Adult Social Care Assessments: What to Expect

An adult social care assessment looks at what support a person may need to manage daily life. It can cover washing, dressing, eating, moving around, staying safe, maintaining relationships, using the home and accessing the community.

It is not only for people who need a care home. Many assessments are about helping someone remain safely at home.

Try to describe what happens on a difficult day, not only on a good day. Mention falls, missed meals, confusion, medication problems, loneliness, carer strain, unsafe stairs, washing difficulties or problems leaving the home.

If a family member or carer is doing a lot, explain what they do and whether that support is sustainable. Councils need to understand the whole picture.

The council may suggest advice, equipment, home adaptations, reablement, care at home, day services, safeguarding support, carer support or other local services. If ongoing care is arranged, there may be a financial assessment to decide what the person contributes.

The assessment does not guarantee a particular service, but it is the usual gateway to understanding options.

If someone is unsafe, being neglected, at risk of abuse, or unable to meet basic needs, explain the urgency clearly. For immediate danger, use emergency services rather than waiting for a routine assessment.