Carer’s assessment
If you look after someone, you can get a free assessment to find out what support is available for you as a carer.
Carers come from all different backgrounds, and anyone can become one.
You might not see yourself as a carer, or maybe you don’t live with the person you care for, and because of that, you haven’t asked for help. However, if you're caring for someone, you can ask for an assessment, advice, and support to help you continue caring for that person, if that's what you want.
Stages of an assessment
A carer's assessment will look at how caring affects your life and determine how you can carry on doing the things that are important to you and your family.
Your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing will be at the heart of this assessment, and you may benefit from:
- receiving information about local support groups
- just having someone to talk to
- information about training available to you
- advice about how to get a balance between work and caring
- assessment of your needs
- information on how your GP can help you
- practical help
- services to enable you to have a break from your caring role
Our carer's assessments are carried out by Northamptonshire Carers.
You can request a carer's assessment even if the person you care for does not receive help from us, and they do not need to be reassessed.
Benefits
The person you care for may be eligible for certain benefits. There are also benefits you can apply for as a carer:
- Attendance Allowance (GOV.UK) is a tax-free benefit for people aged 65 or over who need someone to help look after them because they are physically or mentally disabled
- Carer's Allowance (GOV.UK) is a taxable benefit to help people who look after someone who is disabled - you do not have to be related to, or live with, the person that you care for
- Personal Independence Payment (GOV.UK) - for disabled people aged 16 to 64
- Employment and Support Allowance (GOV.UK) replaces Incapacity Benefit and Income Support that is paid because of an illness or disability for new claimants from 27 October 2008 - If you are already receiving Incapacity Benefit, you will continue to get it as long as you are eligible
- Incapacity Benefit (GOV.UK) - if you can't work because of illness or disability you may be able to get a weekly payment for people under State Pension age
Help with health costs
Most National Health Service (NHS) treatment is free but there can be charges for some things. You may be able to get help with health costs if, for example, you're on a low income.
Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
If someone has difficulties that mean they can't make decisions anymore, they will need help managing their finances.
Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document where someone (while they still have mental capacity) nominates a trusted friend or relative to look after their affairs should they lose capacity. To find out more visit the Office of the Public Guardian website.
Last updated 15 November 2022
Last updated 01 October 2024