Carers 

Definition: Carer

A carer is anyone, including children and adults who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction and cannot cope without their support. The care they give is unpaid.

Definition: Young Carer

A young carer is a person who regularly provides emotional and/or practical support and assistance for a family member who is disabled, physically or mentally unwell or misuses substances.

When registering with us as either a carer or as a patient who is notifying us that they have a carer, the process is as follows:

  1. The patient or nominated carer notifies us
  2. The patient completes the relevant form below
  3. We enter this into the patient’s notes
  4. If any support is required by the patient we are able to offer this

Carers assessment

What is a Carers assessment?

A carer's assessment is free and anyone over 18 can ask for one. You can have a carers assessment even if the person you care for does not get any help from the council, and they will not need to be assessed.

This assessment might recommend things like:

  • someone to take over caring so you can take a break
  • gym membership and exercise classes to relieve stress
  • help with taxi fares if you don't drive
  • help with gardening and housework
  • training how to lift safely
  • putting you in touch with local support groups so you have people to talk to
  • advice about benefits for carers

It's separate from the needs assessment the person you care for might have. You do not need the permission of the person you are caring for to request a carers assessment. You are entitled to ask for one in your own right. However, you can request a combined assessment where you will be assessed at the same time as the person you care for has their needs assessment.

How to request a Carers assessment

To see what help we can offer you get in touch to request a carer's assessment. The assessment will help to decide what support you need and how much help we can give you.

If you care for an adult friend or family member, you may be able to get more help. This help will allow you to keep caring and to look after yourself.

For more information on how to request a Carers Assessment please see the Kent County Council website.