Request a care needs assessment
Ask us for a care needs assessment if you're finding it hard to look after yourself. Find out what the assessment involves.
Make a professional referral
If you're a health or care worker, you can use our online form to refer an adult to us for a care needs assessment (Care Act assessment).
Refer an adult for a care needs assessment
What a care needs assessment is for
The care needs assessment is a conversation between you and the adult social care team.
It helps us understand what you can and cannot do for yourself, and the support you need to stay independent, safe and well.
It will also show if you’re eligible to receive care that's funded, or partly funded, by the council.
Who can ask for a care needs assessment
You can ask for an assessment if you're finding it difficult to look after yourself and manage everyday tasks.
To receive care from us, you'll need to meet our eligibility criteria.
Learn more about eligibility for care
Requesting an assessment for another adult
To request an assessment for someone else you'll need their permission, unless they cannot make that decision or tell you about it.
How the assessment works
Follow our step by step process to ensure you're getting the right support for your needs.
Start by looking at what support is available locally. You can:
Care we might pay something towards
You might be eligible for care that is paid for or partly paid for by us if you:
- are a Sutton resident
- are 18 or over
- have a physical or mental health condition that impacts at least 2 everyday tasks, such as washing, dressing or preparing food
- have less than £23,250 in savings or investments
We will not be able to fund any of your care if you don’t meet all the criteria.
Care that you'll pay everything for yourself
If you have more than £23,250 but meet the other criteria for care, we can still arrange and manage your care.
You'll cover the total cost of care and pay an arrangement fee on top of that.
This is called self-funding.
Fill in the care needs checklist
Fill in the care needs checklist to find out if you’re likely to be eligible for council care.
If it looks like you're eligible for care, the care needs checklist will take you through to a form where you can request a care needs assessment.
Once we’ve got your completed form, we’ll contact you within 10 working days.
If we think you'd benefit from an assessment, we'll agree a date and time for it to take place. We’ll also tell you about anything you need to do to prepare.
The assessment usually takes place in person with someone from the adult social care team. They’ll ask questions to find out more about:
- your physical and mental health
- what you need help with
- your wellbeing
We can adapt the assessment process to meet your needs. Ways we can support you include:
- sending you a list of questions in an accessible format
- arranging for someone to speak for you (advocate)
It can take up to 6 weeks to complete an assessment. The process will be quicker the more information you give us.
After the assessment, we'll send you a report that explains what support you might need, and how we came to our decision. This is called a statement of needs.
You'll receive it up to 10 working days after your assessment.
If the assessment shows you qualify for council care, we’ll agree a care plan with you. This will include the cost of your care and whether you choose to:
- let Sutton Council arrange care on your behalf
- arrange your own care through a direct payment
This will help us work out how much you’ll need to pay for your care. Most people have to pay something towards their care.
Learn more about how we assess your finances, including what counts as assets and investments
What happens if you're not eligible for council care
If you’re not eligible for council care, we can provide advice and suggest other services or resources that might help you.
Check your eligibility for care
Fill in the care needs checklist to find out if you're likely to receive funded council care.
The checklist takes you to a form where you can request a care needs assessment.