If you’re over 18 and provide regular unpaid care for someone, you’re entitled to a carer’s assessment. It doesn’t matter how much or what sort of care you provide.

A carers assessment is different from a needs assessment, which is for the person you are caring for. You can have them both done at the same time if you want. You’re entitled to a carer’s assessment whether or not the person you care for has had a needs assessment.  It is not an assessment of your caring abilities, but an assessment of the support you are entitled to.

How to prepare for a Carer’s Assessment?

Collect all the relevant information you’ll need:

• your NHS number  
• your GP’s name, address and phone number details 
• your email address 
• contact details of anyone coming to the assessment with you 
• details of the person you care for including their name, address, date of birth and NHS number.  

Things to consider beforehand

• Make a list of the different ways you are providing support, such as offering emotional support, managing finances, helping someone with practical activities such as shopping, ensuring someone is safe from harm, or helping with personal needs such as using the bathroom.
• Consider how caring affects your life. Does it leave enough time for you? Does it affect your emotional wellbeing – for example, do you often feel drained or lonely? Does it affect you physically – for example, do you lose sleep or get back ache from lifting someone regularly? Has it affected your work, social life or education? 
• If the person you care for will be present at the assessment, will you be able to speak freely about any difficulties you have? 

What support will I be provided with?

There are lots of different types of support you could be entitled to, including: 

• practical help with housework or gardening jobs 
• training to help you with your caring role, for example in moving and handling the person you care for 
• equipment or alterations to your home
• emotional support such as counselling
• breaks from caring, such as respite care for the person you care for 
• advice about benefits 
• support to improve your wellbeing, such as access to exercise classes, social activities or adult education. 

How can I access support?

Contact us on: 01380 710300 or email us at enquiries@carerstogetherwiltshire.org.uk to request more information about the carer’s assessment.