Quick answer: If you look after someone with arthritis, you can ask your local council (or Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland) for a free carer's assessment. It looks at how caring affects your health, work and daily life, and what support could help — regardless of your income or how many hours you care. The person you care for can also have a needs assessment.
Many people who help a partner, parent or friend with arthritis do not call themselves carers. If you regularly help with washing, dressing, cooking, getting about, medicines or emotional support because of their health, you are a carer — and you have a right to an assessment of your own needs.
What a carer's assessment is
A carer's assessment is a conversation (and usually a form) with adult social care about:
- What care you provide and how often
- How caring affects your health, sleep, work, study, relationships and free time
- Whether you are willing and able to continue caring at the current level
- What would make caring safer and more sustainable — for example equipment, training, breaks, or help at home for the person you care for
It is separate from the needs assessment of the person you care for. You can ask for a carer's assessment even if they refuse support for themselves.
Who can ask, and how
- England and Wales: contact your local council's adult social care team (search "carer's assessment" + your council name). There is usually an online form or a duty phone line.
- Scotland: contact your local council social work department; carers have rights under the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016, including an adult carer support plan.
- Northern Ireland: contact your local Health and Social Care Trust.
You do not need to live with the person you care for, and there is no minimum hours rule for the assessment itself (unlike Carer's Allowance).
What support might follow
After the assessment, the council may offer or arrange:
- Information and advice, including benefits checks
- Equipment, adaptations or an occupational therapy referral for the home
- Respite or replacement care so you can rest, work or attend appointments
- A direct payment so you can arrange support yourself
- Signposting to local carers' centres, peer groups and training
Support depends on local eligibility rules and budgets. Even if funded services are limited, the assessment is still useful: it puts your needs on record and can unlock advice, equipment pathways and contingency planning.
Arthritis-specific points to mention
When you describe a typical week, include flare days as well as "good" days. Arthritis is often unpredictable — note:
- Help with transfers, stairs, washing and dressing when joints are stiff or painful
- Extra time for appointments, pharmacy trips and pacing after flares
- Night disturbance, fatigue and the risk of you becoming unwell yourself
- Work impact: late starts, unpaid leave, or reduced hours because of caring
If frailty or falls risk is part of the picture, say so — that often strengthens the case for equipment and reablement. Pair this with our guides to Carer's Allowance and joint protection for everyday tasks.
Money and work rights that sit alongside the assessment
- Carer's Allowance (or Carer Support Payment in Scotland) may apply if you care for 35+ hours a week and the person gets a qualifying disability benefit such as PIP daily living. Rules and earnings limits change — check GOV.UK or mygov.scot.
- Flexible working and unpaid carer's leave may help you stay in work while caring.
- The person with arthritis may also explore PIP and other disability benefits and Access to Work if they are employed.
Practical tips before the assessment
- Keep a one-week diary of care tasks and how tired or stressed you feel afterwards
- Write down what would help most (a break each week, grab rails, night support)
- Ask a friend to sit in if that makes talking easier
- Request a written copy of the assessment and any support plan
- If you disagree with the outcome, ask about review or complaints routes — Citizens Advice can help
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to accept everything offered?
No. You can accept some support and decline other parts. Say clearly what you can sustainably continue to do.
Can I have an assessment if I work full-time?
Yes. Working carers often need the most practical help with evenings, weekends and contingency cover.
Is this the same as Carer's Allowance?
No. The assessment is about practical and social care support. Carer's Allowance is a separate DWP (or Social Security Scotland) benefit with its own rules.
Sources and further reading
- NHS: Carer's assessments
- GOV.UK: Carer's Allowance
- NHS: Social care and support
- NICE NG226: Osteoarthritis in over 16s
Educational information for people in the United Kingdom — not personal legal, benefits or medical advice. Charity no. 1218461. Reviewed by Louis Maxwell, HCPC PH128483. Everyone's situation is different, so always follow the advice of your own GP, pharmacist or rheumatology team. If you feel very unwell, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent advice, contact NHS 111.
Continue with related help
- Carer's Allowance — money help if you care 35+ hours a week
- Benefits & PIP hub — daily living and mobility support for the person you care for
- Disability benefits FAQ — PIP, ADP and related UK support
- PIP for arthritis (UK guide) — functional evidence tips
- Sick pay and fit notes — if arthritis keeps you or them off work
- Access to Work — workplace support for the person with arthritis
- Newly diagnosed — first weeks after a diagnosis
- Arthritis pain relief — pacing and self-management