A to Z Index

A Handy Guide to Community Care

What is Community Care?

Community Care means providing services and support to people who are affected by problems associated with ageing, mental illness, a learning difficulty, physical or sensory impairment, to enable them to live as independently as possible in their own homes or in a ‘homely’ setting in the community.

What kind of help can I ask for?

To continue living in your own home you may need help with personal care, such as washing and dressing. You may also need help with daily living, such as essential hygienic cleaning and meals. You may need special equipment to help you carry out daily activities.

You may also need help to keep you safe.

We are responsible for assessing your social care needs.

How are my needs assessed?

We will work with you and your carer to find out exactly what you need. To get a full picture we may – with your consent – ask other people such as your doctor for information. We will gather the information from all the health professionals and share it with you. You will receive a copy of your assessment, and your careplan if services are to be provided.

Who is eligible for an assessment?

Adults of any age who are disabled because of:

Old age frailty
Physical disability
Learning difficulty
Sensory impairment
Mental health problems
Drug and alcohol dependency
Any injury or long-term illness (including HIV and AIDS) which has a substantial or long-term effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

An assessment does not mean that you are entitled to receive a service. This will depend on whether the assessment identifies a need within our eligibility criteria. People who are considered to be at risk are given priority.

What do we mean by Eligibility Criteria?

We provide services in order to help people to live independently in their own homes as far as possible. Our eligibility criteria includes a list of the difficulties people may have and which threaten their independence. These are divided into categories of ‘critical’, ‘substantial’, ‘moderate’ and ‘low’. Generally, only people assessed as having needs that are ‘critical or substantial’ will receive a service. If you wish to see these in detail contact your local social services office for a copy of leaflet 'Eligibility Criteria' for Social Services or look on the Bath and North East Somerset website www.bathnes.gov.uk under 'Social & Housing' List of Adult Care Leaflets.

Will the needs of my carer(s) be considered?

A carer is a member of your family, a neighbour or friend who looks after you. If you have a carer, their views should be considered as part of your assessment, provided you agree to their involvement. A carer is entitled to request a separate assessment of their needs if they provide a substantial amount of care on a regular basis.

Who will get help?

We will provide or arrange a service for anyone where:

An assessment has identified a need within the eligibility criteria.
There is a risk of you not being able to continue living at home, or to return home.
The service(s) you are currently receiving are no longer adequate to maintain you at home.
Your needs must relate to a service that we are legally empowered to provide or arrange, like home help or occupational therapy.
Priority will always be given to people in greatest need.
We will discuss with you other ways in which your needs can be met and this will include discussing the support you receive from your family, community etc.
If you do not qualify for a service we will do our best to give you information about getting help from elsewhere or purchasing services yourself.

Will I have to pay for services?

We will let you know if you have to pay for any services. Most NHS services are free, but there is usually a charge for services provided through Social & Housing Services.

We arrange and co-ordinate the support you need, but we do not always provide the support ourselves. Some services may be provided by the health services or independent agencies or by informal carers such as family and friends.

You may need more than one service to support you at home – this is called a package of care.

Anyone receiving a service including people entering a care home, will require a written statement called a Care Plan or Service Plan detailing the services they will receive.

You will receive copies of both the Community Care Assessment and your Service Plan.

What happens when my needs change?

We will review your needs on a regular basis and the services provided to you. As a result of a review, services may be changed.

How do I ask for an assessment?

If you need help, please telephone or visit your local Social & Housing Services office (numbers and addresses at the end of this leaflet), or ask someone to do it for you.

What happens if I am not satisfied?

If you are not happy with the services provided, or you have any other concerns, please talk to the staff who are working with you. If you are still not happy you can make a formal complaint by asking for a complaints form.

For further information, or to ask for an assessment, please contact your nearest Social & Housing Services Office:

Bath

Lewis House
Manvers Street
Bath BA1 1JG

Telephone: (01225) 477000

(01225) 477815 (minicom)

Keynsham

Keynsham Town Hall
Keynsham
Bristol BS31 1NL

Telephone (01225) 477000

Hospital Team
Social Services

Bath & Wessex House,
Royal United Hospital.
Combe Park, Bath, BA1 3NG

Telephone (01225) 825308

Fax: (01225) 821159

Midsomer Norton
The Hollies
High Street
Midsomer Norton
BA3 2DP