Adult social care assessment

From the section: Paying for care

In this section:

Adult social care assessment

If you or someone you know needs extra support to live well, the first step is to have an adult social care assessment. This is completed in line with the requirements of the Care Act.

To request an adult social care assessment, you must live in Solihull and be aged 18 or over. You must also meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • have a physical or learning disability
  • have a mental health condition (e.g. depression, anxiety)
  • have a long-term health condition (e.g. multiple sclerosis)
  • be frail
  • be in the process of transitioning from children’s services to adult services (see preparing for adulthood)

An adult social care assessment will help us understand what kind of support will help you best.  

This short video also provides more detail.  

Short-term support 

Before you have an adult social care assessment, we may discuss the possibility of short-term support known as reablement. 

Reablement is intended to support people to do things for themselves, regain skills, and be independent.  

Request an assessment

An adult social care assessment can be completed online by yourself or someone else on your behalf. 

Complete an assessment

Alternatively, you can request an assessment by contacting our adult social care team by: 

If you have a visual or sensory impairment, we can help you to complete an assessment and provide information and advice.

Where you'll be assessed

Your assessment will be completed at a time and place that suits you. This could be in your own home. 

Bringing someone with you

You are welcome to have a family member or friend with you when we complete your assessment. 

If you have difficulty understanding, remembering or using information, or have difficulty getting your point across, you may want to use an advocate.

What you'll talk about

During the assessment we’ll discuss your personal circumstance and what you want to achieve. This may include:

  • managing your personal care
  • managing everyday activities at home such as washing, dressing, cooking and cleaning
  • getting out and about in your community

This will help us to understand what you can already do well for yourself and what support you may need to regain or develop the skills to live as independently as possible.

Your thoughts and views, as well as those of the people important to you, will be captured as part of your assessment. 

You will also need to complete a financial assessment to see how much you can afford to help with paying for your care.

What happens after the assessment 

After completing your assessment, you will receive a copy. If you are eligible for support, you will also receive an estimate of your personal budget. The official amount will be confirmed once your support plan is finalised.   

Your care and support plan will be reviewed by our adult social care team within six to eight weeks. Further reviews will take place at least once every 12 months. 

This video explains more about what happens after your assessment. 

What if I disagree with the outcome?

We follow the National Eligibility Criteria to determine whether you are eligible for adult social care. 

If you do not meet the National Eligibility Criteria, we will provide information and advice on what support is available, such as community care and services which you can pay to receive.  

You will always have an opportunity to give feedback about your assessment and, if you disagree with the results, you can ask for this to be reviewed.