If you’re able to stay at home, there are different ways to get the care and support you need. This guide explains the main options, who they’re for, and how to get them. You can also search local services on Staffordshire Connects.
Reablement support
Short‑term support (usually up to 6 weeks) to help you recover and stay independent after a hospital stay or illness. Reablement focuses on restoring your confidence with daily tasks at home so you don’t need ongoing care.
Cost: Reablement is free for up to 6 weeks.
Read more: Reablement support
Day opportunities and services
Activities and support during the day to help you stay active, connected and independent. This can include community groups, skills, and wellbeing support.
Find providers: Staffordshire Connects.
Read more: Day services, community support and activities
End of life care
If you or someone you care for is nearing or planning for end of life, see End of life care for information and support.
Home care support
Care workers visit you at home to help with daily living—for example, washing, dressing, meals and medication. Support can be regular or temporary, depending on your needs.
Read more: Help to live at home
Housing with care
Your own home with care and support on‑site. Sometimes called extra care housing, this suits people who want independence with access to support when needed.
Read more: Housing and care homes care
Shared Lives schemes
Spend time with, or live with, an approved carer in their family home. Shared Lives can be a day arrangement, short break or longer‑term support, and can be a good fit if you prefer a family setting.
Read more: Shared Lives
Respite care (short breaks)
Temporary care so your unpaid carer can take a break. Also called replacement care. This can be at home, in someone else’s home, at a day service, or in a residential or nursing home. Planned or emergency options are available.
Carers: You can ask for a carer’s assessment to look at your need for a break.
Carers’ support: Carers’ breaks and time for yourself
Residential and nursing homes
If you need more support than can be provided at home, you might consider a residential or nursing home. We’ll work with you to understand your needs and options.
Read more: Housing and care homes
Will I have to pay?
Care and support without charges
Some types of help are free. This includes reablement—short‑term support (usually up to 6 weeks) provided when you leave hospital. Reablement helps you regain independence and can take place at home or in a residential setting.
Care and support with charges
Other services may have a cost. If you’d like the council to help arrange or pay towards services (for example, home care or day services), you’ll need an assessment.
Read about what adult social care costs, how it’s funded, and financial assessments:
Paying for care
Funding the cost of care services
You can also get independent financial advice.
If you are a self‑funder and ask the council to arrange certain services (for example, a respite care home stay), an arrangement fee may apply. See support with care services.
Other ways you can support yourself
You might find help through local community services—search Staffordshire Connects. Examples include:
- Lunch clubs and social groups
- Meal preparation or delivery
- Befriending
- Community transport
You can also explore equipment and gadgets (assistive technology) to make daily tasks easier, see Find the right equipment with AskSARA.
Ask for help with social care
If you think you need social care support, contact us to talk through your situation and next steps.
Ask for help with social care
Out of hours / emergency respite: Contact us / Emergency Duty Team
Safeguarding: If you’re worried someone is at risk of harm or neglect, Report a concern