bowlingbun wrote: ↑Mon May 03, 2021 7:28 am
Never EVER believe what a social worker tells you about financial assessments!!
I reclaimed £8,000 from Hampshire on mum's behalf when they didn't apply the rules properly after she moved into residential care, but only after I attended an incredibly hostile meeting in Winchester, to meet the Social Work Area Manager and his line Manager.
I have 40 years accounting experience, studied Contract Law at degree level, I wasn't going to let them bully me, even so it was not an experience I'd wish to repeat.
Every time I opened my mouth to give my version of events, the senior manager interrupted me.
After the fourth time, I stood up and said there was no point in me staying if she continued with this behaviour.
She was stunned, not used to being stood up to like that!
Proper financial assessments in Hampshire are not done by social workers, but from the Financial Assessment staff.
Usually by a Visiting Officer, they have their own areas and so it was usually the same person for both my mum and my son.
They have always been very good (not often I praise HCC!) but these staff understand the rules, bank statements, etc.
I've dealt with them both with mum's domiciliary care, before she went into residential care.
My son with learning difficulties also has assessments every few years.
My top tip would be to do your homework in advance of any visit.
Ask in advance of a visit what information they want.
Take copies in advance of their visit of everything requested, bank statements etc.
Then put them in a file in the same order that they request them in.
As the Visiting Officer asks you for it, one by one, just give them the copies.
They will love you for doing this, it makes their work so much easier.
Everything will be recorded on an assessment form, and at the end of each visit, you will be given a summary of their findings, and details of how they arrived at the amount you have been assessed as having to pay.
If they don't do this, it hasn't been done properly!
I think the rules are all in the 2014 Care Act Regulations, or Google "Charging for Residential Care".
If I'm introduced to someone at a party I forget their name immediately, so embarrassing.
I'm better at remembering documents like this!