The Scottish Government

MINIMUM CORE DATA SET No. 2 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Data Item

Definition Provided

2.1

Referral date(s)

Not Required

2.2

Source of referral

YES (code list only)

2.3

Reason for referral

Locally defined

2.4

Assessment date(s)

Not Required

2.5

Assessment type

YES

2.6

Assessment details (name, role etc.)

Locally defined

2.7

Current services: a) - Housing Support
b) - Care, Health and Other Supports

YES
YES

2.8

Unpaid support

YES

2.9

Description of needs

YES

2.10

Dependency measure

Refer to the Resource Use Measure tool being developed as part of the recommendations of the Care Development Group

2.11

Client group

YES

2.12

Eligibility status/outcome of assessment

Locally defined

2.13

Financial details categories:

• Household composition in terms of nos, ages and relationship of people in household, nos. and ages of children etc.
• Income & outgoings
• Source of income/welfare benefits
• Benefit entitlement
• Capital assests
• Other assets/savings
• Disregards
• Excess income
• Maximum applicable charge
• Arrears/other debts

These are suggested categories required for a financial assessment in order to determine elligibility for certain welfare benefits and to determine the maximum applicable charge (in terms of the Council's charging framework).

MINIMUM CORE DATA SET No. 2 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Data Item Name:

SOURCE OF REFERRAL

Table Reference:

Table 2.2

Source(s):

Social Care Data Standards Project

Purpose:

Local and national management information.

Overall Definition:

The agency, organisation, department, body or individual who instigated a referral to the local authority.

Code

Value

Definition (not required)

01

Self

02

Family/Friend

03

Social work

04

Housing - local authority

05

Housing Association

06

Private landlord

07

Health - GP

08

Health - Primary Care

09

Health - Secondary Care

10

Education

11

Police

12

Voluntary Organisation

13

Anonymous

14

Other (specify)

99

Not known

Source of referral is not known.

MINIMUM CORE DATA SET No. 2 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Data Item Name:

ASSESSMENT TYPE

Table Reference:

Table 2.5

Source(s):

Scottish Executive Guidance on Single, Shared Assessment (November 2001)

Purpose:

To construct a picture of the person's needs, strengths, abilities and existing support structures. This then forms the basis for decision-making.

Overall Definition:

Assessment is an information gathering exercise carried out with the participation of users and carer(s). The results of a formal assessment will always be recorded in a format consistent with locally agreed procedures.

NB. This list of assessment types can be used for both Supporting People and other community care requirements.

Code

Value

Definition

01

Simple Assessment

Applies where indicated needs or requests for services are straightforward and can be dealt with by low-level response. As it may involve one or more than one agency, some co-ordination of contributions to the assessment may be needed.

02

Comprehensive Assessment

Applies where a wider range and complexity of needs are indicated. It is likely to involve more than one agency in contributing to a holistic assessment of needs. Specialist input may be necessary to specific areas of need. In terms of comprehensive assessment, effort needs to focus on co-ordination of contributions to the assessment. People who are at risk of admission to residential care or nursing homes should receive a comprehensive assessment with specialist input, if necessary, and intensive care management to fully explore the options for rehabilitation and care at home.

03

Specialist Assessment

Applies to simple needs of a particular nature or particularly complex needs requiring more in-depth investigation by a professional with recognised expertise.

04

Self Assessment

Applies to where people identify their own needs and propose solutions to meet them, as the sole assessment or in conjunction with other assessments. They may receive professional advice or support from an advocate.

MINIMUM CORE DATA SET No. 2 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Data Item Name:

CURRENT SERVICES - HOUSING SUPPORT

Table Reference:

Table 2.7a

Source(s):

Various / SCDS

Purpose:

Identifying, recording and analysing existing support networks is a key component of any social care assessment. Also required to monitor the development of more flexible approaches to support - a major theme of national social care policy.

Overall Definition: This data item needs to allow for multiple selections.

Housing support services includes any service which provides support, advice or counselling to an individual with particular needs with a view to enabling that individual to occupy, or to continue to occupy, as the person's sole or main residence, residential accommodation other than excepted accommodation. ( The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001, section (91(8)).

