Assessment

 
 

Assessments

Assessing your needs - What are they?
Before we can arrange social services for you, you will need to have an assessment of your needs. An assessment involves you (the service user) and a member of our social care staff. We can carry out an assessment in your own home or in hospital before you go home. You may also want to involve someone who looks after you (your carer) or someone to speak for you. The assessment can include other people, with your permission, for example your GP.

At the assessment, we will:

  • Consider your views and wishes
  • Ensure that matters such as race and religion are taken into account in your assessment
  • Encourage you to have a friend, relative or someone else present to help you or speak for you if you wish
  • Arrange for an interpreter if you do not speak English or use sign language
  • Consider your carers views
  • Make sure that people involved in your assessment work together effectively and tell you how long each part of the process will take
  • Give you information about the services available and any charges involved

When you are assessed for social services we will ask you:

  • What you think your needs are
  • What problems you are facing
  • What help you have now

If your needs are straightforward, the assessment will be straightforward too. If your needs are more complicated, your assessment will be more detailed.

After your assessment, we will discuss with you how best to meet your needs and which services you can receive, who will provide them and where and when they will be provided. If necessary, we can arrange services to meet your needs while your assessment is completed. We want to help those that we consider need our help, and we need to make sure that our services go to those who need them most. Whether you qualify for a particular service will depend on your level of need. This will be explained to you by your social care worker.

For people over 65 years of age, we aim to start your assessment within 48 hours of you contacting us and complete your assessment within four weeks. We aim to complete assessments of younger adults with a physical disability in 28 days. We aim to have all your services in place within 28 days of your assessment being completed. We aim to provide people who receive a service with a care plan detailing your needs and how they will be met and you will be given a written copy of this.

Single Assessment Process


How do I get one?
You should contact the office that covers the area you live in. You will be asked certain questions initially about your situation and where you live. Everyone is entitled to an assessment of their needs although you may not be eligible for services.

For further general information on assessments and services, please see our leaflet about it


Who do I contact?

Is there a charge?
You will not be charged for an assessment of your needs. However, if as a result of the assessment certain services are offered, you may be assessed to pay for these. Payment for Care