Getting help

As people become physically frail, or fall ill with physical or mental health problems, they may need or benefit from advice or support from people beyond their own family or community. Advice and support provided by your local authority is called social care. Social care for adults in Northumberland is provided by the Care Trust in partnership with Northumberland County Council. Social care is delivered through the care management service.

If you should happen to be in a situation where you think you need help, you are entitled to ask for a ‘Community Care Assessment.’

This assessment is free of charge and is the first step towards identifying any services you may need. A community care assessment will involve discussing with you how you manage your health, personal care, essential household tasks, how you keep free from harm and how you continue with any education or employment in which you are engaged.

With your permission, and only with your permission, we may include your family, carers, your doctor, nurse or consultant and/or any other relevant professionals in discussions to help us establish what help or support you need.

Please note: If you are caring for someone who has problems you are entitled to ask for an assessment of your own needs to ensure that your own vital needs are met.

If you live in Northumberland our care management service can offer you information and advice about how to cope with any problems you are experiencing. If you need an assessment the service will arrange for a care manager to visit you and discuss your needs.