Your Home Care Assessment
Assessments can feel a bit daunting. This step-by-step guide helps you work out exactly what to say so you can get the right support.
A quick note before we start
To get the right help, the assessor needs to see what your hardest days look like, not your best ones.
Remember: Asking for a hand isn’t complaining. It’s how you stay independent and safe at home.
Before the Assessor Arrives
Take 10–15 minutes to think about:
- Tasks you avoid or put off
- Things that are unsafe, tiring, painful or stressful
- What happens on your bad days
- What would happen if help wasn’t there
Have these things nearby
Check them off as you gather them.
How to Share Your Story
1. Talk about difficult days
Assessors need to know what happens when things are hardest.
2. Explain risk and consequences
Always mention:
- Falls or near-falls
- Fatigue or pain
- Forgetting medications
- Leaving things unfinished or unsafe
3. Say what tasks cost you
Even if you can do something, explain:
- How long it takes
- If you need breaks
- If you’re exhausted afterwards
- What you can’t do because of it
4. Be honest about help
The assessor needs to know if help is:
- Reliable
- Regular
- Sustainable
5. You are not letting anyone down
Needing support is not a weakness. It helps you stay safe, independent and well.
Areas You Will Be Asked About
Use these prompts to prepare examples.
Mobility & Falls
Unsteadiness, falls or near-falls, using furniture for support, fear of falling.
Personal Care
Showering, toileting, dressing, skipping care, needing help or supervision.
Household Tasks
Cleaning, laundry, shopping, cooking, unfinished tasks, safety risks.
Health & Medications
Forgetting doses, confusion, side effects, missing appointments.
Memory, Thinking & Mood
Forgetfulness, confusion, anxiety, low mood, lack of motivation, decision making.
Social & Emotional Wellbeing
Loneliness, isolation, avoiding outings, needing encouragement to leave the house, loss of confidence, feeling unsafe going out alone.
Words Matter
These phrases can unintentionally minimise your support needs. Compare what to avoid with what to use instead.
If You Already Get Some Help
Explain whether the help is:
“I have help once a week, but things become unsafe in between visits.”
After the Assessment Checklist
Your needs can change.
You can request a reassessment if your situation changes.
YOU ARE THE EXPERT ON YOU
You know your body, your life and your challenges. Help the assessor understand your day-to-day reality.
You are not alone. We are here to help.
Breathe. You’ve got this.
A well-prepared conversation helps you get the support you need to live safely, independently and well.