What do/can adult social services actually do?

Androgen

After a few years of stress with the council they've finally stopped ignoring us and we've had referrals submitted that were supposed to be for a needs assessment, which we thought was supposed to involve some kind of social worker?

All of the information we've found online says they're supposed to talk to you about what services you might need and what they can offer, but we've literally just been sent an email saying:

"Please fill out the following details, provide as much information as possible.

• Washing
• Dressing
• Toileting
• Meals
• Domestic and Food Shopping
• Social Access/family support "

We have no idea what information they want - how we're currently managing? What issues we have? What help we need? But also no idea what they offer so how can we ask for things we need? All we know is that we qualify for support based on the eligibility checker because we have issues with most of the categories and need help with things… all the info on the website is extremely vague "we can help/support you with <activity>" which isn't very helpful

Rosie_Scope

Hi @Androgen, that does sound vague!

I'm afraid I don't have direct experience of this myself, but from what I've learned from other members, they'd be interested in what your current difficulties are to see if there is anything that could be offered to support you. It may be worth detailing some examples of how your conditions affect your ability to undertake the listed activities.

From what I understand, many of these assessments take place in person, but some are done over the phone or online. Perhaps this is a first stage to gather information before they send someone to meet or phone you? If they've given you any contact details it may be worth asking them for some information about the process and whether you'd be speaking to a person about your needs at any stage.

I hope someone who has been through a needs assessment first hand will be able to offer their experience and advice soon too.