What is a care needs assessment?
- A free assessment by your local council (BCP Council for Poole) to determine what care and support you need.
- It looks at your physical, mental, and social care needs to identify what help would benefit you.
- The assessment is separate from a financial assessment (means test) that determines how much you pay.
- Anyone can request an assessment, regardless of income or savings.
Who can request an assessment?
- The person needing care (self-referral) or a family member/carer acting on their behalf.
- You can request one even if you’re not sure you’ll qualify for council-funded care.
- You have a right to an assessment if you appear to have care needs.
- GPs, hospital staff, or other professionals can also refer you.
How to request an assessment from BCP Council
- Contact BCP Council Adult Social Care: phone 01202 123456 (check current number on their website) or use their online form.
- Explain that you or your relative needs help with daily living, personal care, or support at home or in a care home.
- Be ready to provide: name, address, date of birth, GP details, and a brief summary of current needs.
- The council should respond within a few days and arrange an assessment (usually within 28 days, or sooner if urgent).
What happens during the assessment?
- An assessor (usually a social worker or care professional) will visit you at home or speak with you by phone or video call.
- They’ll ask about: daily living tasks (washing, dressing, eating), mobility, medication, mental health, social connections, and safety at home.
- They may also speak with family members, your GP, or other professionals (with your consent) to build a full picture.
- The assessment is person-centred: it focuses on what matters to you and what outcomes you want to achieve.
How to prepare for the assessment
- Write down your daily routine: what you can do independently, what’s difficult, and what you need help with.
- List any health conditions, medications, and recent changes (falls, hospital visits, worsening symptoms).
- Think about your goals: staying at home with support, moving to a care home, or getting help with specific tasks.
- Have a family member or friend present if you want support or help remembering what to say.
- Gather relevant documents: GP letters, hospital discharge summaries, or reports from other professionals.
What the assessment determines
- Whether you have eligible care needs (based on national eligibility criteria set by the Care Act 2014).
- What type of support would help: care at home, day services, equipment, or residential/nursing care.
- A care plan outlining your needs, goals, and the support the council will provide or arrange.
- Whether you qualify for council-funded care (subject to a separate financial assessment).
Eligibility criteria (Care Act 2014)
You meet the eligibility criteria if:
- You have a physical or mental impairment or illness.
- This means you cannot achieve two or more "outcomes" (e.g., maintaining personal hygiene, managing nutrition, maintaining family relationships, accessing work/education).
- This has a significant impact on your wellbeing (or will do so if no support is provided).
The council must consider whether support would help you achieve these outcomes, and whether it’s reasonable for them to provide it.
After the assessment
- You should receive a written copy of the assessment and care plan (if eligible) within a reasonable time.
- If you’re eligible, the council will carry out a financial assessment (means test) to determine how much you contribute to care costs.
- If you’re not eligible, you can still get advice and information about local services you can pay for yourself.
- You can request a review if your needs change, or challenge the decision if you disagree with the outcome.
If you need urgent care
- Tell the council if the situation is urgent (e.g., carer breakdown, hospital discharge, safety concerns).
- They should arrange temporary support quickly, even before a full assessment is completed.
- This interim support can continue while the full assessment and care planning process takes place.
Financial assessment (means test)
- This is separate from the care needs assessment and determines how much you pay towards care costs.
- It looks at income, savings, and property (with some disregards and deferrals available).
- If your savings/assets are below the threshold, the council may fund all or part of your care.
- If you’re above the threshold, you’ll be a self-funder but can still get help finding suitable care.
BCP Council contact information
- Adult Social Care: Check current contact details on BCP Council’s website
- You can request an assessment online, by phone, or by visiting a council office.
- Age UK Bournemouth, Poole & East Dorset can also provide guidance and support with the process.
FAQ
- How long does an assessment take? Usually 28 days from request, or sooner if urgent. The actual meeting may take 1–2 hours.
- Can I be assessed if I’m already in a care home? Yes—assessments can be done in care homes, and you can request a review if your needs change.
- What if I disagree with the assessment? You can request a review, ask for a second opinion, or use the council’s complaints procedure.
- Do I need an assessment if I’m self-funding? Not required, but it can help identify your needs and guide you to suitable care options.
- Can family members be involved? Yes—with your consent, family members can be present and contribute to the assessment.