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Carers

Carer's assessment

Carers have the right to a Carer's needs assessment under the Carer's (Recognition and Services) Act 1995, and the Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000.

• The assessment considers the needs of the carer, separately from the needs of the person they provide care for.
• It takes into account pressures on the carer created by their caring role.
• It can help Adults, Health and Social Care staff to arrange appropriate support to the person for whom you provide care.
• A Carer's needs assessment may lead to an increase in the range or amount of services arranged for the person you provide care for, which could in turn help you.

If the person you care for refuses a community care assessment you are still entitled to a Carer's needs assessment and services that will support you in your caring role.

A carer of a person with mental health needs

If you are a carer of someone with mental health needs ask your Care Programme Approach co-ordinator for an assessment of your needs.

The Calderdale Carers Support Service may be able to offer you support and information to help you care for a person with mental health problems. You can contact them by calling 01422 383062 or emailing liza.brown@swyt.nhs.uk.

See also mental health services .

Next steps

• You can complete the Carers Needs Assessment Form [PDF file 242KB]| and post it to:
  Gateway to Care, 1 Park Road, Halifax, HX1 2TU.
  You can get help with this from a friend, from Calderdale Carers Project or from a worker at Adults, Health and Social Care.
• A worker from Adults, Health and Social Care will contact you to discuss and record any actions needed. They will send you two copies, one to sign and return and one to keep for your records.

How do I find out more?

All of the information you need for a Carer's needs assessment is contained in the assessment form which you can download below. However, the person who is carrying out your assessment can explain the process in more detail if you wish.

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