What is available?

If you are having problems bathing, washing or dressing yourself, even with help from equipment, you may need help from a care worker. 

Once your practical needs have been assessed by one of our Social Workers we can put together a care package that will give you practical help. This could include a care worker to call daily to help you get washed and dressed in the morning and a further call in the evening to help you get ready for bed.

Someone to help you

Who gets a care package?

People over the age of 18, who live in the Wigan borough and who need practical help due to sight or hearing loss, mental health needs, physical or learning disabilities, frailty or illness. Help is also available to people recovering from a hospital stay and needing temporary help to maintain their independence and quality of life.

If you are recovering from an accident or illness that means you are experiencing difficulty with everyday activities in the short term then Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Community Healthcare has a range of professionals including Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists who can show you new ways of doing things or provide equipment which will help you through your recovery.

If you do not feel that your condition does not require you to see a therapist or nurse but you would still like some advice about any difficulties with everyday activities then the Community Health Development Workers may be able to help provide advice and guidance about what equipment and aids may be of use.

However, in order to work out just how much help is needed to make life easier for you, we do need to carry out an assessment. 

What is an assessment?

 

After the assessment we will identify and agree your needs with you and discuss the help and support available to meet them, according to the seriousness of your situation.

If you don't qualify for a care package from Adult Social Care, you could arrange to employ a care worker privately through a private home care agency but remember to take care to choose one that is registered and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Follow the link below for more information or visit the CQC website.

List of registered care agencies

 

How much does it cost?

There may be some cost but the actual amount you pay will depend on what services you receive.

Can I get help with the cost?

It is possible. We will help you fill out a financial assessment form to see if you qualify for financial help. 

To get a rough idea of costs you can call us and we'll work out a rough idea for you over the phone. To see what some of the fixed charges are and what sort of things are taken into account when working out your costs, have a look at the page:

Paying for Services provided in the Community 

We may provide or arrange services for you but there are other ways of getting the support you need. You can choose to have a Personal Budget and use the money that you receive from us to arrange your own support.

What are Personal Budgets?

 

How to get in touch

The Wigan Council Central Duty Team is the first point of contact for all referrals and general enquiries. You can contact them from 8.45am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, and 8.45am to 1pm Saturday, on 01942 828777. In an emergency, out of these hours phone 0161 834 2436.

When you contact us we'll discuss your situation over the phone, check that we've got all our facts straight and then follow this up with a visit to your home to talk about your personal and practical needs and to discuss what help is available.

To contact Ashton Leigh and Wigan Community Healthcare's therapy services or the Community Health Development Workers contact the Single Point of Access 01942 481870.

Useful contacts

Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Address: Citygate, Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4PA
Phone: 03000 616161
Fax: 03000 616172
Web: www.cqc.org.uk
Email: enquiries@cqc.org.uk

Someone to Help You