What is a carer's assessment?
A carer’s assessment acknowledges your role as a carer and reviews your current support network, such as family or friends.
It considers your:
- goals and needs outside of your caring responsibilities
- as well as the impact caring has on your ability to pursue these, and
- how it affects your overall well-being
The purpose of the assessment is to support you in continuing your care giving role if that’s your choice, benefiting both you and the person you care for. If you’re feeling unable to continue in your role, the assessment can help identify alternative options for you or the person you care for.
How can a carer’s assessment help me?
You’ll receive helpful information, advice, and details about local support services. You may also qualify for a carer’s personal budget.
Remember, caring for yourself is essential to being able to care for others. The assessment may address some of the stress or anxiety you’re experiencing.
How will a carer’s assessment help the person I care for?
Your carer’s assessment may prompt the person you care for to have:
- an Adult Care and Support assessment, or
- a review of their current care needs
ensuring they are receiving the appropriate support. This can help ease some of the pressure on you.
Can I have a carer’s assessment?
You can choose to have:
- a carer’s assessment carried out by an independent organisation on its own, or
- combine it with the needs assessment for the person you care for (typically carried out by Adult Social Care)
Contact the Carers Support Service if you would like to request an individual carers assessment.
Carer's Personal Budgets
You may be entitled to a carer's one-off or regular personal budget if you’re eligible for the carer’s assessment. Assessment for a personal budget will be part of your carers assessment.