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Navigating a Care Needs Assessment in the UK

When someone you love starts to need extra help, whether it’s getting dressed, preparing meals, or simply managing day-to-day life, it can feel overwhelming. You might be wondering what kind of care is needed, who pays for it, and where to begin. One of the most important first steps is something called a Care Needs Assessment. Let’s walk through what it involves, how to get one, and why it can make the whole process of arranging care clearer and more manageable.

What is a Care Needs Assessment?

A Care Needs Assessment is a free service provided by your local authority. It’s designed to help identify what support someone needs to live as independently and safely as possible, whether they’re living at home, with family, or elsewhere.

It’s not a test. It’s not about judging anyone’s abilities. It’s simply about getting the right help in place. The assessment looks at:

What someone can do on their own.
What they need help with.
How their health or disability affects daily life.
What support could make a real difference.

At the end, the council will provide a report outlining what kind of care is needed and whether the person qualifies for local authority support, including funding.

Who Can Have an Assessment?

Anyone who may need care and support can request one. It doesn’t matter how old they are, what their condition is, or how much money they have. The right to a Care Needs Assessment is based on need, not income. In fact, if you’re unsure whether your loved one qualifies for help, the best thing to do is ask for an assessment. There’s no harm in applying, and it can open doors to valuable support services, advice, and resources.

How Do You Arrange One?

You can contact your local council’s adult social care team directly. Most councils have a simple form online, or you can call them.

Here’s what to expect:

You provide basic information about your loved one’s situation. A social worker or care assessor will get in touch to arrange a visit or phone call.
During the assessment, they’ll talk through daily routines, health conditions, mobility, and how things are managed at the moment.
You can be present to support your loved one, and it’s okay to speak openly and honestly.

The process can take a little time, but if you feel the need is urgent, let the council know.

Tip: Write down examples in advance. If your loved one struggles with stairs, forgets medication, or needs help bathing, make a note. It helps build a clearer picture.

What Happens After the Assessment?

After the assessment, the local authority will decide:

If your loved one has eligible needs for care and support.
What those needs are.
Whether they’re entitled to financial help.

You’ll receive a written care plan explaining the support that’s recommended. If they qualify for help, the council may offer services directly or give you control of a personal budget to arrange care yourselves, for example, through a live-in care provider like Eximius Support.

If they don’t qualify, the council should still provide information and advice on other options. Either way, it helps to know where you stand.

What About a Financial Assessment?

If the care plan includes council-funded support, a separate financial assessment will be carried out. This looks at your loved one’s income, savings, and assets. Some people will receive full or partial funding; others may need to pay privately. But again, this step is about clarity, not obligation. You’ll get a breakdown of any costs before making decisions.

Why It’s Worth Doing

Many families hesitate to contact their local authority. But getting a Care Needs Assessment can help in ways you might not expect:

It makes the next steps clearer.
It gives your loved one a voice in shaping their care.
It helps you understand what’s available, both practically and financially.
It gives you something solid to work from when speaking to care providers.

If you’re considering live-in care, for example, it gives us at Eximius Support the information we need to create a bespoke plan that truly fits your loved one’s needs.

We Can Help You Get Started

We know these conversations can be emotional. It’s not always easy to ask for help or know where to turn. That’s why we’re here.

At Eximius Support, we’ve helped many families navigate the care system, and we can help you too. If you’re not sure where to begin, or you’d like a hand arranging a Care Needs Assessment, just give us a call. There’s no pressure or commitment, just practical advice and a listening ear. We’ll talk you through the process and help you take that important first step with confidence.