The aim of a carer assessment is to help you consider what support you may need in your caring role. It is not an assessment of your ability to care.
We aim to provide a proportionate assessment to all carers who contact us. This applies to any carer aged over 18, regardless of whether they care for an adult or a child. The assessment will help us to discuss with you the support that may be available to help you. Sometimes, we may agree that a more substantial assessment is required, and this will help us and Wiltshire Council to determine what further support may be available to you.
What is an assessment of carers needs?
An assessment of carers needs is an opportunity to:
- Talk and reflect on your own needs as a carer
- Share your experience of caring and to recognise your role as a carer
- Be given information and advice
- Identify and discuss any difficulties you may have
- Make contingency plans if you are ill or cannot continue in your caring role.
An assessment is not about your capability as a carer but it will look at ways in which we can best help you in your caring role. This support can help you to continue with your caring responsibilities, maintain your own health and well-being or help you when you can no longer continue the caring role.
Joint and whole family assessments
Sometimes, it may be appropriate to review your needs alongside the needs of other people who are close to you. This could include professionals from more than one agency working together to complete your assessment. It is your choice whether you have a separate assessment of your needs or a joint assessment with the person you care for or other family members.
You do not have to have an assessment of your needs as a carer. If you choose not to have an assessment, it does not stop the person you care for receiving services but we would recommend that you have one to make sure you’re receiving all the help that you may be entitled to.
How to get an assessment
If you have not yet had a Carer Assessment, or if you would like a review, please contact us and we can make a referral on your behalf.
Carer Support Wiltshire is funded by Wiltshire Council to carry out Carer Assessments. We complete Carer Assessments by supported self-assessments, telephone assessments or, in some cases, face to face.
