n Alternative ways of meeting your care needs

What’s the options?

Moving into a care home is not always the only option. It may be possible to get care and support in your own home, or move to sheltered accommodation.

If you ask Social Services for help we will talk to you about your situation so that we can fully understand your needs and identify what sort of support will help you best. Our aim is to provide or arrange support and services to enable you to stay living in your own home for as long as you can and to help you stay as independent as possible.

The sorts of things we may organise include: • help at home with your personal care (such as getting in and out of bed, washing, dressing etc) • and practical tasks (such as shopping or paying bills) • community meals – (through lunch clubs) • adaptations and equipment or daily living aids to help you cope with a disability • activities and friendship through day centres or other community activities

• information, advice and help on a range of practical issues such as claiming benefits, moving into more suitable accommodation and emergency alarm services.

To qualify for help from Social Services you have to meet our eligibility criteria. Our services are prioritised so that those whose safety and independence is most at risk get services first. Some Adult Social Care Services are free, some have a fixed charge and some have a variable charge which is based on your ability to pay. There are also independent organisations which specialise in giving free legal and financial advice on paying for the cost of living in a care home.

If you don’t qualify for financial help from Social Services there are many private agencies that offer home care and support services.

This directory has a section that lists all the care at home agencies that operate locally.

Support with Confidence (West Berkshire and Wokingham)

Support with Confidence is a directory and vetting scheme for self-employed Personal Assistants, designed to raise standards and provide assurance to people who need care. It is for vulnerable adults and provides reassurance that the carer you engage has been thoroughly checked and is safe, legal and properly trained. The scheme is jointly funded by Adult Social Care and Trading Standards.

For more information about the scheme, please visit our website at: www.westberks.gov.uk/supportwithconfidence Or contact our Support with Confidence Scheme Manager at: supportwithconfidence@westberks.gov.uk Telephone 01635 503487.