Anyone who feels they need help is entitled to some level of support. For some people, this will be advice and information. For others it will be the provision of services or money to buy services.
An assessment of need can be carried out in these different ways -
- completing an online self-assessment
- a supported self-assessment where a family member, carer or advocate helps you
- an assessment carried out by a worker
To be eligible, a need must -
- arise from a physical or mental impairment or illness
- mean you are unable to meet one or more of the outcomes listed below
- have a significant impact on your wellbeing
Your needs are only eligible if they meet all three of these conditions. It is important to remember that the impact a physical, mental impairment or illness has on an individual will be different from person to person.
We need to understand how your impairment or illness affects you on an ongoing basis.
The specified outcomes we measure against are -
- managing and maintaining nutrition
- maintaining personal hygiene
- managing toilet needs
- being appropriately clothed
- being able to stay safe in your home
- maintaining a habitable home environment
- developing and maintaining family or other personal relationships
- accessing and engaging in work, training, education or volunteering
- making use of necessary facilities or services in the local community. These include public transport, and recreational facilities or services
- carrying out any caring responsibilities you have for a child
You will be regarded as unable achieve these outcomes if -
- you cannot do it without help
- you can do it, but it causes significant pain, distress or anxiety
- you can do it but only at significant risk to your health and safety or that of others
- you can do it, but it takes significantly longer than would normally be expected