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Carers Assessments

As a carer, you have a legal right to request, and receive, a carers assessment from the Council.

This may lead to you receiving either some extra support to the person you care for, or some support for yourself.

Their definition of a carer is someone who may look after someone who cannot manage without your help because of age, illness or disability? and/or give, or plan to give, someone regular and substantial amounts of unpaid care or support?

There is no set criteria in terms of tasks undertaken or time spent caring by which someone qualifies as 'a carer' - it is about regular support and providing it having a significant impact upon the person's life.

there are two forms of a carers assessment - within a joint assessment and as a separate carers assessment.

The joint assessment is asking you about your needs as part of the assessment of the person you care for - this may lead to you getting some extra information and advice, or services for the person you care for - such as respite care or extra support.

The separate assessment is designed for you to spend some time thinking just about your needs - and can lead to a wider range of services, - including the direct services below:

More information is in the 'Are You A Carer' leaflet:

http://www.walsall.gov.uk/29419 carer leaf a5-2.pdf

To see the leaflet  

For the large print version

These direct carers services include:

One - Off payments scheme

May provide one annual payment to carers relating to household maintenance, personal development, or domestic support - as shown on the leaflet - limits are for between £100 & £300 available for identified support. Accessed via a separate carers assessment and then completing direct payments paperwork with your social worker.

 http://www.walsall.gov.uk/carers payments.pdf

To see the leaflet

Carers Complimentary Therapy scheme

Now available to all adult carers, providing an assessment, and then six therapy sessions, (eg in Aromatherapy, Reiki, Acupuncture).

Accessed via a separate carers assessment and run at Broadway North centre. May lead to further treatment via direct payment scheme.

 http://www.walsall.gov.uk/30849 carers complementary-2.pdf

To see the leaflet  

Carers’ Welfare Rights service

A specific service from the welfare rights unit, providing weekly surgeries and home visits, and offering a whole benefits check.

Takes referrals directly from yourselves, or from the Carers Centre or from your social worker.

 http://www.walsall.gov.uk/welfare rights.pdf

To see the leaflet

Direct referral via 01922 627247

Holiday Grants

Administered through the Carers Centre and providing up to £350towards the cost of a holiday - where a holiday has not been possible for previous three years. Up to £150 extra funding towards costs of additional support where cared-for person is on the holiday

Accessed by application to Carers Centre, involves joining our database, and may include a visit to check on need and to offer other support.

Evidence of the planned holiday and checks on receipts are necessary.

http://www.walsall.gov.uk/holiday grant.pdf

To see the leaflet

Social care now publish an annual action plan to explain what they are doing to try to improve support for carers:

 http://www.walsall.gov.uk/carers action plan.pdf

To see the leaflet

All of these leaflets are also available from the Carers Centre, or your social work office.