Sue leads a hectic life, juggling multiple caring responsibilities alongside her work and volunteer commitments. Always generous with her time, she’s constantly caring for others. However, Sue wanted to make changes so she could spend more quality time with her beloved husband, Ted. To make this possible, Sue decided to undergo a Carer Assessment. Reflecting on the experience, she shared: “It was incredible how much of a difference just having the conversation made… I feel less alone and now have a clearer understanding of the support available.”
What is a Carer Assessment?
A Carer Assessment is a free service available to any unpaid family member or friend aged 18 or over, providing care to another adult. It offers an opportunity to have an in-depth discussion about the carer’s needs and circumstances. A Carer Assessment is completed on behalf of West Sussex County Council and follows the Care Act 2014. Not all carers may want an assessment, but as you’ll see, it made a significant difference for Sue in achieving the life balance she was looking for.
Concerns about the assessment
It’s common for carers to worry that the assessment may feel ‘judgmental.’ However, it’s important to understand that the assessment is not a test of a carer’s abilities. Rather, it’s a conversation aimed at reviewing the carer’s situation and exploring potential solutions. Think of it as a chance to discuss the challenges and opportunities for support with a professional.
Choosing to have an assessment is entirely voluntary and can be done at any stage of the caring journey. It’s not a requirement to receive support. For Sue, it was the desire to make changes in her life before retirement that led her to request an assessment from Carers Support, even though she had been a carer for some time.
Sue’s decision to have an assessment
For years, Sue had been juggling multiple responsibilities, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to caring for her two daughters and niece, while also balancing work and volunteering. In her volunteering role, Sue organised events for unpaid carers, which led to an unexpected conversation with one of the Carers Support wellbeing workers. This casual chat sparked a moment of reflection, where Sue realised just how much support she was providing on a daily basis. She came to the conclusion that the weight of her responsibilities had become unsustainable, and significant changes were needed.
Sue felt understood
A convenient time was arranged for Sue’s Carer Assessment, and she spoke with Agnes, an assessor from the team. Reflecting on the experience, Sue shared: “Agnes was incredibly insightful with her questions and responses, and I really felt understood. She was able to explain why I felt the way I did about certain things, like not wanting to give up work, even though it would free up more time for me. I’d been feeling guilty about not wanting to retire, and Agnes helped me understand why. Now, I’ve decided that I’ll make my own decision about when to finish working, without letting others’ opinions make me feel guilty. Agnes truly understood all of my concerns and guilt. She also suggested Cruse Bereavment, something I had considered but never acted on. Seeing it written down has motivated me to take action.”
How the assessment helped Sue
After completing the Carer Assessment, Sue was pleasantly surprised by how much it helped. She reflected, “I couldn’t have asked for a better service. It’s made a huge difference in my life. I feel less alone and now know more about the support available to me. The idea of a weekend break is really exciting, and while it will be challenging, we’re going to do it. It’s something to look forward to, and I’m enjoying the process of planning it.”
Following their discussion, the assessor took action to arrange the support Sue had agreed to, including:
- Requesting a one-off Direct Payment to help fund a weekend getaway for Sue and her husband, so they could enjoy some quality time together.
- Sending Sue the Carers Emergency Contact Card (CECC) form to complete and return as part of her contingency plan.
- Providing contact details for Cruse Bereavement counselling.
- Sharing additional resources on Carers Support, contingency and emergency planning, Autism Service Directory, and Aspens Services.
As Sue mentioned, the Carer Assessment made a remarkable difference in her life. She expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you for listening.”
Organising a Carer Assessment for you
If you’re an unpaid family or friend carer aged 18 or over, caring for another adult, you’re entitled to a Carer Assessment. To arrange a meeting, simply contact the Carers Support West Sussex Helpline.
