Carer self-assessment

Looking after someone

Caring for someone can be very difficult and many people find that they need extra help with the care that they provide.


Find out what support you might be able to receive with this short assessment. 

Questions

  1. Do you feel you have enough information about being a carer and know where to go if you need it?
    1. Yes, I have the information I need
    2. I have enough information now but I'm not always sure where to get more
      • Use the NHS Choices website for up-to-date carer information or call the Carers Direct helpline
    3. No
      • Use the NHS Choices website for up-to-date carer information or call the Carers Direct helpline
  2. Do you feel physically capable of caring?
    1. Yes
    2. Most of the time
      • Be aware of the physical demands of caring as it could start to affect your own health
    3. No
      • Speak to your GP about the physical demands of caring as it may already be affecting your health
  3. Does caring cause you sleepless nights, feelings of loneliness or being overwhelmed?
    1. Yes
      • Speak to your GP or social services urgently to ensure you get the emotional support you need
    2. Sometimes
      • Look after your emotional wellbeing by speaking to your GP or joining a local carer's group
    3. No
  4. Would any of the following make caring easier? (you can pick more than one)
    1. Financial help or benefits
      • Find out more about the financial benefits available to you including discounts for carers
    2. Equipment or adaptations to your house
      • Find out from social services about home adaptations that may be available
    3. Mobility aids
      • Check with social services about mobility aids
    4. Someone to help or talk to
      • Contact your local authority to ask for an assessment of your own needs
    5. Better communication with professionals
      • Use the NHS Choices website for up-to-date carer information or call the Carers Direct helpline
    6. Contact with others in a similar situation
      • Consider joining a local carer group who can help you get the right emotional support
  5. Do you get breaks or time off from your caring role?
    1. Yes, I regularly get time off
    2. Yes, but not on a regular basis
      • Ask social services about respite care and possible holiday expenses to help you get a regular break
    3. No
      • Ask social services about respite care and possible holiday expenses to help you get a break
  6. Do you find it hard to keep up with other areas of your life? If so, which areas: (you can pick more than one)
    1. Studying or going to school
      • Speak to social services about help to ensure you can continue your education more easily
    2. Working
      • Find out about your rights to flexible working arrangements
    3. Keeping healthy
      • Get advice about taking care of yourself
    4. Time to myself
    5. Keeping up with friends and family
      • Get a break from caring to help you socialise
    6. No