What is a Carer’s Assessment?

A Carer’s Assessment gives you an opportunity to share your experience of caring and reflect on your own needs as a Carer. You will be given information and advice and an opportunity to discuss any difficulties you have, whilst considering the needs of the person you care for.

A Carer’s Assessment is not a test. The form used to write down the assessment will help you to decide what you would like to discuss. This can be as little or as much as you wish.

A Carer’s Assessment may have a variety of outcomes including a change in the care provided to enable you to have a break, services that will support you in your caring role or information about local Carer support services.

I had a Carers Assessment some time ago, should I have another?

A Carers Assessment should be reviewed annually, if your caring responsibilities remain the same. This could be carried out at the same time as the review of help provided to the person you care for, but doesn’t have to be.

If your personal circumstances change, or the amount of help that’s needed, is different, you should be able to discuss this with the Care Manager / Care Co-ordinator. This might result in a new Carers Assessment, or might be best dealt with through reviewing the help available to the person you care for.

For more information see: Cambridgeshire County Council leaflet “Carers Assessment and Carers Breaks”

How do I qualify for an assessment?

The law says that you are eligible for a carer's assessment if you provide substantial and regular care to the person you care for

AND

the person you care for is someone for whom social care services may provide care.

Who will undertake the assessment?

This will usually be a care manager or a social worker from the local social care team.  However, you may want to complete the assessment yourself. 

I want an assessment - how do I get one?

Simply telephone Cambridgeshire Direct Contact Centre on:

    0845 045 5202

and ask for a carer's assessment.