Ask for a carer's assessment
A carer’s assessment is a chance to talk about how caring affects you, both physically and emotionally. We’ll use this to understand what support might help you. It’s not a test of how well you’re caring.
You can choose if you want to have an assessment or not.
Under the Care Act 2014, you have a legal right to an assessment of your needs. We have a duty to make sure this happens.
How to get a carer’s assessment
You can ask for an assessment if:
- you’re over 18, and
- you provide regular care for someone, and
- you don’t get paid for it
We can do this at a time that works best for you.
If you're under 18, you can find out more about support and assessments for young carers.
What happens in an assessment
The assessment is an informal, open discussion with your needs at the centre of the conversation.
Before your assessment, you could think about:
- do you get enough sleep and stay healthy?
- can you leave the person you care for when you need to?
- are you worried about work?
- how does caring make you feel and affect your relationships?
- do you have time for yourself?
- does caring affect other parts of your life?
It might also help to make a list of what you do to help the person you care for.
Read our privacy statement to find out more about data protection and how we use your information.
What happens after the assessment
By learning what’s important to you, we can work out how to improve or maintain your health and wellbeing.
This could include:
- connecting you with local community networks, charities and other organisations
- advising you about benefits
- exploring how we can help you to continue in your caring role
