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If you or a loved one is struggling to cope at home because of a decline in health, a care needs assessment can help identify what support you may need. You can request a free care needs assessment through your local Adult Social Services team.
What is a care needs assessment?
A care needs assessment is a free assessment carried out by your local authority to understand whether you need care and support, and what type of help could best meet your needs. This method can also help people find the services they need to maintain their independence and wellbeing.
The assessment looks at how you manage everyday activities and identifies the care and support that could help you remain safe, independent and well at home. This might include homecare, equipment or adaptations, support for a family carer or, where appropriate, moving into a care home. A care needs assessment is typically the first step towards accessing care services and understanding whether you may be eligible for financial support towards your care.
Anyone who feels they may need help due to physical or mental health issues is eligible including:
- Adults:
anyone that is over 18 and appears to need care or support. - Young people:
anyone under 18 who is likely to need adult care and support after turning 18. - Carers:
anyone over 18 who is providing unpaid care and support.
What happens during a care needs assessment?
Someone from your local Social Care team will either come to your home or speak to you on the phone to get an idea of how you are coping and what your day-to-day looks like. The procedure could simply be asking questions around how well you cope with daily tasks such as washing yourself, dressing and meal preparation. It’s important to be honest about the difficulties you or your loved one are experiencing. Don’t downplay problems because you’re having a good day or because you don’t want to appear to need help. Explain what you struggle with, how often it happens and what could happen without support.
They may ask about things such as:
- washing and personal care
- getting dressed
- preparing and eating meals
- managing medication
- getting around safely
- keeping your home safe
- maintaining relationships and social activities
What happens after a care needs assessment?
Based on the findings of the assessment, the local authority will determine whether the individual has eligible care and support needs. If they are eligible, a care and support plan will be developed, outlining the type and level of care they need. This could include homecare visits, equipment or adaptations to help them live safely at home, community support or, where appropriate, a care home.
A care and support plan will explain what care is needed, how it will be delivered and how it will be funded. If you need to contact your local authority to request an assessment, you can use the GOV.UK Find your local council service.
In many cases, people are expected to contribute towards the cost of their own care. If the assessment identifies that you may be entitled to financial support, a separate financial assessment will usually be carried out. This will look at your financial circumstances and determine whether the local authority will contribute towards the cost of your care.
Does a care needs assessment cost anything?
A assessment from your local authority is free, regardless of your financial circumstances. However, whether you qualify for financial help towards your care costs is assessed separately.
Can a care needs assessment recommend homecare?
Yes. An assessment may identify homecare or domiciliary care as an appropriate form of support, particularly if someone is struggling with everyday tasks but would like to remain living safely and independently in their own home.
If a care needs assessment has recommended homecare, or you are simply beginning to explore whether support at home could be helpful, speaking to a reputable homecare provider can help you understand what care might look like and the options available to you.
What support is available for carers?
Another unknown and important topic to note is that if you are a carer you may be eligible for a carer’s assessment . This is separate from a care needs assessment and focuses on how your caring responsibilities affect your own wellbeing and everyday life. Depending on your circumstances, this could include respite care, signposting to support groups, equipment or practical support around the home.
At GoodOaks Homecare, we understand the worries and pressures that can come with caring for a loved one. Through our You Are Not Alone campaign, we provide free downloadable resources designed to help families support their loved ones at home. Click HERE to find out more.
