Getting An Assessment

As a carer, you are entitled to have your needs assessed. The Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000 gives carers the right to ask for an assessment of their own needs to ensure local councils are providing all the necessary support services.

An assessment is where Social Services gathers information about you so they can learn about your day-to-day caring difficulties and needs. It has been left to individual Local Authorities to devise local criteria for eligibility to a carer’s assessment.

What are my rights?

In Leicestershire if someone relies on you for practical support or direct supervision for more than 14 hours a week on a regular basis you are entitled to a free and confidential assessment.

This is an opportunity for you to tell Social Services about the things that could make your caring role easier or help maintain your well-being. The level of help provided can vary from area to area, but find out what is on offer or you risk losing out.

You may be able to get a carer’s assessment even if you are caring for less than 14 hours a week if you have exceptional circumstances or if you are a young carer.

To get an assessment, contact Social Services or speak to your own GP.

An assessor from Social Services will visit you at home. Tell them what help you need and a care package should be established for suit your needs and entitlements.

You may also get advice on adaptions to your home or buying or loaning specialist equipment.

You may wish to be supported through the assessment by a friend, a relative, someone from a voluntary organization or your carer development worker.