What to Expect from Social Services When a Parent Needs Care

Introduction

When a parent or loved one begins to need care, one of the first calls most families make is to their local council's social services department. It can feel daunting, confusing and slow. This guide explains exactly what social services can and cannot do, and how to get the most from them.

What is the role of social services in elder care?

Local authority social services, sometimes called adult social care, are responsible for assessing the care needs of adults in their area and arranging or funding support where eligible.

Under the Care Act 2014, every adult who appears to have care and support needs has the legal right to a Care Needs Assessment, regardless of their financial situation.

What is a Care Needs Assessment?

A Care Needs Assessment is a conversation, usually carried out by a social worker or care coordinator, that looks at what your parent can and cannot do independently, and what support they need.

It covers areas such as: personal care (washing, dressing, eating), mobility and falls risk, medication management, social contact and mental wellbeing, safety at home, and carer support needs.

The assessment is free and your parent has a legal right to one. You can request it by contacting your local council's adult social care team.

What happens after the assessment?

If your parent is assessed as having eligible needs under the Care Act, the council will produce a Care and Support Plan outlining what support will be provided or funded.

They will also carry out a financial assessment, sometimes called a means test, to determine how much your parent will need to contribute toward the cost of their care.

What are the financial thresholds?

In England, the current thresholds are: if your parent has savings and assets above £23,250 they will generally be expected to fund their own care. If their assets are below £14,250 the council will cover the full cost. Between those figures they will contribute on a sliding scale.

These thresholds are for residential care. Home care thresholds differ slightly by council.

What social services cannot do

It is important to manage expectations. Social services are under enormous pressure and their primary role is statutory, meeting assessed eligible needs. They cannot: tell you which care home to choose, manage the process of finding a care home for you, provide emotional support or hand-holding through the journey, or explain everything you need to know about LPAs, Wills or funeral planning.

That is precisely the gap The Care Compass exists to fill.

Tips for getting the most from social services

Keep a written record of every conversation. Date, name of person spoken to, and what was said. Ask for everything in writing, assessments, decisions, financial assessments. If you disagree with an assessment or decision, you have the right to request a review. Ask about a Carer's Assessment for yourself. Don't be afraid to chase. Proactive families tend to get faster responses.

A word from The Care Compass

When my mum needed care, I had no idea where to start with social services. Nobody explained the process, the forms were overwhelming and the terminology was unfamiliar. I had to piece it together through trial and error.

You shouldn't have to do the same. That's why we created this guide, and why The Care Compass exists.

This article is for guidance only. Care thresholds and processes may vary by local authority and change over time. Always check with your local council for current information.

You don’t have to navigate it alone.