Question 44
What is a carer's assessment and who can request one?
A carer's assessment looks at the impact of caring on your own life — your health, work, sleep, relationships and ability to keep caring. It is carried out by the local council and is separate from any assessment of the person you care for. Any adult carer can request one, regardless of how many hours they care or their financial situation. The assessment may lead to practical support such as respite care, help at home or access to local services. Many carers do not know they are entitled to one, or assume they will not qualify because they are managing.
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Request a carer's assessment even if you feel you are coping — it creates a formal record of your caring role and makes accessing support much faster if things get harder.
What changes the answer
- Hours spent caring and the impact on daily life
- Physical and mental health of the carer
- Whether the carer wants to continue in the caring role long term