Adult Community Care assessments - how we work out if we can help you

What happens when you contact us?

• we'll ask you about your situation and needs.
• check to see if anyone else is willing and able to provide the help you need.
• arrange an assessment if we think we might be able to help.
• tell you if we don't think we'll be able to help and provide advice and information about other ways you might get help.

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What is an assessment?

• how we find out more about your situation and when you tell us about your needs.
• this usually involves us meeting you, but sometimes it can be done by telephone.
• we'll arrange any meeting at a place and time convenient for you.
• you can ask someone else to be with you at the assessment meeting.
• we can arrange extra support like a sign language signer or information in different formats if that is what you need.

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How do you work out if someone can get help?

• There are Government guidelines - called Fair Access to Care Services (FACS) - about who we can help.
• We have to use FACS to work out your needs and the risk to your independence.
• We have to find out if the risks you face are critical, substantial, moderate or low.
• We are only able help people whose risk level is defined as critical or substantial.

  More information about Fair Access to Care Services (PDF file)
  More information in Bengali (PDF)
  More information in Hindi (PDF)
  More information in Polish (PDF)

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What happens if you can help?

• You'll receive a statement of your needs and a care plan - this will include details of any charges.
• The help we've agreed you need will be arranged and you'll be told when it'll start.
• You'll be given contact details so that you can let us know if there are any problems.
• We'll review the help you get at least once a year. This is to check you're getting the right type of help and that it is still needed.

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How to contact us

For further details go to the Care Direct page.

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