Carer’s Assessments: What You Told Us and Why They Matter
Your Voices, Your Stories
Recently in the Carents Lounge, we asked our community if they’d ever had a carer’s assessment. These free assessments, offered by local councils, are designed to help unpaid carers get the support they need.
The results of our flash poll confirmed what national research has been suggesting for years: far too many carents either don’t know about these assessments, don’t access them, or don’t find them useful.
Flash Poll Results
Over two-thirds of respondents have either never had an assessment or weren’t even aware they existed.
What Is a Carer’s Assessment?
A carer’s assessment is your legal right as an unpaid carer. It’s a conversation with your local council that looks at how your caring role affects your wellbeing, and what support you might need. This could include help with practical tasks, access to respite care, or simply having someone to talk to.
We’ve created a dedicated guide to explain what’s involved, who’s eligible and how to apply:
👉 Carer’s Assessments and Support from Your Local Council
What You Told Us
“Although they were kind and took down everything I said, there wasn’t anything else they could do. It felt like it was written down and filed away.”
“Told they only do them if there’s an immediate need. That’s not how it should work.”
“Helped me get fire safety support and onto a priority services register, but that was about it.”
“I didn’t know anything about it. How do you apply?”
“I support my mum from a distance and didn’t think I’d be eligible. Willing to be enlightened if I’m wrong.”
These responses paint a mixed picture. While a few found value in the process, most felt let down, overlooked or misinformed.
Common Reasons for Not Applying
From the comments and poll data, here are the key barriers:
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Lack of awareness: “I didn’t know it existed.”
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Misconceptions: “I don’t think I’m eligible.”
Bureaucracy fatigue: “They said it wouldn’t lead to anything.” -
Distance caregiving: “I help from afar so I thought I wouldn’t qualify.”
But here’s the truth: you may still qualify even if you don’t live with your relative or provide daily hands-on care. Every situation is different, and the law says carers have the right to be assessed for support.
Let’s Change the Story
At Carents, we believe in empowering carers with knowledge, not judgment. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone in our community to learn about carer’s assessments, share experiences and help others feel less alone in the process.
To explore more about assessments, visit our full guide here:
