Get a Carers Assessment
Your right to support as a carer in Cornwall
You Deserve Support Too
If you're caring for someone in Cornwall – whether that's a parent, partner, child, friend, or neighbour – you might not think of yourself as a carer. You might just see it as looking after someone you love.
But caring can be exhausting. It can affect your health, your work, your relationships, and your ability to do the things you enjoy. And here's something many people don't know: you're entitled to support.
A Carer's Assessment is your legal right
It's a free, no-obligation conversation about how caring affects your life and what support could help you. It's not a test. It's not about whether you're "doing it right". It's about
At Cornwall Carers Service, we're here to support you through the assessment process and beyond. This page explains everything you need to know.
A Carer's Assessment is a conversation between you and someone from Cornwall Carers Service or Cornwall Council about your caring role and how it affects your life.
It's completely focused on you – not the person you care for. This is your chance to talk about:
How caring affects your physical and mental health
Whether you're able to work, study, or pursue interests outside of caring
Your relationships with family and friends
Whether you're able to have breaks from caring
Any concerns or worries you have about your caring role
What would help make things easier for you
What is a Carer's Assessment?
Important Things to Know:
It's completely free – there's no charge for an assessment
It's your legal right under the Care Act 2014
You don't need permission from the person you care for
The person you care for doesn't have to be receiving any support themselves
It usually takes about an hour
You can have it at your home, our office, or over the phone
You can have someone with you for support
It won't affect any benefits you're claiming
This is NOT a Test
Let's us be absolutely clear: a Carer's Assessment is not an exam of your caring abilities. You won't be judged. There are no right or wrong answers. It's simply an opportunity for someone to listen to you, understand your situation, and work out what support might help.
Who Can Get a Carer's Assessment?
If you're 18 or over and you provide regular unpaid care for someone, you're entitled to a Carer's Assessment. It really is that simple.
You don't have to be:
Related to the person you care for
Living with them
Caring for a certain number of hours per week
Providing personal care like washing or dressing
Claiming Carer's Allowance
The only person providing care
You might be a carer if you:
Help someone with everyday tasks like shopping, cooking, or cleaning
Provide emotional support to someone with mental health difficulties
Help someone manage their medication
Take someone to medical appointments
Help someone manage their finances or paperwork
Keep an eye on someone to make sure they're safe
Provide company to someone who feels lonely or anxious
Help coordinate care for someone
"I didn't think I was a proper carer because I only pop in to see my mum twice a day and help her with bits and pieces. I thought carers were people who did everything. But the lady who did my assessment explained that what I do is caring, and I deserved support. It was such a relief to feel recognised."
– Mary, carer from Truro
Young Carers
If you're under 18 and caring for someone, you can have a Young Carer's Assessment. Contact Kernow Young Carers on 01736 756655 or submit a Young Carers Self Referral Form.
Parent Carers
If you're caring for a child with additional needs, you're entitled to support too. Contact us to discuss a parent carer's assessment.
What Can an Assessment Lead To?
Information and Advice
Guidance on benefits, services, and your rights as a carer. Help understanding the care system and what's available in Cornwall.
Carer's Personal Budget
If you're eligible, you might receive funding to pay for support that helps you in your caring role – like gym membership, respite care, or training.
Respite and Breaks
Help arranging regular breaks from caring, whether that's a few hours a week or longer periods. Time for yourself is essential.
Emotional Support
Access to counselling, peer support groups, and someone to talk to who understands what you're going through.
The Assessment Itself Can Help
Many carers tell us that just having the assessment made a difference. Having someone listen, take them seriously, and acknowledge the work they're doing can be incredibly validating. It can help you understand your situation better and feel less alone.
Practical Support
Help with caring tasks, equipment, or adaptations. Connection to local services and community support.
Training and Workshops
Free courses on topics like manual handling, understanding conditions, managing stress, and planning for the future.
Employment Support
Advice on balancing work and caring, understanding your workplace rights, and accessing flexible working.
Emergency Planning
Help creating a plan for what would happen if you suddenly couldn't care – giving you peace of mind.
How to Prepare for Your Assessment
You don't need to prepare extensively, but thinking about these questions beforehand can help you get the most out of your assessment:
What tasks do you help with? Make a list of everything you do – it's often more than you realise
How much time do you spend caring each day or week?
How does caring affect your physical health? (sleep, pain, tiredness, your own health conditions)
How does it affect your emotional wellbeing? (stress, anxiety, loneliness, feeling overwhelmed)
Can you work, study, or pursue hobbies? If not, why not?
Do you have time for yourself? When did you last have a proper break?
How does caring affect your relationships with family and friends?
Are you able to keep your own home in good condition?
Do you worry about the future or what would happen in an emergency?
Is there anything specific that would make caring easier?
Top Tips for Your Assessment:
Be honest: This is your chance to speak openly about how you're really coping. Don't downplay things.
Give specific examples: Rather than saying "I'm tired", explain "I wake up three times every night to check on Mum"
Talk about what you want to do: What would you like to be able to do that you can't at the moment?
Don't worry about the person you care for: They don't need to be present, and you won't be judged for being honest
Take your time: If you need a break during the assessment, just ask
Bring someone with you: A friend or family member can offer support and help you remember things
Make notes: Write down any questions or concerns beforehand so you don't forget
Contact Cornwall Carers Service
The easiest way to request an assessment is to get in touch with us. You can:
We'll have a brief chat about your situation and arrange your assessment. If you prefer, you can also contact Cornwall Council directly, but we find many carers prefer to come through us as we specialise in supporting carers.
