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Independent social care
Independent care needs assessments and care planning
When you are unsure what care is needed, an independent social worker can help you make a clear next decision. We assess the person’s day-to-day needs, strengths, wishes and risks, then explain the support that would help. Choose an assessment on its own, or an assessment with a written care plan setting out practical recommendations and cost assumptions.
For adults, families, attorneys and deputies across England and Wales. Assessment £900 + VAT; assessment with care plan £1,100 + VAT.
At a glance
Who it is for
Adults who need a clearer picture of their care and support needs
Core deliverable
A written independent care needs assessment
Care plan option
Practical recommendations with indicative costs
Fees
£900 + VAT, or £1,100 + VAT with a care plan
Coverage
England and Wales
£900 / £1,100 + VAT
Assessment / assessment with care plan
Independent written recommendations
What you receive
England and Wales
Coverage
One-off instruction
How the service is arranged
Understand the service
What is an independent care needs assessment?
It is a structured assessment by an independent social worker of the support an adult needs in everyday life. We consider what the person can do, where they need help, what matters to them and how their current arrangements are working. The result is a written professional view to support informed care decisions.
A care plan takes that assessment a step further. It sets out the recommended support, the tasks it should cover, how and when it could be provided, and the assumptions behind indicative costs.
You can use the findings to discuss options with your family, a care provider, an attorney or deputy, or a public body. We explain any evidence gaps and further specialist input needed rather than treating a diagnosis as a complete picture of someone’s life.
Start with the person’s life, not a ready-made package
The right level of support depends on the person’s actual needs, choices and circumstances. A preference to stay at home, a diagnosis or a family disagreement is not enough on its own to decide what care should be arranged.
When we can help
When would an independent care assessment help?
Care decisions often arrive before families feel ready to make them. Someone may be struggling at home, returning from hospital, living with dementia or disability, or relying on a relative who can no longer do everything. An independent assessment helps establish what support is needed before you choose providers or commit to a care arrangement.
You can also ask for a second opinion where an existing assessment feels incomplete or circumstances have changed. We work with the adult at the centre of the decision and consider relevant information from people who know them. Self-funders can instruct us directly, and professionals can agree the questions and scope before the assessment.
Care at home is becoming difficult
Daily routines, personal care, meals or getting out are becoming harder and you need to understand the support required.
Planning after hospital
You need a clearer picture of likely support after discharge and how proposed arrangements could work in everyday life.
Dementia, disability or changing health
The person’s needs are changing and a familiar arrangement may no longer provide the right support.
A family carer is under pressure
A relative is providing more help than they can sustain, or their health, work or other responsibilities have changed.
You need an independent second opinion
You want a focused professional assessment of gaps, differing views or assumptions in an existing care arrangement.
You are making decisions as an attorney or deputy
You need clear evidence of care needs and practical options to inform decisions within your legal authority.
What we cover
What the assessment covers
We agree the scope around the adult’s circumstances. The assessment looks beyond a list of tasks to understand how support affects safety, independence, relationships and quality of life.
Daily living and personal care, including the help needed with routines, meals, hygiene and domestic tasks
Mobility, access and the home environment, with specialist assessment needs identified where relevant
Communication, cognition and the practical support needed to express preferences and take part
Social contact, meaningful activity, relationships and the outcomes the person wants to achieve
Current care, day and night needs, risks, contingency arrangements and the reliability of support
What family and friends provide, what they are willing and able to continue, and where there are gaps
Assessment first, provider choice second
A clear assessment helps define the care you are looking for. If you also want us to approach and compare providers, our care finding and brokerage service is a separate next step.
1
Independent evidence for care decisions
In England, the Care Act 2014 provides the adult social care framework. A local authority must assess an adult who appears to have care and support needs, regardless of their finances. Our privately instructed report can contribute evidence; statutory decisions remain with the responsible authority.
The person’s own wishes and outcomes are central to the assessment and recommendations.
England and Wales have different adult social care legislation; we use the framework relevant to the instruction.
In Wales, the local authority assessment duty is set out in the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014.
An independent report provides evidence; it does not guarantee a particular funding decision or service.
2
Involvement, consent and decision-making
We agree who is instructing us and the basis for involving the person, obtaining records and sharing the report. A need for care does not itself mean someone lacks capacity. If there is a specific capacity question, we identify it and explain whether a separate assessment is needed.
