If washing, dressing, preparing meals or managing safely at home is becoming difficult, it may be time to ask about adult social care.
You can ask about support for yourself, or help someone else take the first step. Asking for an assessment is a way to understand what support might help.
What is adult social care?
Adult social care can support people whose disability, illness or other needs affect daily life.
Depending on assessed needs, support might involve personal care at home, equipment, adaptations or opportunities to take part in community activities. Some people need help temporarily; others need ongoing support.
The aim is to understand the person's needs, priorities and the support that could help them live as independently as possible.
Who should I contact?
The starting point depends on where you live.
- England: your local council's adult social care team. Ask for a care needs assessment.
- Wales: your local council's social services team. Ask about an assessment of your care and support needs.
- Scotland: your council's social work or social care department.
- Northern Ireland: the social services department of your local Health and Social Care Trust.
The assessment process and charging arrangements differ across the UK. Use the guidance for your nation: England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
You could begin by saying:
"I am finding some everyday tasks difficult and would like to ask for a care needs assessment. Please can you explain what happens next?"
What happens during a needs assessment?
You will be asked about everyday activities, what you find difficult and what support you already receive.
In England, the assessment is free. You can ask someone you trust to join you, and you can ask about advocacy if you need support to express your views.
Explain the tasks you struggle with, even if they seem small. If a relative currently helps, describe what would happen without that help.
How can I prepare?
Make a short list before the conversation:
- Which activities are difficult?
- When do you need help?
- Does someone already support you, and can they continue?
- What matters most to you about your daily life?
- Is there anything making your situation urgent?
Keep the list somewhere easy to find. If you are helping another adult, involve them in the discussion and ask what they want support with.
Will I have to pay for care?
An assessment and the services arranged afterwards are different things.
In England, the needs assessment is free, but some care services may involve a charge. A financial assessment may be used to work out what you would contribute.
Charging rules vary across the UK and by the type of support. Ask for a clear explanation of any costs before agreeing to paid services.
What if I am an unpaid carer?
If you regularly help someone because of illness or disability, your own needs matter too.
Ask about support for carers. In England, a carer's assessment looks at how caring affects your life and what might help. This is separate from assessing the needs of the person you care for.
You can discuss your health, work, relationships and whether you need breaks.
Read about carer's assessments in England. In other UK nations, ask the relevant council or Trust about the local carer-support process.
What should I ask before the conversation ends?
Useful questions include:
- What happens next, and who will contact me?
- What should I do if my needs become more urgent?
- Can I have a written explanation of the outcome?
- Are there community services I can use while waiting?
- Who should I contact if I disagree with the decision?
Find support through OneRoof Connect
Explore local care advice, disability support, carers' organisations and community activities.
National organisations can also provide information, but an assessment normally starts with the council or Trust responsible for your area.