This refers to services which are being received at the point of assessment. Housing management, housing support, home care and meals services and personal care form a continuum. Housing support services should be based on an identified, planned programme of support for specific individuals and should be aimed at:

• developing an individual's capacity to live independently in the community, or sustaining their capacity to do so.
• expanding tenure choices - for example for an individual who might remain in or be admitted to institutional care, or become homeless or suffer tenancy breakdown, if support were not provided. (Scottish Executive)

Code

Value

Definition

00

None

No current services

01

General counselling and support including befriending, advising on food preparation, reminding and non-specialist counselling where this does not overlap with similar services provided as personal care or personal support.

Vulnerable people may require general services in the areas of reminding, befriending and non-specialist counselling, which can overlap with personal care or personal support. Where a package of housing support is in place, and the service being provided is one which could be defined as either housing support, personal care or personal support the service should be recorded as a housing support service if no other personal care or personal support services are required.

02

Assisting with the security of the dwelling required because of the needs of the service user.

Where the security of the building requires more than normal concierge type duties e.g. where extra security is required to monitor and restrict access to certain individuals or groups of individuals; where health and safety requires more than one member of staff to be available due to the needs of the service users and the possibility of serious disputes that may place a member of staff at risk; and where the service user needs to be reminded about security.Examples likely to require this include:accommodation for women who have experienced domestic abuse;accommodation provided for vulnerable homeless people that requires 24-hour access to the accommodation; andaccommodation for people with mental health problems or learning disabilities who need encouragement or reminding over security.

03

Assisting with the maintenance of the safety of the dwelling.

This includes advice and supervision on a range of safety matters, for example ensuring that the user is able to use appliances, such as cooker and washing machine, safely; ensuring that service users do not leave lighted cigarettes or candles unattended, or leave taps running. It includes ensuring the safety of the dwelling itself..

04

Advising and supervising service users on the use of domestic equipment and appliances.

This activity includes advice and supervision in areas which could be considered life skills, such as using a washing machine or setting heating controls appropriately, as well as supervision to avoid health and safety risks.

05

Assisting with arranging minor repairs to and servicing of a service user's own domestic equipment and appliances.

Where the service user is unable to deal with their own minor repairs, or where they are being taught the skills necessary to manage minor repairs. The level of intervention and frequency of guidance may vary according to the individual's needs. Costs eligible for Supporting People funding under this heading do not include the cost of actually doing the repairs or the cost of materials.

06

Providing life skills training in maintaining the dwelling and curtilage in appropriate condition.

This includes advice and supervision on any issues of cleanliness, maintenance and safety, particularly in terms of advising or reminding the service user to maintain the condition of the dwelling and its curtilage. It may also include issues such as advice and supervision of food preparation, food storage and waste disposal, to preserve the condition of kitchen units and other appliances. Advice and supervision on cleaning of items such as curtains and soft furnishings is also eligible.

07

Assisting the service user to engage with individuals, professionals and other bodies with an interest in the welfare of the service user.

This can include housing staff, social workers, medical staff and others. It includes arranging for them to call at the service user's home, dealing with telephone calls or correspondence, and arranging and accompanying the service user to meetings or appointments.

08

Arranging adaptations to enable the service user to cope with disability.

Arranging adaptations, for example replacing steps to a house with a ramp, adaptations to equipment, for example bath. This does not cover the installation of adaptations or the cost of equipment.

09

Advising or assisting the service user with personal budgeting and debt counselling.

Such assistance and advice over and above that provided in the course of normal housing management, would be eligible for Supporting People funding, if they are part of a planned programme of support where tenants are unable to deal with their finances in an organised fashion, have continual budgeting problems, and require regular intervention to assist them in maintaining their tenure. Housing support staff or experienced money advisors may carry out these duties.

10

Advising or assisting the service user in dealing with relationships and disputes with neighbours.

In general, occasional management of neighbour disputes can be considered as a housing management charge and therefore not eligible for Supporting People funding. However, where more regular or intensive intervention is required, for example regular intervention by housing support staff to prevent serious disputes arising out of an individual service user's personal circumstances or condition, or resolving such disputes, then these fall under general support and counselling and can receive Supporting People monies.

11

Advising or assisting the service user in dealing with benefit claims and other official correspondence relevant to sustaining occupancy of the dwelling.

