How to get support

Before we can arrange social services for you, you will need to have an assessment of your needs, either at home or in hospital before you return home. An assessment involves you and a member of our social care staff.

At the assessment, we will:

• Consider your and your carer's views and wishes
• Ensure that matters such as race, religion and language issues 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
• 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

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. Westminster has set its eligibility criteria at Substantial needs and above under the national Fair Access to Care Services (FACS) criteria.  More details on FACS

You will receive a care plan detailing your needs and how they will be met and you will be given a written copy of this.

As part of your assessment, you will be offered 'reablement'  if you are suitable. The Re-ablement Service is a service which provides planned, short term intensive services that work with you to help you to do as much as you can for yourself.

How do I get an assessment?

Is there a charge?