Carer's assessments and support

Help is available from us, your GP and Carers in Hertfordshire. There are also local services and technology that could help - we can point you in the right direction.

Help from Carers in Hertfordshire Get a carer's assessment Supporting someone with a mental health condition Create a carer's 'in case of emergency' plan Tell your GP you're a carer Other help with day to day caring

Help from Carers in Hertfordshire

Carers in Hertfordshire offers support and services free to Carers who live work or care for someone in Hertfordshire. Register with them to access a range of support in your caring role.

Get a carer's assessment

If you're a carer, you're entitled to a free assessment, on your own or with the person you care for.

This is an opportunity to discuss how caring for someone affects your life, what's important to you and how we can help. This might include taking a break from caring, advice on local services, planning for the future or technology that could help.

Ask us for a free carer's assessment

Professionals - request a carers assessment for someone

Our carer's assessment factsheets explain:

how to get ready for an assessment
what to do while you're waiting for an assessment
what happens after your assessment.

Watch a video about carer's assessments

Supporting someone with a mental health condition

If you need help supporting someone who has mental ill health, Herts Partnership Foundation Trust can carry out a carer's assessment with you.

Call 0800 6444 101 to request a carer's assessment, or speak to your allocated worker if you have one.

Create a carer's 'in case of emergency' plan

You can complete a simple form that tells us what support the adult you care for needs. If you suddenly fall ill or are unavailable, we'll have all the information needed to quickly step in and arrange care.

Create a carer's "in case of emergency" plan

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If you need help completing the form, watch our video guide or contact us.

You can print a copy of your completed form, for your own records. Here's an example (PDF 75kb).

For more about the plan read our Carer’s In Case of Emergency leaflet (PDF 668KB).

Watch a video about making an 'in case of emergency' plan

What happens next?

After you complete the form

We'll send you a letter within 7 working days confirming that your plan is in place and include a copy of your plan.
We'll also send you an "I am a carer" card and key fob with the reference number for your plan. Keep it in your purse, wallet, phone or keyring.
We’ll also send a letter which you can take to your GP surgery to notify them that you have a plan in place.
If things change update the plan by calling 0300 123 4042.

If you need to update your plan

Call us on 0300 123 4042 or just start a new one.

If there's an emergency

Hospital and emergency staff can use the details on your "I am a carer" card to contact us and arrange support for the person you care for. We'll use your emergency contacts or arrange care ourselves.
If you are unavailable for a long time, we'll carry out a review to see if the person you care for needs further support.

Tell your GP you're a carer

It is important that you let your GP know you are a carer. Your GP may offer you flexible appointments, health checks and flu jabs.

Other help with day to day caring

These are a few things that could help you in your day to day life as a carer.

Equipment, technology and transport

Equipment to help the person you support, such as special chairs or walking sticks.
Changes to the home such as home adaptations and repairs.
Technology to help at home - find out more about assistive technology and care technology.
Health and wellbeing apps for your phone or tablet can help you manage your caring role and look after yourself for free.
Blue badge and transport options to help you and the person you care for to get around.

Services in the community

There are services which can make day to day caring easier. Getting some help at home or staying on top of paperwork can make all the difference.

Find them online on our Hertfordshire Directory
HertsHelp can find them for you.

Get help for the person you support

You can’t always do it all by yourself, sometimes you might need help. We can speak to the person you care for to see how we can support them to stay independent, active and safe. Ask us for social care help.

Caring from a distance

Caring from a distance - top tips
If you live away from the person you care for, there are things you can do to make it easier.