Wolverhampton City Council has introduced a suite of digital self-assessment tools designed to give residents easier access to social care support at any time of day.
The BetterCare platform consists of three separate tools: BetterCare Support for adults and families, BetterCare Finance for financial assessments, and BetterCare Support Carers for unpaid carers.
How the tools work
BetterCare Support uses animations to guide users through 10 areas of the Care Act, allowing people to assess where they need help. Users are then directed to relevant local and national information about available support services as they complete the self-assessment form.
BetterCare Finance helps people understand the financial assessment process for care, enabling them to complete their own assessments while maintaining transparency and clarity throughout.
BetterCare Support Carers allows unpaid carers to reflect on their caring role at their own pace, identify where additional support may be needed, and receive personalised information and guidance tailored to their circumstances. The tool complements Bridgit, a separate digital platform already providing personalised information, practical guidance and wellbeing support to carers.
Council perspective
Councillor Linda Leach, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said the tools have made it easier for people to access information and support at times that suit them. She noted that they have strengthened first contacts into Adult Social Care, giving people a 24/7 way to explore support options and complete self-assessments.
Leach added that the platforms are helping council staff gain an earlier understanding of people's circumstances, supporting more focused conversations and reducing duplication through better integration with internal systems.
Councillor Leach stressed that anyone without internet access or who would prefer not to use an online assessment can continue to access these services face-to-face or over the phone.
The council says it is actively listening to feedback from people using the BetterCare self-assessment tools and using that input to shape future improvements.
More information is available on the council's website where residents can begin their self-assessment.