Assessment Process
A care needs assessment regarding new service users is undertaken, prior to the provision of a service or care (or within 2 working days in exceptional circumstances), by senior staff who are trained to do so, using appropriate methods of communication so that the service user and their representatives, are fully involved.
For individuals who are self-funding a care needs assessment is undertaken (appropriate to the level of support requested) in the individual’s own home, by a senior member of staff that is competent and trained in assessment, covering the delivery of the services agreed.
Issues that may arise include:
- personal care and physical well-being
- family involvement and other personal and social contacts
- sight, hearing and communication
- continence management
- mobility, dexterity and the need for disability equipment
- mental health and cognition
- medication requirements
- personal safety and risk assessment
- specific condition-related needs and specialist input
- dietary requirements and preferences(if appropriate)
- social interests, religious and cultural needs (if appropriate)
- preferred method of communication
- method of payment
Who does the assessment and when am I involved?
If your service is being arranged through Social Services then a Social Worker and other professionals normally take the lead in undertaking an assessment, if you are purchasing your care privately then a senior member of staff from Starcare Ltd will undertake the assessment. Any assessments should always be carried out with you present and in a way which helps you have a say. Anything you disclose will be held in confidence.
How the assessment works
You sit down together with a Social Worker or representative of Starcare Ltd and if you wish a family member or friend to discuss and agree your needs including:
- What is happening at the moment
- What changes have occurred to make you feel that you require assistance
- What your wishes are long term
- How and what can be provided to help you improve the present situation
- What service options are there which will assist in meeting your needs
- Costs of services
- The process including what will happen next
Some assessments will need more than one visit and some will need to involve other professional workers if that is acceptable to you.
Can someone be present with me at or during the assessment?
If you want some one with you for your assessment, just let us or your Social Worker know so you can agree who will make the arrangements.
From Starcare Ltd the person carrying out the assessment will be a senior member of staff.
Who else might attend an assessment?
Sometimes we will suggest that someone else attends the meeting for a particular reason. This may be a family member or friend who is offering you help already or another professional worker who would also be able to help. However, if you want to be seen alone, when the appointment is made.
If we need help to make sure we are clear about what you want, we will find someone who can help, for example, an interpreter or signer.
Can I see my assessment report?
During the assessment the representative of Starcare Ltd will record on an assessment form what you have said and both agreed. You can have a copy of the full form if you wish, just ask to be sent a copy.
Normally, however, you will be provided with an agreed service plan on commencement of care .
What is a Service Plan?
After an assessment of your wishes and needs your Social Worker or the person carrying out the assessment will draw up an individual service plan as agreed during the assessment process.
The service plan will detail:
- The services that will be provided
- How often you will receive the service and duration of each visit,
- The care plan will include risk assessments that will have been carried out prior to commencement of services and will highlight any particular risks, which have been identified during the assessment and what to do to reduce any risks and what to do if things go wrong.
- You will be asked to agree the Service Plan.
When can I give feedback about the service I am receiving?
We want the services to assist you. 4-6 weeks after the initial assessment a monitoring visit will be carried out by a senior member of staff through our monitoring process. You will have the opportunity to talk on a one to one basis regarding your service, thereafter monitoring visits are carried out on a monthly basis. Should wish to talk to someone regarding your service at any other time you can contact the office or out of hours the company mobile.
Starcare Ltd expects their staff to treat you with courtesy and respect, and to treat your information confidentially unless you have agreed it can be shared. If you feel these standards are not or have not been met you can ask at any time for a review to be carried out or make a complaint through our company complaints procedure - details are provided on commencement of service.
We are proud of the service offered by our staff, but are always looking to improve our performance.