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Who is assessed by the Older Peoples Team? |
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In the Stockton Borough Council area we have specialist assessment teams. The Older Peoples Teams assess people who are 75 years or older. People younger than this in need of support will be referred to one of our other specialist teams e.g. the Physical Disability Team.
What is the purpose of an assessment by the Older Peoples Team?An assessment is carried out to identify clearly what needs people have and how they can best be met. Our overall aim is to promote well being and independence as far as possible. We might, in discussion with the person being assessed, involve other specialist assessors such as an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist who might offer treatment or equipment that enables a person to cope independently. Where a need for help is identified it will be provided for. This might be in the form of equipment, adaptations, home care, day care, support for someone who looks after you, or a number of other services designed to enable you to cope at home.
Where will the Older Peoples Team assess me?Most often people are assessed in their own home. This enables us to see at first hand what the issues are in the place that the person lives. Occasionally people are referred for assessment whilst they are in hospital. On those occasions the assessment would be done in hospital but a home visit would be arranged from hospital if it was felt necessary to arrange a safe discharge.
An appointment would be made prior to all assessments so you would know to expect the assessor and they shall show you their identification at the first point of contact.
Who make up the Older Peoples Team that will assess me?Assessments are carried out by social workers or assistant social workers dependant on the level of need. In complex cases, or where specialist input is needed, others such as occupational therapists, doctors, nurses etc. can become involved. Your agreement would be sought for this. As far as possible, with your explicit permission, we would share information with other professionals who become involved so that the person assessed is not asked the same questions again.
Can I have someone I know with me when I am assessed by the Older Peoples Team?Yes, if you have a relative or friend you would like present during your assessment that's fine. If you have someone who helps you manage on a regular basis it can be very helpful for them to be there. They may be considered a carer who the local authority has a duty to offer support to in their own right.
Equally if you wish to be seen alone, even though you may have someone who provides care for you, it will be arranged if requested.
If you want someone to be present but have no one to ask it may be that an advocate can be arranged to help you explain what you want and represent your wishes. Ask the assessor to arrange this.
How long will the assessment by the Older Peoples Team take?This will depend upon the complexity of need. Simple needs may take less than an hour to assess. Extensive needs can take 2 or 3 hours and in complex situations the assessment may take place over more than visit and by more than one person. Whatever the situation the assessment should be done at the pace of the person being assessed and should take enough time to identify the persons needs.
What questions will the Older Peoples Team asked me?The assessor will explain the process at the beginning of the assessment. They will be interested to hear what your difficulties are from you so that possible solutions can be discussed with you. Additionally they may ask questions about other things that may affect your safety or well being and advise you of help available. It is not intended that assessments are intrusive or gather information that is irrelevant to your situation. We just want to get enough information to be establish what needs there are and how they can best be met.
How is an assessment by the Older Peoples Team recorded?The assessor has an assessment document which they will complete with your contribution. It includes your basic details such as name, address, telephone number, ethnicity, significant health problems etc. The assessor may have this information already but will check its accuracy with you. The rest of the document provides a check list of how you manage with aspects of your life, such as care of your home, your own personal care, your home environment etc. It is a detailed document intended to ensure that the assessor does not overlook something that may be important to you.
Who will get to see information from my assessment by the the Older Peoples Team?The information gathered will only be shared with those whom you have given permission to see it. During the assessment this will be explained and you will be given written information about sharing information. You will be asked to sign to say you agree to the information being shared with specified others and can state if there is someone you do not want your information shared with.
Those who will most commonly get your details will be other professionals such as District Nurses and Doctors and those who may be asked to provide for your care needs such as the Home Care Service.
Do I get a copy of my assessment by the Older Peoples Team?We do not routinely give everyone a copy of their assessment. This is because we assess thousands of people and it would be very expensive to do this. We do tell people what is in the assessment and check it is accurate. We also give people a written summary of their needs when they go on to get services or support from us.
However, anyone who requests a copy of their assessment will be provided with one.
What if I don't agree with things in the assessment or the outcome of my assessment by Older Peoples Team?The first thing to do would be to talk to the assessor about this. If you are still not satisfied after this you can make a complaint. The assessor will have given you a leaflet explaining how to do this before starting the assessment. Don't be put off about complaining, although we like to get things right we don't always do this. We like to hear from people so we can put things right if required. Once your complaint is received it will be promptly looked into by a different person than the assessor. You will be told the outcome of the complaint and if a mistake has been made it will be put right.
Do I have to pay anything to be assessed by the Older Peoples Team?The assessment is free. If services are provided a charge may be made. This will depend on what the service is. If it is a "chargeable service" we will ask details of your income and outgoings in order to calculate what, if any, the charge will be. Some people will not pay anything at all. In this process we will check your benefit entitlement if you wish. This is intended to ensure that you are in receipt of all the benefits you are eligible for.
What if my circumstances change after I have been assessed by the Older Peoples Team?Contact us again and we will update the assessment to take account of the changes. If this needs a change to the service that you are receiving we will adjust them accordingly.
What if I am dissatisfied with the quality of service I get after an assessment by the Older Peoples Team?Firstly we would like you to discuss this with the provider of service to give them an opportunity to put things right. If you do not feel able to do this, or you have done it and are still not satisfied, contact us and we will take the issue up on your behalf and let you know the outcome.
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