Use this when

Use this card when you are preparing for a social care needs assessment and need to explain daily needs, safety risks and carer impact.

Key message

Keep the assessment focused on what happens on a bad day, the support you need to stay safe, and what would happen without that support. This card does not decide eligibility.

What to do

• Ask the assessment to look at a typical bad day, not only a good day.
• Give concrete examples of the support you need.
• Explain the risks if that support is not provided.
• Describe any impact on a carer, if that is relevant.

What to ask or confirm

• Can we go through what happens on a bad day, step by step?
• How will you record the support I need to stay safe?
• What happens next after this assessment?

What this does not cover

• The Care Act 2014 sets out how needs assessments and eligibility work in England.
• Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have separate law. Check your area.
• Local authorities run assessments in different ways. Confirm how yours works.

Before you go

• Prepare examples of morning routine support.
• Prepare examples of personal care, transfers and mobility support.
• Prepare examples of meal, hydration, medication or health routines.
• Note the risks if support is not provided.
• Note carer impact if that is relevant.

Where this applies

England

Last reviewed

25 July 2026