Only one in every five older people will ever need help from Social Services. Most people live full and independent lives in their own homes and in contact with family and friends.
If you need some help there are lots of things you can get for yourself at low or moderate cost, with the added advantage that you will not have to wait to be assessed or wait to get what you need. You can buy small pieces of equipment, mobility aids, help with washing, housework and laundry. We have produced a number of factsheets on local providers. You can either download them from here or call us and we will send them out to you. We can also organise the things you need.
For information and advice on equipment for daily living click here to access AskSARA, the Disabled Living Foundation's free on-line self-assessment tool.
Many older people do not claim their full benefits entitlement. Claiming the right benefits can get you extra money to pay for the things you need. If you want to know more, contact AdviceLink on 01253 476843.
Can you help me?
Social Services have a limited pot of money and services are provided to those people who are most in need of social care. We have eligibility criteria which are used to work out who is most in need. If you contact us we will arrange for you to be assessed to find out if there is help you can arrange for yourself (with or without us), whether you qualify for help from us, and which services may be best for you.
You can contact Blackpool Advocacy (Tel: 01253 405959) if you want to have someone independent with you when you meet Social Services.
While the advice and information we can give you will be free, there may be a charge for the services we provide. This will never be the full cost of the service, but a contribution based on your income.
If you are assessed as requiring help, you could arrange for your own services using a Direct Payment. This is a sum of money equivalent to the services the Council would organise for you. You can then, within guidelines, arrange and pay for the services that best fit with your lifestyle.
Social Services can provide:
- care at home
- day care - an opportunity for social stimulation and support
- residential care - advice if you are unable to live in your own home
- supported tenancies - help for adults with a disability to live in their own homes
- supported employment - employment and training opportunities for adults who have a disability
For all of these services you can also organise your own care if you can find a provider (we can help you with this) and can afford to pay the full cost yourself. We can also provide information and support to people who may be looking after a relative, spouse, friend or partner with a disability.
If you go into Hospital you may be put in touch with the Hospital Social Work Team.
If you think that Social Services can help you ring us on 01253 477592 or e-mail us.
We will monitor any services you receive to make sure that they meet your needs and that everything is alright. We may do this by phone, letter or a visit. If your circumstances change please let us know.
If you, or someone you know, is being abused either physically, mentally or in any other way, we can help. Please contact Social Services Direct as above.
Blackpool Signposting Service
Have you ever had the feeling that someone somewhere in Blackpool knows what you want to know – if only you knew who they were? Blackpool Signpost Service can help to put you in touch with services and organisations throughout Blackpool. If you tell us what you want to know we will find the information you need and pass it on to you.
You can use Blackpool Signpost Service if you:
· are over 18 years of age;
· live in Blackpool
You can either fill the form in yourself or ask someone to do it for you. The more information you give us the better the information we will be able to give you. The important thing is that the form is all about you and what you want to know. If anyone else wants to find out about things they should complete a form of their own.
Click here to fill the form in electronically. Alternatively, you can download the form from the Publications List, fill it in and send it to the freepost address (you do not need a stamp). You should get your answer in ten working days.
Related Links:
Care Quality Commission Website
Age UK Website
Age Concern Blackpool & District Website
Citizens Advice Bureau Website
Counsel and Care Website
The Pension Service Website
Department for Communities and Local Government Website
Seniors Discounts Website
Right Care Right Deal Website
A national campaign to build public awareness and support for the need for brave and innovative solutions for the social care system for older and disabled people, their families and carers.
Counselling Directory Website
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