Carer’s assessment: getting support as a family carer

If you look after a family member or friend who could not manage without your help, you are a carer, even if you do not think of yourself that way. You have the right to ask the council for a carer’s assessment.

What it is

A carer’s assessment is a conversation with someone from the council’s adult social care team, or an organisation working for the council. It is free. Under the Care Act 2014, any adult carer who appears to need support can have one, whatever their income and whether or not the person they care for has had an assessment.

What it covers

• The care you give and how it affects you
• Your health, both physical and mental
• Your work, study or training
• Your relationships, social life and time for yourself
• Whether you are willing and able to keep caring

What support can follow

Depending on the outcome, support might include:

• Breaks from caring, such as respite care
• Help with housework or gardening
• Training, for example in lifting safely
• Advice about benefits, such as Carer’s Allowance
• Information about local support groups

How to ask

Contact adult social care at the council for the area where the person you care for lives. Tell them you are a carer and would like a carer’s assessment.

Before the assessment

It helps to keep a note for a week or two of what you do and how it affects you, including at night. Be honest about what is hard.

Other support

Your GP can note that you are a carer. Carers UK and local carers’ organisations offer advice and support.

See also: looking after yourself when you care for someone with dementia.