My Care My Way is a programme for those over 65 with a long-term condition registered with a GP in Kensington & Chelsea, Queens Park or Paddington.
GPs identify patients who might benefit from the programme, and these patients are then managed by a Health & Social Prescribing Coordinator. The coordinator helps find suitable support and conducts regular health checks. KCSC manages the self-care element of this programme (taking referrals from HSPCs and Case Managers).
Unlike Heathier Futures North Kensington programme patients cannot refer themselves for the services offered – though they can ask their GP if they are suitable for the My Care My Way programme.
The programme is being reviewed and changes may be made to eligibility.
Local charities offer a range of services. These services sometimes duplicate open-access services with waiting lists or have reached capacity, ensuring those in urgent need receive prompt support. The current offer is:
Social
Link-up into Open Age supports people into ANY of Open Age's activities, building rapport with the person and identifying interests and any barriers to participation. 9 sessions
Men's Space @ Open Age supporting men to engage in Men’s activities and wider Open Age programme as part of improving their own health and well-being. 9 sessions
Befriending one to one service that offers emotional and social support and encourages attending activities in the community to alleviate social isolation. 6 sessions
Physical & emotional wellbeing
Chair based Exercise and Walking Support (combined service) supports people at home who are struggling with their mobility and strength. Practitioner will visit, assess, and deliver 6 weekly sessions at home. The sessions combine both chair exercises and walking outside, weather permitting. 6 sessions
Massage at Centre massage/reflexology provided at local venue (subject to available space). 6 sessions.
Massage at Home massage/reflexology provided in patient’s home. 6 sessions.
Dementia support
Dementia 1 to 1 Support Assisting people with dementia to live better with dementia by providing relevant information around their diagnosis, supporting them to access activities and/or day centres, provide cognitive activities at home and develop techniques to maintain independence. Actively work with the client to ascertain their likes, dislikes and or wishes through life story and memory work. 10 sessions.
Practical Support
Escorting Supporting patients with mobility problems to get to medical appointments, shopping, social engagements etc. 4 sessions
Light De-cluttering Help relocating items to a safe place in the home, tidy up draws, sort papers. It is not appropriate for hoarding referrals. The service does not remove or relocate large items. 6 sessions.
Carer’s Respite 2-hour breaks for older carers to have a break from caring and do something for themselves. They can stay in the home, or they can go out. This does not count as one of the patient’s 2 referrals. 4 sessions
Information and Advice Over the phone or face to face - Advice, casework, and support around maximising income through benefits, grants and utilities, help with housing and social care and assistance with transport options. 4 Sessions. Either:
Information and Advice CAB Westminster
Information and Advice Age UK Kensington & Chelsea
New services from July 2024
Support in Community languages
A patient will be referred for a series of 6 sessions with a designated worker in one of the four languages below, the patient may receive any of the activities listed below during their sessions:
- Befriending / emotional support in their language,
- advice and information including form filling and benefits and income maximization,
- assistance in making and attending appointments, and support in accessing social activities.
6-8 sessions per referral in one of these languages: - Arabic (Egyptian)
- Farsi
- Somali
- Spanish
Well-read @ Playground Theatre Well Read is a play-reading programme which provides a safe space for people to meet, read a play, socialise, discuss topics and relax. Each session lasts approx. 60 minutes. 6 sessions
Link-up into tech in Arabic Open Age service to help people on a 1 to 1 basis to increase their knowledge about their device and to increase their technological skills accessing and downloading Zoom and other suitable platforms, delivered in Arabic (general service in English also available through Link Up)
Culturally appropriate support for Southern African communities – counselling, advice, signposting/health navigation delivered in community languages where needed. 8 sessions