How to ask for an assessment of need

Why the assessment matters

Publicly funded home support in Ireland follows an assessment of need. The assessment, not the phone call, is what leads to approved hours, so the aim of your first contact is simply to get the assessment started.

The assessment looks at what the person can do for themselves, what family or neighbours already do, and where the gaps are. It is not a test the person passes or fails.

Who to contact

• The local HSE Home Support Office for the person's area — the application form is returned there, and no referral is needed to apply
• Optionally, the Public Health Nurse for the person's address, usually reachable through the GP practice, who can advise on other community services
• If the person is in hospital: HSE says to ask the person managing the discharge plan for a Home Support application form as early as possible

What to say

Be concrete. Specific, observed difficulties carry far more weight than general worry.

• "She cannot get in or out of the bath without help."
• "He has had two falls in six weeks, both in the evening."
• "There is no downstairs toilet and she can no longer manage the stairs."
• "I do the evenings, but nobody is there in the mornings."

Have this ready before you ring

• Name, address, Eircode and date of birth
• The information requested on the current HSE application form — check the current form, because it can change
• CareMap suggestion: a short dated note of difficult daily tasks and the time of day they happen

Afterwards

• Note the date, who you spoke to, and what they said would happen next
• Ask for the outcome of the assessment in writing
• Ask how to request a review if the situation changes

The person's consent

Services generally need the consent of the person being assessed. If they are reluctant, it often helps to frame support as help with specific tasks rather than as care, and to involve their GP.

Sources

• Health Service Executive (HSE) — Home Support Service
  Open the official source
• Citizens Information Board — Citizens Information — older people and carers
  Open the official source