What is an assessment?

An assessment gives an opportunity for someone from Health or Social Services to discuss the needs of the person you are caring for, together with your needs, in order to find out whether it is necessary to provide services which will support everyone concerned.

Once a referral has been made to social services the person who is to be assessed should be informed how long it will be before someone makes an appointment for a home visit.

In urgent cases priority appointments may be given. Waiting times may differ according to which social services division is involved.

When you are visited they will discuss the situation with the person requiring the care, and they will then consult with you. This will give you the opportunity to state your views. This should then be taken into account when putting together and writing the care plan.

Questions they may ask about the person requiring services include:

• Personal details
• Nature of disability/illness
• GP/District Nurse
• Any services/support currently being received
• Family support
• Mobility - Getting about
• Level of independence - What can / can't be done
• Personal care needs
• Financial situation
• Access to day care

A carers' assessment may include questions about:

• Your health - physical and emotional
• How much care you provide and the types of things you do e.g. personal care
• Lifting, cooking, keeping an eye on someone?
• Whether you get enough sleep
• Support networks - eg family, friends, neighbours
• Whether you ever get a break
• Employment responsibilities
• Other caring responsibilities
• Your willingness and/or ability to continue
• Financial situation - eg benefits advice

Things you may want to tell the care manager:

• Where you live - you may not live with the person you are caring for, and where correspondence should be sent
• About the things you are not happy to do or which cause you distress
• Any health problems you may have
• If you feel depressed or isolated
• Any fears you may have about your role
• Things you may have had to give up eg visiting friends/family, hobbies
• Any particular difficulties you may be experiencing

Don't forget…..

• The care manager is there to help
• You are entitled to go to work if you want to
• You may ask to speak to the care manager in private if you wish
• Make some notes about what you want to say before the assessment

It is recognised by Health and Social Services that you are an essential element in providing care in the community; therefore it is vital that they meet your needs whenever possible.

Once a care manager has assessed that there is a need for some services, a care plan is written, which will outline the agreed level of services to be provided. You and the person you are caring for will be sent a copy. Social Services should be informed of any change in circumstances that may have an effect on the care plan. A review may then be necessary.

The type of services that may be provided include:

• Equipment and adaptations to assist with daily living
• Specialist help for people with a sensory or physical disability
• Assistance in the home
• Day Care (in the home and/or residential) to help you take a break
• Home Care
• Personal Care
• Sitting Services
• Meals on Wheels
• Help with getting about

More information regarding some of the services that may be provided such as health services, equipment & adaptations, taking a break and help with getting about can be found in the factsheets produced by Carers of Barking and Dagenham.

Any services that are provided should be flexible to suit your needs and the needs of the person you are caring for.

For initial enquiries about services contact:
The Initial Contact Service 020 8227 2915