NHS Western Isles Community Nursing Service (district nursing). Provides nursing care and support to people in their own homes and community settings across the Western Isles — including wound care, management of long-term conditions, palliative and end-of-life care, and support following hospital discharge. Part of NHS Western Isles Nurse-led Services. (Local district/community nurse contact numbers by area are also listed in the area Services tabs.)

Advice and assistance on claiming benefits.

NHS Western Isles information hub on the financial and practical support available during difficult times, plus guidance on staying safe from fraud. Covers: the Useful Services Infosheet (local and national advice services); Western Isles Warm Hubs (welcoming warm spaces offering a hot drink and company); Cost of Living Support Scotland; MoneyHelper; StepChange Debt Charity Scotland; the Scottish Welfare Fund (Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants); cost of living payments; food banks; and Social Security Scotland benefits. Also gives advice on protecting yourself from doorstep, phone, online and postal scams, including scam GP/hospital calls — report scam calls to Police Scotland on 101, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Macmillan benefits advice service.

Scotland’s national health information service.

Names, addresses, opening times and details for thousands of health and wellbeing services.

NHS Western Isles website.

Home Care (also called Care at Home) services provided through the Western Isles Integrated Joint Board (IJB). Care is provided to people in their own homes; the level of care is decided following an assessment by a Care Assessor or Social Worker. Contact Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (01851 600501) and ask for the Home Care or Care at Home service. NHS Western Isles information page.

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document granting someone you know and trust the authority to make decisions on your behalf if you lose capacity. The NHS Western Isles information page explains POA, registration with the Office of the Public Guardian, possible Legal Aid eligibility, and hosts a series of 6 short films made with local solicitors. See also mypowerofattorney.org.uk.

Self-Directed Support (SDS) assists people who need social care to live independently with the right support. Four options: 1) Direct Payment (you organise support yourself), 2) Individual Service Fund (Comhairle or another organisation arranges it), 3) Comhairle nan Eilean Siar organised, 4) a combination. Support available from Advocacy Western Isles (01851 701755), WICCF (01859 502588), Harris Voluntary Service (01859 502171) and Care Information Scotland (0800 011 3200). NHS Western Isles information page.