Carer's assessment

A carer’s assessment is a free service that looks at how your caring role affects your life, and what can be done to support you.

This is your opportunity to talk about your own needs – not just those of the person you care for.

What is a carer's assessment?

A carer’s assessment is a conversation with a member of our Adult Social Care team or the Brent Carer's Centre about your role as a carer. It focuses on how caring impacts your wellbeing, including your physical and mental health, daily routines, relationships, work or study, and whether you get any time for yourself.

It is your chance to talk about any concerns you may have and what support you may need.

You don’t need to provide a minimum number of hours to qualify for an assessment. It doesn’t matter how much money you earn, or whether the person you care for is receiving help from the council. If you give unpaid care to an adult who couldn’t manage without your support, you can ask for an assessment.

The assessment can happen face to face, over the phone or online. You can choose to do it with the person you care for, or privately on your own.

How to get a carer’s assessment?

The term carer's assessment is just a legal term. It is simply a chance to talk about your needs and the help that might make a difference.

The best way to begin is by completing an online self-assessment. This can be done at a time that suits you, and once submitted, it will be sent directly to Brent Carers Centre. They’ll review it and contact you within two weeks to arrange a full carer’s assessment.

If you prefer, you can also contact Brent Carers Centre directly for support.

When you speak to our team, tell them if you’d like your assessment to be separate from the person you care for, or if you’d like help from an advocate.

What to expect during the assessment

During the assessment, you’ll be supported to speak freely and honestly. As an individual, your situation is unique to you.  It is important that you feel that the conversation you have provides you with the information and support to address your individual needs and concerns.

This is your chance to talk through:

• what your caring duties involve
• how this affects your physical, emotional, and mental health, finances and daily life
• whether you feel able and willing to continue caring
• what matters to you – such as work, study, rest or social time

How to prepare for your assessment

Before you meet with one of our team, it can be helpful to take a few moments to think about your situation and what kind of help might make things easier. 

You might find it useful to write down:

• what parts of caring are most challenging
• how your health, relationships or finances are affected
• anything you’ve had to stop doing because of caring
• what support would help you now, or in future

You’ll also be asked for a few details, including:

• your NHS number and GP contact details (if available)
• contact information for the person you care for
• your email address and phone number

If needed, we can arrange for an interpreter or an advocate to help you during the assessment. A British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter can also be made available if required. 

After the assessment

There is no one-size-fits-all support, because your caring responsibility will be different depending on the needs of the person you care for, and how this impacts on you. 

Once we have had a conversation with you and better understand your needs, you’ll receive a support plan. This may include:

• time away from caring, known as respite
• someone to support the person you care for so you can rest
• help with household tasks or home adaptations
• information on local support groups and activities
• signposting you to services that can advise you on money, including carer-related benefits
• emotional support or counselling

If you’re eligible for respite services that are provided by Brent Adult Social Care, it will also be free. If not, we’ll still offer you information and advice on local organisations that may be able to help.

Find out more about the different types of support available to see what might work for you.