carers assessments

Ask for a carers assessment

Carers who are ‘providing or intending to provide a substantial amount of care on a regular basis’ are entitled to ask Social Services for an assessment of their own needs. ‘Substantial and regular’ are not defined in the relevant legislation but if your caring role is having a significant impact on your life, then you are very likely to be entitled to an assessment.

A carers assessment gives you time to talk about things that matter to you

A carers assessment is not about your ability to care. It is your chance to talk about your needs as a carer and to have them taken into account when deciding what services to provide for the person you are caring for. It could be the time for you to consider if you are able to continue in the same sort of caring role.

You do not have to be living with the person you care for
You do not have to be the only carer
You can ask for an assessment even if the person you care for will not have an assessment of their need
You can ask for an assessment if you are planning to provide care in the near future –eg if you are expecting to care for someone who will be discharged from hospital with ongoing care needs
You can ask for the assessment to be in private - it can be difficult discussing caring related problems in front of the person you are caring for
You must request a carers assessment

It is hard to think about what is involved when you probably see caring as an everyday part of life. Some of the following may help you to think about yourself

How many hours a week do you care, including everything that you do for the person you are caring for, even if it is staying at home to ensure their safety.
Do you have any health problems
Do you feel low or suffering from stress
Do you have any days off for yourself
Do you need some practical help eg gardening
Do you need support to continue or start employment
Do you need support to attend college or pursue leisure activities
Does the person you care for have any health problems
Do you need support to attend college or pursue leisure activities
Is your housing appropriate?
Would special equipment help

If you want to discuss your caring role or information about assessments, call us on 01642 488977.

If you want to ask for an assessment call Adult & Childrens Services, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council on 01642 771500.

Or visit www.redcar-cleveland.gov,uk for further information.

What's New?	Carers Assessments

How Can We Help? Development Workers Carers Assessments Get Involved (Making a difference) Complementary Therapies Emergency Card Get your own Emergency Card Carers Partnership Redcar & Cleveland Carers Partnership Dementia Advisor Service Dementia Advisor Service Information & Downloads Information Pack Programme of Events Our Magazine Annual Reports Register Register with us	Ask for a carers assessment Carers who are ‘providing or intending to provide a substantial amount of care on a regular basis’ are entitled to ask Social Services for an assessment of their own needs. ‘Substantial and regular’ are not defined in the relevant legislation but if your caring role is having a significant impact on your life, then you are very likely to be entitled to an assessment. A carers assessment gives you time to talk about things that matter to you A carers assessment is not about your ability to care. It is your chance to talk about your needs as a carer and to have them taken into account when deciding what services to provide for the person you are caring for. It could be the time for you to consider if you are able to continue in the same sort of caring role. You do not have to be living with the person you care for You do not have to be the only carer You can ask for an assessment even if the person you care for will not have an assessment of their need You can ask for an assessment if you are planning to provide care in the near future –eg if you are expecting to care for someone who will be discharged from hospital with ongoing care needs You can ask for the assessment to be in private - it can be difficult discussing caring related problems in front of the person you are caring for You must request a carers assessment It is hard to think about what is involved when you probably see caring as an everyday part of life. Some of the following may help you to think about yourself How many hours a week do you care, including everything that you do for the person you are caring for, even if it is staying at home to ensure their safety. Do you have any health problems Do you feel low or suffering from stress Do you have any days off for yourself Do you need some practical help eg gardening Do you need support to continue or start employment Do you need support to attend college or pursue leisure activities Does the person you care for have any health problems Do you need support to attend college or pursue leisure activities Is your housing appropriate? Would special equipment help If you want to discuss your caring role or information about assessments, call us on 01642 488977. If you want to ask for an assessment call Adult & Childrens Services, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council on 01642 771500. Or visit www.redcar-cleveland.gov,uk for further information.	...the gym membership is not only beneficial for my physical health, it is a great stress buster. Caring has become so much more manageable Carer for 15 years following a carers assessment If you want to discuss your caring role or information about assessments, call us on 01642 488977. If you want to ask for an assessment call Adult & Childrens Services, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council on 01642 771500. More information Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk Carers (Recognition & Services) Act 1995 www.hmso.gov.uk Carers & Disabled Children Act 2000 www.hmso.gov.uk Carers (Equal Opportunity) Act 2004 www.hmso.gov.uk Other useful sites Carers UK www.carersuk.org Department of Health www.carers.gov.uk