Request a care needs assessment

Ask us for a care needs assessment if you're finding it hard to look after yourself. Find out what the assessment involves.

What a care needs assessment is for

The care needs assessment is a conversation between you and the adult social care team.

It helps us understand what you can and cannot do for yourself, and the support you need to stay independent, safe and well.

It will also show if you’re eligible to receive care that's funded, or partly funded, by the council.

Who can ask for a care needs assessment

You can ask for an assessment if you're finding it difficult to look after yourself and manage everyday tasks.

To receive care from us, you'll need to meet our eligibility criteria.

Learn more about eligibility for care

Requesting an assessment for another adult

To request an assessment for someone else you'll need their permission, unless they cannot make that decision or tell you about it.

How the assessment works

Follow our step by step process to ensure you're getting the right support for your needs.

2. Check you're eligible for council care

Care that we'll pay something towards

You’ll only be able to get care that is paid for or partly paid for by us if you:

  • are a Sutton resident
  • are 18 or over
  • have a physical or mental health condition that impacts at least 2 everyday tasks, such as washing, dressing or preparing food
  • have less than £23,250 in savings or investments

We will not be able to fund any of your care if you don’t meet all the criteria.

Care that you'll pay everything for yourself

If you have more than £23,250 but meet the other criteria for care, we can still arrange and manage your care.

You'll cover the total cost of care and pay an arrangement fee on top of that.

This is called self-funding.

Fill in the care needs checklist

Fill in the care needs checklist to find out if you’re likely to be eligible for council care.

Complete the care needs checklist for yourself

Complete the care needs checklist for someone else

3. Request a care needs assessment

If it looks like you're eligible for care, the care needs checklist will take you through to a form where you can request a care needs assessment.

4. Agree a date for your assessment

Once we’ve got your completed form, we’ll contact you within 10 working days.

If we think you'd benefit from an assessment, we'll agree a date and time for it to take place. We’ll also tell you about anything you need to do to prepare.

5. Complete the assessment

The assessment usually takes place in person with someone from the adult social care team. They’ll ask questions to find out more about:

  • your physical and mental health
  • what you need help with
  • your wellbeing

We can adapt the assessment process to meet your needs. Ways we can support you include:

It can take up to 6 weeks to complete an assessment. The process will be quicker the more information you give us.

6. Receive the assessment report (statement of needs)

After the assessment, we'll send you a report that explains what support you might need, and how we came to our decision. This is called a statement of needs.

You'll receive it up to 10 working days after your assessment.

7. Confirm your care plan, including cost

If the assessment shows you qualify for council care, we’ll agree a care plan with you. This will include the cost of your care and whether you choose to:

8. Complete a financial assessment

This will help us work out how much you’ll need to pay for your care. Most people have to pay something towards their care.

Learn more about how we assess your finances, including what counts as assets and investments

What happens if you're not eligible for council care

If you’re not eligible for council care, we can provide advice and suggest other services or resources that might help you.

Check your eligibility for care

Fill in the care needs checklist to find out if you're likely to receive funded council care.

The checklist takes you to a form where you can request a care needs assessment.

Complete the care needs checklist for yourself

Complete the care needs checklist for someone else

Make a professional referral

Get in touch with us directly to make a professional referral.

Email

referralpoint@sutton.gov.uk