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Hildenborough & Tonbridge Medical Group
Carers
Definition: Carer
A carer is anyone who looks after a family member, partner, or friend. This includes children and adults. That person needs help due to an illness, frailty, a disability, a mental health issue, or an addiction. They cannot cope without support. The care they give is unpaid. The help can be emotional or practical.
When registering as a carer or a patient with a carer, the process is as follows:
- The patient or nominated carer notifies us.
- The patient completes the relevant form below.
- We enter this into the patient’s notes.
- If the patient requires any support, we can 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 carer's assessment even if the person you care for does not receive any help from the council.
This assessment might recommend things like:
- Someone to take over caring so that you can take a break.
- Gym membership and exercise classes to relieve stress.
- Help with taxi fares if you do not drive.
- Help with gardening and housework.
- Instructions for safe lifting techniques
- Putting you in touch with local support groups so you have got 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 have the right to ask for one in your own name. You can request a combined assessment. It will assess you at the same time as the needs assessment of the person you care for.
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 info on how to request a Carers Assessment please see the Kent County Council website.