The purpose of a carers assessment is to identify whether you are eligible for support to help you care for the person you are looking after. Our findings during the assessment will enable us to draw up a support plan, that we will share with you, and it may offer you practical support and signpost you to local support groups, so you have people to talk to.
The benefits of having a carer's assessment
Your wellbeing is very important, so the carer's assessment will Identify if you are eligible for:
- Practical support such as someone stepping in to care for the person you are looking after whilst you take a short break for appointments or just to recharge your batteries
- Financial support, if there are any benefits that you are eligible to receive but you are not currently claiming.
What you need to know about a carer's assessment
- Having a carer's assessment will not affect whether you receive a carer's allowance.
- You do not need the permission of the person you are caring for.
- If we are assessing the needs of the person you look after, we will often offer you a carer's assessment as well.
- The person you care for does not need to receive any help our adult social care service, and they do not have to be assessed. However, you can request a combined assessment, where you will be assessed at the same time as the person you care for.
- If your needs change after we have made your support plan, please get back in touch and we will speak to you about what steps to take next.
Types of carer's assessment
Carer's assessment
Carers over 18 who look after another adult can have a carer's assessment. You can self-refer on the my support needs as a carer self-assessment form. You can also be referred by a health professional or local carer organisation.
Parent Carer assessment
Parent Carers of a child under 18 can be assessed through a Parent Carers Needs Assessment. If you do not have an allocated social worker or family support worker, you will need to contact Children's Single Point of Access (C-SPA).
If you have an allocated social worker or family support worker, this may have already been completed as a part of your holistic child and family's assessment. If you are unsure, please speak directly to your allocated social worker or family support worker.
Young Carer assessment
If you are under 18 and caring for someone you can be assessed through a Young Carer's Assessment. If you do not have an allocated social worker or family support worker, you will need to contact Children's Single Point of Access (C-SPA).
If you have an allocated social worker or family support worker, this may have already been completed as a part of your holistic child and family's assessment.
How to request a carer's assessment
Fill in the my support needs as a carer self-assessment form online.