One way in which we can support carers is to ensure that we are
able to identify their needs effectively, a Carer's Needs
Assessment is one way to do this. This is not a test - it is simply
some dedicated time for the carer and a care co-ordinator to
identify and discuss their needs. The carer can express exactly how
caring impacts on life and work out what things could help carers
to care, some of which are only available through a Carer's Needs
Assessment.
The assessment looks at everything from health and wellbeing to
work and training, as well as leisure time and family commitments.
It is also a great opportunity to think about what would happen in
situations where, for whatever reason, the carer is unable to carry
out the role. The Assessment acknowledges the carer as an
individual, so they can request an assessment even if the person
they care for has refused all services, or hasn't even been
assessed at all.
An assessment can be arranged either through the service caring
for the service user, by contacting Manchester City Council's
Contact Centre or by accessing Manchester Carers Centre. The
assessment should provide the carer with an outcome that meets
their defined needs. This could include a Carers Individual Budget,
an Emergency Plan or Card, Advice and Information and/or casework
support.
Through a Carers Needs Assessment you may be entitled to a
Carers Individual Budget. This is a non-means-tested grant to
support carers to take a break and to help alleviate some of the
stresses that can arise when caring for someone. An application may
be made once every financial year.
As a guide, the Carers Individual Budget could be used to fund
the following:
- A holiday
- Day trips or short breaks
- Educational courses
- Driving lessons / test
- Computer
- Domestic appliances
- Decorating costs
- Gardening / cleaning assistance
- Gym membership
- Pampering / therapies / spa treatment
One way to support a carer worried about what happens in the
event of an emergency is an Emergency Plan. By looking at the plan,
the person providing replacement care will have all of the
essential information they need in order to minimise disruption for
the person cared for. This service gives the carer a voice as to
what they and the person they care for would like to happen in an
emergency.
Another service to support the carer following an assessment is
the Manchester Carers Emergency Card scheme , which acts as an
alert system so that a carer can be identified as a carer. In the
event of an emergency when the carer is out and about, the card
allows information about your needs, as well as the needs of the
person you care for, to be accessed by services that can help.
Contact details of friends or family who could step into your
caring role are also stored.
Following an assessment, carers will also be provided with
relevant advice and information, provided with the carers
information booklet and signposted to other statutory and voluntary
sector organisations for support. Some carers will be given some
ongoing support from the carers support workers on the teams. The
carer will be reassessed every 12 months.
If you are interested and want to find out more, please contact
a member of staff or get in touch with Patrick Cahoon, Associate
Director for Service User and Carer Engagement on 0161 882 1103 or
Patrick.cahoon@mhsc.nhs.uk