England: Care Act 2014 and Care and Support Statutory Guidance. Wales: Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 and Part 3 Code of Practice. Decision-making: Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Read the NHS guide to a council needs assessment, England’s statutory guidance and the Welsh assessment framework. Our guide to who pays for care explains the funding questions to explore.
Rights and responsibilities
Your choices and the council’s responsibilities
Tell us what you need to decide
We discuss the situation, location, existing assessments and deadline, then confirm the assessment or care plan scope and fee in writing.
Share the relevant background
We agree consent and information-sharing arrangements, request useful records and identify communication or access needs.
Meet with the social worker
The assessment explores daily life, strengths, wishes, support and risks. We agree a suitable format and setting, including an in-person visit where needed.
Receive a reviewed written report
We bring together the evidence and recommendations. Written social work reports are peer reviewed before delivery.
Use the findings to plan your next step
Where commissioned, the care plan sets out practical support and indicative costs. We explain the findings and identify any separate work you may want to consider.
How it works
From uncertainty to a practical next step
Your involvement
The person is part of the process
We help the adult contribute to the assessment in a way that suits their communication, energy and circumstances.
Time and pace
We consider fatigue, distress and concentration when arranging the assessment and discussing breaks.
Accessible communication
Tell us about language, sensory or communication needs so the appropriate arrangements can be agreed.
Family and carer contributions
With appropriate consent or authority, people who know the adult can describe everyday support and concerns. Their views are identified separately.
A suitable setting
We agree where and how the assessment should happen so the social worker can understand the person’s circumstances.
Information we use
Information that helps us understand the full picture
You do not need a perfect bundle before contacting us. We will explain what is useful and how relevant information can be shared appropriately.
Existing assessments and plans
Council, NHS, private or provider assessments and care plans, where available.
Care records and routines
Daily notes, visit schedules, night-time support and examples of what happens when help is unavailable.
Relevant health information
Information about conditions, treatment and functional difficulties that affect care, with clinical questions referred to the right professional.
The person’s account
Their preferences, priorities, usual routine and experience of the current support.
Family and professional observations
Specific examples from people who know the adult, including differing views and the context for them.
Decision-making arrangements
Relevant consent, attorney or deputy documentation where someone is helping to instruct the work.
What you receive
What your assessment and care plan contain
The assessment explains the evidence, needs and professional recommendations. If you choose the care plan option, we also translate those findings into a practical support plan with indicative costs and stated assumptions.
The agreed instruction, questions, assessment arrangements and limitations
The person’s wishes, strengths, daily life and desired outcomes
Records reviewed and contributions from family, carers and professionals
Care and support needs, risks and the gaps in current arrangements
Analysis and independent recommendations, with reasons
For the care plan option: recommended tasks, frequency and support arrangements
For the care plan option: indicative costs, assumptions and practical actions
Contingency considerations, review triggers and any further specialist input needed
Service | Suitable for | What is included |
|---|---|---|
Care needs assessment and planning | When you need to establish the care required | Independent needs assessment £900 + VAT; assessment with a written care plan £1,100 + VAT; practical recommendations |
Care finding and brokerage | When the care brief is clear and you need a provider | Agreed provider search £400 + VAT; comparison of available options; provider care fees separate |
Independent care review | When care is in place and you want to check how it is working | One-off review £600 + VAT; written findings and recommendations; further work agreed separately |
For professional referrals
Referring as a professional
We work with attorneys, deputies, solicitors and other professionals who need independent evidence for an adult’s care arrangements.
Define the questions
Explain the care decisions to be informed and whether you need an assessment alone or the additional care plan.
Share the useful records
Provide current assessments, care plans and a concise chronology, identifying gaps or conflicting accounts.
Confirm authority and access
Explain the instruction, consent or decision-making arrangements and who can help coordinate the assessment.
Identify the correct report type
If the work is for legal proceedings or requires expert costings, tell us at the outset so it can be scoped under the appropriate court report service.
Care needs assessment
£900 + VAT
- Independent assessment of adult care and support needs
- Review of relevant information within the agreed scope
- Written findings and professional recommendations
- Peer review of the report
Suitable when you need a clear assessment of what care is required.
Assessment with a written care plan
£1,100 + VAT
- Includes the care needs assessment
- Written recommendations for tasks, frequency and support
- Indicative costs with assumptions clearly stated
- Practical actions, contingencies and review triggers
Suitable when you also need a practical plan to guide care arrangements.
