Getting help from social services

To begin getting help from social services you need to set up a carer's assessment and a community care assessment for the person you care for. 

The person you care for is entitled to an assessment as are you. Both of these assessments are free and will be done regardless of any savings or income you have. Social services will assess your needs and then offer services to help and support both of you. 

Each of the assessments above are separate and can happen independently of each other. You may be charged for the services that you need as a result of these assessment. All services that are offered to you are means-tested. So after it is found that you need support, a financial assessment will take place. 

Having an assessment as a person suffering with dementia or a carer can open a lot of doors to you. Not only can it provide you with help and support around the home that can be invaluable. It can also provide you with other benefits like Pension Credits and a great deal more. 

If the person you care for is eligible for help and financial support then they can choose between having the council arrange their care or arranging it themselves through direct payments. This is a cash payment that they can use to get care and support in the home. 

Getting help from social services can really help a person with dementia and indeed their carer.

To find out more about the help available to you contact your local councils social services department.