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Finding and arranging social care

We all need a little help from time to time. A few small changes could be all you need to help you stay at home for longer. But if things are getting harder to manage, you might want to move somewhere with higher levels of support.

Where should I start?

The first step is to get in touch with your local council's social services department to arrange a care needs assessment. This identifies what kind of social care would meet your care needs, whether this means adapting your home or moving into a care home.

Find out more about the care needs assessment

Types of social care services

Homecare

Help with everyday tasks like personal care, moving around the home and preparing meals.

Home adaptations

Simple changes to your home to help make your day-to-day life more manageable.

Care homes

Care in a residential setting, including 24-hour care in a care home or nursing home.

What is social care?

Social care is the general term used to refer to a variety of extra support and professional help you may need to carry out daily tasks with ease and live comfortably.

It can mean different things to different people. Caroline Abrahams, Age UK's Charity Director, explains what we mean when we talk about it.

Common questions

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We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.

About the Age UK Advice Line Find your local Age UK

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