Carers assessment
A carers assessment is a discussion with you that will help us understand the physical, emotional and practical impact that caring has on your life and to ensure that your needs are taken into account.
This can be carried out at the same time as the assessment of the person you care for, or can be done separately and privately.
You have the right to an assessment if you are providing unpaid support to someone else or if you are about to start caring.
Also, as a carer, you have a right to have your needs considered when decisions are being made about support for the person you care for.
During the assessment, you will have the opportunity to tell us about:
- Whether you are able or willing to carry on caring
- The impact of your caring role on your health and well being
- Things that you want to achieve in your day-to-day life
- Whether you work or want to work
- Whether you want to study
- Whether you want to do more socially.
Who can have a carers assessment?
Everyone who appears to have needs for support should be offered an assessment by Adult Social Care.
As a carer you will be entitled to an assessment regardless of:
- The amount or type of care you provide
- Your financial means
- Your level of need for support whether or not the person you care for has had a community care assessment / needs assessment
- If the person you care for is not eligible to receive services from us.
The assessment can be done:
- Face-to-face
- Over the telephone
- Online
- Via supported self assessment.
We will use the assessment to identify your support needs, and to discuss how these could be met. The national eligibility threshold for carers sets out who is eligible for support.
This might mean that we will provide support to you, or if you are not eligible for social care support, we will provide information, advice and guidance on alternative ways of getting the support you may require.
How much does it cost?
There is no charge for a carers assessment or information and advice.
Currently there is also no charge for any support services that we agree you will need to help you continue caring. Please note that our Charging Policy is under review and this may change in the future.
If you receive services from a local voluntary organisation these are also generally provided free of charge.
What to expect when you contact us
When you contact us we'll discuss your situation over the phone initially, to:
- Establish who you are caring for
- How much support you provide
- Agree when and where the carers assessment will take place
- Who will be present at the assessment
- Provide information, advice and guidance on the support that may be available to you and how to access this.
Request a carers assessment online
Self-Assessment
A self-assessment provides an opportunity to look at your strengths and needs. A friend, relative or carer can also complete the self-assessment form on your behalf.
To request a self-assessment, contact the Access to Adult Social Care Team.
Once completed it, send to:
Newham Dockside
c/o Adult social care Services
1000 Dockside Road
E16 2QU
Once we receive your self-assessment form, you will be contacted by a Social Care Practitioner who will discuss your care and support needs with you in order to determine if you are eligible for statutory social care support.
If you are eligible for support the Social Care Practitioner will work with you to develop a support plan. If you are not eligible for statutory services we will provide information and advice on a range of community services available to support you.
