Needs assessments

A needs assessment is when someone from the local authority, often a social worker, asks ther person you support what support they need day-to-day. The assessment is usually done face-to-face and they should get a copy of their assessment afterwards. 

A needs assessment should: 

1) Cover everything that they require to stay safe and well and to do the things that they want 

2) It should include a list of all the care and support needs they have, even if a family member, friend or carer is already helping them with any of these. 

3) Not look at how much they will pay for their care or how much their care will cost 

4) Make sure that they have an advocate with them at the assessment if they need this. 

5) Be carried out by an appropriately trained professional who understands their needs 

On this page you will find a selection of resources relevant to this topic. For more information, resources and guidance, why not visit AccessAva? 

Resources 

Toolkit SC122: Legal toolkit for Service Managers, Key Workers and other staff: supporting an adult with their needs assessment or review.

Factsheet SC6: Reviews and assessments – This provides information about the differences between reviews and assessments.

Factsheet SC55: Adult social care assessment factsheet – This factsheet gives an overview of when an adult should have a social care assessment, what this process should look like, and what it should cover.

Template Letter SC71:  Needs assessment request –  Care staff or advisors can use this letter to make a request to the local authority for a needs assessment. You are prompted to give a description of what care and support is needed.  The letter reminds the local authority of their duty by law, and what is expected as part of the assessment.