Home Care
If services are offered by the Social Care and Health Department after an assessment, staff in the department will do a financial assessment to calculate whether you or the person you're looking after will be asked to make any financial contribution to any services provided.
If the person you're looking after is offered community care services, the financial assessment will normally take only their own income and savings into account. If you're offered carer's services it will be your income and savings that are taken into account.
It is sometimes possible to obtain services, or the funding for them, from other sources, for example the Social Fund or charities such as the Family Fund.
Day Care
The person you care for may be able to attend a day centre, where they can be cared for but also meet other people and do some activities. The needs assessment may include referral to a day centre in your area. While they are away it also gives you a chance for a break. Contact your local authority for more information.
For further information see the following links on help at home:
NHS Carers Direct: www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/guide/practicalsupport/Pages/Careathome.aspx
