Get a carer’s assessment
If you're a carer, you're entitled to a carer’s assessment to find out if you could get support to help you in your caring role.
A carer's assessment can help you to:
- get practical support like respite care, equipment or help at home
- protect your health and wellbeing
- improve your quality of life through tailored services and community resources
- get financial guidance including benefits advice
- feel heard and recognised in your caring role.
You do not need the permission of the person you care for, and they do not need to be receiving council services.
You can request a re-assessment at any time if your situation changes.
There is a different process for young carers. Find out more about requesting a carer's assessment if you're a young carer.
Request a carer's assessment
You can request a carer's assessment or re-assessment either by:
- phoning 01634 334 466
- emailing ss.accessandinfo@medway.gov.uk.
For more advice and support about requesting an assessment, contact Carers First.
During the assessment
Once you have requested an assessment, a social care professional will then carry out the assessment with you. This will either be in person, by phone or online.
During the assessment you’ll be asked:
- what kind of care you provide and whether it’s necessary
- how caring affects your physical and mental health
- whether it impacts your relationships, work, education or finances
- what difficulties you face in daily life
- what support you think would help
- what services the person you care for receives and may need (for example equipment or homecare).
This will help us see the effect caring has on your life and how support could help you.
What happens next
We'll review the information you gave us and assess whether your health or wellbeing are at risk and if you’re unable to do things like working, socialising or looking after your home.
If you're eligible for care and support from us, we’ll then work with you to develop a support plan. This might include:
- respite care or breaks
- help with transport, housework or gardening
- emotional support or counselling
- training (for example safe lifting)
- access to local support groups
- financial advice or benefits guidance.
If you're not eligible, we'll still be able to help you get the support you need.