Your care options
Find out where to get services ranging from aids to help around the house to home care agencies.
On this page
Signposting services
We do not provide the services described on this page. However, we have added signposting to help you find organisations that can provide the services you need. There is a charge for most of these services, although some are free.
We strongly advise that you get independent financial advice about paying for your social care.
Buying your own care services
If you know that you will have to pay the full cost of your care, you can arrange your own services.
Assessing your care needs
If you pay for your care and support, you can still ask us to assess your care needs. We will provide you with a list of contracted agencies that can provide personal and domestic help.
Assessments ensure that you:
- buy care that is appropriate for you
- do not pay more than you need to
Checking the quality of care services
Find independent reports and quality ratings on local care homes, home care and other registered services. Checking these reports will help you make the right choice.
Get help and advice about buying care services
We strongly recommend you get independent financial advice about paying for care.
Age UK is an excellent source of guidance about arranging care services.
Which? has free, independent and practical advice about caring for older people.
Personal care, homecare and domestic help
Contact the national Age UK helpline for information and advice. Or contact Age UK Oxfordshire city and county. They offer help and advice about benefits.
Find personal care and domestic help on Live Well Oxfordshire.
Personal assistant
A personal assistant can help you live independently
Domestic help
To help you stay independent at home, you can get support with tasks such as:
- shopping
- laundry
- housework
- gardening
- home repairs
- errands.
Find domestic help on Live Well Oxfordshire. Or browse the 'looking after your home' category.
Homecare agencies
Having a paid carer come to visit you in your home can make a huge difference to your life, especially if you have difficulty walking or getting around. It can help you stay living independently in your own home.
This type of care is known as homecare, domiciliary care, or sometimes home help.
Homecare service standards
These are the standards you can expect if:
- you ask us to arrange your care from an agency
- you receive support at home from a care agency
The standards have been jointly written by people who receive care in their home and home care support agencies.
Homecare staff will:
- introduce themselves when they arrive
- know you and your support plan
- be trained to deliver the support you need
- always deliver support to a good standard
When your homecare worker visits you, they will:
- focus their attention on you
- be pleasant and treat you with dignity and respect
- do their very best to arrive on time and let you know by telephone if they are going to be late
- tell you when they are leaving
- check to see how they can best support you at the start of each visit
- not rush you - they will help you at a pace that suits you
- carry out all agreed tasks
- make sure that you are comfortable at all times
- communicate and discuss topics that interest you
- check that you are happy with the support you are given and encourage you to tell us how they can improve
- show you your care record if you ask for it
- be aware that their visit may affect other household members
Residential care and nursing homes
Whether you are self-funding or receiving a personal budget from us, a care home may be your best option. Learn about finding a care home.
Motability, equipment and aids
Mobility scheme
If you get the higher rate of the personal independence payment (PIP), you can use your allowance to lease a:
- car
- scooter
- powered wheelchair
- wheelchair accessible vehicle
Learn more about the Motability Scheme.
Wheelchairs
Maintenance
If your wheelchair needs maintenance, contact Oxfordshire Wheelchair Maintenance.
Short term use
Contact the Red Cross if you need to hire a wheelchair for short-term use.
Permanent use
If you think you would benefit from a wheelchair, speak to your GP (or equivalent health professional). They will make an NHS referral on your behalf.
Find more wheelchair providers
Find wheelchair providers and services on Live Well Oxfordshire.
Disabled toilet keys (RADAR)
RADAR keys (or NKS keys) unlock 10,000 disabled toilets in the UK. These toilets remain locked to prevent vandalism, but with a RADAR key, you can unlock them at any time.
Buy a RADAR key and learn more on the Disability Rights UK website.
Equipment and aids to help you around your home
Find out about equipment you can borrow from us and assistive technology to help you around your home.
Find equipment and adaptions on Livewell Oxfordshire.
Occupational therapy
Learn about home assessment for equipment, aids and adaptations.
Physiotherapy referrals
General needs
Your GP or equivalent health professional can refer you if needed.
Long-term neurological condition
You can refer yourself to the NHS Physical Disability Physiotherapy Service (PDPS).
Post-hospital care and equipment
Talk to your healthcare professional at your outpatient pre-op appointment about care and equipment you might need after leaving the hospital.
Treatment of bedsores
Bedsores or pressure sores are ulcers caused when an area of skin and the tissues below are damaged.
If you or someone you know struggles with pressure ulcers, contact your GP (or equivalent health professional) and request a district nurse assessment.
Food and meal delivery services
Pre-prepared meals
Many companies offer the option of having pre-prepared meals delivered to your home. This service is sometimes called 'meals on wheels'.
Find meals services on Livewell Oxfordshire.
Food shopping services
There are food delivery services and local community groups that will help with your shopping.
Find help with shopping on Live Well Oxfordshire.
Food banks
Food banks are practical, community-based projects that provide short term relief by giving food to people in crisis.
Housing and home repairs
We can refer you to your district council for assistance keeping safe, secure, independent and warm. Visit our improving your home page for details.
Transport services
Hospital transport
The Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPTS) is offered to people who cannot use public or other transport due to their medical condition. It is provided for patients:
- attending hospital outpatient clinics
- being admitted to or discharged from hospital wards
- receiving treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, renal dialysis or DVT treatment.
Other transport services
If you are not eligible for NEPTS, you may find a community transport service near you. There are also accessible taxi services available to you.