If you’re finding it difficult to manage daily tasks or maintain your independence, you may benefit from an adult social care assessment. This is the first step in understanding what support you might need to live well and safely.
Social care assessment
Find out what a social care assessment is, how it works, and why it matters. Learn the steps, eligibility, and support available to help you stay independent.
Do I need a social care assessment?
What is a needs assessment
A needs assessment gives us the chance to find out how you’re coping with day-to-day tasks and what solutions we can find together to help you maintain your independence and wellbeing.
Someone else can request a needs assessment on your behalf, such as a friend or family member, but we need consent from you.
We want to hear your voice and views throughout the assessment to help get the best outcomes for you.
There’s no charge for a needs assessment.
What happens during your assessment
We’ll start with an initial conversation with you and/or your carer to understand your situation. We’ll ask you about what’s working well in your life, what’s not working so well, and what you’d like to change or improve. This can include how you’re managing everyday tasks like washing, dressing and cooking. We might ask you to describe how well you feel you do certain things, like making a cup of tea and getting out of a chair, and what things are most important to you.
We’ll explore ways to help you stay independent and avoid formal care services.
If ongoing support is needed, we’ll carry out a Care Act needs assessment. This is usually done in person, at a location that suits you. The assessment helps us understand:
- more about you, your life and your strengths
- your care and support needs
- whether you’re eligible for support from us
Having someone with you
You’re welcome to have a friend or relative with you. This can help if you’re not confident explaining your situation. They can also take notes for you.
If you can’t have a friend or relative with you, you can use an advocate. Advocates are people who speak up on your behalf. They can help you fill out forms and sit with you in meetings and assessments. If you’d like an advocate, let us know when you get in touch to request an assessment.
Some of the words and phrases used in adult social care may be new to you. If you’re not sure what something means, you might find this social care jargon dictionary useful.
If you need an interpreter or translator, we’ll help to arrange this.
Video: Care and support assessments
Watch time: 2 mins