A needs assessment can, via carefully worded questions and their responses, show if an individual needs support via special equipment or care and if so, what form it should take. If a person has long-term health needs and they are unable to fund care themselves, they will be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare, whereby a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals will assess their needs. They will be looking to see what help the person needs and how complex those needs are, as well as other key markers.

However, if you have the funds to be able to pay for part or all of your care yourself you will usually be expected to do so, although the NHS will still be able to give you advice and other forms of support.

You will need to contact your local council’s adult social services department to arrange a care needs assessment, and Age UK recommend you “explain you need support managing everyday tasks like accessing your community” to ensure they recognise your need. There won’t be a charge for the actual assessment, and everyone is entitled to one. If you’re arranging an assessment for another person then they must agree to it taking place, unless they lack the mental capacity or the ability to communicate their wishes themselves.

The actual assessment will be carried out by a social care professional on the telephone, online, or face to face. They will ask you questions and look at all aspects of your life, including the emotional and social side, your existing skills and abilities, your views, background and who currently supports you, your health and housing requirements, your physical difficulties and your needs and wishes for your care.

They will also need to talk to members of your multidisciplinary healthcare team, such as your GP, if you agree. This is to make sure that you’ll be supported in the most effective way by the whole team of professionals who look after you.