I want care through social care services
Do you face challenges in your life? Or do you need advice for a family member?
If you are eligible for services, we’ll work together creating a care plan detailing your needs and how to meet them.
If you have been assessed as needing care in your home, then when we discuss your support plan. You may decide, the best option, is to have some or all of your care and support managed by Social Care.
Once you have a support plan we will do a financial assessment to look at the amount you will need to pay for your services. You can then choose to have services directly and pay us for them, or have direct payments and organise your own services.
Where social care manages your support, we will arrange for it to be provided by home care providers with who we have a contract. We call this ‘commissioned care’.
We have a number of services we commission namely:
The providers offering commissioned care and support, on our behalf, are registered with the Care Quality Commission. This means they are inspected to ensure you receive the highest possible standard of care.
The most suitable person for you
Personal care is a very sensitive and private matter, right down to the care worker who provides it. We appreciate that some people have a preference as to the gender or other attributes of their care worker.
Like other health services, we will always do our best to meet your preference(s), however, we cannot guarantee that will always be the case. In these circumstances, if we cannot agree on a support offer with you it could affect either the provider’s ability to support you safely at home or DCC’s ability to guarantee an alternative offer. Once again, we ask that you are as flexible as possible when agreeing your support.
Dignity and respect
We always expect the providers we work with and their staff to treat you with dignity and respect. We also expect you to give the same respect to the staff members that support you. Hostile or threatening behavior towards staff could result in your care and support being withdrawn by that provider, and an alternative provider may not be available to take over your care and support.
Delivery of services
Providers will always try to visit you at the time that has been agreed. Due to circumstances beyond their control, such as unforeseen emergencies or travel delays, their staff may be delayed in getting to you. If your visit is going to be delayed for more than 30 minutes, you will be notified by either the care agency or staff member.
Paying for care
Most people who receive care and support, regardless of whether it is managed by Social Care or not, will have to pay something towards the cost of that care and support. If you are assessed as needing care and support, we will then assess how much you need to pay towards the care. You can find out more at Paying for care.
What if I have a problem with my services?
If you are not satisfied with the care given, please talk to your provider in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with their response, please contact Devon County Council who will direct your concern to the most appropriate person. You can also share your experience with the Care Quality Commission.
Reporting a concern
If you report a safeguarding concern you will be listened to, supported, and involved in any decisions. If you think that you or someone you know is being abused or neglected, you should report your concern. In an emergency always call 999.