CARE IN the community will carry on for Christmas.
The Rapid Response service will continue to provide support for vulnerable residents across Perth and Kinross throughout the festive season.
Available 24 hours a day, all year round, the free initiative aims to provide extra help for adults over the age of 65 to help them stay in their own home.
Provided by Perth and Kinross Council and NHS Tayside, the service boasts a team of qualified staff, including social care officers, district nurses, social workers, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.
They are on hand to support older people through short-term illnesses, or when a carer is unavailable, by offering personal care, assistance with meals and help with medication.
Before the Rapid Response Service was put in place, those who required immediate support due to an unexpected change in circumstances, were admitted to a hospital or care home until alternative arrangements could be made.
This is still an option, but is now just a temporary measure until a long-term solution can be found to allow older people to remain in their own home.
Housing and health convener Councillor Dave Doogan welcomed the festive arrangements and said it was “very important” that people were made aware of the Rapid Response Service.
“It will be available around the clock over the Christmas and New Year break, ready to react to any crisis that may arise for an older person or their carer.
“This is an excellent initiative that is the result of very close partnership working between ourselves and NHS Tayside.”
Anyone with concerns that someone may require extra support to help them live safely at home can get advice by contacting 0845 301 1120 or email accessteam@pkc.gov.uk.
sgray@thecourier.co.uk