How do I get a care needs assessment?
There are a number of ways someone can get an assessment. The person with dementia can ask for one themselves. You can also ask your local authority’s social services department for one on their behalf.
This department may be called different things in different areas – for example, ‘adult services’. You can find their contact details:
- on a Council tax bill
- online
- at the GP surgery
- at the local library.
Other people can also arrange the assessment on behalf of the person, such as:
- the person’s GP, consultant, or another health or social care professional such as an occupational therapist
- carer or relative
- hospital social worker (if the person is in hospital).
If you ask for an assessment on behalf of someone, you must get their consent first. Some people with dementia may lack the ability (mental capacity) to give this consent. You can still ask for an assessment, as long as it is in the person’s best interests.
For more information on this see Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Who does the assessment?
The local authority adult social services department will carry out most assessments. This will normally be done by a social worker or a care coordinator (they may be referred to as an assessor). They may ask for other professionals to be involved, for example, the person’s doctor or a nurse.
What happens at the assessment?
A care needs assessment will include answering questions, which should be given in advance. They will help the local authority to find out:
- where the person lives and what care they currently receive
- if the person has any health conditions, and what they can and cannot do for themselves
- the person’s views about their support, and how they would like to be supported. For example they might want to go to a day centre or have someone help them with shopping
- the carer’s views.
These questions and answers are then discussed together with those present at the assessment. However not all assessments are done face-to-face. They may be done through a self-assessment questionnaire.
What is the self-assessment questionnaire?
Sometimes an assessment is done through a questionnaire which the person completes themselves. The person you care for might need help to fill out a self-assessment questionnaire. You or a social worker can help them at home, to make sure that all their needs are considered.
You can ask the local authority for support if the person with dementia needs it. Some local charities may also help with this.
What are telephone assessments?
Assessments can be carried out over the phone. However, this is only appropriate if the person is already known to the local authority and the assessment is a result of a change in their needs, or if their needs are not complex. People with dementia often have more complex needs, such as needs that can change on a daily basis.
Therefore, telephone assessments should not be used as the only way of assessing their care needs. If the person with dementia is offered a self-assessment questionnaire or telephone assessment, they can ask to have the assessment in person. They should explain why they need a face-to-face assessment.
If a face-to-face assessment is still not offered, they can make a complaint about the lack of support they are receiving in having their needs assessed.
Where does the assessment take place?
A face-to-face assessment usually takes place in the person’s home. This can help the assessor to know what care and support they need. If the assessment is arranged elsewhere, it should be somewhere convenient for the person and you, their carer.
