General Information

Where do you start? Looking for care can be a challenging and emotional experience. You may need to learn about all the different Types of Care just to find out what will suit your own or your family or friend's personal circumstances.

You will soon discover there are different terms used if you are contacting your social services department (in Surrey called Surrey County Council Adult Social Care) Individual Budgets and Direct Payments – what do they all mean? And what would suit your circumstances? Surrey Independent Living Council provide advice and support for those wanting to know more about Direct Payments in Surrey on 01483 458111.

Some people have the financial security to fund their own care whilst others will need to approach their local Social Services or PCT (Primary Care Trust) for financial support. How to get Funding is an invaluable source of information to support your search for a care service.

There is help at hand from a wide range of sources and you will find links to other websites on Useful Links page. Some of these organisations also provide Help Lines free of charge.

Surrey County Council and Surrey Care Association support www.carechoices.co.uk which has a directory of care homes and also provide a help line for advice on 0800 38 92 077. Age Concern Surrey has a local helpline 01483 446627 and a local website www.acsurrey.org.uk.