The scheme is an early warning system set up by a group of
family doctors to help keep older people well.
An early warning of increasing difficulties may help to prevent
long term problems, and enable people to live independently in their own homes
for a longer period of time.
The scheme provides a unique opportunity for people to take an active part
in helping older people who are registered with the Phoenix Surgery.
Volunteer visitors do not need to be patients of the Phoenix Surgery.
How Does It Work?
The first signs of illness among older people are often an
inability to manage the ordinary activities of daily life. Older people in the
scheme are regularly interviewed in their own home by a trained volunteer visitor,
who can also help with providing information and advice on local services and
amenities.
What Sort of Questions Do the Volunteers Ask?
Straightforward ones about general health, hearing, vision,
walking, bathing etc. Any change in health or well being can then be quickly
spotted. All information given to the volunteer is strictly confidential
and is analysed by doctors and other health professionals.
Which Older People are able to take part in the Scheme?
People who are age 75 and over and are registered with the
Phoenix Surgery. Each person receives a letter from their doctor inviting them
to take part in the scheme, before a volunteer visitor is asked to call.
What Would the Volunteer Visitor Do?
After an initial training course, each volunteer will be
asked to make regular visits to a number of older people to complete a health
questionnaire (Winchester Disability Questionnaire). The visits are arranged
at a mutually agreed time and date and are usually at 3 or 6 monthly intervals.
The health questionnaire is returned to the surgery by the volunteer and then
assessed by the health visitor/coordinator. Any health problems or difficulties
are identified and followed up. The patient is informed by letter of any
recommended follow up action.
What Sort of Volunteers are We Looking for?
Mature people who:
are sympathetic, caring and good listeners.
are particularly interested in supporting older members of the community
in the Cirencester area.
have a small amount of time to donate and are reliable and committed to regularly
helping with this well established scheme
The volunteer visitors are required to sign an undertaking agreeing
to maintain complete confidentiality. They will also need to undergo a Criminal
Records Bureau (CRB) check. They will be given an identity card to use
for visits.
How to Become a Volunteer Visitor.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer visitor please click
here for
an Application Form , print it off, and send it to Liz Hicks - Health Visitor/Coordinator,
The Phoenix Surgery, 9 Chesterton Lane, Cirencester, Glos GL7 1XG. If you have
a friend or neighbour who would also be interested in joining the scheme please
pass a leaflet on to them.
More information about the Staywell Scheme can be obtained by contacting one
of the people listed below or by visiting our website.
