Anyone can contact Adult social Care for help and/or advice. The best way is to contact Careline. Whilst we will always be happy to provide advice, we cannot provide assistance to everyone.

To decide what Social Care needs we will provide assistance for (and which we will not) Adult Social Care use national criteria called Fairer Access to Care Services (FACS). This has four levels of risk and need – Low, Moderate, Substantial and Critical.

The decision as to an individuals level of need is made during an “assessment”.

In Swindon only needs, which are assessed as Critical or Substantial, are eligible for services. For people whose needs are assessed as Low and Moderate we are happy to provide advice and information. Examples of needs/risks that may be classified as “Substantial” are when:

• There is, or will be, an inability to carry out the majority of personal care or domestic routines.
• The majority of social support systems & relationships cannot or will not be sustained.
• Abuse or neglect has occurred or will occur.

For a more detailed explanation of these bands, please see the FACS Criteria page.