Carers Assessments Carers assessments evaluate your need for support and services and eligibility for a personal budget Who can have a carers assessment?You must be an adult providing care and support to an adult (18 years +) who is living in the local area served by Southampton City Council and who is disabled, ill or elderly. Register with our service for a supported assessment by phoning 023 8058 2387 What is the outcome of a carers assessment?Outcomes of a carers assessment include advice, referral to relevant services and for those providing significant levels of care there is a small personal budget award (not means tested). Carers assessments do not evaluate need for respite or carer services. Carers can be eligible for support from their local authority in their own right. The threshold is based on the impact their caring role has on their wellbeing. Phone SCC Adult Social Services on 023 8083 3003 or see here for online self-assessment by Southampton City Council: https://sid.southampton.gov.uk/kb5/southampton/directory/ast.page See here for eligibility criteria under the Care Act 2014 for support from adult social services: https://www.scie.org.uk/care-act-2014/assessment-and-eligibility/eligibility/criteria-carers-needs.asp Not looking after an adult?Click here if you are a parent carer of a child under 18 Not an adult yourself?Click here if you are under 18 Not caring for someone in a Southampton City Council postcode?Click here for Hampshire carer services. Why should you do a carers assessment?A carers assessment aims to identify your needs as a carer. It should pinpoint what help and support you might need in maintaining your own health and well-being, while continuing your caring role. All carers can access information and advice. Additionally, based on the needs identified in your assessment, you may be eligible for any of the following: Support and services A personal budget* * A personal budget is for carers to spend on something that will benefit themselves as carers e.g. social outings, gym membership, beauty treatments or in specific circumstances, replacement care (someone to provide cover while you are out). Filling this out for someone else?If you are assisting someone else to complete the carers assessment then they must be present in person or via telephone during completion to ensure accurate information is provided and to provide consent. Wish to refer someone?Please complete a referral form here How to prepare for the assessmentBefore the assessment it may help to write a day-to-day diary of your caring tasks, to remind you how much you do and to think about how you will answer the questions. During the assessment you will be asked about: Your personal and family situation and history including existing support and things that are working well. The details of the care and support you provide and the parts you think are most important. What, if any, support you receive from others e.g. family members, community, GP. Your living situation including challenges with finances, transport, cooking, shopping, cleaning etc. Other caring responsibilities e.g. for children or other family members. Impact of your caring role on your family, social life and work. Impact of your caring role on your mental wellbeing and physical health. Your ability to continue your role. Details of the people you care for. You can download a more detailed guide to the questions here: Carers guide to carers assessment What nextDue to technical issues beyond our control, all assessments are currently supported rather than online. The online self-assessment link will be reinstated as soon as the issue is resolved. Supported assessment process Register for a supported assessment by phoning 023 8058 2387. You will be told about the process and how long the waiting list is. When your place comes up on the waiting list you will receive a phone call to arrange when it is convenient for you to have an assessment. Your assessment will be done by phone and will take about 45 minutes. Your completed assessment will be used to determine your eligibility to receive services and support; however, all carers will be eligible for information and advice. You will be contacted shortly after your assessment with the results of your eligibility How about booking into one of our Open Days? To help with form filling we are offering Carers Assessment Open Days in our office with help on hand from staff in Portswood. To join a waiting list for an Open Day please phone 023 8058 2387. You can find more information on carers assessments at this Carers UK page: https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/practical-support/getting-care-and-support/carers-assessment