Welcome

Welcome to the 2022 Guide to Independent Living in Cambridgeshire, produced in association with the publisher Care Choices.

This Guide introduces the information, care, and support you need to enjoy the best quality of life for as long as possible. It’s packed full of information and is easy to use. Discover all the things you can do to remain independent, safe, well, and living a fulfilled life – whatever your age or ability.

Care is not just a costly care home, and neither is it just paying for carers to come and visit. There are many people, places, and activities that can help you to carry on doing what matters to you, without having to pay for professional care.

Many of the suggestions in this Guide are small lifestyle changes that will make a big difference. By acting now, you can improve your life today and in the future.

There’s a lot of excellent support available in Cambridgeshire. This Guide will help you think about the options available and help you to make the choices that are right for you.

Use this Guide to have a look through all the help that’s available at your fingertips. You’ll find out about local activities, transport, equipment and adaptations, home support, what you can expect from the council, and much, much more.

Keep your Guide by the phone or somewhere handy, or even better, start filling in your action plan on page 6.

Tip

To give you some extra help, we’ve given you some handy tips throughout the Guide, so look out for them.

Tip

You might want to use this Guide on your own, or ask a friend, or family member to help you think things through: • Browse this Guide to identify the five key things that you are interested in or feel will support you. • Explore the suggestions to find out more about the areas that matter to you. • Use your action plan on page 6 to help you plan the things you want to put in place and who you will contact first.

The details in this Guide may change over time. If you can go online, you can find the most up-to-date information about living independently in Cambridgeshire at

www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/adults

Tip

Hundreds of people pop into their local library every day to use a computer. They’re free to use for the first 30 minutes, or if you claim benefits, you may always be able to use a computer for free. You can get help to use them from the library staff.

COVID-19 statement

As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many services have been affected. Some have changed how they operate, and others may have had to stop completely. This Guide reflects ‘business as usual’ and therefore it is recommended that you check with the relevant service to determine availability. You can find the latest information concerning providers and services by visiting the Cambridgeshire County Council website at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk