Assessment of need

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Fact Sheet No: FS1
Name of Service: Assessment of Need
Abbreviation: None
Service Type: Information & Advice

About this service

What is an assessment of need?

An assessment of need is where we talk with you to discuss your needs and will ask a series of questions that help decide what kind of help or support you need and what outcomes you wish to achieve for example what do you feel you would need to be living as independently as you can.  We will also work out, whether you are eligible for Council-funded services and how your needs can be met by existing  services in your community, and/or by a package of social care or health care.

Can anyone ask for an assessment of need and who can ask for one?

If anyone feels they need an assessment to help them they can ask for one.

Carers also have a right to an assessment of their own needs.

You may be referred to us by your GP, a family member, another NHS professional or other person acting on your behalf - or you can self refer.

What happens if I feel I only need advice when I make contact with the Council?

We recognise that many people only want information and advice from us, preferring to make arrangements for their own care.

Our Customer Advisors 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.

How is an assessment arranged?

If an assessment of need is required, we will take a note of your details and pass them on to a member of staff called a Customer Coordinator.  The Customer Coordinator will contact you and 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

Make arrangements to visit you at home to carry out the assessment.  Sometimes the Coordinator will arrange for a specialist professional member of staff to carry out the assessment with you – this could be a Social Worker or an Occupational Therapist.

Whichever course of action is taken, you are assured that our Department of Community Services 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.
• Send you a copy of that assessment
• Where appropriate ensure that we support you to get the right kind of service to meet your needs

Our assessment processes will ensure that you will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age, gender, ethnic group, race, religion or disability or sexual orientation.

Last updated: 11 July 2011