Carer's Assessments

Why is an Assessment Necessary?

In order to determine if a carer is eligible and may benefit from carers services offered by the Borough, there is a requirement for a carer's assessment to be carried out with the carer. As we are required to give priority for our services to people in the most need we cannot provide all the assistance that people might ask us for. We are only able to complete a carers assessment and input services if you care for someone for a 'substantial amount of time on a regular basis'. Carer's who provide this level of care can have a carer's assessment whether or not the person they care for has had a community care assessment or wants one themself.

The needs that have been identified will be compared against the RBWM eligibility criteria. We are able to provide services to you if you have needs as shown in the critical or substantial bands (see ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA). Carers who have been assessed as having moderate or low level need will be assisted to receive information about local voluntary carers support services and services that can be accessed independently.

The Assessment

The carers assessment covers a wide range of areas, taking into account a carers health, the caring tasks, feelings/emotions, pressures, ability to have time for a break or to be able to manage work or leisure time around your caring role. It also provides an opportunity to look at how your needs can be met by social services or by other support agencies. The assessment process will help you to:

• think about what you do to help the person you care for, how long it takes, and how you cope with different tasks
• reflect upon how caring affects your life
• review the help that you could get and what support would make caring easier
• help you plan what might happen if you are ill or have an emergency

How to Find Out More

If you would like more information on a Carer's Assessment, please contact the Care Manager / Social Worker who visits the person you care for. Alternatively, you can call the appropriate Social Services Office. See the Carers Contacts Page for details. Someone will discuss your situation with you and, if appropriate, an Assessment of your needs will be arranged at a mutually convenient time and place.

Please click the following link for further information on the Services and Support available for Carers.

If you think you, or someone in your family might benefit from any service provided by Social Services and you would like us to contact you by phone or email, please click the following link and complete the Social Services Contact Us/Self Referral Online Form and someone will be in touch with you as soon as possible. If you are unhappy with the service that has been provided please raise this matter with your Care Manager. If you feel that the complaint has not been resolved to your satisfaction then call our Customer Complaints Co-ordinator for an informal discussion on Tel: 01628 796721.

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