How Can the Elderly Obtain Social Care in the UK?

Are you or one of your elderly friends or relatives in need of social care? If so, the social services department at your local council may be able to offer assistance in relation to information and financial support. You only need to follow the appropriate procedures.

Care Assessment

You should begin by approaching your local social services department and asking for a care assessment. During the appraisal, the local council will determine the level of support you might receive. You will need to work closely with social services to devise an appropriate care and support plan.

1.     What is a care assessment?

A care needs assessment is the initial step to obtaining financial support and helping an elderly person with their everyday needs. The goal is to enable you or your loved one to live as independently as possible.

2.     How can I apply for it?

To obtain a care assessment, you should arrange a meeting with adult social services and explain your needs in detail. If you need financial support, set out the reasons why. Remember, you should not feel embarrassed about asking for help. This is your right, regardless of your income or savings.

3.     What can I expect from the assessment?

A social care worker will visit you to determine how you carry out your everyday tasks. An interview may take place online or over the telephone. In some instances, a face-to-face meeting is possible on request. The interview questions often revolve around:

• Emotional and social issues
• Health and housing requirements
• Any physical disabilities or problems
• Practical abilities and skills
• Personal and religious views
• Cultural background and support network

According to this social care website, your carer should provide relevant details about your case. They understand what you are going through and have your best interests at heart.

4.     What type of help do I require?

Be specific about the type of help you are going to need. For instance, you may require:

• Assistance getting up and getting dressed
• Help showering or going to the toilet
• Reminders about when to take your medication

You should also mention your cultural, emotional, social and religious needs. For example, you may wish to:

• Visit a place of worship
• Visit your children on a regular basis

It is a good idea to ask your carer, a relative or friend to accompany you to the assessment. If you find it difficult speaking for yourself and understanding what is being said, the local support services can provide someone to help you through the process. However, this is only available if you don’t ask a specific person for assistance.

5.     What are my chances of obtaining help?

While most local councils have their own procedures, they also need to comply with national guidelines. Their decision will be made according to these three criteria:

• Do you need care and support due to physical or mental health issues?
• Will the support have a likely or significant impact on your health and wellbeing?
• Is the care and support crucial to achieving two or more of your goals?

The goals/outcomes can include the following:

• Eating properly
• Maintaining personal hygiene
• Going to the toilet/bathroom
• Taking a shower
• Getting up and getting dressed
• Keeping the home clean and safe
• Visiting family and friends
• Going out to work, train or study

An individual can be assessed as being unable to carry out activities if:

• They need help completing tasks
• They feel pain, anxiety or stress when performing an activity
• It exposes them and others to danger
• It takes longer to finish if they do the task themselves

Care Plan

After the assessment has been completed, a care plan will be presented setting out your specific needs and the support available.

1.     What is a care plan?

A care plan sets out the type of support required to meet your private care needs. It is personal to you and it should take into consideration what is important to you as well as your preferences. Don’t forget to raise your views and expectations about the plan. You must ensure it is appropriate to your needs. Once the plan has been finalised, you should receive a copy along with the relevant contact person’s name and telephone number.

2.     What are the typical benefits of a care plan?

Ideally, the care plan should cover:

• Your assessed needs
• Your desired outcome
• The support available from your local council and how to obtain it
• Advice on how to ensure your social care requirements are met
• Details of any agreed payments or allowances

3.     What type of support can my care plan provide?

Your care plan will be personalised and its provisions often depend on your requirements, including:

• Any equipment or adaptations your home needs to make it safer for you; for instance, an alarm system so you can call for help
• Request for a home carer or assistance
• Help in regaining your independent life after illness or injury
• A temporary or permanent care home
• The opportunity to meet and socialise with other people

Can the care plan be revised?

Once the local council has approved the plan, you can review it within three months. Then, you can examine it at least once a year or as often as is necessary. If the plan can no longer support your needs, you can always contact the local social services and request a review.

Conclusion

If you are elderly or disabled, your local council can provide you with social care support if your home needs some adaptations. They can also help you search for a suitable care home or offer financial support. However, you need to undergo a care assessment before a care plan can be implemented. During this process, do not hesitate to voice your opinions about the care and support you require. In addition, you should review your care package periodically. Your first review should take place within the first three months. Then, you can recheck the plan at least once a year.