Your Questions
We can offer a range of services to people who are assessed as needing them. These services can be combined to meet the unique needs of individuals. They include:
Information and advice - We can tell you about help available from Cumbria County Council Adult Social Care and from the many local and national organisations and groups for people with disabilities. If you have a visual impairment, we can also offer you support and advice on rehabilitation. This helps you recover lost skills and readjust to the outside world.
Counselling - Our social workers can provide counselling to help you talk about things that may be stressful or difficult for you. We can also advise you of other people who may be able to help.
Home care - This provides help with personal care to enable you to live independently. It may include helping you get washed and dressed, prepare and eat meals. Where we provide personal care, some domestic tasks such as shopping may also be included. Care at home may be provided by Cumbria County Council or home care agencies run independently by private or voluntary organisations.
Meals on Wheels - You may be eligible for these if you are unable to prepare your own meals and have no other way of getting a meal.
Occupational Therapy - Our qualified Occupational Therapists can provide a range of services to help you make the most of your abilities and remain as independent as possible.
Equipment for People with visual impairments or hearing impairments We can tell you about the range of special equipment available for people with sensory impairments and where you can get them. These can help you be more independent and may include:
- walking canes, talking books and clocks for people with visual impairments and
- modified telephones, door bells and Minicom systems for people with hearing impairments and deafness.
Telephones for people with disabilities - 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.
Care in a Residential Home - Residential homes provide you with full board and personal care. You might need respite care for short periods of time to offer both you and your carers a break. Residential care may be provided by homes run by Cumbria County Council or those run independently by private or voluntary organisations.
Car Parking Badges for people with disabilities - These allow you to park closer to shops and places you need to visit if you are unable to walk far.
Registration of Disability - We are required by law to maintain a register of people with disabilities in Cumbria. You can choose if you would like to be registered. We can advise you about the benefits of being registered and how to apply if you are interested.
Help and advice about money matters - The financial help we can offer is limited. However, we can:
- give you basic advice on benefits;
- help you apply to the Independent Living Fund;
- offer Holiday Grants to help you pay for the additional cost of a holiday resulting from your disability; and
- help you apply to charities for money for essential things you need.
Click on the links below for more details on help available from Cumbria County Council.