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 Assessment

Assessment is the process whereby a person is formally visited to look at whether they need to receive either Health Service care or Social Services community care. Anybody who thinks they need help in their daily living is entitled to an assessment.

Assessment is carried out by an assessing social worker (Social Services), who have produced two leaflets on the subject:

·            A Guide to Assessment for Community Care

·            A Guide to Eligibility for Community Care

Carers Assessments

Caring can be very tiring and stressful – it may even be affecting your health.  As a Carer, you may need some help to enable you to carry on caring or you may need to have a short break for a few hours a week or for a few days so you can have a holiday. 

Under the Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000 you are entitled to ask Social Services to assess your needs as a Carer if you are providing regular care for someone. 

The assessment is not a judgment about the way you care but provides an opportunity for you to discuss any concerns and issues you may have about your situation.  The aim is to enable you to find out what services are or will be available in the future so you feel better able to carry on caring.

How To Get A Carers Assessment

If you would like a Carers Assessment you need to ask for one.  They are not always done automatically.  A Carers Assessment is normally done at the same time as an assessment of the person you care for, but you can ask for an assessment in your own right, even if the person you are caring for does not have, or refuses to have their own assessment. If you would like to know the questions you will be asked, pick up a request for carers assessment form from your local social services office or the Carers Centre. 

If you would like an assessment ask to speak to a customer care officer at your local social services office. See Social Services.

Lonsdale District Carers have produced two fact sheets which are available from the Carers Centre. These are:

1.      Getting help from Social Services

2.      Respite Care

Carers UK produce a booklet entitled How Do I get Help?  A Carer's Guide to Assessments.

Before the assessing Social Worker visits, it may help to prepare some information. It sometimes helps to write a list of all the things you do for the person you care for starting from when you get up in the morning to when you go to bed.  Think about your needs and the kind of information and services you would like to know about.  For example:

·        When did you last have a break (respite)?

·        Are you able to leave the person you care for on their own?

·        Has your health deteriorated since you became a Carer?

·        What services are available?

·        Which services would give you the most help?

·        Are there any aids or equipment that would help you?

·        What benefits are there?

·        What happens if you become ill?

·        Or there is an emergency?

Assessment does not automatically result in services being provided. An appeals procedure exists if you are not satisfied by the outcome of the assessment, see Complaints.

Further advice about Carers Assessments

If you want to talk to someone who has already had an assessment, it may be worth contacting the Carers Centre or one of the local Carers Groups.  You can also contact the Carers UK who can provide advice about Carers Assessments.