Why Do We Prioritise Community Care Services?
We know that demand for community care services in West Dunbartonshire is growing and it is expected to increase in the coming years and there are limited resources available in terms of budgets and staff. Decisions have to be made, therefore in respect of priority of access to community care services as well as the level of services provided. We are committed to providing community care support to people who need it most. The aim of all community care services is to protect, empower and sustain the most vulnerable people and groups within their own communities. That is why we give support services to people who most need it. Not everyone will receive a service, and some people may have to contribute to the cost of the service they receive.
If we are unable to provide with a service at the moment, you may choose to make your own arrangements and pay for any help you need. We can offer advice in respect of this.
If your circumstances change, you can contact us again. In any case, please ask us for advice if you are not sure.
How Do We Determine Your Care Needs?
Community care services are provided if an assessment of need indicates that they are required. In West Dunbartonshire we use a Single Shared Assessment process. This means that if a person with community care needs contacts a social worker, nurse, housing officer or any other care professional from the council or NHS, the assessment of need can be started by that person. If during the assessment it becomes clear that other professionals need to be involved, the Single Shared Assessment (SSA) can, with YOUR CONSENT, be shared. This process means that if you need an assessment, you will only have to give your main details once. It also means that the worker who started the SSA will make all the necessary contacts with other professionals or agencies on your behalf.
You are entitled to a single shared assessment if you have a disability or any social care needs. The type of assessment we carry out will depend on what your needs are. In most cases we can start the assessment within days and complete it within a month.
How Would You Request an Assessment of Your Care Needs?
To get an assessment of your needs, you should contact your local Social Work Office , your doctor, community nursing services or the ward staff if you are in hospital. You can always get advice from other independent or voluntary organisations if you are not sure.
We can also assess your needs if you are a carer. To make sure that your needs are addressed separately from those of the person that you care for, we will work with you to develop a carers support plan.
What Happens Next?
We will discuss your needs with you (and your carer if you have one).
We will find out your opinions and ideas about the help you need and the kind of services that will best meet your needs.
We will also offer a benefits check to ensure you are receiving all benefits to which you are entitled.
We will agree with you your level of needs and advise you of the outcome of your assessment.
We will draw up a care plan/support plan detailing the agreed level of your needs and the possible outcomes to best meet your needs.
This will confirm: -
- what your assessed needs are
- what services/support we will provide or arrange to be provided
- when and how often the services will be provided
- what these services aim to achieve
We will give you a copy of your assessment, care plan/support plan, and information about who to contact in an emergency, or who to contact if you have a question about the services you receive.
We will regularly review the services we provide to you, particularly when there are major changes in your situation. The review will include an assessment of your needs again.
One of the key priorities of community care is to work with you to help you achieve and sustain as much independence as possible for as long as possible. As your independence returns we will aim to reduce the amount of services we provide, as this has been shown to be the best way of improving health and wellbeing in the longer term.
If you reach the stage where you can go back to living independently, we will stop any services you no longer need. We will always let you know this in writing. If you are not eligible for community care services, you may be able to get other kinds of support. We may refer you to other organisations or give you information about other support services you could access.
Will I Have To Pay?
There is no charge for an assessment, or NHS Community Services but we may ask some people who then go on to receive Social Work Services to make a contribution towards the care they receive.
Any contribution we ask you to make will depend on your financial position. We usually assess your financial situation when we assess your needs, and we will tell you if you need to pay towards the cost of your care.
