They plan for a person's discharge from hospital by carrying out an assessment of their care needs, based on physical and mental health, so that they can return to their own home with help if needed.
If someone is being cared for by a friend or relative, hospital social workers can also assess the carer's needs to help them to continue caring.
What is an assessment?
It's the way we obtain relevant information from people who request services from us, so we can work out if they are eligible for care services.
If you are in hospital, the nursing staff will ask you if you would like to see a hospital social worker before you are discharged. If you do, the social worker will visit the ward to talk to you about the help you feel you need when you leave hospital. By talking to you, your family, carers and others who are involved in your care (such as doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, dietitians, etc), the social worker can build up an accurate picture of your situation. This is called an 'assessment'.
We use the government's 'Fair Access to Care Services' guidelines to help us to decide if you are eligible for care services. Unfortunately, if you are assessed as 'low' or 'moderate' need or risk, you will not qualify for services from the council. However, we may be able to offer you advice and some other help, or put you in touch with other organisations who may be able to help, like Starting Point.
What kind of help is available?
If the outcome of your assessment is that your care needs can't be met within your own home, the hospital social worker may recommend a stay in a residential or nursing home. You will be fully involved in this decision.
How much does it cost?
There is no charge for the social work assessment, or the advice provided by the finance and benefits officer.
However, if at a later date you go on to receive care services from the council, there may be a charge for services (depending on your financial circumstances).
