1. Think About The Help You Need

Before the date of your assessment, look at what you have difficulty in doing and the help you may need to help you live as independently as possible. This may be help with moving around the home, getting out of and going to bed, preparing meals, going shopping, taking medication, bathing and changing. There are no set heading under which you may require help. Everyone is different, and everyone has different needs and wishes.

2. Research

The best way to do this is by using the internet. Try typing in - Home care in (your area), or supported living schemes in (your area). You may also try typing in Care agencies in (your area). Once you have arrived at their websites, have a good read of everything they have to say. However, try not to judge the company based solely on their website. It can sometimes be a case of smoke and mirrors. All care agencies in Wales are regulated and inspected by the Care and Social Services Inspectorate for Wales (CSSIW). These agencies are inspected throughout the year. The findings of each inspection are published on the cssiw website. Click on the link below to find that agency's most recent inspection report. Alternatively, phone the CSSIW, explain to them that you are researching various care organisations, and would like a copy of their inspection report. The CSSIW can be contacted on 01792 310420.

http://www.csiw.wales.gov.uk/dataviewer/index.asp

3. Speak Up

Dont be afraid to tell your social worker exactly what you want, how you want it done, and who you want to do it when they come to do your assessment. It would be a good idea to write all your wishes down before the assessment, to ensure you don't miss out anything important. You should also try and think of some questions to ask the social worker, or the agency who will be providing care to you.

4. What if your not happy with the care being provided

Unfortunately, there are many care companies operating today, who only wish to meet the minimum standards required. Some of which sometimes fall below these standards. This is totally unnacceptable. If you, or your next of kin are not happy with the care being provided, tell the agency who are providing your care. They will have a strict complaints process which you should be made aware of before your care package begins. If you are not happy with the outcome of your complaint, contact social services.

You are fully entitled to change your care provider if you are not happy with the service being provided.