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.) If they think we can help you, they will arrange for a social worker (or other professional) to visit or phone you to discuss your needs. This is called 'an assessment'.
During the assessment process, we will gather information from you, your family or carers and, if necessary, other professionals. This enables us to make a decision about whether or not you are eligible to receive services. When we carry out the assessment, we will also assess any potential risk to your independence and well-being.
You can have an assessment if you:
- are aged 18 or over and are finding it difficult to care for yourself;
- have a physical disability;
- have lost some or all of your hearing or sight;
- have a learning disability or mental health problem;
- have a long-term illness or infirmity;
- have problems as a result of drug or alcohol dependency; or
- are caring for someone but feel that you need support with this task. In these circumstances, you can ask for a carer's assessment.
From 1st April 2003, councils have had to use guidance from the Department of Health (External link), called 'Fair Access to Care Services', which explains the eligibility criteria. The aim is to ensure assessments are fair and consistent. The guidance covers all new requests we receive for help (known as referrals) for people over 18.
Under the government's guidelines, councils are required to assess people’s needs and associated risks within four categories:
- Critical
- Substantial
- Moderate
- Low
To be eligible to receive services from Wigan Council, your elilgibility must be assessed as either critical or substantial.
If you are eligible to receive services, we will do a review of your care arrangements at least once a year. This will involve a re-assessment, which will help us to decide whether or not you are eligible for services in the future. This might mean thatyou will get more care services or, if you don't meet the eligibility criteria, we may stop services.
If you don't qualify for help from us, we may be able to offer you advice and some possible alternatives, or make a referral on your behalf to another agency, such as Starting Point.
