Your care planning guide
Local Authority Care Assessments
What to expect from a council care-needs and financial assessment.
The assessment process
A care-needs assessment considers the help someone needs with daily life. If eligible needs are identified, a separate financial assessment normally considers what the council will contribute and what the individual may need to pay.
Make the conversation specific to your family
Write down the support currently needed, the preferred start date, the location and any night-time requirements. Include the routines and activities the person wants to keep. Ask the provider which tasks are included and which need a separate arrangement.
Questions worth taking with you
- Who is responsible for arranging and supervising the care?
- What does the written quotation include?
- How are breaks, holidays and unexpected absences covered?
- Who should the family contact with questions or changes?
Entitlement depends on individual circumstances. Read NHS guidance on care and support and GOV.UK Attendance Allowance guidance, and confirm decisions with the relevant council or NHS team.
Let’s talk about what matters
A little guidance.
A clearer next step.
You may be planning ahead, arranging a break for a family carer or responding to a change in circumstances. Tell us where care is needed and the support you have in mind.
Share the location, type of support and preferred start date.
The West Country Care at Home team receives your enquiry and contacts you using the details supplied.
We discuss suitable next steps with you before introducing you to a care provider.
Care arrangements depend on the person’s needs and available carers. The provider will explain the assessment, terms and fees.