A Carer's Assessment enables you to tell social services how they can make caring easier for you. You may not be offered an assessment automatically, but you can ask your local social services for an appointment.
The assessment does not judge your capability as a carer, but allows you to review your caring role and the help you may require.
You have the right to ask for a Carer's Assessment if you provide 'regular or substantial' care or supervision, whether or not you live with the person you support. You may provide care full-time or part-time, or combine care with paid work.
Your circumstances, income and the number of hours in which you provide care may affect your eligibility for specific services and support, but an assessment will help you to find out about:
- statutory care services, benefits advice and voluntary sector services
- planning for respite or emergency care
- assistance with travel
- suggestions for counselling or support groups.
Detailed guidance on how to prepare for a Carer's Assessment is give in our comprehensive guide for carers Caring and MND: support for you. This is available in print and can be ordered from our advice, information and support team MND Connect. The guide includes advice on your rights as a carer and the relevant Acts and Orders that govern this legislation.
In brief, as a carer you have the right to:
- have your views taken into consideration by the local social services/adult care services when they are assessing the needs of the person you support
- an assessment of your needs as a carer
- have your interests, work, family life and life 'outside of caring' taken into account
- take a break from caring
- benefits and financial support, where applicable
- request flexible working from your employer
You may wish to contact our helpline MND Connect if you have any specific questions.
