Requesting a Carers Assessment

If you provide regular care and support for someone and are aged 18 and over, you are entitled to a carer’s assessment. 

The word “assessment” can sound a bit scary, but it is not a test of how good you are at caring. The assessment is simply a way to understand how caring affects your life. It helps to find out what is important to you, what you might need help with, and what support you may be able to get. You can have the assessment in the way that works best for you — face to face, on the phone, by video call, or another option that suits you.

Things to think about before your assessment:

• Think about how your caring role affects your day-to-day life
• Make a list of the different tasks you complete for the person you care for such as helping with finances, shopping or cleaning etc
• If the person you care for is going to be there at your assessment, will you be able to speak honestly?

Some topics the assessment will cover:

• How you feel about caring
• Your mental and physical health
• Any other caring responsibilities you have
• Your work responsibilities
• Your abilities to continue in your caring role
• What you enjoying doing in your free time
• Emergency planning

What happens after the assessment?

You and your social care worker will discuss whether you are eligible for support.

a) If you are not eligible for support the worker still has a duty to make sure you have information, advice and are signposted to the right services. 

b) If you are eligible, you and the worker will talk about what support you can access

• You should have a support plan which outlines what help you need and how this will be achieved
• You may be entitled to a carer’s personal budget if your caring role is having a significant impact on your life.

You can request a carer’s assessment by contacting the Independence Advice Hub. 
You can contact them by:

Contact Independence Advice Hub online

or by phoning the Independence Advice Hub on 01274 435400

The Independence Advice Hub is open: Monday to Thursday: 8.30am to 5pm and Friday: 8.30am to 4.30pm