Step-by-Step Guide: Getting Your Assessment
2. We'll Arrange a Time That Suits You
Your assessment will be arranged at a time and place that works for you. This could be:
At your home
At our office in Truro
Over the phone or video call
At another location that's convenient for you
The assessment usually takes about an hour, though it can be longer if you need more time. There's no rush.
3. Have Your Assessment
During the assessment, we'll talk through your caring role and how it affects different areas of your life. The conversation will cover:
Who you care for and what care you provide
Your own physical and mental health
Your ability to work, learn, or pursue interests
Your relationships and social life
Whether you get breaks from caring
Your housing situation
What would help you continue caring (if that's what you want)
Emergency planning
Remember, you can:
Have someone with you for support
Take breaks if you need them
Ask questions at any time
Request an interpreter if English isn't your first language
Ask for an advocate if you need help expressing yourself
4. Receive Your Support Plan
After your assessment, we'll create a support plan that outlines:
What you've told us about your caring role
How caring is affecting your wellbeing
What support we think could help
What you're eligible for
Next steps
This will be sent to you within a few weeks of your assessment.
5. Access Support
Depending on your assessment, you might:
Receive information about services and support available
Be eligible for a Carer's Personal Budget to fund support
Be referred to other services (counselling, benefits advice, respite care, etc.)
Receive ongoing support from Cornwall Carers Service
Access training, workshops, or support groups
We'll help you understand what's available and how to access it. You're not on your own.
6. Keep in Touch
Your needs might change over time, and that's completely normal. You can:
Request a review of your assessment if your circumstances change
Get back in touch if you need more support
Access our ongoing services and support
Attend events, groups, and training sessions
We're here for as long as you need us.
What About the Person I Care For?
Your Carer's Assessment is completely separate from any assessment the person you care for might have (called a "needs assessment").
Important Points:
You don't need their permission: You're entitled to an assessment in your own right, regardless of whether they want you to have one
They don't need to be present: In fact, many carers prefer to have their assessment without the person they care for there, so they can speak freely
They don't need to be receiving support: The person you care for doesn't have to be getting help from Adult Social Care for you to have an assessment
It might help them too: Sometimes a carer's assessment identifies that the person being cared for needs their own assessment, which could lead to additional support for both of you
You can have assessments together: If you prefer, you can request a combined assessment where both your needs and theirs are looked at
Worried About Being Disloyal?
We’ve found that many carers feel guilty about asking for an assessment. They worry it means they're not coping or that they're being disloyal to the person they care for.
Please know this: asking for support is not a failure. It's sensible. Looking after yourself is essential if you want to be able to continue caring. And everyone deserves support, including you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have to pay for support?
The assessment itself is completely free. If you're eligible for a Carer's Personal Budget or other support, Cornwall Council may carry out a financial assessment to see if you need to contribute to the costs. However, many types of support (like information, advice, and signposting) are free regardless of your finances.
How long does an assessment take?
Usually about an hour, but it can be longer or shorter depending on your situation. There's no time limit – we'll take as long as you need.
What if my situation changes after my assessment?
You can request a review at any time if your caring role or circumstances change. Just get in touch with us.
Will having an assessment affect my Carer's Allowance?
No, having a Carer's Assessment won't affect any benefits you're claiming, including Carer's Allowance.
What if I don't live in Cornwall but care for someone who does?
You should request an assessment from your own local authority where you live. However, get in touch with us and we'll advise you on the best course of action.
Can I have an assessment if I work full-time?
Absolutely. Many carers work as well as care. The assessment will look at how you're managing to balance work and caring, and what support could help.
What if I'm not sure I'm a "proper" carer?
If you're regularly helping someone because they're ill, disabled, or elderly, you're a carer. It doesn't matter whether you call yourself one. Get in touch and we'll have a chat about your situation.
Do I need to prepare documents or evidence?
No, you don't need to bring any paperwork or evidence. Just come as you are and tell us about your situation.
What if I become emotional during the assessment?
That's completely okay and very common. Caring is emotional, and sometimes talking about it brings things to the surface. We understand, and we'll give you the time and space you need.
Ready to Get Your Carer's Assessment?
Taking this step is important. You deserve support.
Other Support Available
While you're waiting for your assessment, or if you need immediate support, Cornwall Carers Service offers:
Information and advice line: Get answers to your questions about caring, benefits, and support
Peer support groups: Meet other carers in your area who understand what you're going through
Emotional support: Access to counselling and someone to talk to
Online resources: Guides, factsheets, and information on our website
Training and workshops: Free sessions on topics relevant to carers
Useful Resources
We're Here When You Need Us
Emergencies are stressful enough without worrying about work. If you need advice about your rights, support in dealing with your employer, or just someone to talk to about your caring situation, we're here.
Contact us:
Phone: 01736 756655
Remember, you're entitled to take time off for emergencies. Don't let worry about work stop you from being there when someone needs you. The law protects your right to care.
The Carers Leave Act
Complete guide to your statutory right to one week of unpaid leave per year. Learn who qualifies, how to request leave, and what protections you have.
Explore More of Your Rights and Support
Your Right to Register as a Carer
If you're caring for someone – whether it's a partner, family member, friend, or neighbour – you have the right to be identified as a carer by your GP practice.
Flexible Working Rights
Understand your right to request flexible working arrangements from day one. Explore different types of flexibility and how to make a successful request.
Statutory & Contractual Rights
Detailed breakdown of your legal rights as a working carer, including protections against discrimination and unfair dismissal.
Time Off For Dependants
Know your rights to take time off for emergencies involving dependants. Learn what qualifies as an emergency and how much time you can take.
Get a Carers Assessment
If you're caring for someone in Cornwall, whether that's a parent, partner, child, friend, or neighbour, you might not think of yourself as a carer. But you may be entitled to support.
