Services to help you remain independent in your own home
Following your referral to Adult Social Care your assessment will commence within 2 days. After completion of this assessment we aim to have all necessary services in place within 4 weeks. We aim to deliver any necessary equipment within one week.
This page gives details of some of the services available to help older people continue to live independently in their own homes. Very often a little help with daily living can make all the difference.
If you require help with something not listed here, contact Adult Social Care on 01720 424 000 or Age UK on 0800 169 6565.
Many of the services require an Adult Social Care Assessment of your needs for which there is no charge. All of these services (except the provision of daily living equipment) are subject to a financial assessment.
Services
Adaptations/Disabled Facilities Grant
If you are disabled or lack mobility, a grant may be available for adaptations to your home to enable you to continue to live there. The first stage is to contact us and we will arrange for an Occupational Therapist to visit and assess you. They will then recommend the type of adaptation that would be suitable, and how urgent it is.
Benefits
For information about state pensions, including Income Support, Attendance Allowance and disability benefits:
Contact: Penzance Jobcentre Plus Office for benefits advice 0845 604 3719
Pensions Services for pensions advice 0845 606 0265
For information about Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit contact the One Stop Shop on 01720 424 000.
To visit the Directgov web page for Disability Benefits, click here Opens in a new window.
For information about Paying for Long Term Care, click here. Opens in a new window
Disabled Person's Badges
Adult Social Care can supply a Disabled Person's Badge to people who are registered blind or have considerable difficulty in walking. This allows disabled people to park closer to shops or other facilities, whether driver or passenger.
Contact the One Stop Shop for further information or click here Opens in a new window to go to the Directgov website where you will be taken to an eligibility checker, and then if successful to the online application form.
Day Care
Day care for older people is provided at Park House and includes meals and a bath. It provides an opportunity for older people to have a break and meet new people.
For firther information, contact Adult Social Care on 01720 424 000.
Equipment
A wide range of specialist equipment is available to help you carry out daily living tasks such as items for the kitchen or bathroom. You will need to have an assessment by an Occupational Therapist who will recommend what equipment you need.
Contact Adult Social Care on 01720 424 000 to arrange this assessment.
For clear, practical advice on daily living equipment click here Opens in a new window.
Help at Home
If you are having difficulty coping at home, due to old age and/or illness, there are an increasing number of services available to help you continue living safely and independently at home. Alternatively, after a stay in hospital you may require extra help when you go home, especially if you live on your own.
Adult Social Care can arrange help with homecare for you (such as washing, dressing, and using the toilet), following an assessment of your circumstances. If your assessment shows that you need a substantial package of care, you may be entitled to Direct Payments or a Personalised Budget from Adult Social Care. Direct Payments are regular monthly payments to enable you to employ your own personal assistants for your care, instead of receiving help arranged by Adult Social Care. A Personalised Budget is money from Adult Social Care that you spend on support and services or other things you need to help you live independently. This is instead of a traditional Adult Care Support package. Your Case Co-ordinator will give you more details at the time of your assessment or you can contact Adult Social Care via the One Stop Shop on 01720 424 000.
Lifeline and Lifeline Extra
A Lifeline is a communication system linked through the telephone network to a central computer system in Cornwall which enables you to call for assistance in an emergency 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
The Lifeline Extra service is a more advanced lifeline system which includes equipment such as automatic prompts, reminders or alerts either to you as an individual, a family member or a carer who lives with you. Some typical examples of where this system could be of benefit include; people with dementia, people at risk of falls, people with long term medical conditions, or carers who themselves are vulnerable. For more information contact the One Stop Shop on 424 000, Cornwall Council Lifeline on 01872 224 521, or Tremorvah Industries on 01872 324333 or or click here Opens in a new window to visit the website.
Meals
If you have problems preparing meals at home, you can contact Adult Social Care who will help you make arrangements for meals on wheels, following assessment.
Respite Care or Short Breaks
Respite care, or short breaks, can give you or your carer a break. Your Case co-ordinator would discuss the options with you, once your individual needs are known.
Weelchair Hire
An all-terrain wheelchair is available to hire from the One Stop Shop. To find out more, please contact the One Stop Shop on 01720 424 000, or click here for more information.
The Rotary also provides a wheelchair hire service for visitors. Please contact Brian Lowen for more details. If you would prefer to use a motorised wheelchair whilst on Scilly, please call Go Penzance on 01736 351 792.
The above information is available in the Council leaflet: Information for older people Opens in a new window
