What is a care needs assessment and how do I ask for one?
A care needs assessment is a free service offered by your local council. It looks at what support someone needs to live safely and as independently as possible � and whether the council is able to help provide any of that support.
Anyone can ask for one. It does not commit you to anything, and it does not mean care has to be arranged. It is simply the starting point for understanding what help might be available.
What it is � and what it is not
A care needs assessment is a social care assessment � not a medical one. It is carried out by the local council (usually by a social worker or care assessor), not by the NHS or a GP. It looks at a person's practical needs in everyday life, not their medical diagnosis.
It is governed by the Care Act 2014 in England (other nations have their own frameworks). Under the Care Act, any adult who appears to have care and support needs is entitled to an assessment � regardless of whether the council ends up funding any care as a result.
Who is entitled to one
Any adult who appears to need care or support can ask for an assessment. The council cannot refuse to carry out an assessment � they can only decide, after the assessment, whether the person meets the eligibility threshold for funded support.
Unpaid carers are also entitled to their own separate assessment � a carer's assessment � which looks at the impact of caring on their own life and wellbeing. You do not need to be living with the person you care for to request one.
How to request one
Contact your local council's adult social care team. Most councils have an online referral form as well as a phone number. You can self-refer, or a GP, hospital or other professional can make a referral on the person's behalf.
In Shropshire, the first point of contact is Social Care First. In other areas, search for your local council's adult social care team. The GOV.UK website has a tool to find your local council.
What happens during the assessment
A conversation about daily life
The assessor will ask about what the person can and cannot manage day to day � washing, dressing, cooking, getting around, managing medication, staying safe.
What matters to the person
A good assessment is not just about what someone cannot do � it should also consider what matters to them, what they enjoy, and how they want to live.
Their home and support network
The assessor will want to understand what help is already in place � from family, friends or existing services.
Risk and safety
Whether there are any immediate risks � falls, memory problems, medication management, the safety of the home environment.
The assessment is usually done in person � at the person's home or another convenient location. A supporter or family member can be present if the person wishes.
What can happen as a result
A care and support plan
If the council agrees that the person has eligible needs, they must produce a care and support plan � a document setting out what help will be provided.
Council-funded care
If the person's needs meet the threshold and their financial situation qualifies, the council may contribute to or fully fund care. This is subject to a financial assessment.
Direct payments
Instead of the council arranging care directly, the person may be offered direct payments � money to arrange their own care. This gives more flexibility and choice.
Signposting even if not eligible
If someone does not meet the threshold for council-funded care, the council still has a duty to provide information and signposting to other sources of support.
If you disagree with the outcome
You have the right to ask for the assessment to be reviewed. If you disagree with the eligibility decision, you can make a formal complaint through the council's complaints process.
If you need independent help navigating this, a local advocacy service may be able to support you. Some areas have independent Care Act advocates. Your local Healthwatch or Citizens Advice can help you find one.
How InKindRa can support you
Requesting and navigating a care needs assessment can feel daunting � particularly if you are not sure what to expect or what the person you are supporting is entitled to. We can help you prepare for the assessment, understand what questions are likely to be asked, and think through what matters most to include.
We can also help you make sense of the outcome � whether that is understanding what the care and support plan includes, exploring direct payments, or working out what to do if the assessment does not feel right.
Need help applying this to your own situation?
You do not need to have everything organised before getting in touch. InKindRa can help you make sense of what is happening, prepare questions and understand what practical next steps may be needed.
Not sure if this is the right kind of support? Send a short message - no pressure to continue.
Related practical guides:
Would you like help navigating a care needs assessment?
If you are thinking about requesting an assessment, or trying to make sense of one that has already happened, start with a free, no-pressure conversation.
Or call us on 01743 630199