However, most practises use various clinical information and assessment tools to assess a patient/registered carer’s health and wellbeing and the following 6 pages briefly describes some examples currently in use.
DoH have funded a pilot project in Northamptonshire, where a GP practice carer assessment and support worker service has been developed. Within this project, a team of carer assessors and support workers work with GP practices to identify and support carers.
Carers are entitled to an assessment of their own needs from Social Services if they are providing regular and substantial care (there is currently no clear definition of what 'regular and substantial care' means in this context). As a result of the assessment, the carer should receive a care plan. They should also receive a needs assessment if they are registered with a GP practice as a patient. Carers can discuss any help that would maintain their own health and wellbeing and balance caring with other aspects of their life.