Care Assessment

An assessment is a way of helping to look at your needs and involves you in working out how these can be met. It can be very simple and quick or take more time depending on your needs. In some circumstances, an assessment is not necessary, for example, if you require advice and information only. To make sure we spend our money fairly we use guidance issued by the Government called Fair access to care services.

Who will be involved in the assessment?

The main people involved in the assessment will be yourself and possibly any people who may be involved in caring for you. At all times you will be helped during the assessment process by a member of staff. We will look with you at ways of meeting your needs and agree a way forward with you. This process is known as care management.

Those with a sight loss will be introduced to their rehabilitation officer.

What would the assessment look at?

In the main, only those areas where you have a problem or difficulty would be discussed with you, for example:

• Coping with your personal needs, getting up, getting washed and dressed, going to the toilet etc.
• Coping with some domestic and household tasks.
• How your health needs affect your ability to cope.
• Getting around both inside and outside your home.
• What help you feel you need.
• Any work, recreational or educational needs.
• Who is providing help to you at the moment.
• Where you are living and the suitability of the accommodation.
• Financial matters.

What happens next?

Together, you and your care manager will look at ways of meeting your needs and then discuss a plan of action. This is known as a care plan and you will receive a written copy. It will give details about the services that are being arranged for you, the name of your care manager and a date to review how the plan is working.

If you feel you require an assessment please contact Social Care - Social Care Direct.