Care and support at home

At some point, many of us will need extra care and support to look after ourselves or a loved one. We may need practical, financial or emotional support to live independently after a major life event, illness or disability (physical or mental). Or we may need help with everyday tasks as we get older.

The organisations and services listed below can offer information, advice and practical support to help you live independently in your home for as long as possible, including:

  • visits from a paid carer to help with washing, dressing, personal care or preparing meals
  • advice and the provision of aids, equipment or home adaptations if you are finding it difficult to use and move around your home safely
  • support after a hospital stay, accident or diagnosis of a serious illness
  • advice and support if you have a physical disability, a learning disability, sensory loss or mental health difficulties.
  • Information, advice and support if you look after someone as a carer.

Needs assessment

Information and advice is available from the Adult Social Care First Contact Team. 

Depending on your personal circumstances, you may also be eligible for direct services. In order to establish your care and support needs, we may carry out a needs assessment.  If the assessment identifies that you have care and support needs that require funded services, we will carry out a financial assessment.

Most people who receive direct services who are eligible for funding will be required to make a contribution towards the cost of their care. You can use the Hounslow cost of care calculator to find out how much this is likely to be.

Once support services have been agreed, the council can arrange them for you or you can arrange and pay for them yourself using direct payments.

If after a financial assessment you are not eligible for funded services, you will be required to pay for them yourself in full as a ‘self-funder’. However, information and advice are always free.

If you find any part of the assessment process difficult because of your care and support needs, you can ask for the assistance of an independent advocate. Advocacy services in Hounslow are free and delivered by PowHer.

Once in place, services are regularly reviewed either annually or if your circumstances change significantly.

Professional referrals

Healthcare and other professionals may refer residents for social care assessment via Autonomy.

Useful websites

Browse records within Care and support at home

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