A carer is someone who looks after a relative or friend who is frail, disabled or ill
Southwark Carers
Cambridge House
131 Camberwell Rd
London
SE5 0HF
T: 020 7708 4497
Get Assessed campaign
Carers who provide 'regular and substantial' care now have the legal right to an assessment for themselves. This means that Social Services will look at your own needs and what services can be provided to help you.
However, our survey of members revealed that more than two thirds of carers (69%) have not been assessed. The picture is much the same nationally according to a recent report by Carers UK which found that just 32% of 1,695 carers surveyed had been assessed.
In response to these findings, Southwark Carers is launching a campaign - called Get Assessed - to increase the number of carers in Southwark who have had a carer's assessment.
What is a carer's assessment?
When a social worker (or other health or social care professional) looks at the needs of a carer and decides what community care services are required to meet those needs.
The assessment should look at the carer's ability to continue caring, and take into account things like work and other family commitments.
Why should I have a carer's assessment?
Social Services can provide services to help you in your caring role. Some services may be free, others may be charged for. You don't have to accept any or all of the services offered to you but may decide to accept the ones you feel are useful.
Carers are entitled to an assessment of their needs even if the person they are caring for does not wish to have their needs assessed. In our survey, 80% of carers that have had an assessment said that it was useful.
How do I get the most out of the assessment?
Before the assessment make a list of everything you do to help look after the person you are caring for and have a copy to give to the social worker. Think about services that would help you, e.g. changes to your home and equipment, someone to help with personal care, a regular break for yourself, or information on residential care. Tell the person carrying out the assessment if you are in employment or would like to return to work.
It is often helpful to carers if this assessment can take place away from the person with care needs. Social Workers should enable this to take place.
The carer's assessment should look at your ability and willingness to continue caring. The person carrying out the assessment should not assume you want to continue providing the amount of care you do now.
You can request an assessment before you start looking after someone. You can also request a re-assessment if your circumstances change.
How do I get a carer's assessment?
Contact your Social Services office. If you care for someone aged 65+, contact:
North Southwark: 020 7525 3241
South Southwark: 020 7525 4612
If you care for someone with a disability, contact:
Disabilities Services: 020 7525 2139If you care for someone with a mental health problem, contact:
North East Team: 020 7231 4578
North West Team: 020 7525 2751
South District: 020 7301 8000More information
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Have you had an assessment? Was it helpful? Have you asked for an assessment but not received one? Let us know about your experiences - good or bad.
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Have you had a Carer's Assessment? If not, you could be missing out on extra support.
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Southwark Carers is incorporated as a non-profit making company limited by guarantee number 4146495. Charity number 1085300.