Review of the Implementation of the Northern Ireland Single ...

There were strong views about duplication of information and staff felt that the
tool had too many questions making it impossible to complete in one session.
Staff stated that the assessment should be completed with the professional
who knew the carer best but that this was not always happening hence the
increase in referral to social work teams for carer assessments.
4.1.3 Engagement with Carers
Staff stated that they were concerned that through engaging in assessment,
carers‟ expectations of what may be provided by the trust may be raised.
Staff are aware that due to current pressures they could not always deliver on
services requested. However they agreed that this should not be used as a
reason to avoid carrying out a comprehensive assessment of the needs of
carers.
4.1.4 Challenges
For the professional member of trust staff who know the carer best to
complete the carer‟s assessment.
4.1.5 Recommendations
11. Trusts should ensure that the process for completion of an
assessment should not put the onus on the carer to contact staff.
12. Trusts should ensure that carers who refuse an assessment
have a review date to assess if circumstances have changed and to
remind carers of their rights to request an assessment at any time.
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