Assessment of needs

6.1   The council will offer an assessment of needs to any adult who appears to need care and support.  The council may ‘pause’ the assessment process by providing or arranging support that may prevent, reduce, or delay the development of needs for care and support. 

6.2   If the adult does not wish to have an assessment (or does not wish to complete a full Care Act assessment and proceed to an eligibility decision) we will respect their wishes except where they:

• lack capacity to decline/withdraw from the assessment and we are satisfied that assessment is in their best interest, or
• are experiencing/at risk of abuse and neglect 

6.3   People who decline/withdraw from an assessment retain the right to request a new assessment if they would like to have one.

6.4   Assessment will be appropriate and proportionate to the adult’s needs and circumstances.  

6.5   If all parties agree, the council may combine an assessment of needs with another related assessment or offer a joint assessment where another authority also wishes to assess an adult’s needs. 

6.6   We will involve the adult’s carer (if they have one) in their assessment and:

• any suitable adult that the person wishes to involve
• anyone needed to support the adult to take an active part in their assessment, such as an independent advocate or someone with relevant training and expertise if the adult is deafblind 

We may also need to talk to someone involved in the adult’s day to day care, or a health professional or another person who understands the impact of their condition on day to day life.

6.7   People with capacity to do so may complete a supported self assessment with the council if they wish. The council will provide materials, information and support as needed.  

6.8   Regardless of how the assessment is carried out, when a full needs assessment has been completed the council will:

• assure itself that assessment information is an accurate and complete reflection of needs, outcomes and how needs impact on the adult’s wellbeing 
• provide a copy of the assessment to the adult and anyone that they wish to share it with
• make the eligibility decision