Specialist Social Prescribers (previously known as GP Care Advisors)
Specialist Social Prescribers (previously known as GP Care Advisors)
This service has continued to grow both in popularity and demand due to the holistic support offered to the increasing population of North East Essex The team consists of 16 Specialist Social Prescribers and cover all 32 GP surgeries within North East Essex.
A Specialist Social Prescribers (SSP) collaborates closely with Primary Care, pro-actively identifying patients who are at risk as part of the wider risk stratification approach in the locality. Working closely with the Voluntary sector to ascertain their current needs to enable them to remain independent within their own homes.
They will provide advice and support to the public in a holistic manner linking their needs to services available in the area in which they live. Our team has an extensive knowledge of the benefits you may be entitled to and will help to maximise your income if relevant. This includes completion of the forms on your behalf or advice in how to complete them yourself. They will be able to assist in the completion of assessments for Social Services, and essential equipment to prevent hospital admissions. Offer expert knowledge, support and advice to clients, their carers or family members. Link with Social Services staff and Mental Health staff in Primary Care to ensure appropriate signposting to services and referral where necessary. Carry out memory checks in the patient’s home on behalf of the GP, and signpost to support resources in the local community.
How Our Prescribers can help:
- Benefits Advice and filling in benefit forms –
- Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Carers Allowance
- Work Capability Assessments
- Universal Credit
- Council Tax Exemption
- Can help and advise with Mandatory Reconsiderations and Appeals
- Blue Badges – advice and apply online for patients
- Basic Equipment Ordering – Toilet frames, Commodes, raised toilet seats, grab rails
- Social Care – advice and referrals, advice on funding care, advice on sourcing care
- Information and support for carers – helping with forms and accessing support such as respite care
- Dementia, Mini–Memory Assessment tests – Can carry out the initial paper test, not the medical section (follow up required)
- Frailty SSP can carry out Rockwood assessments and record your score directly into your health records.
- Referrals and Signposting to other agencies e.g. Housing support, Telecare, Alzheimer’s Society, Tendring Community Transport
