Services for older people

In 2011, Bexley published its strategy for older people living in Bexley.

The strategy sets out the Council's vision for services for older people, and has been developed so that older people can be better informed about the services available to them. It brings together services that are provided by both the statutory agencies and voluntary organisations in the borough.

The strategy offers advice on how to stay fit, healthy and safe, as well as information on educational and leisure opportunities and making the most of older age.

Who can get help?

If you are an older person and have difficulty managing at home we may be able to help. Your difficulties may be short term, for example, you may have had an operation and be recovering at home, you may be cared for by someone who has to go into hospital.

You may need longer term help due to an accident or illness, or no longer be able to look after yourself very well.

We also provide help for carers of older people.

What help can I get?

We offer a range of services to people in need. Some of these services will help you to continue to live at home if this is what you want.

You may want to move to sheltered housing - we can help you with this too.

Some people can no longer manage at home even if they have a great deal of help. We can arrange for full-time care in residential home (sometimes called an 'old people's home') or a nursing home.

How do I get help?

Please use the contact details for Care Central provided in the right hand menu.

We will ask you questions about your home life and the difficulties you have. We will also ask what your wishes are. So that we can assess the help you might need, it is important that you tell us as much as possible about your difficulties. If you need emergency help it can be arranged at once.

Anything you tell social care staff will be in strict confidence. We will not pass information to anyone else without your permission. Your carer can have a separate assessment of their needs if they wish.

What services are available?

If your assessment shows that you are eligible to receive services from the Council, a range of support is available:

Home help and personal care

Practical help and personal care to help you look after yourself at home. This may include help with washing and using the toilet, help to dress and undress, and help with housework.

Community meals service

We can deliver freezer meals to you if you are unable to shop for meals yourself. If you do not have a freezer, we can lend you one so that you can have freezer meals delivered. If you are unable to heat the meal for yourself we may be able to arrange a service that can help you. Find out more about this service by following the community meals link provided on the right.

Help with everyday living

We provide special aids and equipment for people who are disabled. These help you with everyday tasks and enable you to live safely and independently in your own home.

If you need adaptations to your home, we will arrange these. We will tell you how much you may have to pay, if anything. We will also tell you about any grants that you may be able to claim and how to apply for them.

There may be a waiting list because of the great demand for this service. The more urgent your situation, the sooner you will receive help.

Day activities

If you are living at home and cannot get out by yourself, you may like to attend a day centre where you can meet other people and enjoy social activities. Transport can be arranged.

Having a break

If you live alone you may want a break from looking after yourself. If you are being cared for by a friend or relative, you and your carer may welcome the opportunity to spend some time apart. This may be a break for just a couple of hours or for a couple of weeks. A variety of services are available which include care in your own home, or in a residential home.

Social work advice and support

Social workers offer counselling, advice and help in dealing with life's crises, such as serious illness, a death in the family or other major changes. Such problems can cause a great deal of distress to you and your family and put relationships under strain. Some older people may even be at risk of harm from the people they live with.

They will help you get the services you need, such as counselling or support. If your needs are greater, you will be put in touch with Care Managers, who will assess your needs and put together a care plan which meets those needs.

Social workers will help you to continue to live in your own home for as long as you can. When this is no longer possible, they will help you to find, and move to, the best possible alternative accommodation and care.

Help with sight loss and hearing loss

If you have lost your sight or your eyesight is very poor we offer advice and counselling. Training is available in everyday living skills and in using special equipment. We can also help you learn new skills.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can have a similar service.

Resource centres for people who have lost their sight or are partially sighted, and for those who are deaf or hard of hearing, are open to anyone who needs their help and advice. Social activities are also provided.

For more information, contact the Sensory Support team using the Contact details on the right. Find out more by following our webpage link on the right.

Moving to a nursing home or residential care home

Most people would like to continue to live in their own home for as long as possible. However, sometimes people need the kind of care that can only be provided in a nursing home or a residential care home. We will assess your situation and help you decide what is best for you.

If you think you need residential or nursing care, we will visit you and assess your needs and those of your relatives or carers. If you do need this type of care we will help you choose a suitable place and help you apply. We will explain how much you will have to pay.

How much will these services cost?

This will depend on your income and the level of services you need. We will explain the cost before services are provided. You may be entitled to benefits and we will help you claim them.

Other services

Community care services in Bexley are also provided by the health service, voluntary organisations and private care agencies. Local voluntary organisations can give advice, support and practical help to older people and their carers. To find out more about voluntary services, contact the Bexley Voluntary Service Council.