What to expect

What to expect

1. Initial Contact: When you first contact adult social care, you'll speak with someone who will listen to your concerns and gather some basic information about your situation
2. Assessment: If it seems like you need support, they'll arrange an assessment. This is a meeting where a social care professional will talk to you about your needs and how you're managing daily tasks
3. Eligibility Check: After the assessment, they'll decide if you qualify for support based on national criteria. This decision is made by looking at how much help you need
4. Care Plan: If you qualify, they'll work with you to create a care plan. This plan outlines the support you'll get and how it will be provided
5. Personal Budget: You'll be told how much money is available to meet your care needs. This is called a personal budget, and it helps you understand the cost of your care
6. Review: Your care plan will be reviewed regularly to make sure it still meets your needs. If your situation changes, you can ask for a review at any tim

Throughout the process, you'll be treated with respect and your views will be taken into account.

When contacting an adult social care local authority team, it's important to understand the following key points:

1. Initial Contact: You'll speak with someone who will listen to your concerns and gather basic information about your situation
2. Assessment: If it seems like you need support, they'll arrange an assessment. This involves a social care professional talking to you about your needs and how you're managing daily tasks
3. Eligibility Check: After the assessment, they'll decide if you qualify for support based on national criteria. This decision is made by looking at how much help you need
4. Care Plan: If you qualify, they'll work with you to create a care plan. This plan outlines the support you'll get and how it will be provided
5. Personal Budget: You'll be told how much money is available to meet your care needs. This is called a personal budget, and it helps you understand the cost of your care
6. Review: Your care plan will be reviewed regularly to make sure it still meets your needs. If your situation changes, you can ask for a review at any time
7. Information and Advice: Local authorities must provide information and advice to help you understand your care options and make informed decisions
8. Safeguarding: If there are concerns about your safety, the local authority has a duty to investigate and take action to protect you

Understanding these steps can help you know what to expect and feel more confident when seeking support from adult social care

1. What happens when I first contact adult social care?When you first contact adult social care, you'll speak with someone who will listen to your concerns and gather basic information about your situation. They may ask about your health, daily activities, and any support you currently have
2. What is a care needs assessment?A care needs assessment is a meeting with a social care professional who will talk to you about your needs and how you're managing daily tasks. This helps determine what kind of support you might need
3. Am I eligible for support?After your assessment, the local authority will decide if you qualify for support based on national criteria. This decision is made by looking at how much help you need with daily activities
4. What is a care plan?If you qualify for support, you'll receive a care plan. This plan outlines the support you'll get and how it will be provided. It is tailored to your specific needs and preferences
5. What is a personal budget?A personal budget is the amount of money allocated to meet your care needs. You'll be informed about this budget, which helps you understand the cost of your care and how it will be funded
6. How often will my care plan be reviewed?Your care plan will be reviewed regularly to ensure it still meets your needs. If your situation changes, you can request a review at any time
7. What are my rights under adult social care?You have several rights, including:

• The right to an assessment of your needs.
• The right to be involved in decisions about your care.
• The right to receive information and advice.
• The right to be treated with dignity and respect.
• The right to have your care and support needs met if you are eligible

8. What if I disagree with the assessment or care plan?If you disagree with the assessment or care plan, you can ask for a review or make a complaint. The local authority should provide information on how to do this
9. What kind of treatment can I expect from adult social care?You can expect to be treated with respect and dignity. The local authority should listen to your views, involve you in decisions, and provide support that meets your needs in a way that promotes your independence and well-being