IN a few days the system of assessing and meeting social care needs for adults will change.

From next Wednesday (April 1), much of the 2014 Care Act comes into force.

Support will continue to be accessed via assessments but the rules the local authority must follow have been extended and clarified.

This month we look at some of these changes.

Assessments.

If the local authority recognises that you might need support (or if you or your carer makes a request) it must perform an assessment.

When an assessment is performed.

*You must be given, in advance, a list of the questions to be covered.

*It must be carried out by a suitably trained/qualified person.

*It should ignore the support you already receive from any carers.

*It should involve you, your carer and anyone else you specify.

Normally the assessment should be performed ‘face-to-face’ rather than over the phone.

 

Will you get support?

The assessment will consider any needs that you have which arise from a physical or mental impairment or illness.

You are eligible for ‘means tested’ support from the local authority if you are unable to achieve two or more specified outcomes, and that is likely to have a significant impact on your wellbeing.

 

So what do those terms mean?

The Specified Outcomes are.

*‘Basic Care Activities’.

*Maintaining family or other significant personal relationships.

*Accessing and engaging in work, training, education or volunteering.

*Accessing facilities/services in the community, including; public transport, educational facilities, recreational facilities.

*Carrying out any caring responsibilities for a child.

‘Basic Care Activities’ mean: eating and drinking, personal hygiene, toileting needs, dressing, using your home safely and maintaining a habitable home.

Each of these count as separate 'outcomes'.

You are unable to achieve an outcome if.

*You need assistance.

*You don't need assistance but doing it yourself will cause you significant pain, distress or anxiety.

*You don't need assistance but doing it will expose you or others to danger.

*You don’t need assistance but it will take you significantly longer than one would expect.

Something has an impact on your wellbeing if it relates to.

*personal dignity.

*physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing.

*protection from abuse and neglect.

*contribution to society.

*participation in work, education, training or recreation.

*social and economic wellbeing.

*domestic, family and personal relationships.

*control over day-to-day life.

*suitability of living accommodation.

 

After the Assessment.

You must be provided with a ‘Care & Support’ plan. This will detail.

*The needs identified by your assessment.

*Whether your needs are eligible for local authority support.

*The anticipated cost of meeting needs that are eligible for local authority support.

*The outcomes you want, to which care and support are relevant.

*The wishes and needs of any carer dealing with you.

*Information and advice on how to delay or prevent further needs developing.

 

Funding.

If your assessment establishes that you have eligible needs it doesn't mean the local authority will pay for your care.

That will still be subject to means testing, but there are new obligations on the local authority to provide you with information and advice even if they don’t pay for your care.

ASHFORDS’ ANDREW CARRIGAN.

 

 

TOP TIPS.

*Even if you already have a care package, ask for a new assessment. The rules have changed and, in our opinion, are more generous.

*If you have specific needs ensure the person performing your assessment has experience in that area.

*Ask to be told the questions to be covered in the assessment. Make sure these are sent to you well ahead of the meeting and get input from those involved in your care.

*Review your ‘Care & Support’ plan in detail. Question areas where you think needs have not been properly recorded or where actions do not address needs adequately.

*If someone already provides all or part of your care on an unpaid basis ask for them to receive a Carer's Assessment.

*If you feel you are not being consulted or that your concerns are not being addressed seek advice.

For more information and advice, please contact the Ashfords Trusts and Estates Team in Taunton on 01823-232339.