Carer's assessment
If you provide care and support to an adult friend or family member, you may be eligible for our support. This support could include financial assistance to pay for things that make caring easier, practical support like arranging for someone to step in when you need a break, or connecting you with local support groups.
The Care Act 2014 places a legal duty on local authorities to assess any carer who requests one or who appears to need support. A carer’s assessment is a discussion between you and a trained member of Council staff. The assessment will consider the impact of the care and support you provide on your own well-being, as well as other aspects of your life, including your goals and aspirations. It will also consider whether you are able or willing to continue caring, your work status, and your social activities.
The assessment can be done face-to-face, over the phone, or online. The council will use the assessment to identify your support needs and discuss how these could be met. This might include direct help from the council or connecting you with other organizations, such as local charities.
You can ask for a carer's assessment at any time if:
- you're aged 18 or over
- you care for an adult who lives in Central Bedfordshire
- you share the caring with other family members or friends
- you are planning on looking after an adult in Central Bedfordshire
If you’re under 18, see the young carer’s page.
You can request a carer’s assessment even if the person you care for doesn’t receive any services from us. There is no cost for a carer’s assessment.
You don't need the permission of the person you're caring for to ask for a carer's assessment. You're entitled to one in your own right. It isn’t a test of your ability to care.
Find out more about the carers' assessment on the Mobilise website.