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Home Care

What is home care?

Sometimes people need extra support to manage at home. It might only be for a short while, perhaps after an accident or a severe illness. For other people it might be a longer-term disability, health problem, or some other reason, which brings about the need for more permanent care arrangements.

Home Care (also known as "home support"and "domiciliary care") are services arranged by Adult and Community Services where someone comes into your home to help with practical and personal tasks such as: getting up; washing and toileting; organising meals; shopping; collecting pension money.

Who can have home care?

Home care is available to people who need help,so that they are able to remain living at home.

This may include:

• older people who are frail or vulnerable;
• people who have a physical, sensory or learning disability;
• people who have a physical or mental illness;
• people who receive regular care from a relative or friend;

Adults' and community services staff will be able to give you more details.

Is there a charge for home care?

Adults* who receive a Home Care service arranged through Adult and Community Services generally have to pay a charge towards the cost of the service. The amount you pay will depend on:

• Whether you have capital (savings and any investments) above a certain amount.
• Whether you receive any of the following Social Security benefits:
• Income Support
• Attendance Allowance (AA)
• Disability Living Allowance (Care). (DLA)
• Severe Disability Premium (which is part of Income Support)

*Note: There are a few exceptions and Home Care staff will advise individuals where charges can be waived when services are being arranged.

What do I do now?

If you feel that you need help at home and want to ask whether you are eligible for a home care service, please contact our Access Centre.

If you prefer, you can ask someone else, such as a friend, relative or your GP to contact adults' and community services for you.

If you are in hospital at present and feel that you may need help when you leave, speak to a nurse or a social worker at the hospital.

For further information

If you would like further information about Home Care please get in touch with our Contact Centres or your Care Manager. You may also find the following web pages of interest.

• Eligibility Framework  
• Guide to Care Assessments  
• Guide to Non-residential Care Charges   
• How to Pay for Care  
• Charging Policy for Non-residential Care Services  
• Community Meals  
• Direct Payments   

Reablement

You may be offered a Reablement service instead of a Home Care service. Reablement is a service provided by a specialist team to help you become more independent.
The same charges apply for Reablement as for Home care. However, if you receive both services you will only pay one charge.  Find out more about the Reablement Scheme