What happens in the assessment?

When you contact us, we will need to carry out an initial assessment. 

If someone else has referred you, we will always contact you to make sure you have given your consent to go ahead with the assessment. Even if someone else has referred you, your assessment is about you as an individual. We'll listen to your views and wishes, these will be included in the assessment. 

We will need to ask you a number of questions, therefore it's useful to have the following information available: 

• Name, date of birth and address of the person the assessment is for    

• How the person manages with daily tasks 

Please read our Strengths-Based Approach Leaflet (PDF Document) for more information. 

When you have your assessment we’ll ask you what your life is like, including questions such as:

• What does a good day look like for you?
• Who gives you the support and friendship to help you do the things that you want to do?
• What can you do for yourself?
• Do you have any medical conditions?
• What areas do you think you need support in?
• What would you like to be able to do?
• How often do you need support?

You can ask someone you know well such as a carer or family member to help with your assessment. This can help to ensure we understand you and that you’re able to get your views across.

If you have difficulty in finding someone to help you we can arrange for an independent person to advocate for you. The Care Act 2014 is referred to in order to make sure that any plans and decisions made are within the law. If you currently pay for or arrange your own formal care you are still entitled to an assessment of your needs.See our support services and assessments page for more information.

Where it takes place 

You can choose where you feel most comfortable. Many people are happy for us to meet in their home.  

This can help us see how you are living and whether any equipment would make living at home easier for you. 

Who will be involved 

The assessment will be carried out by one of our trained adult social care practitioners. You can have anyone you want with you for the assessment, such as a family member, a carer or a friend. 

If you need help to understand the information you are given or tell us what you want and you don’t have anyone else who can help you, we can provide an independent advocate. 

Please discuss this with us before the assessment, so we can make suitable arrangements.