Care and support provided in England will be changing from April 2015. If you have an illness or disability or are a carer who supports a friend or family member, you will experience significant changes to the care and support that will be provided to you.
The purpose of these changes is to allow you to have more say in the care and support you need. In the past, you would have been provided with support for your illness or disability. From April, your needs will also take account of your wellbeing and what is important to your family – a much wider assessment than you may be used to.
Your care and support needs will be assessed, and a care plan will be written after a thorough discussion with you to ensure the care plan is tailored to your needs. You will also know how much it will cost to provide you with the care and support you need, how much the council will give you towards the cost and have more of a say about how the money for your care is spent.
Your council will help you find the support you need in your local area. They should be able to put you in touch with the right organisation to support your wellbeing and help you remain independent for longer.
If you are a carer, you will also receive an assessment to see how caring affects your life and what support you may need. You may be eligible for financial support, such as direct payments to spend on the things that make caring easier or practical support, like arranging for someone to step in when you need a short break.
Your local council will carry out the assessment of your needs and you need to contact them directly. But you are not alone- support is available for you during this time if you need it from charities like POhWER.
POhWER provides support for people who need it with their care assessments and care plans. They work in 60 local authorities across England and help people find their voice in challenging situations.
POhWER are confidential, independent, impartial and free. If you need help with your care assessment, care plans or direct payments, they can help you. However, if you live in an area which they do not cover, POhWER will give you information on other organisations who are able to cover that area.
