If you are a carer, you may be eligible for extra support from us to make caring more manageable.
Any carer who appears to need support can have an assessment, even if the person they care for does not receive external support.
If the person you are looking after agrees, you could have a joint assessment where both your needs are assessed at the same time.
How to get a carer's assessment
To get an assessment contact Carers First Merton, who provide services on behalf of the council.
Online: Register with us, or make a referral | Carers First
Telephone: 0300 303 1555
You can also contact our adult social care department if that is more convenient for you.
Email: ASCFirstResponse@merton.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 8545 4388
If you are a carer for someone with a learning disability Merton Mencap can help you with this.
Telephone: 020 3963 0599
Merton Mencap - Carers Support
If you are a carer for someone over 16 years old, who has a learning disability and/or has an autism diagnosis and is transitioning into adulthood, please contact the Transition Team.
Email: Transition.team@merton.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 8545 3033
What a carer's assessment involves
During the assessment you will be asked about:
- the type of care you provide
- how caring affects your everyday life
- your own health and wellbeing
- your feelings about caring
If your assessment decides you do not have eligible needs, you will still be offered information and advice to help you with your caring role.
Types of support
After your assessment, if you are eligible, you will be offered a range of support options which may include:
- information and advice, which can help you in your caring role
- services that give you a break from caring, such as respite
- a Carers Discretionary Payment – this is a one-off payment to support you in your caring role. This could be used for sitting services, a training course or a piece of equipment, for example
- benefits advice
- referral to other support services and groups, which may be able to provide additional support