Getting the best out of your assessment

An assessment is the vital starting point for getting the right decision about what support you need. Many disabled people feel that they have to put up with too many assessments. But if it’s possible your care may be cut or it’s not suitable or enough to meet your needs, then it is very important to have a good assessment. This will help make sure that you get the support you need.

Here are some tips about how to get the best out of your assessment:

• If the local authority is saying they want to cut your support, ask them to provide the same care and support for you until you have been reassessed.
• Say that you want a proper face to face assessment with a social worker. Talk to the social worker about what should go in the form. Check what they have written before it’s processed. They can’t just offer self-assessment forms that are then processed without speaking to you.
•  Prepare some supporting evidence. Ask your family, friends and your doctor to write about what might happen if you lose the care you need.
• There are organisations that may be able to provide further advice on how to make your case - see Further help. They may also be able to provide someone to support you at the assessment visit. Alternatively you can have a friend or family member there.