ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the main characteristics of the paid helper service within the Lewisham Case Management Scheme (LCMS). The recruitment of paid helpers and the development, management and organisation of the service will be described. Subsequently, the roles of paid helpers in their direct work with older people with dementia and their carers will be examined, illustrating how they meshed with both the support of carers and with the home care service, and influenced the work of members of the community mental health team for older people. The care provided by paid helpers was characterised by its responsive and proactive nature. As in earlier pilot case management projects, paid helpers in Lewisham were contracted to provide a service for each older person with tasks specified and a week's notice given for termination of contract, for example, due to admission to long-term care.
