Adult and Community Services

Fair access to care

How we assess your needs

We carry out an assessment so you can tell us about your circumstances and discuss your needs.

You and anyone you would like to be present will be fully involved in the assessment so we can reach an agreement about what help we can provide. We can also carry out a separate assessment of your carer's needs.

You do not need to meet eligibility criteria to have an assessment, but the timing and content of your assessment will depend on your circumstances.

After the assessment, your social worker will decide whether or not your needs put you at risk of losing your independence, and how severe that risk is.

Each need putting your independence at risk will be classed as critical, substantial, moderate, moderate plus, or low.

'Fair access to care' does not mean that we have to meet all assessed community care needs. However, we will always provide care for those whose needs are critical or substantial, and we may also meet some moderate needs.

Other agencies may also meet a person's needs if they have a duty to or are happy to do so.