If you think you, or someone you know, needs help to cope day-to-day, the first step is to get a needs assessment from your local council. Explains how to get an assessment, how to prepare, and what happens in the assessment.

Provides information on what services the local authority has a duty to provide. Home care, meals on wheels and residential care are some of the services available.

Anyone wishing to get care and support paid for by the local authority must have a care needs assessment (for a person with dementia), or a carer's assessment (for a carer). Information about both these assessments, the financial assessment, reviews and where to get support.

Information on all aspects of getting needs assessed - if you are finding it difficult to manage at home, you can have an assessment of your needs carried out by the social services department to see what help you may require. (Content applies to England only.)

Explains how carer's assessments take place and what areas of your life you will be encouraged to talk about. It also provides information on the type of help that may be provided to you after the assessment has been carried out.

If you’re finding it difficult to manage everyday tasks at home, you have a right to ask your council’s adult social services department to assess your support needs. Explains how to ask for a care needs assessment and what support services you may receive from your local council if you are assessed as needing support. (Content applies to England and Wales only)

Explains the changes created by the Care Act 2014 and what it means for you. (Content applies to England only) Also links to guides that are applicable to Wales, Scoltand and Northern Ireland.