Find out what support we offer

Learn how our adult social care team will support you to stay happy, active and independent.

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Who we can help

The adult social care team is here to help you get the support or advice you need to stay safe, well and as independent as possible.

We support Sutton residents aged 18 or over who:

  • are frail
  • have disabilities
  • are neurodivergent
  • have mental health conditions
  • care for other adults
  • are vulnerable and at risk of abuse

We work with local organisations, including voluntary and charity groups, to deliver our services.

We apply the Care Act 2014 criteria to decide if someone is eligible for care.

Learn more about our responsibility to residents in the Care Act 2014

Ways we can help you

We can help you or someone you care for by:

  • providing information and advice
  • directing you to local organisations that can help you
  • offering short-term care or support, for example if you're recovering from an accident or hospital stay
  • offering longer term care or support if you have ongoing needs
  • supporting you if you look after a loved one

Social care can include personal care such as help with washing, dressing and getting out of bed in the morning. You might receive this in your own home, or in a care home if you need residential care.

It also offers support to help you stay active and engaged by meeting people or taking part in activities.

When you should ask a healthcare provider for help instead

Social care is about helping people be independent, active and happy.

It is different from healthcare, which is about treating or caring for people with an illness.

Healthcare is generally provided free by the NHS, whereas most people pay towards any social care or support they receive from the council.

Get the right support

Small changes can make a big difference to your quality of life, so it's worth taking some time to check what help is available.

There is lots of support you can access without having to ask us.

Speak to someone if you don't know where to start

If you're not sure what support you need, speak to someone at our community partner, Together for Sutton. They'll listen to your situation and give free, confidential advice.

Call 020 8254 2616 or learn more on the Together for Sutton website.

Ask us to look at your care needs

If you think you might benefit from care services, you can ask us to do a care needs assessment.

This will show us what you need help with, and what kind of care or support would be suitable.

We'll only be able to arrange care or support for you if you meet our eligibility criteria.

Request a care needs assessment and find out what it involves

What happens if you ask us for help

If you request a care needs assessment we'll:

  1. Contact you within 10 working days to agree a date for your assessment
  2. Carry out the assessment to find out if you're eligible for care
  3. Send you the assessment report
  4. Confirm a care plan, if we agree you're eligible for care
  5. Complete a financial assessment to show how much you'll pay

What you’ll pay for care

If we've looked at your needs and agreed to arrange care for you, we'll assess your finances to work out what you'll have to pay towards your care.

Most people pay something towards their care.

Learn more about paying for care and the financial assessment process

When your social care might be paid for by the NHS

If you have a long-term complex health need, some of your social care could be paid for by the NHS if it meets the criteria of NHS continuing healthcare.

Learn more about NHS continuing healthcare on the NHS website

Ask us to look at your needs if you're an adult who looks after someone

If you care for someone who couldn’t manage without your help, you can ask us for a carer’s assessment.

Make a professional referral

To make a professional referral, email referralpoint@sutton.gov.uk.

Ensuring care standards

We provide adult social care to the standards set out by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Department of Health and Social Care.

Learn how the CQC monitors and enforces its care standards