Introduction

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many groups, services and activities have been postponed; changed how they operate or have had to stop completely. This Guide reflects ‘business as usual’ and therefore, it is recommended that you check with the activity, group or service in advance to determine availability and to get the most up-to-date information.

Welcome to this edition of the Connect to Support Hampshire Care Guide, published in collaboration with Hampshire County Council, which contains information for adults looking for care or support within the county, whether they are paying for it themselves or receiving support from their local council.

Staying as independent as possible is important to everybody. If you have care and support needs or would like information to help you maintain your independence and wellbeing, this Guide contains a wealth of information to help you. You can also visit the Connect to Support Hampshire website which has an extensive Community Directory of local activities and services as well as national charities and helplines. You will also find a Marketplace Directory of local care homes, home care agencies and other services to help you manage your care and to stay well.

Support or care to remain living in your own home may be the option that best suits your circumstances. Ideas to make life easier at home start on page 34 and a list of local home care providers begins on page 51. If you are unable to remain at home, you may want to consider a housing with care scheme (see the information beginning on pages 99 and 101) or residential care. Comprehensive lists of care homes and care homes with nursing in Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton start on page 124.

There’s also important information about care decisions, including finding care in another county, making a comment or complaint about a service and how solicitors can help you.

If your care needs are urgent or ongoing, you may wish to contact your local authority’s adult social care department for an assessment of your needs. Support can only be provided to those with eligible care needs, and you will have a financial assessment to see how much you will need to contribute towards the cost of any care.

A range of options will be explored to support you. This could include what you can do for yourself, help from family and friends, access to community facilities or support from voluntary services. Your local authority might also suggest equipment or adaptations to your home. Formal services, such as care at home or residential care, will only be provided if other options do not meet your eligible needs.

Finding care in your area

Looking for care in your area? Want to know the quality rating of providers you’re considering? Visit the Connect to Support Hampshire website for the most up-to-date listings of care homes and home care agencies in your area.

The website includes detailed information for each care provider, including the address, phone number and the service’s latest CQC inspection report and rating (see pages 45 and 93), indicating the quality of care provided.

You can also view an electronic version of this Guide on the Care Choices website and have it read to you by using the ‘Recite Me’ function. Visit

www.carechoices.co.uk

Alternative formats This Guide is available electronically at www.carechoices.co.uk/ The e-book is also Recite Me compatible for those requiring information in the spoken word.