You can request an assessment at any time, even if you have not yet taken on the caring role, but expect to do so in the near future.

You can request an assessment yourself by contacting us and asking for a carer's assessment of need. A care professional will then contact you to make an appointment. If you are already in contact with a care manager or social worker you can ask them about a referral.

You can be referred for an assessment by other professionals, such as a GP, health visitor or a voluntary sector worker.

If the person you care for is in hospital, ask a nurse to make a referral for a carer's assessment of need as soon as possible.

How to prepare for an assessment

If you ask for an assessment or have one arranged it is worth keeping a diary summarising your caring role. Include any extra help you may need at certain times (for example, during school holidays).

Some things you may want to think about:

• Do you feel your health is affected?
• Do you find you have trouble sleeping?
• Do you feel you get any time to yourself?
• Do you find your other relationships are affected?
• you worried you may have to give up work?
• Do you think the person you care for is getting enough help?
• Do you feel your education/training opportunities are restricted?
• What cover do you feel you would need if an emergency arose?