Who can ask for a carer assessment?
Anyone living in the UK has a right to an assessment of their own needs, if they give unpaid care and support to an adult who is disabled, ill or elderly. In Scotland, a carers’ assessment is called an Adult Carer Support Plan.
A carer does not need to be:
- Living in the same home as the person being cared for.
- Caring 24/7 – carers often need to balance their caring role with working and/or other commitments.
A carer assessment should look at the different ways that caring affects your life. It should identify the help and support you may need, to carry on doing the things that are important to you and your family.
Not sure if you’re eligible?
What would happen to the person you are helping, if you were not there for them? If their health and well-being could suffer without your help, then you are a carer who is eligible for an assessment.
How to ask for a carer assessment in the UK
Local Councils have the overall responsibility to arrange an assessment of carer needs for carers in their area and may also have carers units and/or information for carers in their local areas.
Get in contact with your local council to request an assessment.
How can a Carer Assessment help?
A carer assessment can:
- Determine the help and support needed for a carer to maintain or improve their health and well-being, and to balance caring with other demands such as work and family.
- Consider other important issues, such as whether the carer is able or willing to carry on caring, whether they work or want to work, whether they want to study and/or do more socially.
- Suggest useful contacts to help a carer’s support needs to be met. These may include, for example, a local carers unit, carer support groups, benefits advice, helplines etc.
Need more information on Carer Assessments?
Carers Trust has information about Carer Assessments and what they involve.
Carers UK offer a range of help and support including a downloadable Carers Assessment factsheet.
NHS Carer’s assessments page has more information on carer assessments, including helpful advice on how to prepare for an assessment.
Rethink have useful information for carers, families and friends, including about Carer Assessments.
Skills For Care offer a range of information and advice about Carer Assessments including a free e-learning course for people carrying out assessments.