An alternative to having your social care support organised by the local authority is to organise your care yourself. 

Personal care

Sometimes also called domicillary care, care providers are registered with the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI)and can be found in the "Find a care service" section of their website at www.csci.org.uk

These agencies provide personal care in your own home.  Some specialise in providing particular care for example:

• live in carers for young adults with spinal injuries
• adults with learning disabilities living independently

The CSCI website also provides the most up to date information on Residential and Nursing Homes, respite care placements, adult placement schemes and nursing agencies.

Domestic Help - Cleaners

If you are looking for domestic help for an elderly person - cleaning etc, please look in the yellow pages under "Cleaning Services - Domestic"

Meals on Wheels / Meals Services

Please see our Community Meals Services page which tells you about firms which can provide either a hot meals service or deliver frozen meals for subsequent reheating

Sheltered Housing

For information on local sheltered housing contact your local district Council - they hold lists of sheltered accommodation.  or

Contact the Elderly Accommodation Council's website (www.eac.org.uk) aims to help older people make informed choices about meeting their housing and care needs.

General Advice and Assistance

Age Concern can provide advice on income and benefits, community care, health, housing and consumer issues, and provide Factsheets.