Services for people with physical disabilities

When contacting the team for the first time ask to speak the Duty Officer for Adult Disability. You can also contact the Duty Officer by letter, email or by visiting the office by appointment.

The Duty Officer is available between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Returning home from hospital

If you are admitted to hospital and require help to return home, the Partnership with Health Team may provide an initial service. You may want to ask the hospital staff to contact the team for you.

Contact the Partnership with Health Team

What happens when I contact you?

We will ask for your details and give you advice. You will then be seen by a social worker or occupational therapist, or your name will be placed on our waiting list.

If you cannot be seen immediately, we will send you a letter explaining the reasons for the delay. We will also contact you to arrange an appointment for an 'assessment'.

What is an assessment?

An assessment is a service aimed at finding out information about your circumstances and the help you may need. Examples of the issues an assessment might cover are:

• Becoming as independent as possible

• Remaining in your own home whenever possible

• Alternative care if you are unable to stay at home

• Finding suitable day time occupation or employment

These are only examples and the assessment will consider your need in full. The person who comes to visit you will be a social worker, an occupational therapist or an assistant to the team. Staff are usually referred to as care managers.

Is everyone entitled to services?

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide services to everyone.

Because we do not have the money to help everyone, the council agrees and publishes the situations where we can help people. This is called eligibility criteria. A leaflet explaining the eligibility criteria is available from our offices.

Services we provide 

Services that may be available to you include:

• Equipment - to make things easier or safer for you

• Alterations to your home

• Helping with getting washed and dressed

• Providing you with meals

• Day care

• Respite care

• Residential or nursing care

Will I have to pay?

Assessments are free.

A charge may be made for any services provided dependent upon your individual circumstances, and you will be asked to complete a Financial Assessment Form. You can choose to pay the full cost of the service.

Under 'Fairer Charging' - central government policy designed to ensure that everyone is charged for non-residential services in a fair and reasonable way, you will be visited by our Benefit Liaison Team. This will include a benefit check. Your Care Manager will explain this to you.

How will I know what has been arranged for me?

Following the assessment, your care manager will send you a written care plan - a statement setting out your situation and the services you need. We will then ask you to write your comments on the care plan and return a signed copy to your care manager.

What happens next?

All the agreed services should be put in place and these will be reviewed. Please let us know of any changes in your circumstances, so we can change your care plan.

Will I keep the same care manager?

Not necessarily. Once the help you need is in place and you are happy with this, your care manager may withdraw. However, if after this you have a problem, please contact us again. 

Is there any help for my carer?

Carers are entitled to an assessment in their own right. We have a Carer’s Support Policy that actively helps carers. For more information contact the Community Care Duty Desk - telephone: 0118 974 6800.

What if I want to comment, compliment or complain about the service?

We welcome all comments from you. Your comments are valuable to us in improving our services. Please contact the member of staff involved or their manager.

How can I contact other teams?

 Where else can I get help and advice?