How to prepare for a discussion about your support needs

 Easy Read guidance on what to expect from Adult Social Care can be found here

In Camden we want you to be at the heart of all decision-making.  As part of the discussion about your support needs, we want to get to know you and understand your lived experience and know what is important to you at this particular point in life. 

So that we can gather as much information as possible and get a clear picture of your needs, here are some things to consider:

• do you require information to be in a different format or language, such as Easy Read, BSL or do you need a community interpreter?
• do you need someone to be with you, such as a carer, family member, or friend?
• do you need help to make decisions about your care and support?  We can provide an independent advocate to support you if needed. Visit the advocacy page for further information.
• what are the things that matter to you in your daily life? They could be anything from the moment you wake up in the morning to when you go to bed at night.
• what support do you already have to help with those things?
• what is working well so far?
• what are your interests or hobbies?

How and where does the discussion take place?

The discussion may be online or it can take place in your home.  You may bring a friend, relative or carer with you. If you need help to make decisions, an Advocate could also be present. Find out more about advocates.

If the discussion takes place in your home, social care practitioners are continuing to follow the current government guidance put in place specifically for social care providers. This includes wearing face masks, sanitising/washing hands on a regular basis to prevent and control infections.

If you are in hospital, before you are discharged we will have a discussion with you about any support you may need at home whilst you are recovering.