What is a carer's assessment?
For those caring for a young person aged 18+, a carer's assessment is a conversation between yourself and an assessment officer about the caring role or roles you have and how it affects your daily life. This is an opportunity for you to talk about any concerns you may have and what support you may need.
Your carer's assessment will look at:
- what parts of the caring role you are willing to carry on doing
- what you enjoy or is working well - and what you'd like to change
- what restrictions continuing your caring role places on your ability to live your life (for example work, family life, and having time for recreation)
- whether your health or wellbeing is at risk because of this
- what support you already have
- what further support you need- from other members of the family, the local community, and funded support from the council.
Following your assessment you will be provided with information and advice that is relevant to your situation. If you are have 'eligible needs' under the Care Act, you will be invited to develop a support plan and allocated a personal budget.
Arranging your carer's assessment
If you feel you would benefit from a carer's assessment, or if you wish to find out more information there are a number of options available.
- Phone: 020 8921 2304
- Email: aops.contact.officers@royalgreenwich.gov.uk
- If the person you care for has an allocated team or individual social worker, please contact them.
- If the person you care for has an allocated care coordinator with Oxleas NHS Trust, please contact the care coordinator.
Joint assessment
In most cases, you will be offered a 'joint assessment' where your carer's assessment is combined with the assessment or review of the person you care for.
If you want a separate assessment you have the right to one - please let us know. The person you care for may also want a separate assessment, which is also their right.
If you have a joint assessment, this may take a little longer than a single assessment appointment. It may be necessary for the assessor to speak to each of you separately, in case there's anything you'd like to say in confidence.
However, it's easier to arrange and will take less of your time overall than two assessments. The benefit is that the assessor can understand everyone's viewpoint and needs, so the support you get is with the full picture.
