Care assessment for adults

An assessment is simply a conversation with you that will help us understand:

  • what help and support you might need coping with daily life
  • how we can help you live independently in your own home

Where it takes place

The assessment usually involves a chat over the phone or in your own home. We're very happy if you have a friend, relative or carer with you.

If you are in hospital, we'll come and talk to you before you leave to talk about any help you might need at home while you’re recovering.

The assessment is a two-way conversation about how we can help and support you. We might also ask the opinion of other professionals who know and work with you, like your doctor. We will only do this with your permission. We will also consider the needs of your family or carer and assess them separately if they ask us to.

When it takes place

If your situation is very urgent and you are in a crisis or at serious risk of harm, we will aim to see you within 24 hours.

If your carer is finding it very difficult to cope, we will try to see you within seven days.

In any other circumstances it will be within 28 days of you asking for the assessment.

Confidentiality

We respect your privacy at all times. Any information you give us will be treated as confidential and will only be shared with anybody else involved in your care with your permission.

There are some exceptional circumstances where the law says we must share your information with someone else.

What happens afterwards

After the assessment we will identify and agree your needs with you and discuss the help and support available to meet them. This will depend on the seriousness of your situation.

The assessment could identify many outcomes. For example:

If you are eligible for help, we will aim to arrange this within seven days of the assessment being carried out.

If you are not eligible for help, we will still give you information and advice on other services that are available to help you to continue to live independently and to maintain your quality of life.

More information about eligibility

If you are not happy with the outcome of the assessment you can ask us to consider your situation again. If you are still not happy you can get in touch with us to make a comment, suggestion or complaint.

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