrs on Saturday, with calls charged at local rate.