www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Assessment of Need
Fact Sheet No: FS1
Name of Service: Assessment of Need
Abbreviation: None
Service Type: Information & Advice
Summary of Service
What is an Assessment of Need?
An assessment of need is a series of questions that help decide what kind of help or support you need, whether you are eligible for services and whether your needs can be provided by existing community services, by social care or health or an independent provider.
We operate a self-assessment process and full assessment of need.
Details of Service
Can everyone ask for an assessment of need?
We have a duty to assess people when they appear to have an illness or a physical impairment, a severe mental illness, a learning disability, are developing confusion/dementia, are frail or vulnerable to the risk of neglect or abuse, or are a carer; where they may appear to be in need and would benefit from community care services.
Carers also have a right to an assessment of their needs where they provide substantial and regular care to the person they care for.
Our assessment processes ensure that you will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age, gender, ethnic group, race or religion, disability.
How is an assessment arranged?
You may be referred to us by your GP, consultant or other professional.
You may contact us directly at the Social Care Help Desk on 01225 713001 and ask for an assessment or another person such as a friend or relative, can do this on your behalf. You will then be referred to a practitioner in our Advice and Assessment teams.
Our practitioner staff may carry out assessments in a variety of ways, including over the telephone, and it is often carried out in the person’s home.
What happens if I feel I am in need this type of help or support?
We recognise that many people only want information and advice from us, preferring to make arrangements for their own care.
Our staff in the Social Care Help Desk will listen carefully to your request for help and discuss with you what options are available so that you can decide on the best course of action in your particular situation. This may be to provide information and advice or signposting you to existing community services provided by all kinds of organisations. (Link to FSx Social Care Help Desk).
If an assessment of need is required, you will be referred to the appropriate District Advice and Assessment Team, who may either:
- Ask if you would like to complete a simple self-assessment form (sent through the post and returned to the team) to establish if you might require a full assessment of your care needs,
or
- Arrange for a practitioner to contact you to make an appointment to discuss the assessment with you.
Whichever course of action is taken, you are assured that our Advice and Assessment staff will:
- Listen to your views and, if you wish them to be involved, those of your carer, so that we understand your situation and care needs.
- Compare your needs with our eligibility criteria.
- Decide if you are eligible for our assistance.
- Carry out a full assessment.
How and when can you contact us?
Please contact the Social Care Help Desk :
By Telelphone:
01225 713001
By Fax:
01225 713355
By Email:
socialcarehelpdesk@wiltshire.gov.uk
Weekdays:
Monday – Thursday - 08:30 – 17:20
Friday - 08:30 – 16:20
If you need urgent help outside of these hours, you can call the Emergency Duty Service on 0845 60 70 888
For more information you can either:
- Contact the Social Care Help Desk 01225 713001, or
- Visit the Wiltshire County Council website www.wiltshire.gov.uk/factsheets
This Fact Sheet can be produced, on request, in other formats and languages. Please contact the Social Care Help Desk on 01225 713001.
