What is adult social care?
- Adult social care helps people with daily tasks. It lets them live as independently as possible. It is for adults who may need extra help due to age, disability, illness, or other challenges.
Our aim is to help Harrow residents live safe, healthy, and independent lives. Ideally, we try to make sure this is in the comfort of their own homes and communities.
We know that some people may need extra support to achieve this. No matter if you have a long-term condition, care for someone, or need help with daily tasks, we’re here to support you in the best way for you.
How can adult social care help you?
Adult social care may help you if:
- You provide unpaid care for a friend or relative.
- You have a hearing or sight issue that impacts your daily life.
- You have a learning or physical disability.
- You feel alone or out of touch with your community.
- You need help with personal care, cooking meals, or daily tasks.
- You’re worried about your own safety or the well-being of someone else.
What could support look like?
In Harrow, we use a balanced and personalised approach to support. Everyone’s needs are different, and they can change over time. We will do our best to help you stay healthy and independent for longer.
- Urgent help in a crisis. If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, we can act quickly. We will provide quick support to stabilise your situation and help you feel in control again.
- Support after a hospital stay. If you’re in hospital, we’ll discuss your needs before you leave. You might find short-term ‘reablement care’ helpful. It’s a free service that helps you regain confidence and skills to live independently.
- Staying connected and well. You may need support to stay active, feel less isolated, or reconnect with your community. We can offer advice and links to local services and networks for your wellbeing.
- Ongoing or complex needs. If you have a long-term health issue or multiple needs, we can help. Together, we can create a support plan that lets you stay independent and live well.
Assessing your needs
We will start with a care needs assessment to see what support you might need. This is a chance to discuss your situation. You can invite your carers or family to join. We’ll talk about your goals and what is most important to you. This is part of our legal duty under the Care Act 2014. It applies if you need help for yourself or for someone else.
Making a referral for you or for someone else
If you or someone you know needs help, you can refer yourself to our adult social care team. You can usually do this online or by phone on 020 8901 2680. We’ll do an assessment to learn about your needs and see if you qualify for support.
If you're eligible, we may offer services such as:
- Personal care (e.g. help with washing and dressing).
- Support at home (e.g. cleaning, shopping, or mobility equipment).
- Day services and community activities.
- Residential and nursing care.
- Support for unpaid carers.
- Home adaptations and assistive technology.
- Short-term reablement and recovery services.
Helping someone to make decisions
Some people cannot do certain things or make decisions alone. If you or someone you know needs help, see Helping someone make decisions.
Paying for your care
Some services, like short-term care after a hospital discharge, are free. Most longer-term support services are not free. After the care needs assessment, if you qualify for support, we'll do a financial assessment to see if:
- You receive fully funded care. In this case, the person or carer will not have to make any contribution.
- You are asked to contribute towards the cost. We will give some financial help, but the person or carer must cover the rest.
- You are required to pay the full cost of your care. In this case, we will provide no financial support, and the person is known as a self-funder.
Do you need to speak to someone?
- Do you need to speak to someone about your assessment? Call our adult social care team on 020 8901 2680.
The Care Act 2014
The Care Act 2014 is the key legislation for adult social care in England. It focuses on people receiving care. It also explains our duties as the local authority. They must assess and support those with eligible needs. Everyone has the right to a care needs assessment. This assessment helps identify the support you may need.
Policies, guidance, and knowing your rights
Our adult social care services are guided by national laws and local policies. Below are some key documents.
- The Care Act 2014. This outlines your rights and our duties in assessing and meeting care needs.
- Harrow’s Charging and Financial Assessment Policy. This shows how we work out care costs and what you might need to pay.
- Harrow's Paying for Care. Guidance on paying for support at home or at a care or nursing home.
- Care standards set by the CQC. Our care follows standards set by the Department of Health (DoH). The CQC is the social care regulator for England. They aim to provide better care for everyone, in hospitals, care homes, or at home. The DoH sets standards for social care.
- Safeguarding Adults Policy. This ensures that people at risk are protected from harm or neglect.
- Carers’ Rights under the Care Act. Guidance for unpaid carers on assessments and support.
- Market Position Statement and Commissioning Plans. Describes how we plan and provide care services in Harrow.