Complete an assessment form

Getting help for you and the people you look after

We know that carers underestimate the impact caring has on their health and wellbeing. If caring has a major impact on your life you can talk to someone at Carers Oxfordshire about the help and support you may need. This is called a carer's assessment. As a starting point, you can complete a carer's self-assessment. This can happen even if the person you care for is unwilling to accept help.

To work out what support would be most helpful, we need to discuss:

• The help the person you care for needs
• The help you are providing or you intend to provide (for example, for the person following discharge home from hospital)
• The help you require to maintain your caring role
• The help Oxfordshire County Council's Social & Community Services or other services may provide
• Your wish to work, undertake training/education or leisure activities

Your assessment gives you the chance to discuss your needs. You should also be able to contribute to the discussion of the needs of the person you care for so your needs are taken into account when planning services or options for them.

If the person you care for is not receiving any community care services, they may benefit from having their own assessment. Please contact Carers Oxfordshire on 0845 050 7666

Some things you may want to think about for your carers’ assessment 

• Do you get enough sleep?
• Is your health affected in other ways?
• Are you able to get out and about?
• Do you get any time for yourself?
• Are your other relationships affected?
• Do you want information about benefits?
• Are you worried you may have to give up work?
• Is the person you care for getting enough help?
• Is your attendance at school or college affected?

How do I complete a carers’ assessment?

You can ask for an assessment at any time. If your situation changes and you need more help, you can ask for a reassessment. You do not have to have a carers’ assessment; it will not stop the person you care for from receiving services. If you care for an adult, it is your choice to either have a separate assessment or a joint assessment with the person you care for. If you prefer, you can ask a friend or representative to be with you for your assessment. You are entitled to a written copy of your carer's assessment.

You can contact Carers Oxfordshire on 0845 050 7666 or your care manager to request an assessment or you can complete one online at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/carers-assessment.

If you care for a child with a disability, your own needs will be considered as part of the family assessment or you can have a separate assessment.

If you are under 18 and you are taking on a lot of responsibility as a result of a condition that a grandparent, parent or sibling has, it is important that your needs are looked at too. We know when there is not enough support young people may miss out on school or time with friends, not get enough sleep or have a lot of worries to carry.

If you are under 18 and you and your family need support:

• If the person you are caring for has a social worker, care manager, nurse or support worker, you can ask them about having a family assessment which includes a young carer's assessment
• Or you can contact Oxfordshire County Council on 0845 050 7666 and an advisor will give you information about a family assessment
• If you are 16 or 17 you can also ask for an adult carer's assessment
• An assessment may lead to support for you and your family from a young carers’ support worker or to regular breaks and activities for you and your brothers and sisters

In Oxfordshire we believe that children and young people should not have to undertake the same levels of caring as adults. The tasks or responsibilities undertaken should not compromise the young person’s development.

What happens next?

We always assess people’s needs to see if they are eligible for services. We must give priority to people in most urgent need, where their health and welfare would be at serious risk without our support.

After the assessment, you will be given a copy of your assessment. If we are able to help, we will draw up a support/care plan for the person cared for,

taking into account your needs as a carer. The plan explains what services will be arranged and who will provide them. A copy of the plan is given to the person you care for.

Even if an adult for whom you are caring does not want an assessment or services, you may still be eligible for specific  carers’ services. 

If someone you care for is not eligible for services, you can still receive information and advice.

Once we have agreed with you the needs that could be met, there could be a range of services or options that meet those needs. If the person you care for has a personal budget, it could be used in ways that may benefit you both.

Services for the person you care for which may also benefit you

• Home support services such as help with personal care, getting up, washing, and dressing
• Day care services or an activity to go to during the day
• Use of the home delivery shopping service.
• A place to stay for a short time (respite) so you can have a break
• Care provided by an approved person in their own home
• Adaptations and equipment in the home
• Pendant alarms and/or sensors
• Relief to care – care provided usually in your home to give you a break

Services/options for you

• Information and advice
• Referral for advice and information from carers’ organisations
• Referral to other specialist groups which provide expert advice and support about health, housing, benefits, employment, education, training and leisure opportunities
• Someone to talk to
• Referral to carers’ support groups
• In certain circumstances, a carer's service such as counselling or practical assistance to support you in your caring role
• Involvement as a carer in consultations and service development

Do you have to pay for services?

• There is no charge for any assessment
• A charge may be made for services we provide to the person you are caring for; depending on their financial circumstances (charges for our services are in accordance with the Government’s fairer charging Policy. Please see www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/fairercharging. For a copy of the fairer charging leaflet, or contact Carers Oxfordshire. There are no charges for services for children under 18
• We do not charge for the services we provide to carers

Please note: The organisations listed on this page are not endorsed or recommended by Oxfordshire County Council and the contact details are provided for information only.

• Please feel free to contact any of the organisations on this fact sheet yourself. If required, Carers Oxfordshire can also help you further. You can contact them on 0845 050 7666, Monday to Thursday 0830-1700, Friday 0830-1600