Understanding the Carers Assessment
A carers assessment is not a test of your ability to care, but rather a conversation to understand how your caring responsibilities affect your life. It looks at your needs, your wellbeing, and the impact your role has on your physical and mental health, work, education, and relationships. It is a vital step toward ensuring you get the support you need to continue your role without it negatively affecting your own life. You are entitled to an assessment regardless of your financial situation or the number of hours you spend caring.
Official bodies and who they appoint
In the UK, the local authority (council) for the area where the person you care for lives has the statutory duty to provide a carers assessment. This doesn't mean a council employee will always be the person who carries out the assessment. In many cases, the local authority will commission or work with a local carers' centre or voluntary organisation to perform this function on their behalf. This is because these specialist organisations have extensive experience in supporting carers and are often better placed to provide tailored advice and information.
There are several key players who can facilitate a carers assessment:
- Local Council (Adult Social Services): This is the primary port of call. You can contact them directly to request an assessment. Their social workers are trained to carry out these evaluations.
- Local Carers' Centre: These specialist non-profit organisations often carry out assessments under contract from the local council. They are highly experienced in carer support and can provide detailed information and advice.
- Healthcare Professionals: Your GP, a district nurse, or a social worker already involved in the care of the person you look after can all refer you for an assessment. Mentioning your caring responsibilities during an appointment can trigger this process.
How to request a carers assessment
Requesting an assessment is straightforward and can be done in several ways. The process is designed to be accessible and focuses on your needs as a carer, not the person you are caring for.
- Self-referral: This is the most common method. You, as the carer, can contact the local council's adult social services directly via phone, email, or their online portal.
- Professional referral: A professional, such as a GP or hospital discharge planner, can refer you for an assessment if they identify that you are a carer who may need support.
- Third-party request: A family member or friend can request an assessment on your behalf, but the local authority will contact you directly unless it's inappropriate to do so.
Comparison of Assessment Methods
| Feature | Online Self-Assessment | Face-to-Face Assessment | Phone Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initiator | Carer completes it themselves | Requested by carer or referred by professional | Can be requested by carer |
| Convenience | Highly flexible, can be done at any time | Requires scheduling with an assessor | Requires scheduling but offers more flexibility than face-to-face |
| Detail | Dependent on the carer's self-reporting | Assessor can probe deeper, building rapport | Facilitates a conversational flow, less formal than face-to-face |
| Suitability | Best for those who are confident with technology and can articulate their needs clearly | Good for carers who prefer a more personal interaction or need help articulating complex issues | Useful for those who want a guided conversation but don't require an in-person meeting |
| Support | Can be done with family/friends | Can have an advocate or family member present | Can have an advocate or family member on the call |
What to expect during the assessment
An assessment is a chance to discuss all aspects of your caring role. This includes the following topics:
- Your daily tasks: What do you do for the person you care for, and how often?
- Physical and mental health: What is the impact of caring on your own health and wellbeing?
- Finances: Is your caring role affecting your ability to work or your financial situation?
- Social life and relationships: How does caring affect your ability to see friends, maintain relationships, or engage in hobbies?
- Personal goals: What would you like to achieve in your life outside of your caring responsibilities?
The assessor is there to listen and understand your situation fully. Being honest and open about the challenges you face will ensure the most accurate plan for support is created.
After the assessment: the support plan
Following the assessment, you will be informed of the outcome. If you are eligible for support based on the national eligibility criteria, a personalised support plan will be developed. This plan outlines how your needs will be met and may include:
- Practical support, such as respite care or help with household tasks.
- A personal budget, a sum of money to be used for things that support your wellbeing.
- Signposting to other services, such as local support groups, benefits advice, or training.
Even if you are not deemed eligible for formal support from the council, they must still provide you with information and advice on where to get help from other local services, charities, and community groups.
Frequently overlooked aspects
It is crucial to remember that your right to an assessment is independent of the person you care for. They do not need to have had a needs assessment themselves, nor do they need to be receiving any council services. It is your assessment, focusing entirely on your own needs and how caring impacts your life. Additionally, if the person you care for lives in a different local authority area, it is the council where they reside that is responsible for providing your assessment, although they may delegate this to your local authority.
In conclusion, a carers assessment is a valuable tool for any unpaid carer over 18. It is a legal right that helps safeguard your wellbeing and ensures you have access to the support necessary to maintain your caring role effectively. By understanding who can conduct the assessment and how to initiate the process, you can take control of your situation and ensure you receive the help you deserve. For more detailed information on your rights as a carer, you can visit the NHS Social Care and Support Guide.
Conclusion
Anyone providing regular unpaid care to an adult can request a carers assessment, and it will be carried out by a representative from the local council's adult social services department or a specialist organisation they work with. Requesting an assessment is a vital step in acknowledging your role and accessing tailored support to help you manage your responsibilities and personal wellbeing effectively.
