Carers health assessment

Hi Humbertbear...you can self refer for a carers assessment. Ring up your local authority to ask for one. There are often waiting lists so a good idea to do it now rather than wait until you are 'on your knees' with caring.

I’ve never been offered a carers assessment but my GP is always very concerned about the effects that my caring responsibilities might have on my health.

It sounds like he could do with some help with housework. My friend is only in her fifties (quite fit and well), doesn't work, but goes to look after her mum for half the week - and she got it!

I forgot to ask did he get his grant at least?

Hi again Boody.. Just seen your post. I'm sorry his assessment wasn't great. Can i ask who did it? Was it done by a social worker or by the carers centre or a local authority carer support worker who specialises in carers assessment? I ask because i wonder if he could leave it for a few weeks and then ask for a review, possibly with someone else!!! If they didn't do it in the first place then maybe he could approach the carers centre who could advocate for him maybe. Carer assessments can vary tremendously depending on the individual worker so may well be different next time - fingers crossed!

hubby`s care assessment didn't go that well.....the carers hours were just shifted around

Hi again S....we`re still waiting the outcome......the waiting isn't helping...but I have got my full PIP in this morning`s post. That is a HUGE relief.

Hubby cant get AA, as he doesn't need care. Thanks again for your concern. xx

Oh dear... I hope you don't lose the night care..i was suggesting that he attempt to get aa on the basis that he has RA. Even if he doesn't need direct care himself he might be eligible and could then use the money to privately top up your care package as that seems the way to go. Good luck with it

Hi Specky, no not CA as he gets a state pension...what he gets is a carer`s grant annually. No AA for him..he`s doesn't need care. What he needs is to make sure my care plan is comprehensive to enable him to take it easier than of late.

We are awaiting a my new care plan.

Not sure we did right in asking for more help..it may have backfired from things the SW said.....

Hubby` s had his assessment ....there were some worries...we may lose the sleepovers..his main way of getting some good rest.....

the outcome is unknown as yet and we are so worried

Forgot to say.. The opening line in this post refers to carers health assessment not carers assessment. They are two different things although a good carers assessment will always consider how a carers health affects their ability to cope.
I also didn't understand your last post as you seemed to be giving yourself advice, although it was good

I don't think your hubby will be allowed carers allowance boody as it is a wage replacement benefit and he's over 65. However, he may be entitled to a carers grant/cash payment and also may be entitled to attendance allowance in his own right. Good luck with it

My friend is a carer for her mother. She gets carer's allowance and help with her own housework, hoovering etc. too!

I`m very dependent on hubby and carers for so many things. We do have help but hubby needs more. He`s having a carer`s assessment on Thursday.

Why don't you think about getting carers in to help with the load?

Don't let your hubby talk you out of it. You`ll do him more good if you get some `me` time xxx

Yeh, I think he will say more if I`m not present. He has always been one of the typically proud `It`s MY job to look after everyone` brigade.

I hope your hubbies carer assessment goes well... I think it's fair to say that assessments can vary enormously. He must be honest and realistic about what he can and can't do and dare I say it he should probably have the assessment without you being present. Otherwise he may feel that he has to put on a brave face for you and say he's managing ok rather than admit he's struggling as you suggest in your post.

I hope you both get the support you need. Best wishes

I know this post is a few months old, but wondered how things are now? My hubby has cared for me for 11 years on his own and 8 years with carers coming in. I need a lot of help.

He is at the point where he is now struggling. He is 71 and has rheumatoid arthritis. He is having a carer`s assessment next week. We have asked for more help and a very nice SW is on it.

Hello everyone,
Can i just clarify that a G.P based carer assessment focuses on the health of a carer and a carer assessments carried out by the local authority is a holistic assessment that looks at all aspects of a carers role. It should be a conversation that focuses on what impact caring has on a carers life and wellbeing e.g opportunity to have a break or go to work or have leisure time to participate in hobbies? A good assessment will suggest options for support and help the carer to plan how their needs will be met, whether it be via family and friends, the voluntary sector or local authority provision. Small carer only grants are often available to pay for something that helps the carer such as massages to reduce stress and physical tension or a short holiday, There are unfortunately often waiting lists so it's a good idea to ask for an assessment before the strain gets too much.
Can i just add that carers are by and large fantastic and without them the health and social care systems would be sunk!! Thank you carers... Xxx

Our local authority have a family carer support team,not nurses,a lovely lady interviewed me and sent many suggestions for groups,interests.She got me a 'credit card' with £200 to pay for things that would help me to feel better.Swimming again etc,you have to keep all receipts. There is very little for anybody in this rural area.

A new round of blood tests, radiotherapy,chemotherapy,diabetic nurse,then dentist as having new chemo called Denosumab.
So not had time to arrange anything yet. I was most grateful. It was her ,who suggested that I asked for support from hospice,they have been excellent.Supportive for both of us. I hope you get some proper help. All the best.

I think you are right Maybelle it is more of a tick box assessment funded by NHS, but on the positive side if you were found to have a medical condition for example, you could be treated. It depends what you require/expect from the assessment. If it's purely a medical check, and info and contacts for other support services then it fulfils the criteria. If you would like practical help it's via social services and Age Uk for example. Age UK provided my mother (for a charge) a cleaner, who was vetted, and they have volunteers for befriending and so on.

The important thing when having one of these assessments is to be honest, and honest based on the worst days/nights. Too many people say they are 'fine' and shrug it off. My late DM had an assessment done when she was looking after my DF who had Alzheimer's disease and the very kind person doing the assessment kept asking DM to 'tell it as it is, not as you think I want to hear it'. We can all be guilty of guddling along until we crack.

Managed to get to the doctors for the assessment today. Not sure about the value of it to be honest.

Weight, height and blood pressure, plus a quick chat about how things were as a carer.

Blood pressure a little high on first attempt but we agreed it may have been more sensible to take the reading before talking about how things were as a carer. . .

She also did check I was claiming any benefits I might be due.

To be honest it felt like a tick box exercise. But it was the first one she had done, and as I had not previously met her I was a little reticent in opening up.

Yes, I had one when I was caring for my late husband. The nurse was lovely, understanding and very sympathetic when I burst into tears. It really helps to talk when you're trying to keep yourself fighting-fit when things feel bleak. Many of us need help in this situation so grab it with both hands. I hope it is as helpful for you as it was for me.

Not yet approached the LA for a carers assessment lazigirl but it is on my list.

Up to the last year or so it hasn't really been too much of an issue. And could get out every now and then to meet up with our DDs . But just having a bad patch that I am hoping will pass soon.

But starting to think I should start looking at future needs, before I need. Take control rather than firefighting.

That's a pity Maybelle. Do you get any help or respite care I wonder.