Self Assessment

Self-assessment is a partnership between you and staff from Adult Social Services/NHS Wirral, to identify what support you need.

The questions asked during your assessment will include the following:

• what do you need support with?
• what are you able to do without support?
• what, if any, support do you receive now?
• what support do you think you may need?
• who is your doctor?

The assessment will help identify:

• what your support needs are
• if your carer's support needs are (if you have one)
• whether you require support from Adult Social Services/NHS Wirral

What sorts of things are considered?

Four things are considered, 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

Fair Access to Care guidance also says that the assessment should take account of risks faced by Carer’s, and not just the person they support.

Financial Assessments

The financial assessment is a means test that includes essential housing costs, disability related costs and a benefit check. Financial assessments will be offered to all people who receive Home support or Direct Payments.

All people who use social support services will be offered a financial assessment so that their ability to pay for the services they receive can be assessed. This is to ensure that the charge the council levy for services is fair and has been tailored to an individual’s financial circumstance.

If you refuse the financial assessment, a full charge will be made for services received.

For information and advice contact the Central Advice and Duty Team on (0151) 606 2006.