05/06/2026
The Friday Care Tip 5th June 2026
Care Needs Assessments – How to Approach Them
If you or someone you care for may need support, you can request a care needs assessment from Social Services. It does not matter whether care would be council funded or privately paid — if you ask for an assessment, Social Services have a legal duty to carry one out.
Preparing properly can help ensure the right level of support is identified.
Before the assessment, gather any helpful documents, such as:
• Hospital discharge summaries
• Medication lists
• Reports from professionals such as GPs, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, or other specialists
It can also help to keep a simple daily diary showing where difficulties arise. For example:
• Preparing meals
• Personal care
• Mobility around the home
• Taking medication
• Forgetting important tasks or appointments
Think about what support could make daily life safer, easier, and more manageable.
A care assessment is not just about answering questions — you can ask questions too. For example:
• How will care be provided?
• Can I choose my care provider?
• Can I receive direct payments to arrange my own care?
• What costs are involved and is financial help available?
• Can I have a copy of the assessment?
• How often will my care needs be reviewed?
• What happens if my health suddenly changes?
One of the most important things is to be honest about your struggles. Many people say, “I can manage that,” even when they are finding things difficult. Being truthful helps ensure the right support is put in place to maintain safety, independence, and wellbeing.
For more detailed guidance, Age UK provide an excellent online factsheet called “Care Needs Assessment Guide”, which explains the assessment process, eligibility, and what support may be available.
Posted by Able Community Care, nationwide provider of live-in care support. www.ablecommunitycare.com if you would like to receive The Friday Care Tip as an individual or local magazine editor, please email to: [email protected]
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