Carer assessment
What is a carer’s assessment?
A carer’s assessment is for adult carers of adults (over 18 years) who are disabled, ill or elderly. It is an opportunity to discuss with the carers centre what support or services you need. The assessment will look at how caring affects your life, including for example, physical, mental and emotional needs, and whether you are able or willing to carry on caring.
Who can have a carer’s assessment?
As a carer you will be entitled to an assessment regardless of the amount or type of care you provide, your financial means or your level of need for support. You can have an assessment whether or not the person you care for has had a community care assessment/needs assessment, or if the local Council have decided they are not eligible for support.
How do you prepare for a carer’s assessment?
In preparation for your assessment, it is useful to give yourself some time to think about how caring affects you. It’s also important to start thinking about any help that would make a difference to you as a carer.
Bear in mind that you might not know about all the types of help that could be available, the assessment is to help the carers centre understand what things you are having problems with. Some carers may be eligible for a ‘carers personal budget’ due to the impact of their caring responsibilities. This can be used for a short break, relaxation therapies, pursuing an interest, attending training or pamper sessions. If you are eligible the assessor will discuss and support you through the process.
The assessment will consider whether or not your caring role impacts on your health or prevents you from achieving outcomes, for example staying in work or having a social life, and what could be done to help you combine these things with caring. It should cover:
Contact Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre 01942 705959 to request an assessment. Arrangement can be made for a home visit/centre visit or at a place convenient to the carer.