Assessing your needs as a carer
Having a carer's assessment can help you understand the impact caring is having on your life and how best to support you. You can have an assessment on your own or with the person you care for, as outlined in the Care Act 2014. You may be able to get help and advice with financial concerns, your own health, practical help in the home, and any worries about the future. Even if you are not eligible there are a range of services in the borough you can access free of charge.
A carer’s assessment is simply a conversation with you that will help us understand the impact that caring is having on your life. It will help us find out a bit more about you and your interests, whether you are able and willing to carry on caring and how we can work in partnership to help you to live the best life you can. This will help us determine the best support for you, which may include:
- Advice and information
- Referral to voluntary and community services that can provide further advice and support
- Emotional support opportunities
- Help with using technology
- Respite care for the person you care for
- Short breaks and leisure opportunities
- Training to help you in your caring role
- Advice and support to help you in employment
- Direct payments so you can choose the support you need
The level of support you will receive from the council will depend on a number of factors, but whatever the outcome of your assessment, we will always give you further information and advice relevant to your individual circumstances and signpost you to other local services.
Costs
There is no cost for assessment, advice or information from us. However, there may be a cost for some of the services that are available, which will be fully discussed before support is arranged. Please see more information on the financial assessment.
Self-assessment
You can also submit a carer’s self-assessment form online and someone will contact you to discuss this.
Young carers
If you are a young carer, please also visit our young carers page.
Professionals
As a professional if you identify a carer you can use our referral. Once your account has been created, it will save your details for any future referrals.
Make a referral to adult social care.
For carers of people aged under 65 with mental ill-health
This help can be accessed through the Community Mental Health teams. Further details of services for carers with mental ill-health can be found on the Oxleas NHS Trust website. Services for carers and those they care for are also provided by local voluntary organisations.