You have the opportunity to share any additional documents that support the referral, for example, photographs, reports and any other relevant actions to date.
Things to consider before making a referral
There are a number of things to consider before making a professional referral to adult social care.
Continuing health care needs
GPs and other health professionals are requested to consider continuing health care needs prior to completing a referral.
Self help
Where possible, please signpost to the range of self-help support we offer from our website. The person, their representative, or professionals can use our online information finder tool to be directed to information on our website tailored to their situation. These options may support the client while their referral is processed or negate the need for a referral to adult care at this time.
Safeguarding
Where you believe that the adult with care and support needs is experiencing abuse and neglect, this should be shared with adult care as a safeguarding referral. Please do not use the general 'make a referral' form attached to this page.
A safeguarding adult referral form and supporting guidance can be found from the Derbyshire Safeguarding Adults Board.
Assistive technology (community alarm)
If you feel that the person you are referring may have care and support needs but does not need any additional services currently, for example a care package or other aids and adaptations, you can complete a request for assistive technology (community alarm and telecare).
It will ask basic Care Act eligibility questions, and give you all the details you need regarding eligibility and funding.
This will then be reviewed by our team, and the designated person will be contacted to arrange an assessment for assistive technology only.
Emergency out-of-hours support
We provide an emergency out-of-hours countywide social care support from 5pm to 9am Monday to Friday and 24 hours per day at weekends and on bank holidays.
This service is available for the public and agencies to access a range of social care staff for adults or children in need of social care. If you use these numbers in an emergency, there is also the option to speak to an out-of-hours worker, tel: 01629 532600. Routine professional referrals are not accepted by telephone.
If you need support for yourself, or for a family member or friend, please Call Derbyshire:
Making your referral
We try to review all referrals within 24 to 48 hours (the next working day). However, this could be up to 72 hours if the referral is submitted late on a Friday, over the weekend or before a bank holiday.
Referrals are received by the adult care assessment and triage team. This service operates from 9am to 5pm on Monday to Friday. During these hours, referrals are screened on the same day that they are received and a response is prioritised based on the person's needs and circumstances.
If you require an urgent response during the normal working hours (from 9am to 5pm on Monday to Friday), please mark as urgent within the referral details, clearly stating when a response is required within 24 hours, where there is an imminent risk of support breakdown.
If you require an urgent response (within 24 hours) outside of these hours, please contact Call Derbyshire tel: 01629 533190.
Make a referral