Deciding what assistance you need

Independent living is not about being able to do everything for yourself but rather about being able to take control and make choices about your lifestyle, how your care needs are met or how you can be most suitably supported in continuing to care for someone.

When an assessment is undertaken to identify your needs, you will have an opportunity to be involved throughout this process and to share your views, experiences and goals. You should also be involved in the decisions related to how your needs will be met.

If you are considering using Direct Payments, it is especially important for you to have considered what you need and how these needs could be met. The checklist outlined below gives you an opportunity to consider your needs in relation to your choices, lifestyle and personal outcomes you would like to achieve.

Whilst you may not be able to estimate fully what your needs are, for example the amount of time required for a particular task, you should consider what some of your needs are and how these needs could be met before the social worker or care co-ordinator undertakes an assessment with you. It will also help you to plan for how the needs that won’t be met through Direct Payments could be met.

Getting a fuller appreciation of your needs will become clearer as your care plan develops. Your plan will be reviewed at least annually to allow for any changes to be made.

It is important to note that the council will not necessarily be required to provide support to meet all of your needs. Further information about the council’s eligibility framework for access to services and Direct Payments is available on the Are you eligible page.

Related Links

• Considering what assistance you need  (304.46 KB) - A checklist to help you think about what type of care/support you need