Bridging Service
The Community Bridging Service provides short-term emergency support for adults experiencing a crisis at home. It is funded by Gloucestershire County Council.
The service offers urgent assistance when an emergency or a sudden change in care arrangements means someone is at immediate risk of being unable to remain safe and well.
We aim to help people:
- stay safe at home
- remain as independent as possible
- to stabilise crisis situations
- avoid an unnecessary trip to hospital or longer-term care where applicable.
Who is the service for?
The service is available to adults aged 18 and over who need urgent support to remain safe at home.
This may include people who:
- are experiencing a sudden short-term carer emergency and have exhausted all other support options, including family and friends
- experience provider failure, or an emergency gap in their care
- need urgent support to stay safe at home and avoid an unnecessary trip to hospital where applicable
- are registered with the Carers Emergency Scheme.
What does it involve?
A member of staff from an approved care provider will contact you by phone to discuss your situation and any immediate needs. Depending on the level of risks identified, the care provider may arrange to visit you on the same day or following day.
If you are registered with the Carers Emergency Scheme your referral will be prioritised and every effort will be made to provide support within 2 hours.
The team will support you through the immediate crisis and work with other professionals to make sure you receive the right help at the right time.
How long does the support last?
Support can be provided for a few hours up to 5 days, depending on individual circumstances.
What time will my visits be?
Visits take place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Times will be agreed with you in advance.
The care provider will make every effort to arrive as close as possible to the agreed times, although there may occasionally be delays due to emergencies or demand.
Will I be charged?
The Community Bridging Service is free during a crisis and can provide support for up to 5 days, depending on need.
If you require ongoing support after the Bridging Service, a financial assessment will determine whether you need to contribute towards the cost.
Depending on the outcome of the assessment, you may need to pay some or all the costs of your ongoing care and support.
Find out more about the financial assessment.
What happens at the end of your Community Bridging Service support?
Following discussions and depending on your circumstances, you may:
- need no further support
- be referred to a Community Reablement Service
- be referred to Adult Social Care
- be connected to other local services, including Gloucestershire Carers Hub.
What can you expect from us?
We will:
- involve you in decisions and, with your permission, include your carer or family
- help connect you with local services if needed
- work with you to identify any future support that could help you stay independent.