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There is no definition of 'regular and substantial care'. A carer's assessment means social services will look at your situation and see if you are entitled to any services that could make caring easier for you.

Preparing for a carer's assessment

The assessment is an opportunity for you to help the social worker understand the impact caring has on you, and talk about the services they may be able to provide to help you. So it may be a good idea to make a list, or keep a diary, of everything you do to help look after the person you care for.

Some things you may want to think about are:

You might also include how caring affects you because of your:

The assessment can be carried out at your home or at the home of the person you are caring for. The assessment is about you, and the person you care for does not need to be present.

If there is more than one carer providing regular care in your household, you are both entitled to an assessment.

Services that may be available

Services that may help you and the person you care for include:

Remember that this assessment is about your needs as a carer. The needs of the person you are caring for should be discussed in their own needs assessment.

If your situation changes, for example you need more support, you can ask for a re-assessment.

• Health and social care assessments (disabled people section)

Apply for a carer's assessment

The following link will let you enter details of where you live and then take you to your local council website where you can apply for a carer's assessment and/or find out more.

• Apply for a carer's assessment locally Opens new window

Your care plan

Social services will develop a 'care plan' based on your care assessment and the community care assessment of the person you care for. This plan should include the support and services to you have been assessed as needing.

Paying for services

Your right to an assessment, and to the services and support you may receive, is not linked to your income or capital (savings and property). However, after the assessment your local council will look at your income and capital to decide what care services you may be charged for.

If you are unhappy with your assessment

The social services department at your local council will have a complaints system in place. If you are not happy with how the assessment was carried out, or you do not think you are getting the support and services you need, you should contact them.

• Local councils