STAR – Short Term Assessment and Reablement

What we do

STAR is a non-urgent free of charge service provided by health and social care workers who will assess an individual in their home to get a clearer idea of their needs and help them regain their independence. 

How STAR can help

Assessment Re-ablement Officers will help increase the person’s confidence, find new ways to do things and offer encouragement and support. The programme of re-ablement will focus on everyday issues such as: 

• washing and dressing 
• advice on how to reduce the risk of falls 
• helping the person cope with memory problems 
• coping with practical tasks such as laundry and cooking 
• getting around their home Prescribe small aids/equipment 
• practice using specialised equipment 
• supporting the person in getting into the habit of taking prescribed medication regularly 

Referral Process 

Referral to STAR is via the Central Advice and Duty Team (CADT) Tel: 0151 514 2222 – option 3

For general queries email: wcnt.centraladviceanddutyteam@nhs.net  

What happens after referral? 

• The STAR First Contact Team will triage the referral and aim to contact the individual or their next of kin within one week to arrange a home visit 
• A full Care Act Assessment of Needs will be undertaken by the Assessment Re-ablement Officer to look at the level of support required 
• If eligible for services, the individual will remain under STAR for one to three weeks (maximum of six weeks), to allow time for them to regain their independence 
• If longer-term services are required, these will be discussed with the individual and their family and the Assessment Re-ablement Officer will commission these services. Following a financial assessment, the person may contribute towards the cost of those services. 

Who is suitable for referral? 

• Anyone 18 years of age or over and living at home
• Individuals who need support services and assessment for short or long-term packages of care 
• Any adult requiring specialist equipment, assistive technology, falls alarms or re-ablement to enable them to regain or maintain their independence 
• Adults who have never had services before can be referred for assessment 
• Individuals who have been an inpatient in hospital and need assistance to regain independence