In general this will be part of the housing management function but where help is provided as part of a planned package of support, and may require repeated intervention, including some degree of non-specialist advocacy, they may be considered as a support cost.

12

Advising or assisting with resettlement of the service user.

This activity covers help which a service user may need in moving to new accommodation. It includes assistance with choosing new accommodation, making practical arrangements for power, telephone lines etc, choosing and arranging decoration and furnishings, and assistance or advocacy in agreeing a new package of support. It does not cover the costs of any items/materials or work involved in renovating, decorating or furnishing the new accommodation.

13

Advising or assisting the service user to enable him or her to move on to accommodation where less intense support is required.

This is a broad provision, which deals with the rehabilitation function of support, that is, achieving the aim of independent living. For example, the service user may be living in shared accommodation where cleaning is provided, but may receive advice and instruction on cleaning with a view to moving to mainstream housing.

14

Assisting with shopping and errands where this does not overlap with similar services provided as personal care or personal support.

This provision includes both accompanying the service user or going on their behalf to help with errands such as shopping, visiting the library or post office and collecting prescriptions. Where a package of housing support is in place, and the service being provided is one which could be defined as either housing support, personal care or personal support the service should be recorded as a housing support service if no other personal care or personal support services are required.

15

Providing and maintaining emergency alarm and call systems in accommodation designed or adapted for and occupied by elderly, sick or disabled people.

The costs of provision and maintenance of alarm equipment in supported accommodation where the accommodation is occupied by elderly, sick or disabled people and such accommodation is either specifically designed or adapted for such persons or otherwise particularly suitable for them, having regard to its size, heating system, and other major features or facilities. The provision of the alarm system itself does not make the accommodation specifically designed or adapted for such persons or otherwise particularly suitable for them.

16

Responding to emergency alarm calls where such calls relate to any of the housing support services prescribed in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 (Housing Support Services) Regulations 2002, in accommodation designed or adapted for and occupied by elderly, sick or disabled people.

The costs eligible for funding from Supporting People are the costs of responding to the call, where a housing support response is appropriate. The accommodation must be occupied by elderly, sick or disabled people and such accommodation is either specifically designed or adapted for such persons or otherwise particularly suitable for them, having regard to its size, heating system, and other major features or facilities. Where the response required is not housing support (for example, a personal care need or repair to an appliance) this should be charged appropriately. The alarm system itself does not make the accommodation specifically designed or adapted for such persons or otherwise particularly suitable for them.Systems which monitor the health of the occupant are also not eligible for Supporting People funding.

17

Controlling access to individual service users' rooms.

Where additional security is required within the accommodation due to the needs of the service users, for example people with dementia.

18

Cleaning of service users' own rooms and windows.

Charges for the cleaning of service users' own rooms and windows, both internal and external, where neither the service user nor any member of the household is able to clean these themselves are eligible for Supporting People funding.For clarity the cleaning of rooms and windows in communal areas will remain eligible for Housing Benefit, as a rent or housing management charge.

19

Providing for the costs of resettlement services.

Hostels formerly funded through Resettlement Grant are guaranteed continued funding from Supporting People until such time as they are reviewed by the local authority, which will then decide whether to continue to commission their services or to remodel the provision. All reviews must be completed by April 2006. Some of the costs of these hostels are not attributable to the prescribed services listed above, but all their running expenses and support costs will be funded by Supporting People until the recommendations of the review are implemented.

20

Encouraging social intercourse, and welfare checks for residents of accommodation supported by either a resident warden or a non-resident warden with a system for calling that warden where this does not overlap with similar services provided as personal care or personal support.

Vulnerable people may require general services in the areas of social intercourse, chatting and welfare checks which can overlap with personal care or personal support. Where a package of housing support is in place, and the service being provided is one which could be defined as either housing support, personal care or personal support the service should be recorded as a housing support service if no other personal care or personal support services are requiredSystem includes a scheme-based alarm, a centrally based alarm or a combination of these and could be triggered by telephone, push-button or similar device.Warden includes a scheme manager, resident manager or sheltered housing officer or manager or co-ordinator.

21

Arranging social events for residents of accommodation supported by either a resident warden or a non-resident warden with a system for calling that warden.

This refers to services undertaken by a warden or support worker to arrange social events in the communal areas of shared accommodation. This does not cover the cost of the actual event itself.

