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Carers' Assessment In order to receive the services you will need to help you with your caring role, you will need to ask for a Carers' Assessment. Assessments are provided under the legislation described on our "Legislation" page. The latest piece of legislation "The Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act" says that any assessment must take into account, a Carers' need for education, life-longing learning, paid employment and the pursuit of leisure interests. The Act also places an onus on local authorities, to work together to support Carers. What is a Carers' Assessment? A Carers' Assessment is an evaluation of what support a Carer needs, to continue in their caring role. This assessment is separate from any assessment of the needs of the person being cared for. When can an Assessment be requested? Before the Carer begins their caring role. If the Carer is already caring. Even if the person being cared for chooses not to be assessed. If the Carers' situation changes, a reassessment can be requested. If the cared-for is a person with mental health needs, who is on enhanced care co-ordination, an assessment should be offered automatically. Who can request an Assessment? A Carer. A health professional- Doctor, Health Visitor, District Nurse. A Social Worker working with the cared-for. How to request an Assessment Contact the local Social Services Office. If the cared-for has a Social Worker, they can arrange an assessment. What happens during an Assessment? Usually one person from Social Services will carry out the assessment. However, in some circumstances an assessment may involve the GP or other health professional. The assessment will be carried out in a place that is convenient for the Carer - possibly at home. The Carer can ask to be assessed in confidence, without the cared-for being present. The assessment will look at the Carers' ability and willingness to continue caring. The assessment is aimed at making caring easier and providing help and support for the Carer, so it will also look at: what help and support is needed (including training), what care is provided, the amount of time spent caring, Carers employment issues, Carers' health, Carers' family commitments. After the Assessment An agreement will be reached about what services are to be provided. Carers do not have to accept all the services offered. They may decide to accept some and not others. The services offered may include: provision of equipment, delivery of meals for the cared-for, help with household tasks. Local authorities are encouraged to be flexible about the support offered. North Staffs Carers Association has compiled an "ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST FOR CARERS", which offers guidance on what to discuss with the Assessor. The Association has also compiled an "EXTRA COSTS CHECKLIST", to remind Carers to include all the costs of caring, when they are being assessed for their ability to pay for services. To obtain copies of these checklists contact North Staffs Carers Association on 01782 834836 or use the facility on the Mailing List/Order Form page.   More Information "For Carers living in the city of Stoke on Trent, there is more information about Carers Assessments on the City Councils web site." www.stoke.gov.uk/carers North Staffs Carers Association is a Company Limited by Guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Registered Number 3313461. Registered Office: Unit 2, Burslem Enterprise Centre, Moorland Road, Burslem, Stoke on Trent, ST6 1JQ Tel: 01782 834 836 (answerphone out of hours)      Fax: 01782 831 610 North Staffs Carers Association is a registered charity. Charity number 1062548 This web site is supported by funding from Staffordshire County Council and Stoke on Trent City Council.