Social Services provide a very wide range of services to support people living within the community. These people may be elderly, the very young, homeless, have learning disabilities, physical disabilities or mental health problems, in fact any issues that make life more difficult for them. As dementia tends to affect older people it’s the department for older people’s services which provides support for them. Support is also provided for carers.
Social Services work in partnership with individuals, groups, communities and other organisations (including the NHS) to protect older people. Services provided include:
- Personal Care - washing and dressing etc.
- Meals
- Laundry Service
- Home shopping
- Day Centres
- Housing adaptations
- Respite Care
- Residential and Nursing Care
- Money Management Team
- Telecare
- Breaks for Carers
NB: Laundry Service:
This service is available to people who meet the following criteria:
- Being unable to manage to do their own laundry and / or lack of facilities for laundry to be done safely in their own home by others.
- Being at risk if the failure to provide such a service would endanger the client’s health and well-being.
Specialist Teams for Older People (STOP Teams)
The Specialist Teams for Older People (STOP Teams), provide assessment, care planning, review and ongoing work, including provision of social work service and arranging care services, for those entitled to care under means-tested criteria.
The STOP Teams work with Older People, and also with Younger People who have dementia.
N.B. The STOP Teams should only be contacted in relation to people who are already in contact with the STOP team - all initial enquiries and requests for assessment should be directed to Adult Assessment Teams.
Occupational Therapists
A person with dementia is entitled to a specialist assessment (for assistive equipment and adaptations), by an occupational therapist (OT).
An occupational therapist (OT) can visit the home to assess whether items such as handrails, grab rails or level access showers/baths would be helpful. Most people find the OT's visit and subsequent adaptations very helpful, (but waiting for the OT assessment can be a frustrating time).
Social & Community Services occupational therapists are based at local Social & Community Services Offices.
Supporting Carers
Social services can provide a support service for carers. You will need to contact your local department and let them know that you would like to have a carer’s assessment carried out. When this has been done you will be informed of what help is available to you, whether you will need to pay for care and how to access this care locally. The kind of support offered would usually include respite.
