Adults

This system of accessing adult social care services is based on national eligibility criteria set by the government. Below are answers to some of the questions that are often asked about adult care services and an explanation of how Medway Council implements the eligibility criteria set out in FACS and why it is necessary to have such criteria. Using the link for each of the questions below will take you to the relevant information:

Does everyone who asks for adult social care services get assistance from the council?

Unfortunately it is impossible for Medway Council to give support to everyone who asks for it, as the cost would be enormous, so the council has to allocate its resources to those who are most in need of care. If the council is unable to help someone directly, it tries to find the support they need elsewhere, so even though it cannot help everyone itself, it does make sure that anyone who asks for assistance is given information about how to access appropriate services.

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Who decides who is eligible to receive assistance from the council?

The government has introduced a countrywide set of criteria, which Medway and all other councils now follow when assessing who is eligible for support – they are known as the Fair Access to Care Services (FACS) Eligibility Criteria and have been designed to ensure fair access to care services.

The eligibility criteria look at who is most in need of assistance immediately or in the short, medium or longer term. The criteria are divided into four bands depending on an individual’s needs. The eligibility bands are:

• critical,
• substantial,
• moderate,
• low.

Full details of the FACS eligibility criteria are available at www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_4009653.

Medway Council is committed to providing support for anyone who might face serious risks to their independence in the immediate (critical need) or short term (substantial need). Anyone whose needs fall into the medium (moderate need) or longer-term (low need) categories will be helped to get assistance elsewhere.

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Who will assess needs?

Assessments of need are carried out by assessors: social care professionals who include care managers, nurses, occupational therapists and social workers.

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How does the council decide if someone is eligible?

If you currently receive support or ask the council for support in the future, you will receive an individual assessment by a social care professional who will talk to you and/or your carer as appropriate and discuss your individual needs and circumstances.

Based on the criteria the government has set, the social care professional will look at your needs and circumstances (and those of your carer, where applicable) and recommend what support, if any, you need. If the council decides not to provide support directly through Medway Council, you will be given advice and assistance to receive the support you need through external sources. To make sure that the council is being fair and consistent, all recommendations are reviewed before a final decision is taken.

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What happens if someone is not eligible?

It is possible that, following an assessment, the council decides that someone's current situation means that they are not eligible for support through Medway Council. This does not mean that they do not have needs: it simply means that there are other people more at risk who need help more urgently. If this should happen, the council has set up a range of advisory services where people (and their carers, if appropriate) can speak to someone either on the phone or face to face. These advisory services will help them find the care they need through other sources, such as community and voluntary organisations. The council will do its utmost to help them find what they need elsewhere.

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If someone is not eligible, where can they go for help?

Medway Council has commissioned services to support people with low and moderate care needs, which are not eligible for care management support. These services will enable people to make informed choices about how to meet their care needs.

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What if someome disagrees with the assessment?

The council understands that not being able to get support through the council may be very disappointing and that some people may not agree with the decisions the council makes. If you are not happy with the decision, you should contact the Team Manager first of all and ask for a review of the decision, clearly stating your reasons. You will be able to use the complaints process and be advised how to do so after the assessment.

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What happens if someone's circumstances change?

The assessment the council makes can only be based on the situation at the time. If circumstances alter, they should contact the council and ask for it to review their needs. It is important that they understand that they can come back to the council at any time if they feel at risk in any way. Fair access is intended to help people to get the help they need, rather than hinder them.

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If someone is assessed as eligible, will any support be free?

Whether people are asked to make any contribution to the costs of adult social care services provided though the council depends on their personal financial circumstances. The council will look at this with them once it has made its initial assessment of their support needs.

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How does someone arrange an assessment?

People already receiving adult social care services will be contacted to make arrangements for a review of their needs and circumstances. They need take no further action at this time, unless their circumstances have changed, in which case they should contact their care manager or other social care professional who is in contact with them.

People who are not currently receiving adult social care services and who feel they need support for any reason should contact the council using the details below.

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