Hi, my name is biniend! I need some extra support. How can I refer myself for a needs assessment?

biniend

Hello

biniend

I am here first time

janer1967

Hi and welcome glad you have joined 

Have a look around and feel free to join in or ask any questions 

Maybe tell us a bit about yourself 

biniend

My name is Iwona. I am suffering from Fibromyalgia, clinical depression and chronic fatigue syndrome and (GP suggestion) epilepsy. I do not go out, not because of covid but because I am unable to walk and do not have a power chair. I am a prisoner in my own bedroom over one year already. My friends bought me a manual wheelchair but I can not use it independently, I need somebody to take me out. I dream about to see London which I love so much...

janer1967

Hi again 

I would suggest you refer yourself for a care needs assessment through gov website they will assess you and make recommendations for adaptions aids and care 

Could you maybe get a paid carer to take you out now and again 

I empathise I am wheelchair bound but I have a power chair for outside now and a scooter 

Have you thought of getting something 

Do you get PIP mobility as you can finance a scooter through them 

biniend

thank you for your response

I got a PIP and now I am waiting for revision because my health conditions (mobility) getting worse and I am unable to walk. I do hope this time they will help me to get powerchair.

biniend

I really want a power chair to go out. Of course I do not have that money to buy one so I think I have to wait for my next PIP assessment (about next 8 - 10 weeks)

biniend

can you advise me on how to refer myself to care needs assessment?

janer1967

You can often find second hand ones for sale on ebay or gumtree or facebook 

Some mobility shops also have reconditioned ones 

Another possibility is to lease one and pay monthly 

janer1967

Go on to the gov website and type in search care needs assessment 

That should bring up details and have the form to complete 

biniend

Thank you so much! I feel very confused in this world full of application forms, online forms etc. It is very hard to find the right way without help. I am waiting for social worker since May... because of lockdown

janer1967

I understand it is a mind field 

You could also contact welfare rights or citizens advice they can assist you in making sure you are getting all the support you deserve 

Also speak to your gp and of course any help we can give 

lisathomas50

When we applied for care for my mum we phoned the local social services adult team and they sorted everything out for her 

biniend

Thank you, all of you for your kind words and help!

lisathomas50

@biniend to get a needs assessment  you will need to speak to your local adult social services and they will be able to arrange  an occupational therapist  assessment 

Some local authoritys do their own assessment aswel  beforehand 

The problem at the moment is though due to lockdown there aren't any assessments being done 

Still phone adult social services and they will be able to advise you on what you can do 

Hope this helps 
Others will reply 

biniend

Thank you so much!

Tori_Scope

I believe that they can still carry out assessments over the phone at least @biniend. I have been able to make social care referrals since the coronavirus pandemic began. This gov.uk publication outlines that: 

Local authorities will not have to carry out detailed assessments of people’s care and support needs in compliance with pre-amendment Care Act requirements. However, they will still be expected to respond as soon as possible (within a timeframe that would not jeopardise an individual’s human rights) to requests for care and support, consider the needs and wishes of people needing care and their family and carers, and make an assessment of what care needs to be provided. Annex B of the guidance provides more information

Have you been able to find the details for your local authority's social care department? 

lisathomas50

@Tori_Scope when my brother phoned for my mum in the Midlands they said they weren't doing assessments due to corona virus and due to shortage of staff maybe some areas are ok then that's good 

0898

biniend try vitaminds they do cognitive behaviour therapy and you can refer yourself if they are not the right thing for you they will try to get someone to look out for the right charities / NHS departments and of course the wonderful volunteers who are most suited to you hope this helps take care 

Ross_Scope

Hello @biniend

A belated welcome to the community from me. How have you been? Did you find the information here helpful?