Getting help through Social Care
Social Services can support you in thinking about what alternative support you may need for the person you are looking after so that you can take a break from caring.
Arranging a Carer’s Assessment
You can request a Carer’s Assessment through adult social care and in some cases local Carers Centre, even if the person you care for does not receive any services. Assessments are free and available regardless of the amount or type of care you provide, your financial means, or your level of need for support. You do not need to live with the person you are caring for or be a full-time Carer to have an assessment. You may be juggling work and care, which impacts sometimes significantly on your life. If you and the person you are looking after agree, a combined assessment of both your needs can be done at the same time.
An assessment will help you evaluate your caring role and its impact on your life and wellbeing. It covers various aspects; feelings and choices about caring, how you manage work, study, or training, your interests and access to leisure, personal relationships, social activities, and home maintenance. Additionally, it supports you in thinking about your goals and planning for emergencies.
Your local council or Carers Information Support Service can provide details and arrange a Carer’s Assessment to determine if you are eligible for formal support. If eligible, the council will provide a personal budget that can be paid to the Carer in the form of a direct payment. The Carer can then decide how to spend the money, further details can be found on the next page.
If you are not eligible for help from Adult Social Care, they will explain why and refer you to other organisations and services that might assist you. You can still access the local Carers Information Support Service even if you are not eligible for help from Adult Social Care.
If your caring responsibilities change, you can repeat the assessment process. Additionally, you may be eligible for financial support through local or National Carers Services.
Assessment for the person you are looking after if they are an adult aged over 18
If you need longer or more regular breaks, it may be worth consider if the person you are looking after would benefit from an assessment to consider alternative care that they will need to allow you to take a break.
Note: If you have already had any of these assessments, but you need more support, ask Adults Social services to carry out a reassessment. A range of factsheets on assessments can be found at Quick guide to eligibility outcomes under the Care Act 2014 – SCIE.
Assessment for the person you are looking after if they are under the age of 18
If you’re looking after someone under 18, you can request a Carer’s assessment. You can request an assessment for the person you care for and it’s free. The assessment should include the person you care for, you, and anyone else you or they want to be involved. The assessment will consider the person’s needs, their strengths, and how they can achieve their goals. It will also consider your needs as the Carer, including how caring affects your life, your health, and your feelings. Some Councils take a family approach to assessment and your needs will be considered as part of the assessment for your child/young person. You can contact your local Council to request an assessment.
Carer’s Direct Payment
Following eligibility for help via a Carers assessment through your local Council a personal budget can be paid to the Carer in the form of a direct payment. A Carer’s direct payment is a one-time payment that helps Carers take care of themselves and can be used for a variety of things, such as: driving lessons, a break away, and the gym. Direct payments are not considered income and will not affect other benefits a Carer may be receiving. The Carer can then decide how to spend the money. Carers UK is an organisation that supports unpaid carers by providing funding, programs, and raising awareness. They also partner with local Carer organisations.
Employing Personal Assistants
Information on what you need to do to employ a personal assistant using your direct payment or independently can be found further within this guide ‘Recruiting Help Yourself’.