Checklist to help you decide whether you should make a complaint about adult social care services
What is the problem?
How serious is the problem? Can I work round it or should I make a complaint?
In extremely urgent situations, where someone is at risk, get advice as soon as possible about who to report the problem to.
Am I someone who has the right to make a complaint?
Only some people have the right to complain under the complaints procedure.
Am I within the time limit to make a complaint?
Complaints must usually be made within 12 months of the incident but this time limit can be extended in exceptional cases.
Who should I complain
You can complain to either the provider or the commissioner of the service.
For more details, see: Who you can go to when you have a problem with an adult social care service
What outcome do I want?
In most cases, an official complaint can give you the outcome you want, but not if you want financial compensation.
For more details, see: NHS and adult social care services complaints – deciding what outcomes you want to achieve
Do I need help to make a complaint?
You may want just advice and information about making a complaint, or you might want an advocate or representative to make it on your behalf.
For more details, see Organisations that can help you make a complaint about adult social care services
For more details, see: How to make a complaint about adult social care services