Assessing your care needs

Support Planning

If you are eligible for support from the council following, the next stage is normally to agree a Support Plan. The support plan describes the amount and type of support that is right for you and when it will start or change.

The Support Plan will be ‘self-directed so that you have choice over the services you receive. The plan will say how your needs with be met and what your personal budget is. A personal budget is the amount of money available for your care, and your Support Plan describes how it will be used. You decide which services you want to have, who you want them from and when you want them.

When agreeing your Support Plan and when getting support, remember that you have a right to:

  • Be treated with courtesy, dignity and respect.
  • Have privacy for yourself and for your relatives and friends when they visit.
  • Deal with your own money, and to spend it in the way you want to.
  • Express your views, feelings and concerns.
  • Worship where and when you want to.
  • Eat food that is prepared in line with your religious and cultural needs.
  • Choose the food that you eat and be given the time and space to relax and enjoy your meal.
  • Be involved in activities such as work, education and parenting.
  • Get up in the mornings and go to bed at night at the times you choose.
  • Relationships, including intimate relationships.
  • Complain if you are not happy with the care you get.

Your Support Plan will also:

  • Be clear about how family, friends or carers will be involved in your care and support.
  • Be clear how any needs you have linked to your gender, sexuality, disability, ethnicity or religion will be met.
  • Be clear about what to do if things change or there is a crisis.

If you need support to take part in your Support Plan, you should be offered an independent advocate. This is someone who can help you express your needs and wishes.

You may need to contribute for part or all of the cost of your care and support services. See our information on paying for care for more information.

Your Support Plan will be regularly reviewed (at least once a year) to make sure you are happy with your situation and to make sure your needs are being met. If your circumstances change in the meantime and you need a review of your Support Plan, please contact the Adult Intake Team at the council on 020 8227 2915 or intaketeam@lbbd.gov.uk.