Social Care Needs Assessments and Reviews
Social Care Needs Assessments and Reviews
Independent Care Assessments and Support Planning by Expert Social Workers
Arrange a Social Care Needs Assessment Today
Simply Social Work provides independent social care needs assessments, reviews and care planning services for adults, children and families across England and Wales.
Our experienced social workers deliver person-centred, legally compliant assessments to support individuals, families, solicitors and local authorities.
📌 Book a social care needs assessment today
What Is a Social Care Needs Assessment?
A social care needs assessment evaluates a person’s care and support needs, determining:
- What type of care is required
- Where care should be provided (e.g. home care or care home)
- What outcomes the person wants to achieve
These assessments are typically carried out by local authorities, but independent assessments can provide second opinions or additional clarity.
Who Needs a Social Care Needs Assessment?
You may require an assessment if:
- You or a family member needs care or support
- You disagree with a local authority assessment
- You are self-funding care and want independent advice
- You need a professional report for legal or funding purposes
- A solicitor or organisation requires expert evidence
Our Social Care Assessment Services
We offer a comprehensive range of independent social work services, including:
- Social Care Needs Assessments and Reviews
- Deprivation of Liberty (DoLS) Assessments and Reviews
- Best Interests Reports and Mental Capacity Assessments
- Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Reports
- SEND (EHCP) Tribunal Reports
- Immigration and visa-related assessments
Care Planning and Management
We provide a full care management service, including:
- Developing a tailored support plan
- Identifying the most appropriate care arrangements
- Helping you find:
- Home care staff
- Support workers
- Live-in carers
- Personal assistants
- Ongoing care reviews and quality assurance
✅ We focus on achieving the best possible outcomes while promoting independence.
Supporting Self-Funders and Families
If you pay for your own care, we offer independent support to:
- Assess your needs
- Explore whether you can remain living at home
- Challenge decisions about care home placements
- Ensure your care plan is appropriate, cost-effective and person-centred
✅ We can also assess eligibility for Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding, where the NHS may cover care costs.
Independent Assessments for Local Authorities
We are trusted by local authorities to deliver:
- Independent care assessments and reviews
- Timely support where there are delays in services
- Objective, high-quality reports that meet statutory requirements
✅ Our independent approach ensures fair, balanced and evidence-based decisions.
Assessments for Adults and Children
Adult Social Care Assessments
We follow the Care Act 2014 framework, ensuring:
- A person-centred approach
- Consideration of eligibility for support services
- Focus on choice, control and independence
Children and Transition Assessments
We assess:
- Children approaching adulthood (transition to adult services)
- Future care and support needs
- Outcomes the young person wishes to achieve
✅ These assessments help ensure smooth transition planning and support.
Specialist Assessments (Including Brain Injury)
For individuals with acquired brain injury, we may use the Brain Injury Needs Indicator (BINI) to:
- Identify hidden or complex needs
- Gather insight from professionals and support networks
- Ensure accurate and comprehensive care planning
✅ This is particularly important where individuals may lack awareness of their own needs.
Carer and Parent Carer Assessments
We also provide:
Parent Carer Needs Assessments (PCNA)
Supporting parents of children with additional needs by identifying:
- Impacts on wellbeing and daily life
- Required support and services
Carer Assessments
For individuals caring for adults or young people, assessing:
- Ability and willingness to provide care
- Impact on lifestyle and wellbeing
- Support needed now and in the future
✅ These assessments ensure carers receive the support they need.
Why Choose Simply Social Work?
✔ Experienced independent social workers
✔ Expertise across adult, children and SEND services
✔ Trusted by solicitors, families and local authorities
✔ Independent, objective and legally compliant reports
✔ Person-centred, compassionate approach
We deliver assessments that are accurate, practical and defensible in complex situations.
Timescales and Urgent Assessments
- Assessment duration: typically 1–3 hours (depending on complexity)
- Report turnaround: aligned with client or legal requirements
- Urgent appointments available
Book a Social Care Needs Assessment
We work with:
- Individuals and families
- Solicitors and legal professionals
- Local authorities and care providers
📌 Contact Simply Social Work today to arrange your assessment or care review
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a social care needs assessment?
It is an evaluation of a person’s care and support requirements, identifying what help they need and how it should be provided.
Can I get a second opinion on a local authority assessment?
Yes. Independent assessments provide an objective review, especially where there is disagreement.
What is care planning?
Care planning involves creating a support plan that outlines how a person’s needs will be met, including services and arrangements.
What is Continuing Healthcare (CHC)?
CHC is NHS funding that may cover care costs if a person’s needs are primarily health-related.
Can assessments be used in legal proceedings?
Yes. Reports are independent, professional and suitable for court or tribunal use.