Working as a carer is demanding, and it’s something that more people are finding themselves having to do. The latest research from Carers UK shows that 40% of carers are aged between 55 and 64, more than in any other age group.
Taking care of someone full-time or part-time can take up a huge part of your life and sometimes cause you to neglect your own needs. It can also take a huge toll on your finances. Nearly a quarter of carers (23%) questioned by Carers UK said they’re struggling to make ends meet while a third (30%) said they were cutting back on essentials such as food or heating.
So, if you’re a carer, it’s really important to find ways to look after yourself and to take advantage of the resources that might provide support.
One of the best ways you can do this is by completing a carers assessment, which can help you access support you might not have been able to otherwise get. Here we explain what a carer’s assessment is and which help you might be eligible for. We also list some other support you might be able to apply for without needing a carer’s assessment.
What is a carer’s assessment?
A carer’s assessment is a meeting with your council’s social services department to see what help you might be able to get if you care for someone. In Scotland it is also sometimes called an Adult Carer’s Support Plan.
You can get a carer’s assessment if you work as a carer either full or part time and the whole point of the assessment is to see what support you could be given to make your life easier.
The meeting might take place either in person, online or over the phone and you’ll discuss your role as a carer and address your concerns.
A carer’s assessment is different to a care needs assessment, but you can request for both to happen at the same time.
What support might I be offered after a carer’s assessment?
If you qualify for support then your council may be able to provide you with some of the following:
- Someone to take over your role so you can have a break
- Gym membership or exercise class to relieve stress
- Help with transport fares for your caring duties
- Assistance with housework (for example gardeners or cleaners)
- Access to local support groups or counselling
- Advice on applying for benefits for carers
Will I be charged for any support I receive?
You may or may not be charged for some of the support services that you’re offered, but most councils won’t charge you. If yours does, you’ll first undergo a financial assessment to see whether you can afford to make a contribution. Any funding you receive can either be sent to you to pay for the services yourself or the council can arrange them instead (bear in mind that if you decide to do so yourself then you’ll have to keep detailed records of all the payments made using these funds, to prove they’re going towards your support).
Who is considered a carer?
You’re considered a carer if you regularly look after someone who is elderly, disabled or ill (both family and non-family count). The help you provide them with can include:
- Cooking, cleaning, shopping and laundry
- Transporting them to doctor’s appointments, the shops, or just out and about
- Washing or dressing them
- Helping them take medicine
- Organising their finances or helping them pay their bills
- Keeping them company or watching over them if they can’t be left alone
If you provide any of these services to someone on a regular basis then you are likely eligible for a carer’s assessment.
What happens during a carer’s assessment?
During a carer’s assessment, you’ll talk with a representative from your local social services about the care you provide. You’ll discuss your role, your needs, the needs of the person you are caring for, and any disruption that your role as a carer may be causing in your own life.
You can bring a friend or relative to the assessment for support if you like, but you don’t need to bring the person you are caring for. The meeting is intended to be about you.
The assessment usually lasts for at least an hour. The care worker will look at how your responsibilities as a carer are affecting your physical and mental health, relationships, and general day-to-day life.
Within a week of the assessment, you will hear back from the council about whether you qualify for support. If you do qualify then social services will then create a plan for you (and the person you are caring for, if necessary).
If you aren’t eligible for support then you are still entitled to advice and information on charities and other organisations that you can contact for help.
How do I get a carer’s assessment?
In England, Scotland or Wales, you can ask for a carer’s assessment by contacting adult’s social services at your local council. You can find your local council’s website at GOV.uk, then navigate to the social services or carers support section.
If you’re a parent carer (ie. the parent of a child with special needs), you’ll need to contact the children with disabilities department.
If you live in Northern Ireland, you can ask by contacting the Health and Social Care Trust of the person you’re caring for.
You’ll need the following information to apply for a carer’s assessment:
- Your NHS number
- Your email address
- Your GP’s name, address and phone number
- The contact details of anyone accompanying you to the assessment
- The name, address, date of birth and NHS number of the person you care for
What do I need to prepare for a carer’s assessment?
To get the most out of your assessment, it can be useful to make a few notes before the meeting. The assessment is about you and how your role as a carer is impacting your life, so make a note of anything specific that you would like to bring up or feel that you are struggling with.
If you aren’t sure where to start, some potential issues you might want to flag could include:
- Are you getting enough sleep? Is your role as a carer affecting this?
- Are you finding enough time to relax and enjoy your own life?
- Do you also have children to take care of? Are you able to dedicate enough time to both them and the person in your care?
- Are you keeping up with household chores and other day-to-day responsibilities or are they starting to get overwhelming?
- Is your work as a carer affecting your health?
- Is your work as a carer affecting your relationships?
- Is your mental health suffering from your role as a carer?
- If you have another job, is your work as a carer affecting this?
- What would happen to the person in your care if you became sick or had an emergency?
Is a carer’s assessment the same as a needs assessment?
A carer’s assessment is separate to a needs assessment, which is for the person that is being cared for. You can ask to have them both done at the same time though, as having more services for the person in your care might make things easier on you.
What other benefits can I access as a carer?
Even without a carer’s assessment, you may be able to claim a Carer’s Allowance if you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week and you both meet certain criteria. The weekly allowance is £76.75 in the 2023/24 tax year. You can check whether you are eligible on GOV.uk.
If you are not in paid employment because of caring duties which amount to at least 20 hours a week then you can apply for Carer’s Credit – this will help fill gaps in your National Insurance record so that you can still claim your State Pension when you reach the qualifying age. Bear in mind that you cannot claim Carer’s Credit if you are also claiming Carer’s Allowance. However, unlike the Carer’s Allowance, it is not means-tested. You can read more and check your eligibility on GOV.uk.
For more information on the benefits you might be able to apply for as a carer, check out our article Carers: don’t miss out on benefits help.
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