Social care services for older adults
As you get older, you may find that things are becoming too difficult. There are many ways in which Adult Social Services can support you to live safely and independently in your own home for as long as you can and want to.
If you are over 65 and think you need help from Adult Social Services, contact Social Care Direct
- Tel: 020 8359 5000
- Email: socialcaredirect@barnet.gov.uk
In an emergency, when the office is closed, at weekends and on bank holidays, please contact Barnet Council on 020 8359 2000.
What services do we offer?
Here are some examples of how we may be able to offer you support and advice:
- Arranging your own care or support using Direct Payments or Personal Budgets
- Options for people who may feel that they are struggling to continue living at home. For example, extra care housing, sheltered housing or a care home
- Adaptations or equipment to make life easier for you or your carer, including Telecare and Barnet Homes Assist Service
- Find out about Day Centres or luncheon clubs
- How to get help at home, through services such as Home Meals or Home Care
- Help leaving Hospital
- Intermediate care (external link) - to help you with rehabilitation after a stay in hospital
- Information about support for carers
- Specialist help, for example if you have a mental health problem
- Help for people who are isolated through befriending schemes
- For people with a sensory difficulties – if you are having problems with your eyesight or hearing
- Protecting vulnerable adults from abuse (safeguarding)
What happens when you ask for a service?
We will gather initial information about the help you need. If it is the first time you have contacted us, you may also be asked general questions about your ethnicity, language and religion and the name of your GP.
We will then carry out an assessment of your needs with you. You are welcome to have a friend, relative, carer or advocate with you when we carry out your assessment.
Will I be charged for services I receive?
You may be required to contribute towards the cost of the services you receive. How much you contribute will depend on your income and the amount of help you need. We will ask you to complete a financial assessment form. You may be entitled to benefits, and if so we will help you to claim them. We will give you advice about this.
- Fairer Contributions Policy - 2011-2012: Oct 2011
(PDF: 303KB)
Call our Fairer Contributions Helpline on 020 8359 7107 or email socialcaredirect@barnet.gov.uk if you have any questions about contributions towards social care services.
If you pay for your own services (whether or not the council help you to arrange them), it may be advisable for you to get independent financial advice to help you to meet the costs of your care in the future. See our information about paying for long term care.
Useful publications
Services for Older Adults
This booklet provides information about council services available in the London Borough of Barnet to help older people and explains how you can access these services. It also gives information on the services provided jointly by Barnet Council and local health services, and services offered by local voluntary organisations.
- Support for Older People Leaflet - October 2011 (PDF: 172KB)
Barnet Care Directory
Choosing support that is right for you is a big decision, and so Barnet's Care Directory is designed to help you and your family make the best choices to meet your needs. The directory is relevant to any adult in need of care who either receives support from the council or funds their own support.
- Barnet Care Directory October 2011(Interactive version)
Adult Social Care and Services hompage
Comments, Compliments and Complaints
Email this pageLast modified by: Neha Shah on 31/10/2011