What is an assessment?

An assessment is simply a discussion with you that will help us understand what help and support you might need coping with life on a day to day basis and living independently in your own home.

Where does it take place?

It usually involves a chat in your own home and we're very happy if you have a friend, relative or carer with you. If you are in hospital, we'll come and talk to you before you are discharged to see about any help you might need in the home whilst you are recovering. The assessment is a two way conversation. We'll ask you to tell us something about yourself and you can tell us how you think we can help and support you. We might also ask the opinion of other professionals who know and work with you, like your doctor, but we will only do this with your permission. We will also take account of the needs of your family or carer and assess them separately if they ask us to.

Remember we are only coming to see you to understand how you are coping day to day and how we might help to improve your quality of life. We're not there to comment on your taste in wallpaper.

How quickly will this happen?

If your situation is very urgent and you are in a crisis or at serious risk of harm, we will aim to see you within 24 hours. If your carer is finding it very difficult to cope we will try to see you within seven days. In any other circumstances it will be within 28 days of you asking for the assessment.

What about confidentiality?

We respect your privacy at all times. Any information you give us will be treated as confidential and will not be shared with anyone else without your permission - other than in exceptional circumstances where the law says we must show it to someone else.

Will I be able to get help?

After the assessment we will identify and agree your needs with you and discuss the help and support available to meet them, according to the seriousness of your situation.

If you are eligible for help from Adult Social Care we will arrange this within seven days of the assessment being carried out. If you are not eligible for help, we will still give you information and advice on other services that are available to help you to continue to live independently and to maintain your quality of life. If you are not happy with the outcome of the assessment you can ask us to look at your situation again with you and if you are still not happy you can get in touch with us to make a comment, suggestion or complaint.

More detailed information on how we use Department of Heath guidance to decide how serious the risk to your independence is.