A carer's assessment for you
If you help look after someone, your own needs matter too. A carer's assessment is a chance to talk about how caring affects you, and what would make it easier. It's free, and anyone over 18 who cares for someone can ask for one.
You count as a carer if you regularly help someone because they're ill, older or disabled. That includes family. Help with washing, dressing or medicines, getting to appointments, shopping, cleaning, bills, or simply keeping them company or watching over them all counts.
What it can lead to
- someone to take over so you can have a break
- help with things like housework or gardening
- training, such as how to lift safely
- putting you in touch with local support groups
- advice about benefits for carers, such as Carer's Allowance
How to ask
Contact adult social services at the local council and ask for a carer's assessment. You can call or ask online. It's separate from the care needs assessment for the person you look after, but you can ask for both to be done at the same time.
On the day
Someone from the council, or an organisation it works with, will ask how you're coping, including your health, work, free time and relationships. It's usually face to face, and often takes at least an hour.
Be honest about the impact caring has on you. Give as much detail as you can, so you get the support you need. You can have someone with you, such as a friend, relative or an advocate.
If you qualify for help, the council will agree a support plan with you. It may do a financial assessment first. If you don't qualify, the council should still give you advice about other help nearby.
In Scotland
Ask the council's social care department, or your local carer centre, for an Adult Carer Support Plan. It's a written record of your caring role, your own needs, whether you're able and willing to keep caring, the support you'll get, and an emergency plan for if you're ill. Local carer centres are independent charities offering advice, emotional support and training, and you don't need a referral.
In Wales
Carers have the right to an assessment of their own needs from the council, whether or not the person they care for has had one.