How to get care and support for adults

Who this applies to

Care and support for adults is help that some people over 18 may need to live well. This may be because of a disability, ill health or other problems. Help can include support with things like washing, dressing, eating, getting out and about and keeping in touch with family and friends.

We can offer support to you if you:

• are aged 18 or over
• live in Kirklees

and have care and support needs because you:

• are older or frail
• have a physical and/or learning disability
• have mental health issues
• have problems with drugs and/or alcohol.
• or you care for someone who has the above needs

Accessing care and support

There are a range of care and support services available to you, both in your local community and provided by, or on behalf of, the council.

Our aim is to support you to choose the services that best suit your needs.

Step 1 - Your needs

To make sure we understand what your needs are, we'll complete a needs assessment. You'll be asked about:

• the things you can do now
• what you need help to do
• anything that you would like to be able to do in the future.

This will help us to work out:

• what support you need
• whether you can access this support in your local community (often these are free services)
• if you need to access any services run by us
• the cost of the support you require.

Step 2 - Paying for your care

The cost of your care and support package will depend on which services you are accessing. Some of our services are free, others are chargeable.

Most people must pay some or all towards care services they receive from us. If you would like to know if we can help with the cost of your care and support, we'll complete a financial assessment.

This will look at things like:

• any benefits you receive
• your savings and income.

If we can help, you may have to pay for some, or all, of your care and support, you'll receive a personal budget from us.

If you are unable to receive help from us, we'll be able to advise on free services available in the community that may be available to you, and how you can self fund your care.

If you are planning to move into a care home, you may be able to take out a loan with us to help pay for your care. This could also cover any 'top up' payments, which are required if you choose care accommodation that is more expensive than your personal budget allows. Family members are also able to make 'top up' payments on your behalf.

Step 3 - Planning your care

Once we know what your needs are, and how you will pay for your care. We'll help you put together a care and support plan.

This could include things to help you:

• live well, such as adaptive equipment to make daily tasks easier or help to get out and about in the community
• stay safe around your home, such as personal safety alarms (Carephones) or a stair lift
• with your personal care, like someone to help get washed and dressed
• move home, if you are finding it difficult to live in your own home and would like to move somewhere more suitable to your care needs
• community services, that could benefit you are often free to access.