What is adult social care?

What type of support is available through social care?

Warwickshire County Council is responsible for providing social care services in Warwickshire. The Council may deliver some services themselves, or they may buy services from care providers to meet the needs of their community.

This can include:

• Support to help people develop or maintain the skills needed to live independently. Sometimes these services are referred to as 'reablement services'. They can involve help with doing certain activities again after illness or injury.
• Support with things like getting up in the morning, washing, dressing or getting ready for bed. This type of support is known as 'personal care'.
• Help with household tasks like making meals, drinks or shopping.
• Support with organising physical, leisure or social activities. These services are often called 'day opportunities'. They can help reduce loneliness, establish social networks, offer activities and provide an opportunity to meet and chat with others in similar circumstances.

Who can access adult social care support?

All adults over 18 are entitled to a free assessment to determine if they could qualify for help.

Adult social care can support a wide range of people, including:

• Older people
• People with disabilities
• People with long-term illnesses
• People with mental health issues
• People with substance misuse problems
• Family of friends who care for others

How do I receive help through social care?

The first step is to speak to Warwickshire County Council's Adult Social Care department and request an assessment.  Telephone 01926 359190 to speak to an advisor. 

There are different types of assessments

• If you need social care for yourself, this is called a 'needs assessment'
• If you provide unpaid care for someone else, your assessment is called a 'carers asessment'. Every carer in Warwickshire is entitled to a  carers assessment to look at the impact that the care and support you provide is having on your own wellbeing. To arrange an assessment contact Caring Together Warwickshire  online or Telephone 0800 197 55 44 to speak to an advisor

If you or someone you care for is leaving hospital or has complex health needs

• Support for people who need it when leaving hospital is provided through the 'Discharge to Assess Scheme' which may provide support in your own home, or during a short stay in a residential care home. The Discharge to Assess Scheme helps to keep you well and safe until a needs assessment has been completed.
• The NHS can also assess people with very complex and long-term health needs for social care support. This is known as 'NHS Continuing Healthcare' or 'NHS CHC', and involves a separate assessment process from the needs assessments carried out by local authorities.

How do I pay for social care?

A 'financial assessment' will establish if, or how much you will have to pay towards the cost of your care.

What are the current means tested thresholds?

Some people with long-term complex health needs may qualify for free social care through NHS continuing healthcare. However, if your assessment finds you are not eligible, you might be eligible instead for 'NHS-funded nursing care', where the NHS will contribute to the cost of your nursing care, for example, in a care home.

The organisation Beacon provides free independent advice on NHS continuing healthcare.

Where can I find more information about social care?

Warwickshire County Council have a dedicated information and advice service which can provide people with details about local social care so you can make well-informed choices and plans based on the help you need. 

Telephone 01926 359190 to speak to an advisor.

Information and advice services will provide more information on:

• Assessments and eligibility.
• Personal budgets.
• Choosing the right care option.
• Safeguarding.
• Independent advocacy.