The Care Act 2014 gave all carers a legal right to a Carer's Assessment.

What is a Carer's Assessment?

It’s an opportunity to find out about your situation and how caring is affecting you. It's not a test of your ability to care, but an opportunity for the borough's social care team to understand how you can be supported in maintaining your own health and balancing caring with other aspects of your life. The aim is to help relieve the pressure on you as a carer, and to understand and relieve the emotional, physical and practical effect caring has on your life.

Assessments may be carried out at the same time as the needs of the person you care for are considered. Alternatively, it may be completed separately and in private if you wish.

Your assessment should cover:

• your caring role and how it affects your life and wellbeing
• your health – physical, mental and emotional issues
• your feelings and choices about caring
• work, study, training and leisure
• relationships, social activities and your goals
• housing
• planning for emergencies 

Who can have an assessment?

All carers are entitled to an assessment, as long as you are caring for an adult over 18 who lives in Stockport (if they live outside Stockport you need to contact the Local Authority area where they live). 

You will be entitled to an assessment regardless of the amount or type of care you provide, your financial means or your level of need for support. You don’t necessarily have to live with the person you are looking after or be caring full-time to have an assessment. 

How do I get an assessment?

From 2020, Signpost have been offering Carer's Assessments on behalf of the council. The assessment is usually face to face, but can also be done over the phone. (We have been holding all Carer's Assessments over the phone during the Covid-19 pandemic.) Assessments usually last at least an hour and can be held at a time that suits you.

For more information or to request a referral for a Carer’s Assessment, contact us via our online form or call us on 0161 442 0442. 

Carers UK's Assessment factsheet

NHS guide to Carer's Assessments