Lack of support for carers

The lot of carers could be drastically improved by an increase in the amount of information and support available when they first take on the role, according to recent research by annual awareness campaign Carers Week.

The survey of over 2,100 carers found that 81% were not aware of the support available, largely because they took so long to identify themselves as carers. Thirty-five percent of carers received the wrong advice about support for the same reason.

According to Carers Week, identifying themselves as carers took more than five years for 38% of those been caring for someone for over 15 years, 18% of those who had been caring for between ten to 15 years and 12% of those who had been carers for between five and ten years.

This delay had a number of impacts, including:

• Lack of involvement in making decisions about the care provided;
• Wrong advice about the support available;
• Being unable to use flexible working arrangements;
• Difficulty in claiming benefits; and
• Inability to access respite care.

“The figures clearly show that many carers aren’t being offered support and if they are, it can often be wrong or not the full information,” said Helen Clarke, Carers Week Manager. “The consequences for carers are huge, so it’s vital that GPs, health and social care professionals and the government all play a role to ensure that carers are offered the support they deserve from day one.”

In its report, ‘Prepared to Care?’, Carers Week highlights a number of issues that would help carers cope with their situation.

Top of the list are better public understanding and recognition of carers, access to information and support from the very beginning and making sure that professionals – including GP’s, health workers, community workers and legal advisors – understand the role of carers and share information, decision making and planning with them.

Raeside Chisholm’s solicitors have wide experience of providing advice and support to carers, the elderly and the young and elderly disabled.

Raeside Chisholm are here to assist and advise you as appropriate, to ensure your voice is heard.

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