Where do I start? Whether you are looking for advice and help for yourself, for a loved one or for another, the first step is to contact Worcestershire County Council, so we can discuss what it is that you need. We will learn what’s important to you and, by talking together, we can hopefully help you to find the support that best suits your needs, whether this is freely available or whether we need to look at support which has a cost. This approach is intended to be both proportionate and personal to you and your individual circumstances. This way of working together also ensures you have control over the decisions discussed. You may only need support for a short while or maybe you need something a little more long term.
We can provide support in both situations but will never make long-term plans for someone when their life is in crisis; it’s always better to address that need first before considering where we go from there. If you do need support on a long-term basis, we will talk to you some more to complete an assessment that determines whether, and how much, you would be asked to pay towards the costs of your care. If you are assessed as needing to pay the full costs of your care, you can make arrangements for yourself but, as a result of your conversations with us, you will have a much better idea of the range of options that are available to you and what to look for when purchasing services.
Your assessment conversation If you appear to have care or support needs, you have a legal right to an assessment of your care needs and finances. Councils are statutorily obliged to support you in this, regardless of whether you access their services. The assessment (which is free) will consider: • What your main needs are.
Adult Contact Team Tel: 01905 768053 (option one). Email: adultteam@worcestershire.gov.uk Web: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/info/20500/ adult_social_care If you find this difficult you can ask a friend, relative or your doctor to do this on your behalf.
• What strengths and resources you are able to draw on. • What options are already available to you to support these needs. • How you can best be supported to live as independently as possible. • Your home and how you are coping in it. • Your emotional wellbeing. • Your diet. • Any health and medical treatments you need. You can contact Worcestershire County Council using the details at the top of the next column. Visit www.carechoices.co.uk for further assistance with your search for care
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