Assessment-led support
Good decisions begin with understanding.
Every package of support starts with a proportionate assessment. We gather the right information, involve the right people and use professional judgement to plan support that is safe, practical and built around the person.
Our process
Four clear stages.
Initial conversation
We gather information from the person, their family and the professionals involved.
Assessment
We look at strengths, needs, goals and risks, usually including a visit.
Collaborative planning
We agree outcomes, staffing and routines with everyone involved.
Delivery and review
We measure what changes and review the plan regularly.
What we assess
The whole picture.
- Daily living skills and personal care
- Physical health and emotional wellbeing
- Communication and sensory needs
- Mobility and access
- Medication support
- Situations that may cause distress
- Goals, interests and relationships
- Risks and how they will be managed
Who is involved
The person at the centre.
The person needing support is involved throughout, in the way that suits them. With consent, we also involve:
- Parents, carers and family members
- Advocates
- Social workers and care managers
- Health professionals, schools and other services
Information we need
What helps us assess well.
It helps to share existing assessments, care plans, risk assessments and any professional reports. We will tell you how to share these securely.
Managing risk
Proportionate and positive.
We aim to support people to do the things that matter to them as safely as possible. Risk assessments are proportionate, agreed with the people involved and reviewed as things change.
We are open about what we can and cannot safely provide.
- Risks are discussed openly with the person
- Plans set out how to reduce risk, not avoid activity
- Staff know what to do if a risk changes
- Risk assessments are reviewed alongside the plan
Reviews
Support that keeps up.
Plans are reviewed regularly, and whenever needs, risks or circumstances change. Reviews include the person, their family and professionals where appropriate.
- Regular planned reviews
- Extra reviews when needs or risks change
- The person’s views are recorded at every review
- Updated plans are shared with staff straight away
What this means for you
Getting the assessment right together.
It is a conversation
We will ask about your routines, what matters to you and what you would like help with. You can have someone with you.
Your view counts
You often know what helps and what does not. With the person’s agreement, we include your knowledge in the plan.
What helps us
Recent assessments, risk information and any professional guidance help us decide quickly and safely.
Questions
Assessment FAQs
Answers to the questions we are asked most often.
How long does an assessment take?
It depends on the person and the information available. Some assessments take one meeting, others take several visits.
Where does it happen?
Usually where the person lives or somewhere they feel comfortable. We can also meet online or by phone for some parts.
Is there a charge?
There is no charge for an initial conversation or assessment.
What if you cannot meet the needs?
We will tell you honestly and explain why, and suggest other options where we can.
Next steps
Discuss an assessment
Tell us about the person and the support needed, and we will explain the next steps.