They should be carried out in a convenient place, such as your home or the home of the person you are caring for.

Normally one person will carry out the assessment. But a meeting may be needed with your GP or nurse as well if a lot of care is needed. You can ask to talk confidentially to the person carrying out the assessment without the person you are caring for being present.

The assessment will look at things including:

• what kind of help and support the person you are caring for needs;
• what kinds of things you do in caring for them;
• how much time you spend caring and who else cares for the person as well;
• whether you live with the person you care for or not;
• your views, preferences and the amount of support you already have; and 
• your health and well-being.

Remember to tell the person carrying out the assessment if you are in full-time employment or wanting to return to work, and whether you have children.

If either you or the person you care for has difficulty communicating, you should let social services know and they will provide help.