Carers' Assessments

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All carers have the right to ask for an assessment of their needs as a carer.

A Carers Assessment is your chance to talk about ways that will help you maintain a healthy balance between work, leisure and your caring commitments. It is an opportunity for Community Services (formerly known as Social Services) to find out what level of help you are providing for the person you care for, and about the things that could make caring easier for you.You will be asked if you wish to continue with your caring responsibilities

You can contact your local Community Service Team directly and ask for a Carers Assessment to be carried out. Community Services will refer you to the Carer Support Service who will visit you at home to complete the Carers Assessment with you.

Some things you may want to think about before the meeting:

• Do you get enough sleep?
• Is your health affected in other ways?
• Are you able to get out and about?
• Do you get any time for yourself?
• Are your other relationships affected?
• Do you want information about benefits?
• Are you worried you may have to give up work?
• Is the person you care for getting enough help?

What sort of services might help you:

1. Services that give you a break
2. Emotional support from other carers or people who understand
3. Help with household tasks
4. Help with care during the day or night
5. Benefits advice
6. Activities for the person you care for.
7. Local or national support organisations you could contact
8. Any charges for services
9. What to do if you wish to complain

Remember that you are an individual and your local council may offer to provide a service to you that they think will help you to continue to care and help maintain your wellbeing. You may have ideas of your own about services that would help you. Don't be concerned to talk these through during the Carers Assessment. You might want to discuss other services that may help the person you look after.

If you require further details regarding Carers Assessments or the referral process please call the Information Line on 01743 341995.

 

Page last modified: 2008-02-06 03:35:12