If you feel you need care support in your home to do daily tasks you can ask your local authority for a "NEEDS ASSESSMENT." This assessment can look at such things as equipment you may need, such as pendants, access to day centres etc. It can also look at practical help you may need from a paid carer.
The needs assessment is free and anyone can ask for one by ringing their local council. The assessment is usually conducted by a social worker or occupational therapist. They will look at how you manage every day tasks such as washing, cooking and dressing.
If the needs assessment identifies you need more support you will have a financial assessment to see if the council will pay towards the costs. You will NOT be entitled to help with care costs from your council if:
- You have savings worth more than £23,250
- You own your own property (This only applies if you're moving into a care home)
If you do not want a financial assessment you can choose to pay all the costs yourself.
You may also be entitled to benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance, or Attendance Allowance to help with care costs.
