FAQs

  • Q. Why do we need a nurse specialist to meet us face to face before starting?

    A. We like to organise a base line assessment for anyone starting at The Ness. This allows us to assess cognitive function but also allows the nurse to explore the likes, dislikes, hobbies and life experience of the individual attending.

    This allows us to match the individual with people at a similar stage in their diagnosis and allows us to measure any clinical improvements.

    While the biographical data helps us to build a fast trusting relationship and to be aware of any triggers which might make someone unhappy.

  • Q. What is the process to refer someone for some treatment at our hubs?

    A. Anyone can refer someone to The Ness Hubs and the process is very simple. You can either email [email protected] or call 01626 774 799.

    Once you have requested a space at The Hub you will be called back by one of our specialist nurses who will go through a few questions before organising a face to face assessment.

  • Q. Why is outreach home therapy needed?

    A. Our home team aim to do three things;

    1. Offer the primary carer some respite and time to catch up.
    2. Build a trusting relationship to help the individual stay at home and independent for as long as possible.
    3. Finally to help maintain brain function and memory through stimulation and social engagement.

    All 3 of these are incredibly important when supporting someone with any form of memory loss.

  • Q. What is the shortest time we can book a home visit?

    A. Our aim is to build a healing relationship and this takes time, and so the shortest visit we request is 90 minutes.

    90 minutes allows us, at a minimum, to make a cup of tea together and do some cognitive stimulation to help improve mood and brain function.

  • Q. What is the difference between The Ness home therapy and general domiciliary care services?

    A. The Ness specialists are working with and treating memory loss. All our team are specifically trained to understand and help those with dementia, and we only work with families who live with memory loss.

    Therefore we are experts in dealing with this illness and not only help the individual but can offer information and support to the whole family.

    We are focused on the disease and on stimulating and helping someone to remain independent. We do not offer personal care or half hour visits to help with food or dressing, instead we work with the mental health of the person improving wellbeing.

    We create a 1:1 service with a dedicated person that can build a therapeutic friendship and through continuity, create a safe, trusting relationship.

  • Q. How much does it cost for the home therapy team to visit?

    A. The Ness Care Group maintain our prices very competitively and each of our services have a specific cost. However, we work closely with health & social care and have a contract across Devon that means many can get partial or total funding support from social care. We will help you with accessing social care assessments and also applying for attendance allowance. Please call or email to get the full pricing list.

  • Q. Can social services pay for the individual attending?

    A. We work really closely with both Social Services and the NHS and will support families in asking for a social care assessment.

    Funding is based on the financial assessment but many of our families are fully or partly funded through social care.

    With the recent announcements on increased funding for families from 2022 we expect more people to be eligible for part or full funding. Worth asking!

  • Q. What is the process to refer someone for some treatment with our home therapy service?

    A. Anyone can refer someone for home care and the process is very simple. You can either email [email protected] or call 01626 774 799.

    Once you have requested an assessment you will be called back by our outreach manager, who will go through a few questions before organising a home assessment.

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