Care needs assessment
If you're finding it hard to manage and think you need social care, a care needs assessment is the first step. The...
If you’re found to have care and support needs after your care needs assessment, you’ll get a care plan. This sets out the help you can expect to meet your care needs.
Following your care needs assessment, if your local council finds that you have eligible care needs, then they'll prepare a care and support plan. You should be involved in putting together your care and support plan, so make sure to share your views and preferences.
Your care plan should specify what care and support you need to meet your needs. It should cover:
Find out more about personal budgets and direct payments
You'll receive a copy of the care plan and a named person to contact with any questions or worries.
Your care plan is personalised to you so what's in it will depend on your needs. Some types of support that might be included are:
After a new or revised care and support plan is introduced, your local council must review it within a reasonable time frame (usually 6-8 weeks).
After this, your care plan should be reviewed at least once a year, but this might be more often if needed.
If you feel your care plan doesn’t support your needs, contact the adult social services department of your council to ask for a review.
You should be involved in putting together the care plan, so it's important that you raise any concerns at this time to reach an agreement with your local council.
However, if you have any problems or questions, you can contact the named person you were given to help resolve any issues. If you’re still unhappy, you can make a complaint to your local council.
Find out more about making complaints about care to your local council
We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.
If you're finding it hard to manage and think you need social care, a care needs assessment is the first step. The...
If you need help with day-to-day tasks at home, your local council may be able to help you pay for care. If you're...
Learn about what financial support you might get from your local council.
Social care isn't free, so you will need to pay for some of your care. We'll help you work it out.
Care home fees will vary depending on the area, the care home and your own financial circumstances.
Help with everyday tasks like washing, dressing or making dinner.