Entitlement

As a carer you have the right to an assessment under theCarers (Recognition and Services) Act 1995. In order to be eligible for services which may be of benefit, you must meet the social services eligibility criteria.

The assessment gives you a chance to talk about your needs as a carer and the possible ways the Council could help. This is often done at the same time as we look at the needs of the person you care for - there is no charge for an assessment and it is not an assessment of your ability to care.

If the person you care for does not want to be assessed or if after an assessment they refuse to accept support services, you are still entitled to a carers’ assessment.

About the assessment

It is an informal discussion which overs areas such as:

• Tasks undertaken and time involved
• Impact on areas of your life such as health and well-being, employment, study and leisure interests
• Difficulties you encounter in carrying out your caring role
• How you feel about being a carer
• What help and support would improve the situation

The assessment can either be carried out as a joint assessment with the person that is being cared for, or as a separate carers' assessment.

Wokingham Borough Council's responsibility

The Council has a duty to consider the impact that caring has on the carer's health and well-being, employment, study and leisure interests when carrying out an assessment. 

If the carer wishes to continue caring we look at the help that may be needed to enable them to continue with the caring role. If eligible, this could be in the form of breaks (respite care) or services to aid the carer.

The Council always takes into account the carer's situation when looking at the needs of, and making decisions about, the person being cared for.