If you are a carer, you are legally entitled to have your needs as a carer assessed regardless of what type of care you provide or how often you provide it.
All carers are entitled to an assessment of their needs if they want one. This is called a ‘carer’s assessment’.
It might recommend things like:
- someone to take over caring so you can take a break
- gym membership and exercise classes to relieve stress
- help with taxi fares if you don’t drive
- help with gardening and housework
- training how to lift safely
- putting you in touch with local support groups so you have people to talk to
- advice about benefits for carers
A carer’s assessment is free and anyone over 18 can ask for one.
It’s separate from the needs assessment the person you care for might have, but you can ask to have them both done at the same time.
What happens in the carer’s assessment
Someone from the council, or an organisation the council works with, will ask how you’re coping with caring.
This includes how it affects your physical and mental health, work, free time and relationships.
The assessment is usually face to face. Some councils can do it over the phone or online.
Assessments usually last at least an hour.
Telephone help
If you want to talk to someone about carer’s assessments, call:
- your local council’s adult social services department (find local authority adult social care services)
- Carers UK’s free helpline on 0808 808 7777
- Age UK’s free helpline on 0800 678 1602
- Independent Age’s free helpline on 0800 319 6789
- Contact’s free helpline for families with disabled children on 0808 808 3555
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