Assessment or initial visit

What helped me was using the home as it is normally used. There was no need to make everything look unusually tidy or easy before a visit. The assessor needs to see the real route to the bathroom, the awkward turn at the top of the stairs, or how a carer actually helps.

I found it useful to keep a record of the appointment date and time; the assessor’s name and role; who was present; the difficulties discussed; the outcomes that matter; options mentioned; any further information requested; the next step; written information promised; and the follow-up date.

If nothing happens, it can help to ask: has the assessment been allocated, does the service need any more information, and has the level of urgency been recorded correctly? I learned that if circumstances have changed, it is better to explain what is different rather than simply asking for the case to be hurried.