The needs of carers can be assessed in one of two ways:
A Joint Carers Assessment
This is where the needs of carers are taken into account during the assessment of a cared for person. In this way the caring being provided by family and friends will be taken into consideration when deciding what care services can be provided to jointly support the carer and cared for person.
A Carers Impact Assessment
This is when a carer who is finding caring difficult can talk this through in private so that a social worker can assist in looking at what help may be given to help them to continue in the role. This allows the carer to talk about the impact caring is having on their ability to manage the caring role.
Following assessment the care plan of the cared for person may be adjusted to help with the difficulties identified in the carers assessment and in certain circumstances a service may be provided specifically for the carer to help them continue caring.
