12.6 Medical emergency services and hospital car services

12.6.1 The South West Ambulance Services Trust (SWAST) manages the ambulance station off Belmont Road, although the site is not ideal for quick responses. The service now station ambulances strategically in the area to improve response time.

12.6.2 Tiverton and District Community Transport Association (TDCTA) run a voluntary hospital car service for local hospital visits. The R.D.& E. organise their own car transport system for patients.

12.7 Incapacity benefit and severe disablement allowance claimant rates

12.8 Older People, people with learning disabilities and domiciliary services

With the speedier turn round of patients at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, the local domiciliary services are overstretched. With the re-organisation of the Primary Care Trust, and a re-evaluation of the non emergency ambulance services, the voluntary hospital car service is overstretched.

12.8.1 The rate of take up of Social Services by the elderly is above average in Tiverton Town compared to the rest of the Market Town Area, with Lowman and Westexe wards being the highest.

12.8.2 Devon County Council Social Services manage two residential care homes in the Tiverton Market Town Area, Charlton Lodge in Tiverton, and Barnhaven in Bampton. Their management is under review. The County plans to pass the management over to private agencies.

12.8.3 There are ten independent residential homes and five sheltered housing developments in the area. The Tiverton Almshouse Trust and the Abbeyfield Society are active, and the Twyford Trust offer almshouses for former employees of Heathcoat factory.

12.8.4 An application to build private sheltered housing on the site of Old Blundells Garage has been lodged with Mid Devon District Council’s Development Control Division. This is adjacent to the Town Enhancement Scheme area.

12.8.5 Day Care facilities for the elderly are offered at five Residential Care Homes in Bampton and Tiverton.

12.8.6 There are six residential homes for those with learning disabilities. Two provide Day Care facilities.

12.8.7 Social Services refer assessed local residents in need to Care Direct (Mid Devon) service. The service is prioritised and means-tested. The priorities in order are: those of any age in danger of physical or emotional harm; those at risk of losing their independence; those unable to maintain a satisfactory quality of life.

12.8.8 Three private agencies offer domiciliary care in the Tiverton area.

12.9 Voluntary sector help for the elderly

12.9.1 Local churches across the area undertake voluntary pastoral care services, particularly for the elderly. The town churches work together in Tiverton to co-ordinate this work.

12.9.2 Age Concern is supported financially by Mid Devon District Council, but in 2006 their grant was cut, and the services they are able to offer are severely stretched (see 14.1.2).

12.9.3 Care and Repair offer assistance with adaptations to houses, the Citizens’ Advice Bureau with financial advice and the Racehorse Public House offers a meals service.

12.9.4 There are talking newspapers, magazines and books.