Although caring for a loved one can be very rewarding, it can also become exhausting and stressful. It is so important to look after your own mental and physical health. Our Age Space guide to caring for the carer gives more information on looking after yourself.
Support groups are a great way of meeting others in similar situations to you, who understand your situation. Across Berkshire there is a wealth of carer support groups; so, there is sure to be one to suit your needs.
Having time off from your caring duties is also important. This gives you time to take a break and relax, focusing on something else for a while. Take a look at our guides to respite care in Berkshire and day care centres in Berkshire.
This guide will outline the carers assessment process and support groups available. Contact details are provided so that you can get in touch for local support today.
How to Book a Carer's Assessment in Berkshire
A carer’s assessment is the council’s way of establishing how they can support you in your caring role. The assessment will ask you questions around the following areas:
- The care you currently provide and the tasks you carry out (washing, dressing, medication and so on).
- The impact that caring has on your life (relationships, health and time to yourself).
- How you feel about your caring role.
- What would help you in your caring role.
To arrange a carer’s assessment, please get in touch with the appropriate council using the contact details provided below.
Bracknell Forest Borough Council
- Telephone: 01344 351500
- Email: [email protected]
Reading Borough Council
In Reading, carers assessments usually take place at the same time that the person you care for has a care needs assessment. This is arranged through the council’s Care and Assessment Form.
However, if you prefer to have an individual assessment to assess your caring role, you can contact TuVida‘s Berkshire Carers Hub through the details below:
- Telephone: 0118 324 7333
- Email: [email protected]
Slough Borough Council
In Slough, there are three bodies that can carry out carers assessments. These bodies work together to provide multifaceted advice on supporting the carer within the community.
Slough Carers Support
- Telephone: 01753 303428
- Email: [email protected]
Slough Borough Council Adult Social Care
- Telephone: 01753 475111
- Online Enquiry Form
Berkshire Healthcare Community Mental Health Team
- Telephone: 01753 690950
West Berkshire District Council
- Telephone: 0118 959 4242
- Email: [email protected]
Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough Council
Carers assessments in Windsor and Maidenhead council are provided in partnership with Optalis.
- Telephone: 01628 683 744
- Email: [email protected]
- Online Enquiry Form
Wokingham District Council
Complete the carer’s self-assessment (download) and send back to the postal address or email address provided.
- Telephone: 0300 365 1234
- Email: [email protected]
Find Carer Support Groups in Berkshire:
Crossroads Slough
Crossroads in Slough provides a range of services to support carers including clubs, respite care and emergency care planning. The charity pulls together a strong community of carers of all different kinds.
The charity ask that you fill in this referral form if you feel their services can help. For a free and informal chat to better understand the service, use the contact details below:
- Telephone: 01753 525796
- Enquiry Form
- Visit Website
Reading and West Berkshire Carers Hub
Run by the TuVida, the Reading and West Berkshire Carers Hub provides free support and services to carers in the region. The overarching aim is to help make caring for a loved one easier.
The Hub provides support through personalised information, signposting to other organisations and carers support groups and breaks. Free health and well-being memberships are also on offer. Support groups that the hub run are listed below. To get in touch, please find contact details below.
- Telephone: 0118 324 7333
- Email: [email protected]
Cippenham Carers Group
A social group for carers, offering the chance to socialise. Refreshments are provided and there is the opportunity to take part in seated exercises.
- Where? Cippenham Baptist Church, Elmshott Lane, Slough, SL1 5QS
- When? Third Wednesday of the month, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
