Carer's assessment
As a carer, you have the right to a carer's assessment. You can ask for one even if the perso you care for chooses not to use social care services.
A carer's assessment is a conversation with a social care worker about how being a carer affects you and the way you are able to live your life. It’s a chance to talk about your wellbeing, get useful information, and explore support that could help you in your caring role. You can choose when and where the conversation takes place, including away from the person you care for, if that’s easier for you.
What a Carer's Assessment is:
- Voluntary – It’s your choice. You have the right to an assessment, and it can help you access support.
- Recorded – You’ll be asked to sign the assessment to show you’ve seen and agreed with it. This helps us stay in touch and check if things change.
- Confidential – Your information is kept private and only used to understand how we can support you.
- Free – The assessment is free. We’ll explain what support is free and what might involve a cost
What a Carer's Assessment is not:
- It’s not a judgement on how you care.
- It won’t make your caring role more formal or increase expectations.
- You’re not obliged to accept any services offered.
- Your information won’t be shared with other organisations without your permission.
- It’s not a financial assessment for Carer’s Allowance (though we can tell you about benefits you may be entitled to).
- You don’t need to fill in a form on your own—a social care worker can help
If things change
If your situation changes after you have had an assessment you can ask for a review.
Request a carer's assessment
If you care for someone in Dorset, call Carer Support Dorset
- Telephone: 0800 368 8349
- Email: admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk