A FREE publication has been launched to help people in Norfolk understand the care services that are available to them. The Care Services Directory for Norfolk 2010 is packed with information, including listings of care providers for residential care or care in your own home.

A FREE book has been launched to help people in Norfolk understand the care services that are available to them.

The Care Services Directory for Norfolk 2010 is packed with information, including listings of care providers for residential care or care in your own home.

It includes guidance on paying for care and what financial assistance is available from the government. There are also details about Norfolk's emergency and out-of-hours services and lists the kind of technology available to allow people to continue living in their own homes for longer.

Councillor David Harwood, cabinet member for adult social services, said: “We understand that searching for social care can seem like a daunting experience, particularly if you've never had to do it before.

“Norfolk County Council adult social services is dedicated to making this process as simple and as straightforward as possible. And this directory is an extremely useful publication and resource for anyone looking for care in Norfolk.”

Care Choices also operate a free public information service which provides a shortlist of care homes that match the personal preferences of individual care seekers.

A helpline offers more detailed information about care providers, relating to staffing ratios and training qualifications and can be called on 0800 38 92 077.

To receive a free copy of the Care Services Directory for Norfolk 2010 call Norfolk County Council adult social services on 0344 800 8014.

It's also available as an e-book by going to www.carechoices.co.uk/e_books/norfolk.html and there is also a spoken word option available through the Care Choices website.