What You Need to Know

1. What is a Carer?

A carer is someone who gives regular, unpaid care and support to another person.
At Improving Lives Plymouth, we support carers aged 18 and over. If you’re an unpaid carer aged 18+, you can have a Carer’s Assessment to look at the support you need to continue caring.

You can still have an assessment even if:

• The person you care for doesn’t want their own needs assessment.
• They aren’t eligible for help from Plymouth City Council.

The person you care for must live in Plymouth (i.e. pay their council tax to Plymouth City Council)
IIf they live elsewhere, contact their local council.

2. Eligibility Criteria (Care Act 2014)

Under the Care Act 2014, carers may be eligible for statutory support if:

• Their caring role has a significant impact on their wellbeing.
• Caring responsibilities affect areas such as:
  • Physical or mental health.
  • Ability to work or study.
  • Maintaining relationships.
  • Managing day-to-day activities.

Important:
Not meeting the Care Act eligibility threshold does not mean you cannot get support. You can still receive:

• Information, advice and guidance.
• Help to understand your rights and explore options.
• Ongoing support through us, including tailored advice and signposting.

3. How Can It Help Me?

Support may include:

• Financial help such as a Carer’s Personal Budget.
  
• Access to other available grants.
• Links to local support groups for advice and social connection.

The assessment focuses on your wellbeing and how caring affects your life.

4. How Do I Arrange It?

If you have not accessed Improving Lives Plymouth previously, click here to register for a carers assessment. If you have already used our services previously please email: ilp@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk

6. What Will Be Considered?

The assessment looks at:

• Your caring role and feelings about caring.
• Physical, mental and emotional health.
• How caring affects work, leisure, education, family and relationships.

Your wellbeing is central. You’ll be able to explain how caring affects your life and what would make things better.

7. What Happens Afterwards?

If you’re eligible for support, we’ll agree a plan with you. This may include:

• Signposting to other local services
• Applying for grants to support your health and wellbeing.
• Financial help such as a Carer’s Personal Budget.
  

8. How to request support or an assessment 

To request support and or request an assessment please complete the online registration form, our aim is to contact you (the person requiring support) within the next two weeks.

9. Review of Your Caring Role

We’ll normally review your caring role about 12 months after your assessment. You don’t need to contact us – we’ll get in touch. Depending on demand, this may take up to 18 months.

If your caring role changes significantly before then, please let us know so we can decide if an earlier review is needed.