Carer's assessment

A carer's assessment is available if you:

• provide care or support for another adult
• live with the person you care for or support them from elsewhere
• provide a small amount of care or a substantial amount of care
• care for someone regardless of whether they receive council funding or support

If the person you care for has not had a Care Act needs assessment, it may be possible to complete a joint assessment for both of you.

See our Eligibility and Assessment of the Carer Policy.

A carer's assessment can help identify support that improves your wellbeing, helps you maintain a life outside caring, and ensures your needs are recognised alongside those of the person you care for.

The assessment focuses on the impact caring has on your life and wellbeing. It is particularly helpful if you want to improve your situation or make changes to how you manage your caring role.

During the assessment, we will discuss:

• your caring responsibilities and how they affect your life
• your physical, mental and emotional health
• your feelings about caring and your choices
• work, education, training and leisure activities
• relationships and social activities
• your personal goals and aspirations
• housing issues
• emergency and contingency planning

The assessment can also provide information, advice and guidance about services and support available to you.

Following an assessment, you may receive information, advice and guidance, or support tailored to your needs.

Support may include:

• access to local services and support groups
• counselling
• direct payments to help meet eligible needs
• a Short Break Service for eligible carers

The Short Break Service can provide a care assistant to spend time with the person you care for, for up to 20 hours per quarter, helping you take a break from your caring responsibilities.

Support for the person you care for

If the person you care for requires additional support, further adult social care services may also be available.

There are three ways to access a carer's assessment:

1. Talk to Help & Care for a pre-assessment

We recommend speaking with Help & Care, Dorset Carer Service before requesting a formal assessment. You can discuss your caring role and find out about support available to you. They provide this service on our behalf.

They will:

• listen to your situation
• explain your rights as an unpaid carer
• help you access support for you and the person you care for

They can also connect you with services such as:

• wellbeing coaching
• peer support groups
• social prescribing

If a formal carer's assessment would be helpful, they can refer you directly to us, meaning you only need to share your story once.

Telephone: 0303 303 0153
Opening times: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm
Email: [email protected]

2. Complete an online form

You can start the assessment process online using the Bridgit interactive tool and complete questions at your own pace. When you submit it, we will receive it and get in touch with you to complete the assessment.

3. Contact us directly

If you are ready to have an assessment, contact Adult Social Care. An assessment can be arranged by telephone or in person.

Not ready for an assessment?

If you do not feel ready for a formal assessment, Help & Care and Bridgit can still provide advice, information and access to support services for carers.

 

See what the charity Carers UK have to say about assessments - Why have a carer's assessment | Carers UK.