Waiting Well and Safe
Who is this information for?
You will find this information useful if you:
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Are waiting for input from Adult Social Care. For example, a social care needs, a carer’s assessment or an occupational therapy assessment
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Are waiting for adult social care services to start after a needs or carer’s assessment
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Have a change in your needs, and have requested a review
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Experience a change in your physical and/or mental health and want to understand what local support is available, and what that may cost.
What to expect from Adult Social Care?
We work hard to keep waiting times to a minimum. Wherever possible we try to complete new needs assessments and carer needs assessments within 30 working days. We may be able to provide you with information and advice, including other services to maintain or improve your independence, or that will support you in your caring role. You may be offered support that does not require an assessment and meets your needs.
For example, you may be offered alternative help through community organisations. We use strengths-based practice which means that we will look at solutions with you, other than the provision of care and support, which might help you to achieve the outcomes that you want. This could mean support from within you own networks, your community or through technology and equipment. If you do require an assessment to help you live well this will be arranged.
Questions to help you prepare for a needs assessment:
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What health conditions do you have and how do they affect you?
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What can you do for yourself?
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Who gives you the support and friendship to help you do the things that you want?
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How often do you need support?
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What would you like to be different or better?
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What is stopping you from getting there?
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What living arrangements would help you maximise your wellbeing and independence?
Questions to help you prepare for a carer’s assessment:
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What activities do you help the person you care for with?
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How many hours a week do you provide care?
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Do you have help during the day or night, or both?
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Does the person you care for have any health problems you find hard to deal with?
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Do you have any health problems? If so, are they made worse by your caring role?
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Do you work? If so, for how many hours a week?
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What would make working /caring easier for you?
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What would you most like to change about your situation?
What information we will need when we speak to you?
We will want to understand your situation and what you think you need to be well and as independent as possible. We will work with you to understand what is important for you, what you want to be able to do and what help you need to do this. If you feel able, you can complete a self-assessment online. This template guides you through the assessment questions we would ask you in a conversation.
Support for your assessment
You have the right to have someone with you who knows you well, like a carer or a family member. They can help you share your thoughts, wishes and feelings. If you don’t have anyone, you can access an Independent Advocate. They can join you for your assessment visit and help you understand your rights and make sure you are listened to.
Advocates do not work for the Council. Advocacy services in Newham are provided by Voiceability who can be contacted on 0300 303 1660 or email helpline@voiceability.org or via their website at www.voiceability.org
Do I have to pay?
It may be that you’ll have to pay towards the cost of your care. More information and be found in our Charging for Non-Residential Care Services leaflet. Visit www.newham.gov.uk/payingforyourcare are for more information.
If you are eligible for adult social care services, we will connect you with the team that will complete your financial assessment.
What do I do if my needs change?
If there is a change in your social care needs, you must get in touch with us again as soon as possible. We regularly re-prioritise requests to ensure we respond to people with the most urgent needs first.
Contact your team in the first instance. Their details should be our letter(s).
If you do not know the team, please contact the Access to Adult Social Care Team on 0208 430 2000 (Option 2)
Monday to Thursday 9:00am-5:00pm or Friday 9:00am - 4:45pm.
Textphone: 18001 020 8430 2000
