Your assessment
We’ll talk with you by phone, video, or during a visit about what matters to you and what you find difficult in your day-to-day life. We will consider what you, your family, friends, and community can do, and where extra help might be useful. You are welcome to have someone with you, and please let us know if you need support during the assessment.
Who can get help and short‑term support
We apply the Care Act 2014 criteria, which means your needs must relate to an impairment or illness and result in being unable to achieve two or more specified outcomes, with a significant impact on your wellbeing.
If you qualify for help, we may offer reablement, free for up to six weeks, to help you become more independent, and you may also qualify for some equipment.
Care and support planning
If you qualify for help, we’ll work with you to agree a care and support plan that sets out what support you need, who will provide it, and your personal goals. We’ll review your plan regularly to make sure it still meets your needs—usually within 12 months, or sooner if things change.
For further information about care plans, please visit Care and support plans - NHS
Funding and financial assessment
To work out what you need to pay, we’ll complete a financial assessment. This looks at your income, savings, and whether you receive support at home or in a care home. If we arrange your care, our brokerage service will search for providers. We aim to find care within 28 days depending on urgency, but some people may wait longer.
If you choose a provider that costs more than the amount allocated to meet your assessed needs, you’ll need to pay a top-up. If you own property and move into a care home, the value of your home may be included when calculating your contribution, although financial help may be available. If you pay for your own care (self-funder) and want us to arrange home care through brokerage, there is a set-up and ongoing administrative charge.
For further information, please see our cost of care page
Hospital discharge
If you’re leaving hospital, we’ll aim to assess you within two days of being ready for discharge and will try to support you to return home wherever possible. If going home isn’t possible, we’ll discuss short-term alternatives—such as reablement—and help you decide quickly so you can leave hospital safely.
If you don't qualify for help
We’ll provide information and advice, including community support, equipment, home adaptations, and help for carers.
Need help at any point?
Call Staffordshire Cares on 0300 111 8010