Request a carer's assessment
How we can help
If you look after someone you have the right to ask us for a carer's assessment. This looks at the impact your caring responsibilities have on your life and what social care support you might be able to get.
We can provide:
- information and advice about benefits, future planning and emotional support
- a carer’s direct payment (for example, to help you pursue leisure, social or educational activities)
It’s free and confidential.
Who can have an assessment
You are eligible for a carers assessment, regardless of your financial situation or the level of support you need if you are:
- over the age of 18
- currently looking after another adult or are planning to provide care soon
We have a legal duty to provide carers' assessments under the Care Act 2014.
What we can help with
This may include helping you with:
- washing, dressing or giving medicines
- getting out and about and travelling to doctors' appointments
- shopping, cleaning and laundry
- paying bills and organising finances
- emotional support
You do not have to live with the person you're looking after or be caring full-time.
How to request an assessment
Online
You can also contact us through email or phone, and we can talk you through the process.
Telephone: 01296 383 204
Email: [email protected]
Alternatively, if the person you care for has a known social worker, you can contact them directly.
We commission Carers Bucks to provide a range of support for carers across Buckinghamshire. See more about carers assessments with Carers Bucks.
What happens during the assessment
We can give you a call or arrange to visit you so we can listen and fully understand what you do as a carer to support your loved one.
We can either speak with you alone or with the person you are looking after.
The assessment is your chance to have a discussion about your caring role and how it affects you.
Some of the issues you may want to discuss could include:
- the type of care you are providing and the time it takes
- what difficulties you may be having in your caring role
- what would happen in an emergency
- planning for the future
- how caring may be affecting your own finances, health, leisure or work
For more information, see our carers assessment factsheet.
We will provide you with a copy of your assessment and let you know what we can do to help. If we decide that you do have eligible needs, you will be provided with a carer’s support plan. The support plan will show how we will help meet those needs.
You will also be given information about meeting again in the future to review your circumstances.
Depending on your eligibility, we may be able to provide you with financial support, known as a direct payment, to help you to look after your own wellbeing. For example, to go the gym.
You might also qualify for benefits for carers that can help with costs.
If your circumstances change, let us know and we can review the support we are able to offer.
If you are told you do not qualify for help and support as a carer, we will still give you advice about where you can get help in your community.
You can also speak to Carers Bucks who provide free experienced support for carers of all ages.
Telephone: 0300 777 2722
Email: [email protected]
Website: Carers Bucks | Dedicated to supporting carers - Carers Bucks
For specific information on carers assessments, see Carers Assessments - Carers Bucks