Older People - What help is available from Cumbria County Council?

We can offer a range of care services to older people who are assessed as needing them. These services can be combined to meet the unique needs of individuals. They include:   

• Information and advice - What help is available and where to get it.   

• Emotional support and counselling - Our social workers are experienced counsellors who can help you talk about things that may be stressful or difficult for you. We can also advise you about other people who may be able to help.     

• Day Care  - This is usually provided away from home, at a day centre or residential home. There you have the opportunity to meet others and enjoy a variety of activities.   

• Meals -   Meals on Wheels can be delivered to your home and, in some areas, we can provide frozen meals which you heat yourself.   

• Home care  - Care provided at home can include personal care (such as help with getting up, washing and dressing, eating meals and using the toilet) and other practical help (such as collecting pensions and shopping, preparing meals, lighting fires and essential household hygiene).   

• Occupational Therapy  - This encourages you to make the most of your abilities and remain as independent as possible. We can give you help and advice on managing with a disability, equipment to help you with daily tasks and personal care and adaptations to your home (such as grab rails, ramps, stair rails and lifts).     

• Care in residential and nursing homes  - This can be for short or longer stays. Short stays could allow you to recover after hospital treatment or offer you or your carers a break.  Residential homes provide you with full board and personal care, while nursing homes provide qualified nursing care as well.     

• Discharge from hospital  - We work with staff in hospital to ensure that arrangements are in place for your return home.     

• Telephones -  If you need to call for help in an emergency or if you are isolated at home, we may be able to help with the cost of a telephone.   

• Car badges for people with disabilities  -These allow you to park your car closer to shops and places you need to visit if you are unable to walk far.