Support at home
Having some outside help with personal care tasks, housework, shopping and home repairs can often make a great deal of difference to your ability to enjoy life while you care.
There is a charge for most home support services. Your local carers' centre would be very happy to check that you and the person you are caring for are receiving all of the benefits to which you are entitled, which may help pay for extra help.
Oxfordshire County Council may be able to help you with support if you and the person you care for are eligible for services. A carer's assessment is free. If services are agreed, a charge may be made to the person you are caring for depending on their financial circumstances. You can find out more about charges on Oxfordshire County Council's website.
If you are not eligible for services, we can still provide advice and put you in touch with other carer support organisations. Contact the council - see details below - for more information.
These sections give basic information about the kinds of support at home that are available to carers in Oxfordshire:
You or the person you care for may need support at meal times or with personal tasks like washing or dressing. Paid carers can be a great help in these circumstances. Paid carers can also sit with the person you care for while you take a break. It is very important that you are able to take breaks from caring to relax and have time to yourself.
You can buy your own personal care services. Oxfordshire County Council, Age Concern and your local carers' centre have lists of contracted care agencies which can be contacted for help.
Your local carers' centre can discuss with you the different ways that help with personal care can be accessed.
There is useful information about home care, and paying for care, on the Age Concern website.
Information about home care for children is available on Oxfordshire County Council website.
Local support
- Carers' centres
If you need help and advice about social care needs call Oxfordshire County Council's Access to Information and Services team at 0845 050 7666. Staff will help you to contact the services you need. Hours are: Monday to Thursday, 8.30 am to 5pm; Friday, 8.30 am to 4pm.
You can also write to:
Oxfordshire County Council
PO Box 780
Oxford,
OX1 9GX
Fax: 01865 783111
access@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Out of hours emergency number: 0800 833408 (freephone)
- Age Concern Oxfordshire: 01235 849400
Oxfordshire County Council produces a list of contracted care providers including people who may do cleaning and housework. See contact details above for more information.
The Yellow Pages directory lists businesses which provide cleaners under the heading 'Cleaning Services – Domestic'. Some care agencies can also help with cleaning and housework. They can be found in Yellow Pages under 'Nurses Agencies and Care'.
Laundry and ironing
Oxfordshire County Council may be able to provide a laundry service if people are assessed as eligible for services. See contact details above for more information. Advice can also be given to people who wish to buy their own services.
You can also look under the Yellow Pages under 'Ironing and Laundry' services.
Co-op home shopping: People who have difficulty with going to the shops may find the Co-op Home Shopping Service helpful. You can order your shopping by phone, which will be delivered by staff chosen for their friendly manner and trained to deal with emergencies. They can also help to unpack and put shopping away. You can ask to be referred to the Co-op Home Shopping Service by:
Meal Deliveries
- Wiltshire Farm Foods will deliver frozen meals to your door which can be heated in a microwave, conventional oven or in a special unit they provide. If you wish to apply for this service or ask for more information, contact Oxfordshire County Council - see details above. You can also be referred through Age Concern 01235 849400.
- Anchor Staying Put A not-for-profit home improvement agency providing a small repairs service to older and disabled residents in Oxfordshire. 0191 270 6069
- The Office of Fair Trading can help you find a reputable tradesman. You can request a leaflet called Having Work Done on Your Home and get advice on finding a tradesperson 0800 3893158
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