Requesting an assessment

Can I have an assessment?

You have the right to an assessment no matter what your ability is to pay for the care you may need. You may have:

• sight difficulties
• hearing difficulties
• mental health problems
• frailty because of old age
• learning disabilities
• a short-term illness or injury
• permanent, substantial physical disabilities
• problems related to the misuse of drugs and alcohol.

How to request an assessment

• Submit your own online assessment form
• Tel: 0845 050 7666
• Email: socialandhealthcare@oxfordshire.gov.uk

You can also contact us for further information using this online contact form.

You can be referred by:

• you or your relative, friend or neighbour
• a social worker or health professional such as a doctor or health visitor
• any other agency.

What happens at the assessment?

The assessment will involve talking to you, your partner, relatives or friends to find out exactly what care you need. The discussion may be over the telephone or face-to-face.

You may want to ask for the help of an advocate. This is someone who is independent from the council who can speak on your behalf.

An advocate can be a member of your family or your friend or someone independent. We may be able to arrange for an interpreter if you do not speak English or if you use sign language.

What does the process involve?

Your needs will be assessed. This will involve talking with you, your carer, and other people who know you well about different aspects of your life, which may include your physical health, your emotional health, how you manage to look after yourself, and your current family and support networks.

The assessment should take your personal wishes into account in deciding what sort of care, advice or information you need.

How will the council decide what care I receive?

Your care assessment will show what level of care you need. The council decides this by using a scale of:

• low
• moderate
• substantial
• critical.

The process is in line with the Government's Fair Access to Care Services guidelines. The scheme is aimed at making sure all decisions on who receives care and support are made fairly, openly and consistently.

Do I have a say in what services I get?

We will discuss with you:

• the type of help needed
• when it is needed
• who will be providing the assistance
• how long they will be with you
• your religious and cultural needs
• when the service will be reviewed.

Care plan

If you need a care plan, we may need - with your permission - to talk to other health or social care professionals to ensure you get the right help. A needs assessment will help you identify what your needs are and how best they can be met. Care plans are reviewed regularly.

Self directed support and personal budgets

People who contact the council for care and support, are offered a personal budget and self directed support if they are eligible. Find out more.

Direct payments

Direct payments are cash payments we can give you instead of giving you a service. It's a different way of getting the support you need. You spend the money on getting the support you want to meet eligible needs that have been agreed as part of your assessment. This enables you to have more choice and control in how you are supported.

Care charges

Depending on your financial circumstances, you may be expected to pay for or contribute towards the cost of your care. Following a financial assessment, we will give you a clear idea of what you can be expected to pay and how the charges are calculated.

Carer's assessment

Carers aged 16 or over can request a carer's assessment to find out what services are available to them.

Buying your own care services

You can get in touch with care providers privately to organise caring services you wish to pay for.