Home Support services for younger and older people

Most older people want to live independently in their own homes for as long as they can. This is where our support service can help.

• Who can apply for the service?
• What can I expect from the service?
• What type of support is available?
• Is there a charge for the service?
• How do I find out more about these services?

Who can apply for the service?

Any council tenant over the age of 55 can apply. However, you must have some support needs. A member of the Support Team will visit you to assess your support needs. If demand is high, you may be put on a waiting list before the service can start.

If demand increases in the future, we may extend the service throughout Kirklees and also make it available for people living in private rented or owner occupied homes.

What can I expect from the service?

A member of our support team will agree a support plan with you. This plan will detail a service to suit your needs. It can be changed by agreement or whenever your needs change.

What type of support is available?

Our scheme co-ordinators provide advice and support to match your needs.

This could include:

• an agreed timetable of contact which may be personal visits or telephone calls
• links with other support agencies where personal care is needed, such as Adult Services Home Care
• help in arranging repairs and adaptations in your home
• advice on how to get help from other departments or agencies such as Housing Services or voluntary organisations
• advice on security, health and safety within your home
• arranging leisure and social activities in sheltered housing complexes and telling residents about other local social and leisure opportunities
• keeping relatives informed of your well being, if you want us to
• offering you the chance to become more involved in the community and decisions affecting your home
• help with budgeting, pensions, benefit claims and post.

Our support staff will always make sure that your personal information is kept confidential. They will only pass on information with your approval or if it is in the interest of your health and safety.

Is there a charge for the service?

There is a small weekly charge for the service. If you get housing benefit, you will be entitled to help with all of this charge. If you do not get housing benefit, you may still be able to get some help with this charge.

How do I find out more about these services?

• To talk to someone about these services for yourself, or for a friend or relative, please contact Older people's support services and sheltered housing.