Care navigators

The care navigator service is a free service for people aged 18 and over who are responsible for paying for their own social care. Social care is centred on improving well-being and enabling people to live as independent a life as possible, for example supporting people with:

• personal care
• mealtimes
• shopping

Care navigators provide information and practical help regarding care and support options in the local community.

People responsible for paying for their own social care include those who:

• have over £23,250 in savings (or £46,500 in joint savings)
• do not wish to disclose their finances
• do not meet the eligibility criteria following a care assessment completed by North Somerset Council
• do not wish to have an assessment of their care needs completed by North Somerset Council

Care navigators can offer support to people who live at home, in a care home or people who are being discharged from hospital.

Care navigators can:

• provide free impartial advice and support and use local knowledge to tailor a service to meet individual needs and help achieve best value for money
• provide support via telephone calls or a home visit, whichever you prefer
• help people access a range of community services in North Somerset
• give you lists of care agencies and care homes
• advise you on all the options to deliver the care package you need so that you can choose what suits you best
• advise on Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payments, Carers Allowance and funded nursing care