What kind of help is available?
We have a duty to provide temporary protection for the 'movable' property of people who are unable to protect or deal with this themselves. This movable property could include valuables, pets or livestock.
Who can get help?
We can help people who are:
- being admitted to hospital;
- moving into a residential or nursing home with financial help from Cumbria County Council Adult Social Care directorate; or
- being admitted to hospital or another place of safety under a section of the Mental Health Act,
and who have not other means of protecting their property, for example, the help of friends of relatives.
How do I apply for help?
To apply for this help, you will need an assessment of need from a social worker. If you are moving into a residential or nursing home, you will already have a social worker. If you are moving into hospital you may already have a social worker. If not, you should ask the staff on the ward to contact a social worker on your behalf.
What happens next?
Your social worker will carry out an assessment of your needs which can include protection of your property. They will need to establish that you have no other means of protecting your property. It may be that your relatives or friends may be able to make arrangements on your behalf.
If your social worker assesses that we do need to be involved to secure your property, they will make arrangements for this. This could include arranging care for your pets in appropriate kennels or catteries and securing your valuables in a safe.
Will it cost me anything?
If you are being admitted to hospital, we will meet reasonable costs. If you are moving into a home with financial help from us, we will again meet reasonable costs. However, if you are moving into a home and paying the full cost of the home yourself, you will be expected to pay for the costs although your social worker will help you with the arrangements.