MINIMUM CORE DATA SET No. 2 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Data Item Name:

CURRENT SERVICES - CARE, HEALTH AND OTHER SUPPORTS

Table Reference:

Table 2.7b

Source(s):

Various

Purpose:

Required for the identification of funding streams, charging and mapping supply.

Overall Definition:

This data item needs to allow for multiple selections.

This refers to services which are being received at the point of assessment and which deliver treatment/care inputs directly to individuals with the aim of sustaining or improving their physical, psychological or social state and ability to maintain daily living. The list of options is extensive and the attached code list is generalised to encompass the main elements of a package of care.

Code

Value

Definition

00

None

No current services

01

Personal care

Care which relates to the day to day physical tasks and needs of the person cared for, and to related mental processes, including assisting with: personal hygiene; eating requirements; problems of immobility; medication; getting dressed; surgical appliances, prosthesis and equipment; getting up and going to bed; devices to help memory and safety; behaviour management and psychological support. (Sources: Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001, Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002).

02

Domestic and home care [other than personal care]

Assistance provided in the person's home with housework, laundry, meal preparation, shopping pension collection etc. for the person.

03

Health care

Interventions delivered by NHS staff eg. prescribing and administering medication, nursing, speech therapy, clinical psychology etc.

04

Therapeutic/intensive behaviour management

Intervention aimed at changing or containing individual's behaviour which presents risk to themselves or others. eg. challenging behaviour, offending dementia. Substance misuse.

05

Rehabilitation following illness or acquired disability

Care or treatment given to improve the existing level of functioning, when a potential for improvement exists, but the capacity for full recovery is uncertain.

06

Specialist treatment or counselling

Interventions delivered by specified skilled staff aimed at restoring normal level of ability, functioning or health. eg. mental illness, bereavement, abuse, substance misuse.

07

Respite /short breaks

Services provided to people with carers to support both the carers and the cared-for person by providing alternative care for a temporary period (from a few hours to a few weeks) overnight and/or during the day in the person's own home, in another's home, in a residential facility or elsewhere.

08

Day services

The provision of services to adults outside their normal place of residence.

09

Home adaptations to improve accessibility

Lifts, hoists, level access ramps etc.

10

Regular maintenance services [intensive housing management]

Decorating, gardening etc.

MINIMUM CORE DATA SET No. 2 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Data Item Name:

UNPAID SUPPORT

Table Reference:

Table 2.8

Source(s):

Scottish Household Survey.

Purpose:

Identifying, recording and analysing existing support networks is a key component of any social care assessment. Also required to monitor the development of more flexible approaches to support - a major theme of national social care policy.

Overall Definition: This data item needs to allow for multiple selections.

This refers to informal support being received at the point of assessment ie. support, care and supervision provided by a relative, friend or volunteer to someone in need because of illness, disability or frailty, without payment.

Code

Value

Definition

01

Care from outwith the home

A

1-4 hours per week

B

5-19 hours per week

C

20 plus hours per week

D

Continuous care

E

Varies

02

Care from within the home

A

1-4 hours per week

B

5-19 hours per week

C

20 plus hours per week

D

Continuous care

E

Varies

MINIMUM CORE DATA SET No. 2 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Data Item Name:

DESCRIPTION OF NEEDS

Table Reference:

Table 2.9

Source(s):

Scottish Executive Guidance on Single, Shared Assessment (November 2001)

Social Care Data Standards Project

Purpose:

To enable standardised recording of needs as part of a holistic assessment.

Overall Definition:

This data item needs to allow for multiple selections.

The code list below is organised into domains of need categories which should be considered during the process of assessment or review. These are derived from a number of sources including the Guidance on Single Shared Assessment (SE 2001) which is initially aimed at assessing the needs of older people (particularly those who may have relatively high dependency levels.

The scope of an assessment should be related to its purpose. The level of information gathered and recorded should be consistent with the circumstances of the person being assessed.

Persons and their carers are important participants in the assessment process. They should be enabled to make a full contribution to all stages. Assessment should not only focus on presented needs, but on the strengths and abilities that people may bring to resolving those needs.

