Buying social care services

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Buying social care can be expensive and difficult and it is worth getting advice first.

Before you buy social care services, look at other options which can be cheaper and help you stay more independent.

You need to think about the long-term cost of social care. You can find some advice at the bottom of this page. We recommend that you talk to an independent financial adviser to find the best option for you. You can also contact:

Choosing social care

All care providers must be registered with the Care Quality Commission. It lists what you should think about when choosing a care service. It has a searchable directory and inspections reports for all services.

You can also find further information and lists of local providers on our pages:

Even if you are arranging services yourself, you can ask for a social work assessment. You can use this as part of the contract you make with the care service you choose.

Help paying for services

If we assess that there is at least a moderate risk to your health and independence without support, then we may be able to help pay for services.

We may arrange services for you or give you money as a direct payment to help you buy the support you need.

We will also make sure that you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to.

If things go wrong

If you want to complain about a service, start by talking to the manager of the service. If this does not help, then you can contact us.

If you are worried that you are being neglected or abused by someone, then you should report it by telling someone you trust or by calling 0161 909 6517. We will work to make you safe.