Your needs matter too
A Carer's Assessment is a chance to talk about how caring affects your life and what could make things easier for you.
It's about you – your health, wellbeing, work, relationships, finances and the things that matter in your life outside caring.
It's not a test.
A Carer's Assessment isn't about judging how well you're caring for someone.
It's an opportunity to be honest about what's difficult, what caring means for you and what support could help.
It's about you
The conversation focuses on your needs and how caring affects your life.
You can be honest
You don't have to pretend everything is fine or wait until you're at breaking point.
It can help you plan
The assessment can help identify what support or changes could make caring more manageable.
A conversation about your caring role
When you're focused on someone else's needs, it can be easy for your own to get pushed aside.
A Carer's Assessment gives you the opportunity to talk about your caring responsibilities, how they affect you and what would help you continue caring while looking after your own wellbeing.
You can talk openly about the parts of caring that you find difficult as well as what is working well.
You don't have to wait until you're struggling.
Asking for an assessment doesn't mean you've failed or can't cope. Getting support earlier can help prevent things becoming more difficult later.
Carer's support depends on your age
Liverpool has different assessment and support routes for young carers, young adult carers and adult carers.
Under 18
You may be a Young Carer. Barnardo's Action with Young Carers Liverpool supports children and young people under 18 with caring responsibilities.
Age 18–25
You may be a Young Adult Carer. Barnardo's Liverpool Young Adult Carers service provides a Carer's Assessment, support plan and review.
Age 26+
If you care for someone who is a Liverpool resident, start your adult Carer's Assessment through Liverpool City Council.
Not sure which route applies to you?
Talk to Liverpool Carers Centre. We can explain the different routes, help you understand what the assessment involves and help you prepare. Call 0151 705 2307, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or email carerscentre@localsolutions.org.uk.
What will we talk about?
Every caring situation is different. Your assessment is a chance to talk about the things that matter to you.
Your health & wellbeing
How caring affects you physically and emotionally.
Your caring responsibilities
What you do, how often you provide care and what feels difficult.
Work & education
Whether caring affects your job, working hours, studies or future plans.
Money
Any financial pressures or ways caring has affected your income.
Family & relationships
How caring fits alongside family life, friendships and other responsibilities.
Time for yourself
Whether you have opportunities to rest, socialise and do things you enjoy.
Emergencies
What would happen if you were suddenly unable to provide care.
The future
How you feel about continuing to care and what you would like your life to look like.
After your assessment
What happens afterwards will depend on your individual circumstances and what comes out of your conversation.
The aim is to understand what could help you and make sure you're connected with the right information or support.
Ready to start, or would you like some help first?
A Carer's Assessment is completed through Liverpool City Council. Liverpool Carers Centre can explain the process, help you prepare and talk things through if you are unsure what to do.
Ready to complete your assessment?
Complete your adult Carer's Assessment through Liverpool City Council.
Would you like help first?
We can explain the process and help you prepare.
Need wider support with your caring role?
Refer yourself to Liverpool Carers Centre for information, advice and support.
212H Boaler Street, Liverpool, L6 6AE
Need urgent help?
Immediate danger or life-threatening emergency: call 999.
Urgent medical help that is not a 999 emergency: NHS 111.
Need someone to talk to: Samaritans 116 123, free 24 hours a day.
Under 19 and need support: Childline 0800 1111, free 24 hours a day.
Liverpool Carers Centre is not an emergency service. Our team is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Carer's Assessment FAQs
Is a Carer's Assessment a test?
No. It isn't a test of your ability to care. It's a conversation about your needs, how caring affects your life and what could help.
Do I need to receive Carer's Allowance?
No. Receiving Carer's Allowance is not what makes someone a carer, and you don't need to receive it before asking about a Carer's Assessment.
Can I have an assessment if I work?
Caring can affect people who work, study or have other responsibilities. Your work and how caring affects it can be part of the conversation.
What if my caring situation changes?
Caring situations can change over time. If your responsibilities or circumstances change, contact Liverpool Carers Centre to discuss what support you may need.
Can someone help me prepare?
Yes. If you're worried about the assessment or aren't sure what to expect, contact Liverpool Carers Centre before your appointment and talk to the team.
