Care at home
What is care at home?
If you are having difficulty living independently at home you can get services to help you. This may be some equipment, a carer to help with daily tasks or a meals on wheels service, for example.
Assessment - what help do you need?
Everyone is entitled to an assessment of need to see if the Department can help.
When you contact the Adult Services Department, someone will ask about the problems you are having. If the outcome of this initial discussion is that you would benefit from further assessment, we will make you an appointment to meet a Care Manager - often in your own home - for a detailed 'assessment' of what help you need. This means that you will be able to talk in detail about the problems you are having and the Care Manager will try to find the best way of helping to reduce the risks that are preventing you living safely and independently at home. Even if you do not need further support from Adult Services, we will offer you information and advice about ways you can find the help you want.
Whenever possible Adult Services will give you choices about the help and services they can give you. When it has been agreed what kind of help you need, and how it will be provided, you will get a written 'care plan'. This plan is regularly reviewed with you.
You are entitled to have an assessment of your needs even if you may be paying for your care yourself, and if you are not able to make arrangements for your care we will also help you with this.
Adult Services' care at home team
Our Community Response team provides short term support to help you to regain your independence so that you can carry on living at home for as long as possible. If after 28 days you are we assessed as requiring long term support we will discuss your identified needs with you and arrange for an independent agency to provide you with a care package. The Community Response Team will support you during the transition from our service to the independent service provider.
Finding care at home
You can use our Care at Home search to find help with shopping, gardening, cleaning, meals on wheels and much more. There are many independent providers of help, you can contact them directly but you may have to pay for their services.
Other sources of help
- Adaptations and equipment for the home
- Home fire safety visits - complete the online form or contact the Community Fire Safety Department to be considered for a home visit to either fit a smoke detector or provide safety advice
- Getting out and about - including concessions, blue badge and motability schemes
- Going into hospital, including information on how this might affect your benefits, and practical arrangements such as care of pets
- Coming home from hospital, with advice on schemes to help you on your return
- Keeping warm in winter and help with heating costs
- Day care
- Alternative housing options - including sheltered and supported housing
Most popular
- Meals on wheels
- Paying for care at home with information on benefits and Direct Payments
- Making decisions - Mental Capacity Act
- Equipment and adaptations for the home - including returning and repairing equipment
- Carers and family support including respite care
- Concerns about adult abuse