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Support for Carers
Carers'
assessments
A carer has the right to have their needs
assessed by Adult Services or Children and Young People's
Services.
The carers' assessment is an opportunity for the carer to
discuss their needs with a care manager or social worker.
This can include:
- Practical help
- Emotional support
You will be able to say what things you are able to carry on doing
and the things that are difficult for you to do.
This is an opportunity for you to say what help would make it
easier for you to continue caring.
You have the right to say that you do not want to be a carer. You
may get help if you meet the eligibility criteria or services may
be provided to the person you care for.
Who can receive an assessment?
You are entitled to carers' assessment if you provide or if you
intend to provide substantial care on a regular basis, and as long
as the person you are caring for is entitled to Community Care
Services, even if they themselves refuse any assistance from Social
Services.
A parent carer is entitled to an assessment of their needs at the
same time as the needs of the disabled child are being
assessed.
When can I get an assessment?
- You are entitled to a carers' assessment at least once a year
and can ask for one at any point during the year
- You could also be assessed when the person you care for is
being assessed for Community Care Services, and as a parent carer
at the same time as the child you care for is being
assessed
How can I get an assessment?
- If the person you care for has a named social worker/care
manager then you can approach them for an assessment
- If there is no named individual but you know the name of the
social work team, then contact them and ask to speak to the person
on duty
- Alternatively call Newham Council's Contact Centre on 020 8430
2000 and ask for a carer's assessment. They will put you through to
the appropriate team
Preparing for a carer's assessment
Some people prefer to be assessed on their own so they can have the
opportunity to say what is important to them; others prefer to be
assessed in the presence of the person they are caring for. You
have the right to be assessed alone.
It can help to think about some important issues before your
assessment. You might want to write down some of the information
before the assessment takes place.
This may include:
- What you do as a carer
- What other work, paid or voluntary (unpaid)you do, or would
like to do
- Other family or religious commitments
- Leisure activities
- How caring may affect or has affected your own health
- What help you feel you need, for example, equipment to help
with lifting, or a break at regular intervals or someone to talk
to
What does it cost?
- Support provided in your home is free if it involves personal
care, such as help to wash and dress
- Meals and some other services have to be paid for
- When we know exactly what services you need, we will be able to
work out the cost for you
What the law says
The Carer's (Recognition and Services) Act 1995 gave carers the
right to have an assessment of their ability to care.
It requires local authorities to take this into account when
deciding which services to provide.
The Carer's and Disabled Children Act 2000 enabled local
authorities to provide services to carers in their own right. The
legislation gives local authorities the ability to assess a carer
even when the person they support refuses a Community Care
Assessment.
It also gives local authorities the opportunity of providing
services directly to carers and emphasises the role that the
organization has in promoting and encouraging carer's assessments
and support.
The Carer's (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004 came into force on April
1st 2005, and further supports carers by:
- Placing a duty on local authorities to tell carers about their
rights
- Placing a duty on local authorities to consider whether the
carer is employed, or wishes to work, wishes to study or have some
leisure activities, when they are carrying out a carer's
assessment
- Giving local authorities strong powers to enlist the help of
health, housing and education authorities in providing support for
carers
Further information
More detailed advice and information can be found in the Newham
Carer's Handbook (PDF, 487k), available in
hard copy at Local Service Centres, libraries and GP
practices.
Newham Carers' Network provide information, advice and support
locally for carers from all communities:
Tel: 020 8519 0800
Email:
info@newhamcarers.org.uk
Carers
UK campaigns to improve services and support for carers
nationally.
Carersline freephone: 0808 808 7777
Email:
info@ukcarers.org |