Like many other local authorities across Scotland, Argyll and Bute Council has implemented a prioritisation framework in line with National Eligibility criteria (1) to guide the allocation of limited resources. This framework is a direct response to the growing gap between assessed needs and available resources.
Eligibility criteria prioritise risks into four categories:
- Priority 1: Critical
- Priority 2: Substantial
- Priority 3: Moderate*
- Priority 4: Low**.
Because resources are limited, we will focus on helping people whose needs put them at the highest risk (those in the Critical or Substantial categories).
The prioritisation framework we use looks at the level of risk to a person’s health, safety, and wellbeing. People at the highest risk (those in the Critical or Substantial categories) will get help first. This means we focus on situations where someone’s life or safety is in danger, or where they have very high care needs.
Priority 1 - Critical risk where serious harm or loss of life may occur
- There is an immediate risk to the persons survival
- Serious abuse to self or others has occurred, or is suspected to the extent that protection measures are required
- There are extensive and constant care and support needs on an ongoing or time limited basis that, if not met, present an immediate risk to the person or others.
- The carer relationship(s) has collapsed and there is a need for immediate care and support or there is no existing carer relationship.
Priority 2 - Significant risk where harm may occur now or in the near future
- Abuse to self or others has occurred or is at risk of occurring
- There are extensive care and support needs on an ongoing or time limited basis.
- Absence or inadequacy of care and support is causing the person significant distress and their health to deteriorate
- The carer relationship(s) is at risk of collapse and the person needs care and support or there is no existing carer relationship
If resources allow, we will also try to help people with moderate needs*, but we cannot provide services for low-risk** situations. Instead, we will offer advice and information to help people find other ways to get support.
Priority 3* - Moderate risk where harm may occur if action is not taken in the longer term
- There are some care and/or support needs that will, if not met, impair the persons longer term capacity to regain, maintain or sustain their independence or living arrangements
- The person can make their needs known and ask for appropriate assistance when needed.
- The carer relationship (s) is under strain and unlikely to be sustainable in the longer term.
Priority 4** - Low risk where a person’s quality of life may be affected, if needs are not met
- There are some care and/or support needs, but the person can maintain their independence or living arrangements if these are not met, or can make other arrangements to have them met
- The person can make their needs known and ask for/arrange appropriate assistance
- The person has a support network
- The needs are such that they can be met by provision other than social care services
Please note that different rules apply to eligibility criteria for support provided to unpaid carers under the Carers Act 2016.
