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Carers assessment - why ?

Wibbles

I have a operation coming on my shoulders - they are both arthritic and need replacing with metal. I don't have a date at the moment, it could be in 12 months time - but it IS happening.

I am aware that NHS will not let me go home - until I am ready and should also supply hoists etc.

I had a care needs assessment, 12 months ago from my LA

My wife/carer, does not want a Carers Assessment - when I mentioned it to her - she responded "Why would I want one of those ?"

However, I don't think that she realises the coming tasks that she has - because with my poor mobility, (my legs don't work) on top of shoulders being out of action for up to 12 weeks - she is really going to struggle with normal household tasks as well as the extra care that I will need.

So - exactly what are the benefits of her having a Carers assessment ?

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/support-and-benefits-for-carers/carer-assessments/

Does mention help around the house/garden/shopping etc

Also "someone to take over caring so that you can take a break"

Is this help means tested or not ?

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Comments

poppy123456

The assessment is free but if they decide help can be given then a financial assessment would then be needed. It does advise that in the link you posted.

Wibbles

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/896852#Comment_896852

OK Thanks - so what are the advantages of her having a carers assessment ?

Jimm_Alumni

I'd imagine the advantages are that she could get help with the care tasks, meaning the possibility of being overwhelmed is reduced. If she ends up overwhelmed with caring tasks and everyday household tasks then both of you will possibly suffer with stress over a less-looked after home, or yourself not being looked after as much as you would like.

I can't see any disadvantages really, either the care assessment decides you should be entitled to some care help, or it says you should be okay and nothing changes from your current situation.

Wibbles

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/897059#Comment_897059

One big disadvantage - we would have to pay for any help - at God knows what rate (even if they managed to find someone to do the work) - because we do have "savings".

Probably at at least 20 times CA rate

Jimm_Alumni

Well yes, sorry, if you had to pay for any help because you don't meet the financial criteria that would be a disadvantage. If you have the assessment and have to pay for it yourself though can you not just say no? They surely cannot force you to expense that money. It's admittedly not an area I have a lot of knowledge in but I feel like it's a bit common sense to not force people to pay for something. Then again, common sense can be fairly missing when it comes to the benefits system in the UK…

Wibbles

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/897069#Comment_897069

"People with more than £23,250 in savings will not be eligible for help towards their care and support costs."

And they will be paid at a rate that CA claimants can only dream about - probably £30 per hour + just to mow a lawn, dust etc

Jimm_Alumni

Thank you @Wibbles, is there no way to have the assessment done and for you to then sort out the care yourself? If you get the care assessment done, do you have to pay them for the care?

As said, this is an area I actually don't know much, so any insight is welcome.

Wibbles

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/897129#Comment_897129

I can just have an assessment and not pay for anything but it seems to be totally pointless giving the council any more personal information than is absolutely necessary.

Jimm_Alumni

well I understand if that is your concern, I was just thinking you could get the assessment done to see what it is you need, and then sort out the care yourself. If you'd rather the council didn't know that information though I understand!

Wibbles

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/897150#Comment_897150

I have experience of DWP trying to find out Info on me that they were not entitled to know in the past (when I managed to claim my missing NI credits and they tried to find out about my savings,which were absolutely nothing to do with the claim) and councils are exactly the same....