Assessment options
A carer's assessment is for someone who looks after an adult who is frail, disabled, seriously ill, has a mental health problem or abuses substances.
It is a friendly conversation with someone who understands the caring role.
It's an opportunity to consider your own wellbeing and your own needs, and to think about what support you might need. It's not a judgement on how well you are caring for someone.
We take a strengths-based approach and talk with you about what is working well and what you enjoy doing, and what you want to do.
We find out what is important to you, and will ask about any issues or problems you may be facing with the caring role. Most people find this conversation of value.
We look at the impact of caring on your physical and mental health and other areas of life, such as work. We also look at whether you are willing and able to carry on providing care.
We look at the support you need and come up with a plan together. We use national eligibility criteria if funded support is required.
Before your assessment, consider:
- whether you can talk freely in front of the person you look after
- whether you want to, or can, carry on caring for the person you look after
- if there is anything or anyone that could make life easier and support you
- what would happen to the person you care for if you were unable to
- whether you know what a good day or week looks like
- whether being a carer affects your relationships with other people
- if you have a job, that your employer knows you are a carer
- whether you have time to look after your own health and wellbeing
- what aspects of caring you enjoy or feel you do well and what you struggle with
You can make notes during your assessment, if you wish.
You could try talking with family and friends about the care you provide and how it affects you. You could also keep a diary for a week.
For more advice, visit the CarersUK website.