Free and with no obligation
Request a free care assessment
An assessment is a conversation, not a sales visit. We come and meet the person, understand what a good day looks like for them, and tell you honestly what support would help — including if that support is not us.
Call +44 20 4634 2291 · OFFICE HOURS
You do not need to have decided anything
Most people who call us are working it out as they go, often after something has changed suddenly. That is normal, and it is a perfectly reasonable place to start from.
The assessment costs nothing and commits you to nothing. If at the end of it we think a different kind of support would suit better — a different provider, a reablement service, or simply more time before anything changes — we will say so.
It is also worth knowing you can ask your local council for a needs assessment whatever your income, and if you are caring for someone you can ask for a carer’s assessment in your own right. Those are free and separate from anything we do.
How care might be paid for
Local authority funded
After a council needs assessment and a financial assessment. Capital thresholds determine what you contribute.
NHS funded
NHS Continuing Healthcare is assessed on need, not income. Section 117 aftercare applies following certain Mental Health Act detentions.
Privately funded
Paying from savings, income, a property sale or a settlement. See our self-funders page for what to check first.
CONFIRM WHICH FUNDING ROUTES BELLUS ACCEPTS.
From your first call to support starting
- 1
A conversation
Tell us what is happening. No forms, no commitment. If we are not the right provider we will say so on this call.
- 2
The assessment
We visit and meet the person. CONFIRM TYPICAL DURATION. Family are welcome to be there, and so is an advocate.
- 3
A written plan and a cost
What we propose, what is included and what it costs — in writing, so you can think about it without pressure.
- 4
Meeting the team
Where we can, you meet the people who would actually be providing the support before anything starts.
- 5
Support begins
With a team briefed on this specific person, not sent to a generic call.
- 6
An early review
Sooner than the standard interval, because the first few weeks always teach us something.
Questions about assessments
1Is it really free?
Yes, and there is no obligation attached to it.
2How soon can someone visit?
CONFIRM ASSESSMENT LEAD TIME.
3Does the person being assessed have to agree?
Yes, wherever they have capacity to decide. Where they do not, we work to a properly recorded best-interests decision and will ask to see it.
4Can I have someone with me?
Always. Family, a friend, or an independent advocate — we can help you arrange an advocate if that would help.
5What if we decide not to go ahead?
Then you do not go ahead. You keep the written plan either way; plenty of people use it to talk to their council or another provider.
Arrange an assessment, or just ask a question
Call and describe the situation in your own words. There is no script at our end and no cost at yours.
Prefer email? [email protected]