Access to care
There is a national system for deciding who can get help with social care based on the what the risk to someone's would be if services weren't provided.
A critical level of risk is when for example life is threatened, there is an inability to carry out vital personal care/domestic routines, or vital social support systems/relationships cannot be sustained.
A substantial level of risk is when for example where abuse or neglect has or will occur, there is an inability to carry out the majority of personal care/domestic routines or the majority of social support systems and relationships cannot be maintained.
A moderate level of risk involves an inability to carry out several personal care/domestic routines or several social support systems/relationships cannot be maintained.
A low level of risk is when for example where there is an inability to carry out one or two personal care/domestic routines, or one or two social support systems/relationships cannot be maintained.
All councils must use this system but each council can take into account the money it has available when deciding which of the four risk bands they will provide services for.
In common with most other councils, we provide services/support to people facing substantial or critical risks to their independence or wellbeing. Individuals with low or moderate risks will be given information about alternative sources of support and if required put in touch with any services that might be helpful for them.
For a useful guide to access to care, see the Fair Access to Care leaflet[pdf - 132kb]from the Social Care Institute of Excellence.
