I am finding it harder to do general things around the home
due to my disability, can I receive help?

Lancashire County Council Social Services provide a range of services for adults aimed at enabling people to stay in their own homes and remain independent. Services such as home care, supported living and assistance finding and keeping a job can make a real difference to the lives of people who have learning or physical disabilities, sensory impairments or mental health problems. They provide a range of services for children and families including family support, fostering and adoption, residential care, leaving care services and child protection. Their services for children aim to protect and support vulnerable children, and help families stay together.

· Services for people who care for someone

If you care for someone, or are going to care for someone, who has a long term illness, a disability, a substance misuse problem or a mental health issue then support is available. For more information, see all of Lancashire County Council's health and social care services via the A to Z of services at www.lancashire.gov.uk

How to access a service

If you or someone you care for needs social care support then please:

• Contact your local offices for advice.

Lancaster White Cross, South Road, Lancaster LA1 4XQ Tel: 01524 66246

Morecambe Unit 6 Northgate, White Lund Industrial Estate, Morecambe, LA3 3PA Tel: 01524 512000

Office opening hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

• complete the online self referral to see if you or the person you care for may be eligible for our services
• Or if you need urgent help accessing services outside usual office hours please contact the emergency duty team on 0845 6021043.

Staff will be able to advise you what options are available and a social worker will need to assess your needs to find out what sort of support you might require. The social worker will decide if your needs are critical, substantial, moderate or low, and this will determine what sort of service you are entitled to. If your needs are low you may not be entitled to receive any service from us, but we will give you advice and tell you about any other organisations who might be able to give you support.

Assessment of needs will take place:

• Within 24 hours
  where your independence or safety is immediately threatened, or if your health has deteriorated or arrangements for supporting you have broken down and this compromises your independence.
• Within 5 working days
  if you have substantial presenting needs, such as the need for significant assistance with personal care to help you stay in your own home and your current arrangements are either inadequate or in danger of breaking down.
• Within 15 working days
  if you have moderate presenting needs, for example a level of disability that prevents you from completing several normal daily routines.
• Within 20 working days
  for all other assessments.