Care Assessment
What is a Care Needs Assessment?
A Care Needs Assessment is a formal evaluation designed to identify the type and level of care and support an individual may need to maintain their health, safety, and wellbeing at home. It's an important first step in accessing home care services and ensures any support provided is tailored specifically to you.
During the assessment, a trained professional such as a social worker, nurse, or care assessor—will talk with you about your daily routine, challenges you face, and what kind of help would make life easier. For example, you might need support with getting dressed, managing household tasks like paying bills, or simply having someone to talk to if you’re feeling isolated.
The assessment looks at a range of areas, including:
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Mobility – Would equipment like grab rails, a stairlift, or a walking aid help you move around more safely?
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Communication & Companionship – Could regular social interaction improve your emotional wellbeing or mental health?
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Personal Care – Are you finding it difficult to wash, dress, or care for yourself consistently?
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Medical Needs – Do you have ongoing health conditions that require medication, monitoring, or assistance?
Following the assessment, a personalised care plan will be created. This outlines what care services you may benefit from now and anticipates future needs as well. It can also offer guidance for your family helping them prepare practically, emotionally, and financially.
Ultimately, a Care Needs Assessment ensures that the right care is in place, delivered by the right professionals, at the right time so that you or your loved one can continue living with dignity, comfort, and as much independence as possible.
Who should have a Care Needs Assessment?
Determining Your Eligibility for Care and Support
If you feel you need support in certain areas of daily life, your eligibility will depend on several factors—including your specific circumstances and where in the UK you live.
As part of your Care Needs Assessment, your local authority will look at whether you're able to manage key aspects of daily living, such as:
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Eating and maintaining good nutrition
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Keeping up with personal hygiene
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Managing toileting needs
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Dressing appropriately
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Moving around and using your home safely
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Maintaining a clean and liveable home
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Maintaining personal and family relationships
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Accessing work, training, education, or volunteering
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Using community services (e.g. public transport, shops, social activities)
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Managing responsibilities as a carer for others (e.g. caring for a child)
They will also consider how difficult these tasks are for you specifically whether you can manage them only with help, or if doing them causes pain, distress, anxiety, risk to yourself or others, or takes significantly longer than it would for most people.
If you're unable to meet two or more of these criteria without support, you may be eligible for care and assistance. The Care Needs Assessment is designed to explore this and ensure that the right level of help can be arranged to support your health, safety, and independence.
Do I Have to Pay for a Care Needs Assessment?
No, a Care Needs Assessment is completely free—regardless of your income or financial situation. Anyone who feels they might need extra support can request one.
How Do I Arrange a Care Needs Assessment?
If you think you or a loved one could benefit from support, the first step is to arrange a Care Needs Assessment through your local authority.
How to get started:
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In England and Wales: Use the GOV.UK website to find your local council.
Need Help Arranging It?
If you’re unsure how to begin—or don’t have someone to assist you—you can speak to your GP. They can help you:
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Understand what support may be suitable for your health needs
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Connect you with your local community healthcare team (part of your area's Integrated Care System)
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Help organise a Care Needs Assessment on your behalf