Clear fees
Choose the level of support you need
Assessment only is £900 + VAT (£1,080 including VAT). Assessment with a written care plan is £1,100 + VAT (£1,320 including VAT). The care plan option is a total fee, not £1,100 added to the assessment fee. Travel, where applicable, is confirmed separately.
For adults and families
You can contact us directly. We explain the options and fees before instruction and keep the person’s everyday life and wishes at the centre of the work.
For professional referrers
The instruction, evidence, analysis and limitations are set out clearly. You can identify the questions that need answering and the intended use of the report.
Choose your support
Clear evidence for your next care decision
Our permanent employed team combines independent social work analysis with practical recommendations that you can understand and use.
Why choose Nellie Supports
A permanent employed team
Your instruction sits within an established private social work practice with shared professional standards.
Independent professional analysis
Recommendations are based on the evidence and the person’s circumstances, including where the evidence challenges an initial assumption.
Peer reviewed reports
A second professional reviews written social work reports before they are delivered.
Practical recommendations
We connect the assessment findings to the support being considered and the questions still to resolve.
Clear scope and fees
The assessment option, care plan option, travel and any additional work are agreed before instruction.
Joined-up specialist knowledge
Where a separate capacity, CHC or court report question arises, we explain the relevant service and scope.
The situation
A family notices that an adult living at home is missing meals and relying increasingly on a relative. They are unsure whether more home support or a different living arrangement would help.
How the service could help
An assessment explores the adult’s wishes, daily routine, overnight concerns, existing support and the relative’s ability to continue helping. A care plan can then set out recommended tasks, timing, contingencies and indicative costs.
The useful next step
The family has a clearer brief for conversations with providers and the council. If they want help finding a provider, care finding and brokerage can be instructed separately.
Illustrative example only. This is not a client testimonial or a promise of a particular outcome.
How this could help
Questions answered
Your questions answered
How much does an independent care needs assessment cost?
The assessment is £900 + VAT (£1,080 including VAT). Assessment with a written care plan is £1,100 + VAT (£1,320 including VAT). Any travel or additional work is set out in your written quote.
What is the difference between an assessment and a care plan?
The assessment identifies needs and provides a reasoned professional opinion. The care plan turns the findings into practical recommendations for support, including tasks, frequency and indicative cost assumptions.
Can I get a needs assessment from the council for free?
Yes. A council needs assessment is free. Our service is a private option for people who want to instruct an independent social worker directly or obtain a further professional opinion. You can still approach your council.
Is this only for older people?
No. The service is for adults with care and support needs, including younger adults living with disability, illness or injury, as well as older people. We confirm that the scope fits your situation before booking.
Will the report secure council funding or NHS Continuing Healthcare?
No particular funding outcome is guaranteed. The report can provide relevant evidence, but the responsible public body makes its decision under the applicable framework. Specialist CHC support is a separate instruction.
Can you help when I disagree with an existing assessment?
We can assess the person’s needs and examine relevant gaps or differing views within the agreed instruction. If you need formal complaint representation, legal advice or litigation evidence, tell us so that the right scope can be identified.
Will you visit the person?
We agree a suitable assessment format and location, including an in-person visit where needed. Tell us where the person lives and about access, communication or other practical requirements.
Does the care plan include finding a provider?
No. It sets out recommended support and indicative costs. If you want help sourcing and comparing providers, care finding and brokerage can be agreed separately.
What if the person has dementia or there are concerns about capacity?
We consider how to support the person’s involvement and clarify consent or authority. A diagnosis does not by itself settle a capacity question. A formal assessment of a specific care or residence decision is a separate service when required.
How quickly can you help, and what should I send?
Tell us about the situation and any deadline when you enquire. We confirm availability, the assessment arrangements and report timetable before booking, then identify the records that are useful.
What to consider when choosing a professional for your situation.
Understand the funding questions to explore alongside care planning.
How a care plan can contribute to a wider picture of care needs.
Questions to consider when a discharge plan raises care and funding issues.
Understand why these are separate decision-making questions.
Practical guidance
Guides to planning the right care
Turn an agreed care brief into a focused provider search.
Check whether an existing care arrangement is meeting current needs.
A separate assessment where the person’s ability to make a specific care decision is in question.
Other services that may help
Talk to Nellie Supports
Tell us what has changed and what you need to decide
Tell us where the person lives, what is becoming difficult and whether there is a deadline. We will explain whether an assessment alone or an assessment with a care plan fits, and confirm the scope, fee and available appointment arrangements.