There are a number of ways of getting help at home. If you are having difficulties with your personal care, such as getting out of bed, washing yourself, going up and down stairs or preparing meals, you may qualify for support from your local Social Services Department (Social Work Department in Scotland). You have the right to have your needs assessed, which should include your physical, social and emotional needs.

If you come within your area's criteria for help they should then offer you the service or services you need. These could be adaptations such as grab rails by the bath or stairs, a home carer to help you wash and dress, meals-on-wheels or access to a day centre. Carers can also have their own needs assessed separately.

If your needs are very extensive they may suggest a move into a care home. This will be their advice, and unless you have been 'sectioned' under the Mental Health Act, are subject to 'Guardianship' (or are living in unsanitary conditions and not looking after yourself and not receiving proper care and attention), you can refuse to go into a care home. They cannot force you into a care home against your will unless those situations exist. If you are not happy with the services offered you can make a complaint.

If you need help with domestic tasks such as cleaning or shopping the Social Services or Social Work Department may help, though this is becoming increasingly uncommon. You may need to see if a local voluntary organisation or care agency can help. There may be a Volunteer Bureau to help with shopping, gardening or dog walking, for example. Age Concern may have a handyperson scheme, a visiting service, a shopping scheme or run a social club. The British Red Cross may run a day centre or loan items to help with independent living such as a wheelchair or commode.

You should contact your GP if you need some form of nursing or medical help. The local District Nurse may help with attending to dressings, caring for pressure sores or giving injections; there may be a chiropody service to provide footcare; continence advisers for help and advice on incontinence or a Wheelchair Service Centre for the long-term loan of a wheelchair.

There may be welfare benefits available if you are finding it hard to make ends meet - please see our Help claiming benefits section to find out more.

For more information, our advice leaflets, including Home Repairs and Improvements and Equipment for Daily Living, are available to download from the housing and home safety advice page.