Associated with some of the need categories (eg. 01, 02 etc.) should be an ability level score from 1 to 5:

1 - without difficulty

2.- without difficulty using equipment or an adaptation

3 - has difficulty even when using equipment or an adaptation

4 - requires prompting, guidance, supervision or encouragement

5 - cannot do without assistance from others

[Source: Resource Utilisation Measure RUM developed by ISD as part of the Single Shared Assessment Process]

Code

Value

Definition

01

Personal care and physical well-being

Include needs for support to assist a person in:

Maintaining personal hygiene (including washing, bathing, using the toilet, grooming); dressing and undressing; pain control; oral and dental health; foot-care; skin care/tissue viability; continence and other aspects of elimination; sleeping patterns.

02

Mobility

Include needs for support to assist a person in: Walking on level ground, steps and stairs, balance and falls, getting in and out of chair, getting in and out of bed.

03

Medical history

Include needs for support to assist a person in relation to: Medical problems - either past or present and medication use and ability to self-medicate.

04

Health screening and health promotion

Include needs for advice and support in relation to: Making use of opportunities for screening (blood pressure monitoring, vaccination, cervical and breast screening etc.); maintaining a healthy lifestyle (diet & nutrition, drinking and smoking, exercise, sexual activity etc.

05

Mental health and well-being

Include support needs in relation to: Mood; motivation; agitation; obsessional behaviour; overactive, aggressive and disruptive behaviour; hallucinations, delusions; depression; reactions to loss and emotional difficulties.

Common causes of such symptoms may include depression, schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, phobia or anxiety.

06

Cognition & dementia

Include support needs in relation to: orientation and memory, wandering and behaviour.

07

Senses

Include support needs in relation to:

Sight, and hearing,

08

Accommodation and physical environment

Include support needs in relation to:

Appropriateness of accommodation and heating; access to local facilities and services; transport.

09

Housecare

Include support needs in relation to:

Preparing meals and snacks; using cooking implements and appliances; shopping; cleaning (external and internal); gardening; pet care; collecting pension/repeat prescriptions; maintenance and repair to appliances; maintaining the safety & security of the home.

10

Communication

Include support needs in relation to: Speech. Language. Understanding.

11

Personal relationships

Include support needs in relation to: Maintaining family and social contacts; isolation/loneliness; informal support networks and caring arrangements.

12

Safety

Include support needs in relation to: Abuse and neglect; other aspects of personal safety (including bullying and discrimination); public safety.

13

Substance misuse

Include support needs in relation to: Managing use of alcohol, drugs (including prescription drugs) and other substances; addressing precipitating factors leading to use of substance; addressing the difficulties as a result of use of substance.

14

Offending behaviour

Include support needs in relation to: Diversion from offending

15

Spiritual, religious and cultural

Include support needs in relation to: Requirements for worship or other religious observation; special dietary needs; specific arrangements for care provision (e.g. gender of carer); ethnic issues.

16

Management and level of finances

Include support needs in relation to: Capacity to manage income/budget; source of income; level of income; income maximisation; managing debt; paying rent and bills.

17

Education and employment

Include support needs in relation to: Literacy and numeracy; schooling & further education; vocational training; volunteering; employment; life skills.

18

Recreation

Include support needs in relation to: Accessing and participating in mainstream leisure and social events.

19

Carers needs

Include support needs in relation to: Stress and potential for breakdown in caring relationships; practical assistance; accessing respite and other support; preparation for independent living for the person being cared for.

20

Housing needs

Include support needs in relation to: Accommodation at risk; help to settle in to new accommodation; accessing appropriate housing; accommodation in a poor state of repair or needs adaptation; the target of harassment

MINIMUM CORE DATA SET No. 2 INDIVIDUAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Data Item Name:

CLIENT GROUP

Table Reference:

Table 2.11

Source(s):

Social Care Data Standards Project [unless otherwise specified]

Purpose:

Essential for local and national performance monitoring.

Overall Definition:

Groupings of people in need of care arising out of age or infirmity, or suffering from illness or mental disorder, or are substantially affected by any disability. More generally an adult (age 16 or over) who is unable to safeguard his or her personal welfare, property or financial affairs.

This code list has been organised into high level categories of:

• community care
• children & families
• offenders
• other vulnerable groups

All client group categories apply to all people aged 16 and over, including people over retirement age, except where a particular category states otherwise.

