My Assessment
- What is an assessment?
- How long will my assessment take?
The length of your assessment really depends on your needs, what you want to discuss, and that suits you. However, most assessments take between thirty minutes and two hours. We can arrange to split your assessment over more than one visit, if that is better for you.
We can usually provide information on how best to help you after on initial face to face assessment; however sometimes an extended assessment is required. This is referred to as a Social Outcome Assessment and at this appointment we will look at the areas of your life that are important for your well being and whether you have particular care and support needs to achieve these.
- Can I have someone there with me?
Yes. Many people prefer to have someone with them at their assessment. You may like to bring:
- Your carer
- A friend or family member
- A professional who supports you (e.g. a nurse or housing officer)
If you would like someone independent to support you (an advocate) this is available through POhWER, the provider of independent advocacy in Hertfordshire. They can be contacted at: 0300 456 2370.You do not have to have someone with you if you would prefer to have your assessment alone.
- What can I do before my assessment?
Call us if you are worried or think you may have difficulty taking part in your assessment. For example, if you have difficulty understanding or remembering information, or find it hard to tell people what you want, you should tell the person coming to meet you.
Call us before your assessment if there is anything you think we should know such as:
- Any other assessments you have had (such as health or housing assessments)
- Any care that you have arranged yourself
- Your religious or cultural preferences
- When and where you are available to have an assessment
- What you would like us to call you when we meet with you
It may also help to find any documents you would like to show us such as letters from your doctor or care provider.
- What will be the outcome of my assessment?
You will receive a copy of the completed assessment to ensure the conversation was accurately recorded and you agree with what has been written. You will be asked to sign the assessment. However if you are not happy with what has been written you can discuss it before you sign you it. After your assessment we will give you the information and advice that we have jointly identified will help to support your needs. We can then discuss how you can access any additional support that will help you. This could be helping you identify support available through your family or friends or providing you with information and support to access community resources or preventative services like MIND and Carers in Herts.
In some cases this may include a personal budget (an identified amount of money you can use to purchase the unmet social care needs we have identified). Social care is means tested so you may need to have a financial assessment and pay towards your care. We will tell you how much money your care will cost (your personal budget) and how much you may need to pay towards it.
Occasionally, it will not be possible for the person assessing your needs to make final decisions without talking to someone else first. If this is the case, we will explain to you what will happen next and how long it is likely to take.
- What will happen after my assessment?
After we have completed your assessment together we will:
- plan with you the best way for you to get the help you need, in the way and time you want it
- give you information about services available in your community
- offer advice about how to stay healthy and independent
We may: give you medical, nursing or psychological treatment or therapies suggest, or provide, equipment or adaptations to your home that will help you and your carer put you in touch with other people who could help:
- Local voluntary sector support in your community
- Employment or Benefits Advisors
- Housing Advisors
- Drug and Alcohol Services
- Other statutory services such as Health and Community Services
If you are eligible (qualify) for social care support we will:
- discuss any services you would like us to arrange for you
- tell you how much money your care will cost us (if applicable)
- tell you how much you may need to pay towards it (if applicable)
- talk about direct payments if you want to arrange your own care
Prompt Sheet
To get the most out of your assessment it is best to prepare beforehand. Start thinking about any challenges you face, and whether there is anything you feel would help you. Try writing some notes in the following boxes and bring them with you to your assessment.
