As ever – I’m giving you a nugget of information I think may be useful. This time we’re looking at the needs assessment for adult social care.
This is usually done by your social worker at an early stage of the transition into adult services. For us, it was done prior to looking at any service provider/college options.
But what is it?!
In a nutshell, when a young person or adult moves towards adult social care, one of the most important documents is the Needs Assessment. This assessment forms the basis of the support they can access. It should reflect not just who they are today, but what they genuinely need to live well, learn, participate, and thrive.
A social worker will write a report following observations, and conversation with the young person and people who support them.
Top tip: READ IT. Thoroughly. Even jot down things you’d like to see in it before you read it. That way, you can request amends before the final draft is confirmed.
Because here’s the key. Something I didn’t really grasp until now:
The assessment is only as effective as what goes into it.
The Importance of Reading the Assessment
Once the assessment has been completed, it’s vital that you – ideally alongside a legal adviser or lawyer – read it carefully. This is your opportunity to ensure that every important aspect of support your young person or adult child relies on is accurately captured.
You know your young person best: their daily challenges, their barriers, and the types of help that make a meaningful difference. If something isn’t written in their assessment, it’s far less likely to be funded or provided later.
You may not think you need legal support. I didn’t. Ha! Fool. A lawyer can tighten any sections up for you. They will also question decision or omissions with far more authority than you or I.
Be mindful that children’s services is an absolute WORLD away from adults. If your young person needs messy play to function, include it. I can guarantee that many people who support adults would not even think to engage in messy play.
NEVER assume common sense.
Sadly also, never assume your young person’s care provider will care particularly about their development or mental/physical stimulation.
Before I’m berated for that last comment…here’s a caveat. Until now – every single support worker in Jude’s life has been fantastic. We’ve recently hit a few bumps. Or maybe a huge mountain – but that story is for another day.
Be Specific About Their Needs
If you believe that education, training, or structured activities are beneficial, make sure it’s included. If your young person needs:
- Support engaging in the community
- Assistance with daily living
- Access to therapeutic services
- Help with communication or decision-making (again my point about common sense comes into play here)
- Technology to support independence
- Transport
…or anything else that contributes to their wellbeing, independence, and personal development – it needs to be written down.
Too often, families only discover later that a need was omitted, making it difficult to secure the right support. The assessment should reflect the full picture, including smaller or less obvious needs that still make a crucial difference.
Reflecting on the Care Act
As mentioned before, people living with support are backed by the Care Act 2014. Wellbeing is a consistent thread throughout this Act. This doesn’t just mean keeping them happy.
The Care Act breaks wellbeing down into the following:
- Personal dignity: Treating people with with respect
- Physical and mental health: This includes emotional well-being
- Protection from abuse and neglect: Ensuring the individual is safe
- Control over day-to-day life: Having input into their care and support
- Participation: Being involved in work, education, training, or recreation – whatever is suitable
- Social and economic wellbeing: Finding a role in society and economic stability
- Domestic, family, and personal relationships: Having the chance to maintain connections
- Living accommodation: A suitable place to live
- Contribution to society: Having the opportunity to contribute
If all of these aren’t being looked after then speak to your social worker.
Don’t Assume – Advocate
It’s easy to assume the social worker will automatically record everything, but this isn’t always the case.
Not wanting to assume everyone is sneaky, but if a local authority can get away with not paying for something, I absolutely bet they will.
Never EVER assume your social worker is always acting in your young person’s best interest.
Be proactive. Bring documentation, notes, and examples of day-to-day challenges. Challenge omissions and request additions.
Ask for wording to be strengthened if needed. Could/should/would mean nothing. ‘He could benefit from…’ as an example means nothing. Many of us ‘could’ benefit from many things. Fluffy meaningless words.
It needs to include words like ‘can/will’. As an example, ‘he will need…on a daily basis’ is a far stronger option.
Remember, you’re not being difficult – you’re ensuring your young person gets what they are entitled to.
In Summary
- A Needs Assessment is the gateway to support
- Read it carefully – ideally with legal help
- Make sure every current and foreseeable need is included
- If it’s not written down, it’s unlikely to be funded
Get the assessment right, and everything else stands on firmer ground.
