Carer assessment
Do you look after a relative, partner, friend or child who cannot manage without help because of illness, age or disability?
If you do, then you are a carer.
We understand that you are the most important part of the support available to the person that you look after.
We need to work alongside you for the benefit of the person you care for. To allow us to do this we would like to carry out an assessment of your needs.
This is so we can help you to get suitable support if you provide a lot of care on a regular basis.
What do I do if my situation changes?
We know that your situation can change at any time. We would like you to call us if you have problems or if you are no longer able, or willing, to carry out your caring tasks.
What is a Carer Assessment and how can it help me?
A Carer Assessment is your chance to tell us about the things that could make caring easier for you.
Through the Carer Assessment we will be able to discuss the different types of services that may be provided to support you.
The level of support that may be provided is based upon the level of care that you provide for the person you care for.
We will then use the information from your assessment to see if any support can be provided that will help to meet your needs.
How will the council decide what help I can receive?
We will use our Carer Eligibility Criteria. This is the way we decide who can receive our services. These are set out below.
Carer eligibility criteria
Low
- The carer is providing care/support
- Relationships may be stressed from time to time
- Information/advice would be beneficial
Moderate
- The carer is providing substantial amounts of care/support
- Relationships may experience some stress and difficulty
- Direct assistance would help the carer to continue in that role or would support them/the family
Substantial
- The carer is providing substantial amounts of essential care
- Relationships are noticeably stressed and are at significant risk of break down, for example
- The carer is threatening to withdraw their support
- The carer feels as though they can no longer cope
Critical
- The carer is providing substantial amounts of essential care
- Personal relationships are very stressed and/or the support network has broken down, for example
- The carer can no longer give their support
- The carer is ill/in hospital
- There is an immediate risk of abuse within the relationship
Can carers get any benefits?
Many carers can get benefits to help them care. We can help you find out
what benefits you are allowed.
Will I have to pay for a Carer Assessment?
No, you will not have to pay for your assessment.
Can I get help from anyone else?
There are voluntary organisations and groups in South Tyneside who offer help to carers on things such as:
- Information and advice
- Support groups
- Counselling
- Befriending
- Advocacy (supporting carers at formal and informal meetings)
- Social events
- Sitting service
- Newsletters/forums
How do I get a carers assessment?
To get a service you should contact your care manager and request a carers assessment.
If you do not have a care manager, you should contact:
Adult Duty Team
Hebburn Civic Centre
Campbell Park Road
Hebburn
NE31 2SW
Phone: 0845 130 4959
Email: social.services@southtyneside.gov.uk
