Carer's assessment

The assessment can take place over the telephone or in a face-to-face meeting. 

We will work with you to put together a support plan. This may include a personal budget to help with your caring needs.

During your carer's assessment we’ll ask questions to help us understand your situation. 

You could also make notes of anything specific that you want to discuss.

Time

We want to know how much time you spend caring and if you have enough time left to look after yourself. 

Consider:

• the types of tasks you help with and how long they take
• any other help you get
• what times of day or night your help is needed
• any particular jobs you would like more help with
• if you get any full days to yourself

Feelings

Caring can be a rewarding thing to do. However, it can also be very difficult. 

We want to know how you feel about your caring role. For example:

• do you feel like you do not have a choice?
• are you feeling stressed and overwhelmed by the responsibility?
• do you feel safe?
• what changes would make you feel happier about your situation?
• do you ever feel like you cannot, or do not want to, continue caring?

Relationships

The physical and mental demands of caring can have an affect on your relationships. 

This can include your relationship with the person you look after and also your:

• friends
• partner
• children
• other family members

Think about how these relationships might have changed since you started caring and what changes you would want to make in future.

Dealing with emergencies and unplanned events

You should have a plan in place to make sure the person you care for is looked after in an emergency. 

This should include someone you can contact for help. We can discuss this during your assessment.

Housing

We’ll ask if you live with the person you care for and, if not, how far away they are from you. 

Share any challenges that this arrangement has for you.

If the person you care for struggles to move about at home, we’ll discuss aids or adaptations that may make life easier for both of you. This can include manual handling training or training to use specialist equipment.

Health

We'll want to discuss any health problems that the person you care for has. Tell us if there's anything specific you find hard to deal with.

The main purpose of this conversation, though, is to talk about your own health. We want to know if you're struggling with your own physical or mental wellbeing.

Also consider how you’re affected by the emotional stresses and physical exertions of your caring role.

Work

Some carers can struggle to combine work and caring. They may have to reduce their work hours or give up their job completely.

Think about how your caring role might be affecting your job. 

If you do not work, think about if you would like to and if your caring role would prevent this.

Other interests

Think about any interests you have that you cannot pursue because of your caring role. This could include training, education, sport or hobbies.

The future

Share concerns about your future or the future of the person you’re looking after. 

It's important that you tell us if you feel unable, or unwilling, to continue in your caring role. 

We want to make sure you can get the support you need.