Getting a care needs assessment in Rutland

Making the request

The right to request one belongs to every adult who looks as though they need help, and relatives can make the request for them. Ask for an assessment online, or ring the team on 01572 758341, and mention the Care Act 2014 so the request is logged properly.

Care and support assessments can be requested online or through the adult duty team, and carers can request their own assessment online.

Inside a care needs assessment

The conversation is about daily life: keeping clean, moving around safely, looking after the home, putting on clothes, continence and the toilet, keeping in touch with others and meals and drinks. Someone from adult social care (often a social worker or OT) leads it, with relatives present if the person wishes.

Under the national criteria, needs qualify when they make a significant difference to wellbeing, mean the person cannot achieve two or more of these outcomes, and stem from a physical or mental condition. A first call may lead to quick help (equipment, or up to six weeks of reablement at no charge) before any full assessment takes place.

Local picture: Rutland

1 home care agency and 0 care homes in Rutland registered with CQC in the last 12 months. Not every service has been inspected: in Rutland, 2 agencies and 0 care homes are still waiting for a first rating.

In Rutland, 83% of rated home care agencies are Good or Outstanding (12 rated out of 14 registered). Across England the figure is 88%. In Rutland, CQC has published 8 ratings in the past 12 months: 2 were upgraded, 1 fell; the newest is from 28 August 2026.

82% of rated care homes in Rutland are Good or Outstanding, about level with the England average of 83%. The area has 11 homes, 11 of them rated. 27% (3) are registered to provide nursing care.

Figures: CQC register, Oct 2026.

If you are a carer

Carers hold a separate right to be assessed by Rutland County Council, free to you. It does not depend on the person you support having been assessed. Rutland County Council: support for carers. In the area: Age UK Rutland.

Challenging the outcome

Ask the council to explain the decision in writing and to review it. If that does not resolve it, use the council's complaints process, then the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, which is free.

Getting ready for the assessment

• Bring details of tumbles, admissions, illnesses and current tablets.
• Have someone you trust with you; failing that, request an independent advocate.
• Talk about your worst days rather than your best; "I manage" is a very common understatement.
• Make sure you receive the paperwork afterwards: assessment and plan.
• A week-long log of problems, with times, is persuasive evidence.