Code

Value

Definition

01

People with sensory impairment
(Community Care)

Is the broad term used to cover visual impairment, deafness, being hard of hearing and deaf blindness.

Visual impairment is a term used to cover the spectrum of those who have some residual vision to those who have no sight at all. The term blind and partially sighted are also frequently used. Blind in the context of a person being registerable has a specific meaning, being so blind as to be unable to perform any work for which eyesight is essential. It does not mean that the person concerned will have no vision at all.

Hearing impairment is a term used to cover the spectrum of those who have some residual hearing or whose hearing is substantially distorted to those that have none at all.

02

Physical disability/illness
(Community Care)

People experiencing physical disability will include those with a wide range of physical and motor impairments and other limiting health conditions that are of sufficient severity to have a 'persistent and recurring' effect which (in combination with their physical and social environment) restricts their physical activity and/or participation.

This may include people with: progressive conditions (e.g. cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease); chronic conditions such as arthritis; respiratory conditions; diabetes; people with absence or impairment of limbs; those with cerebral palsy, paraplaegia, quadraplaegia, spina bifida etc.

03

People with dementia
(Community Care)

Dementia is the global deterioration of intellectual functioning. It is normally a progressive condition resulting in cognitive impairment ranging from some memory loss and confusion to complete dependence on others for all aspects of personal care.

04

People having mental health problems
(Community Care)

Mental health problems are characterised by one or more symptoms including: delusions, hallucinations disorder of thought form, disturbance of mood, sustained or repeated irrational behaviour. These can result in cognitive impairment which have an adverse effect on the ability to carry out normal day-to -day activities.

05

People with learning disability
(Community Care)

A significant, lifelong condition which has three facets:

• Reduced ability to understand new or complex information;
• Reduced ability to cope independently; and
• A condition which started before adulthood (before the age of 18) with a lasting effect on the individual's development.

For the purposes of this guidance, the definition includes people with autistic spectrum disorders but excludes people with acquired brain injuries.

(The Same as You? Scottish Executive 2001)

06

People who use alcohol
(Community Care)

Any person who experiences social, psychological, physical or legal problems related to intoxication and/or regular excessive consumption and/or dependence as a consequence of his/her use of alcohol. {Source as above)

07

People who use drugs
(Community Care)

Any person who experiences social, psychological, physical or legal problems related to intoxication and/or regular excessive consumption and/or dependence as a consequence of his/her use of drugs or chemical substances. (Source: Scottish Drugs Misuse Database]

08

People with HIV/AIDS Social
(Community Care)

People with AIDS or HIV related illnesses may be vulnerable not only because their illness has progressed to the point of physical or mental disability but because of the manifestations of their illness, or common attitudes to it, make it very difficult for them to find stable or suitable accommodation and they may also be subject to harassment. This may be particularly true of people with AIDS, or people who are infected with HIV without having any overt signs or symptoms if the nature of their illness is known to others.

(Source: Scottish Office Development Department, Code of Guidance on Homelessness - December 1998)

09

People with an acquired brain injury
(Community Care)

People who have sustained a brain injury as a result of head injury, stroke, lack of oxygen, infection or other causes. The damage to the brain was sudden in onset and occurred at any age (after birth and the neonatal period). Acquired brain injury (ABI) excludes birth injuries, congenital abnormalities and progressive or degenerative diseases affecting the central nervous system.

People with an acquired brain injury usually have a complex mixture of physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioural disorders. ABI may result in cognitive impairments affecting how the person perceives the world and the abilities to remember, concentrate, reason and judge. The person's emotional state may be disturbed and the attributes that constitute their individual personality, and so how others see them, are also frequently altered as a result of ABI. Physical disabilities and impairments are also common, affecting mobility, sensation, vision, hearing and balance, smell and taste, respiration, heartbeat, and bowel and bladder control. Communication abilities may also be affected. Behaviour may be changed, and the person may become lacking in initiative or aggressive or sexually inappropriate.

(Based on: Public Health Institute for Scotland Needs Assessment Report: Huntingdon's Disease, Acquired Brain Injury and Early Onset Dementia (2000):

http://www.phis.org.uk/doc.pl?file=publications/huntingdons.doc)

10

Older people
(Community Care)
Only use this category if none of the others apply.

