How long does it take to get an assessment?

[Bay55]

I completed an application form back in January this year for an assessment of my son’s needs. He is 27 years old and has mild/moderate learning disabilities. We are hoping that he will be assessed by adult social services with a view to possibly living independently, gaining more permanent employment and being given a support worker. Could anyone who has gone through this process please tell me how long it might take for me to get an assessment. All I have so far is acknowledgement that the application has been received.

[Jofisher]

To be honest it depends how long the waiting list is and the circumstances. I would ring adult social services and ask them if they’ve received your assessment and ask that question. You might want to ask for a carers assessment for yourself and you could request an advocate for your son to support him and you see what they say if they feel he would benefit from one. I wish you luck

[49Twister]

Hi It is a really slow process, it certainly doesn't happen overnight. It can depend on many things, the urgency, the area you live in and the demand. You will have to get used to waiting and being patient unfortunately. They have acknowledged they have received your application but there would be no harm in ringing them to ask if their able to give you a timescale when they might get to you. At least you've started the ball rolling but this process is not a quick fix, just from experience and being real when I say that.

[SpeedyH]

Hi there. I don’t know how long these things are taking these days - there is covid in the mix which probably holds everything up. I just wanted to say that it is fab that you are looking for ways that your son might be supported into independent living. I think it is totally reasonable that you should follow this up since you have been waiting since January - you definitely are not expecting things to happen overnight. I also don’t think you are being impatient or that you should get into a mindset of waiting patiently for people to help you. Don’t let unacceptable services become ‘normal’, don’t go with the lowest common denominator or lower your expectations because your son is relying on you to sort this for him. I agree with Jofisher, it is perfectly reasonable to get in touch with them, tell them when you applied and ask when you can expect to hear. If there is an email address, you might prefer to email the question as sometimes having to put a reply in writing focuses the mind of the person responding whereas it is easier for them to be vague on the phone. Good luck, I hope you hear soon.

[Bay55]

Thankyou all... I will contact them via email as you have suggested and if I don’t hear back I will follow up with a phone call. I know from experience anything to do with my son from school, hospital specialists or the benefits system all takes so long to access so I was prepared to wait but for how long!! Thankyou for your suggestions, it is much appreciated.

[Sarah_Mencap in reply to Bay55]

Hello Bay55

You have had some great replies so I don't have much to add. Just to echo what Jofisher says above, please do make sure you make sure ask for a carers assessment to check you are getting the support you need too.

Best wishes

Sarah

[Rocky71]

Am currently waiting on my learning disabilites report does anyone knows how long it takes to get the report sent to yourself or does the gp get the report first am just unsure what the process is