6.1 The council will offer a carer’s assessment to adult carers who are caring for another adult and who appear to need support. The council may ‘pause’ the assessment process by providing or arranging support (including to the adult) that may prevent, reduce, or delay the development of needs for carer support.
6.2 We will respect the carer’s wishes if they do not wish to have an assessment (or do not wish to complete a full Care Act assessment and proceed to an eligibility decision).
6.3 Carers who decline/withdraw from an assessment retain the right to request a new assessment if they would like to have one.
6.4 Assessment will be appropriate and proportionate to the carer’s needs and circumstances.
6.5 If all parties agree, the council may combine a carer’s assessment with another related assessment or offer a joint assessment where another authority (for example the NHS) also wishes to assess needs.
6.6 Carers may invite any suitable adult to be involved in or support them during the assessment. We will involve anyone needed to support the carer to take an active part in their assessment, such as an independent advocate.
6.7 Carers with capacity to do so may complete a supported self assessment with the council if they wish. The council will provide materials, information and support as needed.
6.8 Regardless of how the assessment is carried out, when a full carers assessment has been completed the council will:
- assure itself that assessment information is an accurate and complete reflection of needs, outcomes and the impact on the carer’s wellbeing
- provide a copy of the assessment to the carer and anyone that they wish to share it with
- make the eligibility decision
