The Council provides social care support and services for adults with a sensory impairment who are predominantly aged 18 - 65, however some people may be over 65. Some people with a sensory impairment may also have a physical impairment or dementia. 

Sensory Impairment can be hearing or visual loss for a person. In some instances, adults may have a Dual Sensory Impairment and may require help for both Impairments. In these circumstances adults will need support to adapt to their needs; this may include environmental adaptations, equipment, training, support in how to communicate to live in the community and helping to live independently. Some adults in this cohort are likely to require longer term support depending on their circumstances and needs.

Short term respite services can be provided to the unpaid carers due to the long-term nature of the impairments. Carers have given feedback to the Council that it can be difficult to accommodate planned respite breaks far in advance, it is considerably easier to plan more immediate respite care.

The Council provides both community and accommodation-based services for this cohort, via specific and framework contracts. Some contracts allow for providers to enter the market at set periods. For more information refer to the following services/contracts:

• Residential care for working aged Adults 
• Intermediate care
• Domiciliary care
• Day opportunities
• Equipment and TEC enabled care
• Shared lives
• Supported living 
• Employment opportunities

A financial assessment may be undertaken on adults who are in receipt of certain services. The adult can either have a managed service via one of the Council's contracts, or manage their own support via a direct payment, personal health budget or individual service fund.