My rights
Keeping safe and well
What to do about it
When you are buying care services and equipment, your consumer rights apply. It is important to know what your rights are when buying equipment or employing people to provide care services for you. The Oxfordshire County Council website has information about your rights when buying goods and services.
You can also visit the Buy With Confidence website to find a Trading Standards approved trader, for instance, if you are having a stairlift fitted or looking for a dog walker.
Social care providers such as care homes and agencies who employ carers have to adhere to minimum standards you can expect from them. The Care Quality Commission has very helpful advice, which you will find on their website.
Keeping safe and well
Everyone has the right to live their life free from harm and abuse. Adult abuse is when a person is treated in a way that makes them feel frightened or unhappy, harms, hurts or exploits them – particularly by someone they know or should be able to trust.
Although it isn't always intentional, abuse is often a crime.
It is important that you tell someone about your concerns and explain that actions need to be taken. Never feel embarrassed about highlighting abuse.
What to do about it
Explain your concerns and that action needs to be taken. Never feel embarrassed about highlighting abuse. Talk to somebody you trust such as your doctor, a relative, friend or carer, or an organisation like one in the list below:
In an emergency dial 999
Oxfordshire County Council Social and Healthcare Team: 0845 050 7666. Out-of-hours emergency number: 0800 833408 (freephone)
Thames Valley Police: 0845 850 5505
Action on Elder Abuse: 0808 808 8141 (Mon-Fri, 10am-4.30pm)
Age UK: 0800 009966 (Mon-Sun, 7am-7pm)
Counsel and Care Advice line: 0845 300 7585 (10.30am-4pm)
The Asian Women’s Helpline: 01865 200861
Respond, a free helpline for people with learning difficulties: 0808 8080 700
MIND infoline for mental health related issues: 0845 766 0163
The Samaritans for emotional support: 08457 90 90 90
If you live in a care home and are not happy with the care you are getting, you can contact the Care Quality Commission Inspection who can give you information on what your rights are and how to complain. You can contact them by ringing 0845 015 0120.
If you would like more advice about keeping safe, you can also visit a website specifically aimed at Oxfordshire adults: www.SafeFromHarm.org.uk
