Needs Assessment by Social Services

Once you have contacted Social Services, we will need to assess your needs before we can arrange services for you.

An assessment involves you and a member of staff. You may also want to involve someone who looks after or supports you (your carer) or someone to speak for you. The assessment can also include other people, such as your GP.

In your assessment we will ask you about:

What you think your needs are
What problems you are facing
What help you have now
What help you think you may need

We will use this information to assist you to identify services and /or support which will keep you as independent as possible.

It is important to note that not everyone is entitled to an assessment, and not everyone will be able to receive services from Social Services after having an assessment. We want to help as many people as possible, but there are many demands on Social Services and we have 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. We will tell you if you are not eligible for a service and will offer advice and information about local services which may meet your needs.

Standards for assessments
Assessments of need are carried out under the legislation of the NHS and Community Care Act 1990 and the Carers Recognition and Services Act (1995 and 2000).

At the beginning of your assessment you can expect:

To be told how long the assessment will take. Usually this takes about 10 working days. Detailed assessments may take longer
To be given the names of the people involved in your assessment, and to be told why they are involved
To have the assessment arranged at your convenience

During your assessment:

We will consider your views and wishes
You can have a friend, relative or someone else to help you speak if you wish
We will arrange for an interpreter if you do not speak English or if you use sign language
We will consider your carer’s views
The people involved in your assessment will work together effectively
We will give you information about the services that are available and any costs involved

After your assessment, we will discuss and agree with you your support plan. This will then have to be agreed by a manager. Following this agreement you will be kept informed and involved in the arrangements made and services to be provided.

If you would like to apply for an assessment, please contact us using the details on the right.