How Care Needs Are Assessed

Purpose and Importance

The primary purpose of a care needs assessment is to identify:

• The level of assistance required with daily activities
• The specific care needs arising from health conditions or disabilities
• The most appropriate type of care and support services
• The individual's preferences and goals for their care

Who Conducts the Assessment?

Care needs assessments can be conducted by various organizations, depending on your situation:

• Local authorities (for those seeking local authority-funded care)
• National Health Service (NHS) for those with complex health needs
• Private care providers (for self-funded care)

Eligibility Criteria for Local Authority-Funded Care

To qualify for local authority-funded care, you must meet the following criteria:

• Have a need arising from a physical or mental impairment or illness
• Be unable to achieve two or more specified outcomes
• Have needs that significantly impact your well-being

The Assessment Process

During the assessment, a trained professional will:

• Discuss your care needs and preferences
• Assess your ability to perform daily activities
• Consider your physical, mental, and emotional well-being
• Evaluate your living environment and support network

The assessor will then document their findings and recommendations in a care plan, which outlines the proposed care and support services.

Appealing the Outcome

If you disagree with the outcome of your care needs assessment, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process varies depending on the organisation that conducted the assessment, but typically involves:

• Requesting a review of the decision
• Providing additional evidence to support your case
• Escalating the appeal to an independent body if necessary