What is a care needs assessment?
If you need care and support at home you can ask your local council’s social work department to carry out a care needs assessment. In Highland this is the responsibility of NHS Highland. They will look at how you manage day-to-day activities and assess how the council may be able to support you; this could include a combination of equipment, adaptations to your home and care. They may also let you know about other local services that can help you with things like shopping, looking after your garden or getting out and about.
The council will ask some questions to find out how urgent your care needs are. There can be quite a long time to wait for an assessment so let them know if your needs are urgent.
What happens during my assessment?
A health or care professional such as an Occupational Therapist (OT) will usually visit you at home to discuss your needs and see how you are managing. Sometimes other professionals who are experts in your disability will be involved too. You may also receive an assessment when you are discharged from hospital.
If you wish a family member, friend, or an advocate can be with you during the assessment.
If you have a carer they have a separate right to support from the council too.
What support might I get?
Depending on the assessment of your needs, you may be entitled to support from carers, aides or equipment, respite breaks or adaptations.
If the support you needs counts as “free personal and nursing care” this is free and not means tested at all. The council will carry out a means test to see what you would need to pay towards the cost of other services, such as help with housework or shopping.
Local councils have limited resources and are unable to help everyone. They all have eligibility criteria to identify people with the greatest need but even if you do not meet these criteria for receiving assistance, the Social Work team will signpost you to other organisations who may be able to help.
What happens after an assessment?
Under the rules about “self directed support” you should have a choice about how any care is provided. Your choices include having the council arranging your care, arranging your care yourself with a personal budget, or a combination of the two.
You should have a written copy of your care needs assessment, and this should be reviewed if your circumstances change.
If you do not agree with the way the assessment was carried out, or with the council’s decision you can follow the social work complaints procedure.
You can find more information about care needs assessments here How to get social care services – Citizens Advice
Information last updated on 29 April 2024. Please note that information may be subject to change. All information is provided in good faith but Disability Information Scotland does not endorse any product or service referred to within this resource.
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Aids, Equipment and Adaptations, Health and Social Care in Scotland:Frequently Asked Questions
Through our helpline we receive enquiries spanning a wide range of different topics. Here is a selection of those most asked:
How can I get care or disability equipment at home?
If you need care, support or equipment at home, the first step is to contact your local council’s Social Work Department (or in Highland, NHS Highland) and ask for a Care needs assessment. You might qualify for an adaptation, equipment, care at home, or a budget you can use to arrange your own care. If you have a carer, they have a separate right to support from the council too. If the help you need counts as “free personal or nursing care” it will be free.
Aids, Equipment and Adaptations, Health and Social Care in Scotland:Search for Local Organisations
Our quick search tool can connect you to over 3000 service providers, suppliers and organisations supporting people across Scotland. To find support near you, simply enter your search term and select your local authority.
| Organisation | Description |
|---|---|
| 27000 | We are open 8 till 8pm all week and weekends however if you need us please email and we will be happy to help. ‘A venue for hire in the heart of Hamilton’ Our venue is available for the whole community and we aim to keep the costs down. A Space… |
| AAT (GB) Ltd | Description of service and products sold: Provide solutions for climbing stairs using powered stair climbers and stair climbing equipment, as well as evacuation and help with disabled access issue. They can also provide information on the Disability Di… |
| ABC Hearing | Services provided: Providing hearing consultations to people with hearing problems and the supply suitable hearing aids to those that need them. These service can be carried out at ABC premises, or at the client’s own home throughout Edinburgh, the Bor… |
| Aberdeen City Council RADAR key provision | Local Authority providing RADAR keys |
| Abilia Ltd | Description of service: – Text-to-speech communication aids – Digital recording communication aids – Environmental control equipment – Cognitive products. Equipment hire: Will hire out equipment. Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm. |
| Ability Lifts | Ability Lifts were formed in 2004 with the goal of providing access products for those with mobility impairments. |
| Ability Shetland | Ability Shetland is a charity which provides direct support to children, families and adults with disabilities and additional support needs. Responding to identified needs, we run groups and clubs and outreach support to individuals. We help people wit… |
| Able Community Care Ltd | Able Community Care was one of the first Live-in Care providers, est. in 1980. We support people throughout the UK and have been offering support in Scotland and the offshore islands for over three decades. We often operate where other care providers d… |
| Able Deen | Loan of mobility equipment, safe space, signposting |
| About purchasing zero-rated adapted vehicles | Guidance on what you need to know about purchasing adapted vehicles free of VAT if you are disabled |
