If you are finding it difficult to manage, it may be possible for you to get your house adapted so that it is suitable for your needs, or for you to get help, so that you can stay in your home.

• What help do I need?
  
• What kind of help can I get?
  
• Will I have to pay for care at home?
  

What help do I need?

If you are finding it difficult to manage in your own home, you should ask for an assessment of your care needs from social services. You can also ask your GP about getting about an assessment.

After your assessment, social services should decide how much care you require and arrange for you to receive it. You are entitled to a written copy of your assessment. Ask for a copy if you do not receive one.

Social services has a limited amount of money so you may not receive all of the help that you require as it is rationed according to who has the greatest need.

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What kind of help can I get?

Care at home can include:

• special equipment to help you with your daily life, such as a raised chair or bed, or equipment to help you get in and out of the bath,
• home helps to help with general household tasks,
• personal care to help you with personal needs such as washing and dressing,
• meals on wheels if you have difficulty cooking for yourself,
• access to lunch and social clubs,
• access to a day care centre,
• respite care to allow you and your carer to have a rest from each other.

The services you receive may be provided by social services, the Housing Executive or by a voluntary agency.

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Will I have to pay for care at home?

Social services will decide whether you have to pay for care services and if so, how much. Social services should take your financial circumstances into account when deciding how much you should pay. You can ask for your charges to be reviewed if you think they are unreasonable.

Contact Age NI to find out more about paying for care and community care options.

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