Carer's Assessments

Do you care for someone on a regular basis? Then a Carer’s assessment could help you.  

Your Carer’s assessment is your opportunity to tell Social Services about things that could make caring easier for you.  

All carers can have a Carer’s assessment, as long as they are caring on a regular basis.  

To get a Carer’s assessment contact your local social services and arrange for a social worker to visit you.  

The Assessment Itself

The Carer’s assessment will focus on what you as a Carer identify as the best outcome. It is an opportunity for the social worker to understand the impact caring has on you, and advise on services that may be available. Some things you need to consider are:

  • Do you get enough sleep?
  • How many hours a week do you care? Include all the time you spend with the person you care for.
  • Is your health affected by caring?
  • Can you leave the person you are looking after?
  • Are you struggling with work and caring, are you worried about having to give up work?
  • Do you get enough time to yourself?
  • Would aids or adaptations in the home make it easier for you to care?
  • Does the person you care for have any health problems you struggle to deal with?
  • Do you want to have time to yourself but can’t due to your responsibilities of caring.
  • Does anyone else help you? Would you like more help?
  • Do you feel you have no choice about providing care?
  • Are you concerned about the future for you and the person you care for?
  • What would you like to change about your situation?

The assessment can be carried out at your home or at the home of the person you care for.  If there is more that one Carer providing regular care in your household, you are all entitled to an assessment.  

Help that may be available 

Services that may help you and the person you care for include:

  • Help with caring tasks
  • A break away from caring
  • Help with household tasks
  • Adaptations to the home
  • Emotional support
  • Advice on benefits you may be eligible for
  • Activities and day centres for the person you care for

Remember this assessment is about your needs as a Carer.  If your situation changes and you need more support you can ask for a re-assessment.  

How to Contact Social Services.  

For social services please call

08456 009 009  

Last Updated December 2010