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 12 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.
If you would like this information guide in another version then please contact us and we will post or email you a copy.
Aids, Equipment and Adaptations, Health and Social Care: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 an adaptation made to my house?
Housing adaptations can increase your independence and reduce the risk of an accident at home
If you or someone in your home are disabled you may qualify for help with adaptations such as:
- replacing a bath with a level access shower.
- making it easier to get into and out of the house by widening doors or making a ramp.
- fitting lower worktops in a kitchen.
Smaller adaptions can also be made, such as:
- fitting a grab rail
- provision of a shower chair
In most cases, as a starting point you should contact your local Social Work Department (or NHS Highland in Highland) and ask for an Assessment of Needs, which is usually done by an Occupational Therapist (O.T.).
For further information see our Disabled Home Adaptations Information Guide.
Am I eligible for VAT relief on disability equipment?
In general, disabled people do not have to pay VAT on goods and services that are designed or adapted solely for use by disabled people. These goods and services are often called zero-rated or eligible for VAT relief.
Most suppliers will know if their product has been specifically designed to help disabled people. They will offer their products free of VAT as you buy them.
You’ll need to confirm in writing that you meet the conditions for zero rating. Your supplier may give you a form for this.
Most suppliers will use the Notice 701/7 VAT relief for disabled people form.
For further information see our VAT Exemption for Disabled Goods Information Guide or call our helpline on 0300 323 9961.
I am going on holiday, how do I hire a mobility scooter or wheelchair?
Shopmobility have members throughout the UK who rent out wheelchairs and scooters to help people access shopping centres and leisure activities. You can find a list of their members here Find a ShopMobility Centre | ShopMobility UK
In Wales, Northern Ireland and England you may be able to rent a wheelchair from the Red Cross Rent or hire a wheelchair | British Red Cross
The website Mobility Equipment Hire Direct connects you to commercial suppliers in the UK and across the world.
You can search for local providers in Scotland using our Scottish Disability Directory or contact us and one of our information workers can help you search.
Helpline: 0300 323 9961
For further information on hiring equipment away from home check out our Accessible Holidays Information Guide
I’m struggling getting in and out of my bath, is there any support that I can get?
People often call us because they are struggling with getting in and out of the bath. The first step would be to contact your local social work department (or NHS Highland in Highland) to arrange a care needs assessment. You might qualify for an adaptation such as a walk in shower in your bathroom. For more information see our Assessment of Needs Information Guide.
Aids, Equipment and Adaptations, Health and Social Care: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 |
|---|---|
| False Allegations Support Organisation (FASO) | Services provided: FASO is a voluntary organisation dedicated to supporting anyone affected by a false allegation of abuse. The organisation offers clear information, practical advice, and emotional support to anyone affected by false accusation. Openi… |
| Family Addiction Support Services (FASS) | Provides Support, Information, guidance and training to family members over 18yrs old who live in Glasgow and have been affected by a loved one’s drug or alcohol problems |
| Family Cars | A guide to choosing a car for families of disabled children |
| Fathers Network Scotland | Fathers Network Scotland is a dynamic, award-winning charity that exists to improve children’s lives and outcomes through the positive involvement of dads, father-figures & whole families. What We Do: Dads & Families – we provide information, s… |
| Felgains | Provider of care equipment and independent living aids. |
| Feniks Support Services Ltd | Services provided: Feniks is a grass-root charitable organisation set-up in 2007 to support Central Eastern European community in Edinburgh and Scotland. They provide culturally sensitive psychological support (therapy, group therapy and self-developme… |
| Fertility Network UK | Provide free impartial help, support, advice and understanding for anyone affected by fertility issues |
| Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Toolkit | This FASD Awareness Toolkit contains information and tools to help raise awareness of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder |
| Fife Carers Centre | Services provided: Fife Carers Centre aims to be a “one stop shop” for every carer in Fife – if you are a carer they can help you with: General Information – lots of information about everything from your entitlement to benefits, why it’s so important… |
| Fife Shopmobility – Dunfermline | Provides free of charge wheelchairs and scooters for use in town centres |
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