Wait Well, Stay Well

Information for Brent residents and unpaid carers waiting for Adult Social Care support

Whether you are waiting for support from Brent Adult Social Care or just want to know what help is available, we have some practical advice, tips, and links to local services to help you stay well while you wait for your appointment with us.

It is particularly useful if you:

have requested a Care Needs or Carer's assessment
are waiting for an Occupational Therapy assessment
are waiting for services to start
have requested a review

Even if you haven’t booked an assessment yet, the guidance here can help you look after yourself, understand what to expect, and find support.

While you wait for your assessment

We aim to complete most new assessments within 15 working days. This waiting time can feel uncertain, but there are steps you can take that make a real difference.

Prepare for your assessment

If you have already completed a carer’s self-assessment, it can be useful to review your answers ahead of the full assessment and think about the areas where you need the most help.

If you haven’t completed one yet, we encourage you to do so. The self-assessment helps you explore your wellbeing, consider your support needs, and find local organisations that can help.

Start a self-assessment now
Think ahead
Start thinking about what you would like to share during your assessment. For example:

If you are the person being cared for, think about:
- what you can do for yourself
- any health conditions you have and how they can affect you
- who gives you support and help with the things you want to do
- what tasks you need help with, and how often
- how any changes to your living arrangements could improve your independence and wellbeing
- what you would like to change and improve in your daily life.
If you are an unpaid carer, consider
- the tasks you help with
- how many hours you spend caring
- when you need extra support, during the day or at night time
- what tasks, activities or situations you find difficult to deal with
- how your own health or work is affected by your caring role
- what would you most like to improve in your daily life?
By thinking about these areas in advance, it can help you to prepare for the questions that we will ask when we contact you.

Reflecting on these questions can help you feel more prepared and confident for your assessment, and make sure your needs and concerns are fully understood.
Look after yourself
While you are waiting, remember that your wellbeing matters too. Try to take short breaks, get some fresh air, eat well and rest when you can. It can make a big difference. Talking to friends or family about how you are feeling can also help.

If you find it difficult to cope, there is support available. You do not have to manage everything on your own.

Support for unpaid carers

Brent Carers Centre provides services on behalf of Brent Council, including:
- speaking to someone about how caring affects your own needs
- information and advice about finance, housing, debt, legal issues, and employment
- carer support groups.
You can find more about the Brent Carers Centre on their website, or contact them on: 020 3802 7070.

There is more information on the help Brent Council offers to carers on our website or via our Carer's booklet.

Best Start Family Hubs

If you have a child 0-18 (or up to 25 if they are young person with special educational needs) you can access a range of support and activities via our Brent Best Start Family Hubs. There are a number of centres across Brent. Find one near to you, plus details of activities and how to sign up

The Belonging Project

The Belonging project is suitable for Brent adults aged 18+ who are socially isolated and/or lonely or at risk of being so. Visit their website to find out more about how they could help.

What to expect during your assessment

During the assessment, you’ll be supported to speak freely and honestly. As an individual, your situation is unique to you. It is important that you feel that the conversation you have provides you with the information and support to address your individual needs and concerns.

Sometimes the best support comes from community organisations, social prescribers, or equipment that helps you stay independent. If council services are the right option, we will arrange these for you.

Support and advocacy

You do not have to go through the assessment process alone. You can ask a family member or friend to join you.

If you don’t have anyone available, you can ask for an Independent Advocate. They will help you share your views, understand your rights, and make sure you are listened to. They do not work for the council.

Advocacy in Brent is provided by PohWer. To contact them:

Call: 0300 456 2370
Email: pohwer@pohwer.net
Visit: PohWer Brent

A British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter can also be made available if required.

Do I have to pay?

Some services provided by Adult Social Care are free, while others may cost money.

If you are likely to pay something, we will complete a full financial assessment with you. We will look at your income, benefits, savings and regular bills before deciding how much you contribute.

To get an idea of what you might need to pay, you can try our Cost of Care Calculator.

Find out more about paying social care costs

If things change

If your needs, or the needs of the person you care for, change before your assessment takes place, please let us know as soon as possible. We review and prioritise requests regularly so that people with urgent needs are seen first.