Help for Carers > Financial help, rights and benefits > Carers Assessment

Carers Assessment

These are managed by West Sussex Adults' Services

The Carers (Recognition and Services) Act 1995 gives a legal right to a separate assessment for carers who provide 'regular and substantial care' for a relative, partner, friend or neighbour. The act applies to carers who are:

• adults caring for another adult
• parents of children with special needs (parent carers)
• children or young people caring for an adult or their brother or sister (young carers)

The person you care for does not have to have an assessment or receive any services themselves for you to have an assessment. You have the right to ask for a review, if you do not agree with the decision about your services or funding for services or care.


Why have an assessment?
The assessment is carried out by a Care Manager from Adults' Services and gives you the opportunity to look at your role. It is not an assessment of your ability, but rather the chance to discuss what you feel able to do and what is needed to allow you to continue to provide care.

Examples of topics you might want to discuss include:

• Equipment to make life easier for both you and the person / people you care for
• Benefits
• Help with personal care
• Your work
• Short breaks
• Training courses
• Counselling
• Holidays
• Day care services

The Care Manager may also be able to put you in touch with other avenues of support.

For more information:

West Sussex Social and Caring information for Carers. Carers Assessment.

www.ageconcern.org.uk whose factsheet 41 on Local authority assessment for community care services includes information about the Carers Assessment.

www.carersuk.org - Carers UK, the voice of carers, campaigning for their rights - where there is a guide to a carer's assessment in the Information section under 'Help with caring'

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