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Social Services are part of your local authority or council. The people working for social services are there to give you advice and support if you are experiencing difficulties. In some local areas there may be a specialist brain injury social work team. To contact a Social Worker you will need to contact your local Social Services and speak to the ‘Duty Officer’ who can make a referral to the appropriate team. A Social Worker will then be allocated to complete an assessment of need and a care plan. Social Workers also ensure that individuals and carers are aware of their welfare rights, and support them dealing with issues affecting their future.

Examples of support offered by Social Services

• Practical help at home (shopping, help with personal hygiene)
  
• Someone to be with the person affected when they are on their own for short spells and need supervision e.g. because of memory problems
  
• Attendance at day centres or longer respite care
  
• Adaptations to the home or special equipment
  
• Family Aid
  

A Carer’s Assessment - Carers are now legally entitled to an assessment of their own needs. Living with a brain injured person can be stressful and respite care may be necessary on a regular basis. The term 'carer' is used to distinguish those who provide care for others on an unpaid basis, apart from those who are paid (care workers, home helps and people employed by someone with a disability).

You should have a written copy of any plans that are made with social services. You may have to pay something towards the cost of services depending on how much money you have coming in.

Carers UK is the leading provider of information on all matters relating to caring www.carersuk.org . If you need advice about your caring situation please call CarersLine on 0808 808 7777.

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Last modified: October 2009