Cost of care: How a needs assessment works

Anyone who wants their local authority to help with their day-to-day care will first have to be assessed to see whether or not they are entitled to council support.

This is the gateway to getting either services or direct financial payments for care.

In most local authorities in England, only people whose needs are very high are eligible for help with such things as getting up, washing and dressing.

Philip Francis is a social worker who carries out needs assessments for Hertfordshire County Council.

He explains what happens when he visits someone in their home.

Filmed & edited by Julius Peacock. Produced by Katherine Smith.