A first step to getting the support you need
Having a carer’s assessment is key to getting access to support services for carers. Anyone who provides ‘regular and substantial care’, and is not being paid for providing that care, is entitled to have an assessment of his or her own caring, physical and mental health needs.
It does not matter:
- Whether or not you live with the person concerned
- Whether they are a relative or friend
- Exactly how many hours each week you support them, as long as you are giving them ‘regular and substantial’ care
You are still entitled to an assessment of your needs as carer, even if the person you support does not wish to engage with mental health services.
The assessment should happen at least once a year, and when there are any major changes to your circumstances or those of the person you care for.
How to get your carer’s assessment
Staff supporting the person you care for should talk to you about carer’s assessments. You can request a carer’s assessment from:
- The care co-ordinator of the person you support
- Your GP (they can make a referral for a carer’s assessment)
- The local mental health services or social services department
If the person you support only sees a psychiatrist (for example every six months), the community mental health team is responsible for arranging the carer’s assessment.
How your needs will be assessed
Carer’s assessments should take place between you and the care co-ordinator or someone nominated from statutory services, and likely to be asked whether:
- You are able to get out and about
- Your health has been affected by your role as a carer
- You need emotional support
- You are currently working and wish to continue working
- You have social support (friends/family)
- You need information about benefits
- What leisure activities you enjoy
Carer’s assessments aim to identify what support you may need, and to arrange ways for meeting those needs (Carers Support Plan). This is to help prevent you from becoming isolated in your caring role.
If you have communication or language difficulties, you can ask for an interpreter or signer to support you. You can also be supported by a carer support worker or advocate if you wish.
When the carer lives in a different borough to the person they support, it is the responsibility of the social or mental health services where the cared for lives, to arrange the carer’s assessment.
If you have difficulty getting an assessment, contact the care co-ordinator of the person you care for, PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service), a mental health charity such as Rethink or get advice from the local Carer’s Centre.
What happens next?
After the assessment, you should receive a written support plan setting out how any identified needs will be met. Services available vary, and might be provided directly to the person you care for, to give you a break.
Sometimes a small charge is made for some types of service, however this will be discussed with you, before any services are provided.
If the local authority are unable to provide all the services that you have been assessed as needing, they may be able to put you in touch with local voluntary organisations or private agencies that can help you, or provide you with a ‘direct payment’ to buy the service yourself. However direct payments can be complicated and you should speak to a member of staff from social services with specialist information. Contact your local Social Services Directorate and ask to speak with the Direct Payments specialist advisor.
It is important your needs as a carer are met – both for your own sake, and for the person you care for. Caring can be a lonely and isolating experience, and keeping outside interests and social networks, helps to balance caring with your own needs.