Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What are Direct Payments?
A:
Once you have had an assessment of your care needs by care management your care manager will discuss with you the options of how your care needs can be met. For example they can arrange services to help you with domestic tasks. You could also have the money paid directly to you to recruit your own staff. This money paid to you is called a direct payment. You are not obliged to have direct payments if you do not want to.
Carers Assessment
Q:
Who will do my Carers Assessment?
A:
A Care Manager or Care Co-ordinator should complete your Carer's Assessment. They should do this on a face-to-face basis and not leave the forms with you. To ask for a carer assessment telephone the Adult Care Team (Social Care) on 0845 124 4500.
Q:
How long will the Assessment take?
A:
It is important that you are given time to talk through the issues relating to your caring role. Your Carers Assessment should take a minimum of 30 minutes and longer if needed. Your assessment will be done within 28 days of request (this will be much shorter in times of crisis).
Q:
Will the person I care for need to be present at the Assessment?
A:
There are occasions when this is not feasible or beneficial and you should be given a choice. However, this is something that can happen and be beneficial if that is what you both want.
Q:
Can I have a Carers Assessment even if the person I care for refuses to be assessed themselves or refuses any services.
A:
Yes
Q:
What sort of things should be discussed?
A:
There will be a focus on your needs as a carer. Some of these needs could be around practical help, services and support, equipment, carers breaks, employment, education, leisure and social time etc.
Q:
Is there a financial part to a Carers Assessment?
A:
There is a part of the Assessment which will look at your entitlement to welfare benefits as well as looking at your income and savings and those of the person you care for. The person you care for may be asked to contribute something towards the cost of the service or support they may receive as a result of your assessment (such as respite care) depending on their income or savings. However if services are supplied to yourself, as a carer, you will not have to pay for these services. If you are self-funding, you are still entitled to a Carer Assessment.
Q:
What criteria will be used to decide if I am entitled to any help?
A:
The Fair Access to Care Services criteria will be applied. If you would like a copy of this please telephone 01604 237680, e-mail Quality@northamptonshire.gov.uk.
Q:
What happens if I'm not eligible for service from the County Council?
A:
Under The Carers and Disabled Children's Act 2000 you are entitled to information that is available from other sources, such as the voluntary sector or other carer organisations. Your care manager or care co-ordinator should supply you with these details.
Q:
Can I have a copy of my Assessment?
A:
Yes, everyone should be given a copy of their assessment.
