What is a care needs assessment?

A care needs assessment is the starting point for getting help with care from the council. It is free, and anyone who seems to need care and support can have one, whatever their income or savings.

Who carries it out

The assessment is done by the adult social care team at the council for the area where the person lives. Someone from the team, such as a social worker or an occupational therapist, will talk to the person, either in person or by phone.

What it covers

The assessment looks at:

• What the person can and cannot do, such as washing, dressing, cooking, getting about and staying safe
• How this affects their wellbeing
• What they would like to achieve
• What support they already have, for example from family

The council then decides whether the person’s needs are “eligible” for support under national rules set by the Care Act 2014.

How to ask for one

Contact adult social care at the person’s council. You can ask on the person’s behalf, with their agreement. It helps to have ready:

• The person’s name, address and date of birth
• Their GP’s details
• A description of what they are struggling with
• The details of any family carer

What happens next

If the person has eligible needs, the council will work out a care and support plan with them. This might include help at home, equipment, day care, a respite stay or a move to a care home. The council will then do a financial assessment to work out who pays.

Carers can have an assessment too

A family carer can ask for their own carer’s assessment, even if the person they care for does not want one.

If you pay for your own care

You can still ask for a needs assessment. It can help you understand what care is needed and what to look for in a care home.

Read our overview of paying for a care home, or call Cedar House on 01375 768505.