Independent Broker Service

Older, privately funded, people, needing help and guidance

What does it do?

Offers advice and actual help with the process of selecting and moving into a home and indeed also to keep people in thier own home, if it is safe and appropriate, with the help of home care, telecare, respite etc (subject to costs). Reviews the new service after an agreed period

Who it is for?

Optalis works on behalf of Wokingham Borough Council with all of its adult residents in need of care services who are eligible for local authority support.
The Independent Brokerage service is a new service which can assist ineligible customers (private funders) who are thinking about moving into residential, nursing or supported living

Where it is available?

Local service (Wokingham).

What it costs:

The Independent Brokerage service for private funders considering moving in to care is currently nil cost to the customer. A wide range of services is also available from Optalis and may be subject to a statutory assessment and/or financial contributions from the customer

How to access or apply for it:

If privately funding then a direct referral to Optalis can be made or via Wokingham Borough Council. All potential customers should be offered a statutory assessment by Wokingham's community care services team

What to expect then:

Private funders could expect telephone advice and/or a visit from the Independent Broker who will advise on options

Additional information:

Optalis is one of the largest care and support providers in Berkshire.  Since June 2011 we became an independent company wholly owned by Wokingham Borough Council (WBC). 
Optalis represents a more innovative approach to the provision of care and support by local authorities.  We are referred to as a local authority traded company (or LATC).
Optalis employs nearly 400 staff and we are organised across four business areas which, together, provide a comprehensive range of care and support services.  We serve multiple client types across multiple care settings.  Our experience makes us care and support 'experts'

Classification(s):

Info last updated:

02/10/2013
Provider
Council Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1BN