How do we define critical needs?

This relates to situations where without help there will be a serious risk of death, harm or injury now or within 7 days.

The government’s Fair Access to Care Services eligibility frameworks says that risks will be defined as critical when:

• Life is, or will be, threatened

• Significant health problems have developed or will develop

• There is, or will be, little or no choice over vital aspects of the immediate environment

• Serious abuse or neglect has occurred or will occur

• There is, or will be, an inability to carry out vital personal care or domestic routines

• Vital involvement in work, education or learning cannot or will not be sustained

• Vital social support systems and relationships cannot or will not be sustained

• Vital family and other social roles and responsibilities cannot or will not be undertaken