People are not vulnerable as a result of age per se but the likelihood of long-standing illness, health problems, disability or social isolation can increase significantly with age.

[The 1999 'Health in Scotland' report indicates many similarities between the health experiences of older people and the population but with four significant exceptions:

• Some diseases are more common amongst older people and these include cancer, heart disease and mental illness.
• Some conditions are found mainly amongst older people and include brain diseases such as strokes, dementia and Parkinson's disease.
• Some conditions have greater implications for older people. Acute and traumatic conditions such as falls and fractures may take longer to heal and have increased consequences for the mobility levels of older people.
• Older people have a greater likelihood of multiple pathologies leading to a position where an apparently minor aliment might have serious consequences for the individual.

(www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/his9-13.asp)]

11

Vulnerable due to young age
(Children & Families)

People between the ages of 16 - 18 who are without parental guidance or support and will face difficulty in finding and keeping accommodation, managing an income, finding work or establishing relationships (Child Welfare Services)

The definition of vulnerable young people is based on the categories of young people aged 16-18 who are defined as entitled to income replacement benefits or exempt from the requirement to seek full time work. From October 1 2002, Local Authorities will be required to undertake responsibility for a specific group of young people who leave the looked after system.

12

People at risk of offending / re-offending People leaving prison
(Offenders)

Persons who have, either, already been convicted of a criminal offence, or for whom other information is available which indicates that he/she is likely to commit a criminal offence, due to any combination of "patterns of previous offending, mental health problems, substance use, or social and attitudinal factors" which have been assessed as predisposing to criminal behaviour.

13

Women at Risk of Domestic Violence
(Other Vulnerable Groups)

Women suffering, or in fear of physical, non-physical or sexual abuse.

14

People experiencing psychological trauma
(Other Vulnerable Groups)

People at risk of harassment or violence on account of either race, colour, relation, illness, sexuality, or ethnic, religious or national origins may also be vulnerable.
(Source: Scottish Office Code of Guidance on Homelessness - 1998)

15

People with poor social skills or disruptive behaviour
(Other Vulnerable Groups)

The DDA applies to people with an impairment only if the illness is a 'clinically' well-recognised illness. Not everyone who requires support will meet the DDA criteria and not all people who present these characteristics will meet definitions of Mental Health Problems or Learning Disability.

16

Refugees
(Other Vulnerable Groups)

International law (Geneva Convention - 1951) defines a refugee as "a person who has fled from and cannot return to their country due to a well-founded fear of persecution, including war or civil conflict".

17

People who are homeless or sleeping rough
(Other Vulnerable Groups)

A person without accommodation which he or she is able to occupy legally or without risk of violence or, if overcrowded, without danger to health; or a person at risk of homelessness (likely to be evicted within 2 months).

Includes:

1. Rough Sleepers - persons without shelter of any kind and who are sleeping rough.
3. Other persons without shelter of any kind, including victims of fire and flood, and newly arrived immigrants.
5. Persons with accommodation they are unable to secure entry to or use. (Eg. people whose accommodation is a caravan or boat but they have nowhere to park it).
7. Persons living in empty accommodation illegally.
9. Persons living in emergency and temporary accommodation provided for homeless people (eg. night shelters, hostels and refuges).
11. Persons living in Women's refuges - emergency or crisis accommodation, usually with shared facilities, provided specifically for women [with or without children] escaping or at risk of domestic violence.
13. Persons involuntarily sharing accommodation with another household on a long-term basis in unreasonable housing conditions (eg. overcrowding).
15. Persons with only short-term permission to stay, such as those moving around friends'/relatives' houses without stability.
17. Persons and/or households with nowhere else to stay residing in other accommodation which is unsuitable for long-stay. Eg. Bed & Breakfast premises..
19. Young people under the age of 18 asked to leave the family home or who are otherwise unable to continue living at home.
21. Persons staying in institutions only because they have nowhere else to stay;

Sources: Housing (Scotland) Acts, 1987 and 2002; Scottish Executive 2002: Helping Homeless People - An Action Plan for Prevention and Effective Response, Homelessness Task Force Final Report.

18

Gypsies/Travellers
(Other Vulnerable Groups)

Persons of a nomadic habit of life whatever their race or origin.