Welcome To Wirral

What sorts of things are considered

Four things are considered as part of the test, all of which are important in order for an individual to maintain independence. These are

• the ability and freedom that the individual has to make choices which affect his or her life
• health and safety, including freedom from harm, abuse and neglect
• the ability to manage personal and other daily routines
• the involvement of the individual in wider family life and community life

The FACS guidance also says that the assessment should take account of risks faced by carers, and not just the person they support.

What happens when these have been considered?

Each of these four areas of everyday life are assessed according to the level of risk they present. The levels of risk are:

• Critical - for people with the most severe or urgent needs - where there is immediate risk of major harm/danger to yourself or others, or major risk to independence now or in the next few days.
• Substantial - for people whose needs are serious, but not critical - where there is the risk of significant impairment to health and or independence now or within three months.
• Moderate - for people who have needs, but can manage moderately well - where there is risk of some impairment to the health and wellbeing of yourself and/or others and some risk to independence within the next 12 months.
• Low - for people who have slight needs and can manage most aspects of daily living - where there is little or low risk to your independence

We will use this framework to make decisions on whether you are eligible, by identifying the areas of need and the level of risk to your independence. The Department of Adult Social Services has taken the decision that you are only eligible for social care services where your needs are critical or substantial, and there is no one else willing or able to assist.

How will my needs be assessed?

The assessment process starts with a contact assessment. This assessment collects information about you and your particular circumstances and is usually carried out in your own home. If we require further information from someone else, we will ask for your consent.

If you have an informal carer or you are a carer providing care for a relative, friend or neighbour, you may be entitled to an assessment of your own needs by a carer assessment. This can be undertaken jointly with the person you are caring for, or separately, in your own right.

What happens next?

When we have assessed that you are eligible for a service, we will consider what services would best meet your needs. This process is known as ‘Care Planning’. More information about this and what happens next is available in the leaflet entitled ‘What happens now that I have contacted you’.

What if I am not eligible for support?

We will inform you in writing if you are not eligible for social care services. You will be provided with information and advice about other sources of help, advice, services. If your circumstances change at any time, you should contact the Central Advice and Duty Team on 606 2006.

If you are unhappy with the decision made, please contact the person who did the assessment. If you remain dissatisfied there is a leaflet available entitled ‘Complaints, Comments and Compliments’ that explains what you can do. You should receive this leaflet at the time of your assessment. Further copies can be obtained from your local One Stop Shop, or directly from Central Advice and Duty Team on 606 2006.

Where can I get help or find out more?

Information is available from the Central Advice and Duty Team. They can be contacted on 606 2006. Alternatively, any of the one stop shops will be able to provide more information and details of voluntary agencies that can also offer support.