Assessment and Services

Click on the titles below for our guides about the community care system, needs assessment and how to complain when things go wrong:

Assessment and Services from your local council in England (guide 12)

This guide explains the community care system in England and your right to an assessment and services

Assessment and Services from your local council in Scotland (guide 50)

This guide explains the community care system in Scotland and your right to an assessment and services.

Assessment and services from your local council in Wales (guide 70)

This guide explains the community care system in Wales and your right to an assessment and services, if you need some support or assistance to remain living at home.

Complaints about community care and NHS services in England (guide 18)

This guide gives information about when you can make a complaint, how to make it and also looks in some detail at the process involved in making a complaint about the local council social services and the National Health Service.

Complaints about community care and NHS services in Scotland (guide 54)

If you live in Scotland, this guide details when you can make a complaint, how to make it, and also looks in some detail at the processes involved in the local council social work department and Health Board complaints procedures.

Complaints about community care and NHS services in Wales (guide 74)

If you live in Wales, this guide details when you can make a complaint, how to make it, and also looks in some detail at the processes involved in the council social services and NHS complaints procedures.

Help at home - what may be available in your local area (guide 14)

This guide provides information about the types of support services that may be available in your local area to help you stay in your own home.

Independent Advocacy (guide 25)

This guide looks at what independent advocacy is, and what it is not, when it may be needed, the importance of the relationship between the Independent Advocate and the older person (advocacy partner), how others (professionals/carers/family) may respond to advocacy, and how and when to access it.

Moving to and returning from abroad - benefits and services (guide 5)

This guide explains how a temporary or permanent absence will affect your welfare benefits, and what action you should take if you are planning to leave the UK for a short time. If you want to return to the UK after living abroad, this guide also gives information on claiming benefits on your return.

Quick links

Counsel and Care is a service of Independent Age, registered Charity No. 210729

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