Why an assessment happens first
A care assessment helps establish what support is needed, what matters to the person receiving care, and any risks to plan around, before any care begins.
Who's involved
An assessment is usually carried out by a trained professional, often in the person's own home, and can include family members or carers with the person's agreement.
What's discussed
Typical topics include daily routines, personal care needs, mobility, medication, home safety, mental and emotional wellbeing, and personal preferences about how care is delivered.
What comes out of it
The assessment leads to a written care plan (and, for council assessments, a decision about eligibility for funded support) setting out what support will be provided and how.
Reviewing the plan
A care plan isn't fixed forever — it should be reviewed regularly, and whenever needs change, to make sure it still reflects what's needed.
Common questions
Does an assessment commit me to anything?
No. An assessment helps identify needs and options; you decide whether and how to proceed with any care.
Is a care provider's assessment free?
Many providers, including Care Angels, offer a free assessment before any care begins.