Preparing for Winter: Why Now Is the Right Time for a Care Needs Assessment
As the nights draw in and temperatures drop, many families start to notice small changes in how their loved ones are managing at home. A missed meal, an unlit fire, a fall that could’ve been worse - winter often highlights the moments when someone might need a little extra help.
That’s why this time of year is so important for thinking ahead. A Care Needs Assessment, provided free by local councils under the Care Act 2014, can help you understand what support is available and how to keep your family member safe, warm, and comfortable through the colder months.
At Gladys, we’ve guided many families through this process, especially as they start to explore live-in care as a gentle, dignified alternative to moving into residential care. Here’s what to expect - and why winter can be the right time to start the conversation.
What Is a Care Needs Assessment?
A Care Needs Assessment is a detailed look at how someone is coping day to day. It’s usually carried out by a social care professional from the local council and can cover both practical and emotional wellbeing - everything from washing and cooking to feelings of isolation or anxiety.
The goal is simple: to make sure people get the right support, in the right way, at the right time.
Anyone can request one - you, your loved one, their GP, or another professional. Once requested, the council has a legal duty to assess if it seems care may be needed.
How to Prepare for a Care Needs Assessment
Many people see the assessment as something to “pass,” but it’s really about being open and honest. Your loved one’s independence matters - but so does their safety and peace of mind.
Here are a few ways to prepare:
- Keep notes about daily challenges. For example: missed meals, struggles with stairs, or increased forgetfulness.
- Include emotional wellbeing, not just practical needs. Feeling lonely, anxious, or isolated are all valid concerns.
- Be present if possible. A family member, friend, or advocate can help make sure nothing important is missed.
What Happens Next?
If your family member qualifies for support, the council will create a care and support plan. This may include:
- Regular carer visits
- Home adaptations or mobility aids
- Direct payments, allowing families to choose and arrange their own care - often through an introductory agency like Gladys.
If the council decides your family member isn’t eligible, they must explain why in writing. You can appeal or reapply if circumstances change.
Where advocacy fits in
If you feel the process is overwhelming, or if your family member struggles to express their needs, you can request an independent advocate. Councils are required to provide this if someone has “substantial difficulty” being involved in the process. Advocates make sure the person’s voice is heard and their rights are protected.
Considering Live-In Care Over the Winter
For many families, the festive season is a natural time to rethink care. The idea of a trusted carer moving in might feel daunting at first - but live-in care can transform daily life.
It means your loved one can:
- Stay in the home they love
- Keep their routines and independence
- Enjoy companionship and reassurance 24/7
- Stay connected to family, friends, and their community
For carers, it also means time to build genuine, one-to-one relationships - something we believe is at the heart of great care.
At Gladys, every live-in carer we introduce is carefully vetted, DBS-checked, and chosen for their warmth, professionalism, and fit with the family.
How Gladys Can Help
Whether your loved one qualifies for council support or not, we can help you understand your options and prepare with confidence.
We’ll:
- Explain what to expect in the assessment
- Help you plan next steps if council care isn’t enough
- Introduce you to trusted, self-employed carers who can provide flexible or live-in care
Because arranging care isn’t just an administrative process - it’s an act of love. It’s about making sure someone you care deeply about has warmth, safety, and dignity through the winter and beyond.
If you’re thinking about care this season - for peace of mind over the holidays and confidence for the year ahead - we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
👉 Find out more about how Gladys can help you prepare for winter care with confidence.
