More information about assessments

This page gives you more information about how we decide if you can receive help and support from Adult Social Care.

After the assessment has been carried out we will look at your needs and consider them against the eligibility categories set by the Department of Health. These describe the seriousness of the risk to your independence, or other consequences, if your needs are not met. We will meet your needs, or the needs of your carer, if they fall into one or more of the following categories

Critical

When

• Life is, or will be, threatened;
• Significant health problems have developed or will develop;
• There is, or will be, little or no choice and control over vital aspects of the immediate environment;
• Serious abuse or neglect has occurred or will occur;
• There is, or will be, an inability to carry out vital personal care or domestic routines;
• Vital involvement in work, education or learning cannot or will not be sustained;
• Vital social support systems and relationships cannot or will not be sustained;
• Vital family and other social roles and responsibilities cannot or will not be undertaken.

Substantial

When

• There is, or will be, only partial choice and control over the immediate environment;
• Abuse or neglect has occurred or will occur;
• There is, or will be, an inability to carry out the majority of personal care or domestic routines;
• Involvement in many aspects of work, education or learning cannot or will not be sustained;
• The majority of social support systems and relationships cannot or will not be sustained;
• The majority of family and other social roles and responsibilities cannot or will not be undertaken.