Carers' Assessment
If the person that you care for is entitled to receive Social Services and you are undertaking regular and substantial care you are entitled to a carer's assessment.
You can have an assessment even if the person you care for is refusing Social Services.
A carers assessment will help us to look at the caring situation from the carer's point of view and as a result we may be able to offer additional help, information, advice and services to support you as a carer. You may not be able to access some types of respite care if you do not have a carers assessment.
As a carer you are entitled to have your own private and personal assessment carried out away from the person that you care for if you wish. You can also choose to have your needs assessed as part of the cared for persons assessment, this is called a joint assessment.
The carers assessment can take up to an hour depending on the type of assessment you choose. Once carried out we will renew the assessment annually unless your caring situation changes. If your needs change you may be offered a further assessment or you can request a new assessment at anytime you feel that you need further advice, information, services or support.
During the assessment you will be asked about the care you carry out, how this affects your life and what you need to make caring easier. The carers assessment is not intended to assess how well a carer is looking after the person they care for, only what additional help and support is needed. Having an assessment will not affect any benefits that you are claiming. However, if we think that you may be entitled to benefits that you are not claiming we will advise you to apply.
You have a legal right to a carers assessment and once your needs have been assessed and agreed we have a legal responsibility to work towards meeting your needs as a carer.
To request an assessment, please talk to the care professional working with you or call Social Services Help Desk, 01202 633902.
For further information or advice about carers assessments call Val Mitchell, Carers Services Manager, 01202 261174.
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