If you, or someone on your behalf, asks the Department of Adult Services for help with your care needs, we need detailed information about your circumstances before making a decision about your eligibility for social care services.
An assessment is how we find out what help and support you, your family or carers need, and who is best to provide that help. A social worker (or other professional) will usually visit you at home to talk to you and find out what your needs are. We can also carry out some assessments over the phone. The sorts of things we need to know are:
- how you are managing to take care of yourself
- what you can do for yourself
- what you need help with
- are you being looked after by someone else
We may also need to speak to other people who help you, such as friends, family and other professionals (your doctor or health visitor for example).
The Central Duty Team deals with the majority of new requests for help from people over the age of 18 and their carers. (Referrals for sensory and occupational therapy services are dealt with by staff from the Disability Resource Centre. The Crisis Resolution Team also deal with referrals for mental health services for people aged 16-65.) When you contact them, they will arrange for you to have an assessment.
