What’s an assessment?
An assessment is simply a discussion with you that will help us understand what help and support you might need coping with life on a day to day basis to live independently in your own home and access your community.
Where does it take place?
It usually involves a chat over the phone, or in your own home, and we're very happy if you have a friend, relative or carer with you. The assessment is a two way conversation. We'll ask you to tell us something about yourself and you can tell us how you think we can help and support you. We might also ask the opinion of other professionals who know and work with you, like your doctor, but we’ll only do this with your permission. We’ll also take account of the needs of your family or carer and assess them separately if they ask us to.
Remember, we’re only coming to see you to understand how you’re coping day to day and how we might help to improve your quality of life. We're not there to comment on anything else.
How quickly will this happen?
If your situation’s very urgent and you’re in a crisis or at serious risk of harm, we’ll aim to see you within 24 hours. If your carer is finding it very difficult to cope, we’ll try to see you within seven days. In any other circumstances, it will be within 28 days of asking for the assessment.
What about confidentiality?
We respect your privacy at all times. Any information you give us will be treated as confidential and will not be shared with anyone else without your permission - other than in exceptional circumstances where the law says we must show it to someone else.
Will I be able to get help?
After the assessment, we’ll identify and agree your needs with you and discuss the help and support available to meet them according to the seriousness of your situation.
If you’re eligible for help from Adult Social Care, we’ll arrange this within seven days of the assessment being carried out. If you aren’t eligible for help, we’ll 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. If you’re not happy with the outcome of the assessment you can ask us to look at your situation again with you and, if you’re still not happy, you can get in touch with us to make a comment, suggestion or complaint.
If you’re still unsure you can contact the Adult Social Care Access Team