What is a Care Act Assessment? 

A Care Act Assessment is a process conducted by your local authority to determine your care and support needs. It helps identify what kind of help you may require and whether you qualify for funded support.  

As part of the process, your physical, mental, and emotional needs will be assessed. 

Other names for a care act assessment are: needs assessment, adult social care assessment, health and social care assessment and local care assessment, to name a few. 

Who is eligible for a Care Act Assessment? 

Anyone who feels they need care and support, including older adults, adults with disabilities, and carers is eligible to request a social care assessment from their local authority.  

How do I request a Care Act Assessment? 

The best way to request a Care Act Assessment is to get in touch with social services at your local council and ask for a needs assessment. If you live in England and Wales, you can also request a health and social care assessment through the GOV.UK website. 

What happens during a Care Act Assessment? 

The assessment process will include questions about your ability to perform daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and cooking. You may be asked about how well you manage certain activities like making a cup of tea or standing up from a chair. To get a thorough understanding of your situation, the assessor might also speak with your family, caregivers, or health professionals. 

If it seems like you may require home modifications, such as the addition of grab rails in the bathroom, you might be referred for a separate home assessment. 

How long does it take to get a Care Act Assessment? 

The Care Act does not set specific deadlines for completing an assessment, but it does require that assessments be conducted promptly when there is an apparent need for care and support. The timing of the assessment should be determined on an individual basis, considering factors such as potential risks and the impact of any delays. 

In some cases, local authorities may need to provide care and support immediately, even before a formal assessment is completed. The Care Act gives local authorities the authority to address urgent care needs, regardless of the individual's ordinary residence. 

Typically, the assessment process takes about 4-6 weeks, with results usually provided within a week of completion. However, this depends on your local authority. The care needs assessment itself generally lasts at least an hour and can be conducted face-to-face, over the phone, or online. 

What if I don’t agree with the assessment outcome? 

If you disagree with the results of your needs assessment, or how it was done, you can raise a complaint. The first step is to complain to your local authority. Local authorities should have a formal complaints procedure on their website. This should be explained to you at the assessment.  

However, if you are still unhappy with the outcome, then you can raise the complaint with the local government and social care ombudsman. The ombudsman is appointed to investigate complaints about organisations.  

If your complaint relates to social care, you can also get in touch with Healthwatch, which is the independent organisation that helps people who use health and social care services.  Each area of England has a local Healthwatch, and these teams help providers to understand what people need and expect. Healthwatch also urge service providers to include the community in decisions about care improvements. 

Is the Care Act Assessment free of charge? 

Your local council or trust offers the Care Act Assessment service at no cost. 

What is the outcome of a Care Act Assessment? 

Depending on your needs, the outcome may include a care and support plan tailored to your needs, recommendations for services, or a determination of whether you qualify for local authority-funded care. 

What happens if I’m deemed eligible for care after the assessment? 

If you're deemed eligible, your local authority will work with you to create a care and support plan. They may also conduct a financial assessment to determine if you're required to contribute towards the cost of your care. 

Can I have someone with me during the assessment? 

Yes, you are entitled to have a family member, friend, or advocate present during your Care Act Assessment to support you and help express your views.