Carers reveal lack of social care support
Published on 06 June 2013 11:00 AM
Carers are calling for more support from social services to help them and the people they look after, according to new research.
A poll of 58,000 carers in England carried out by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) discovered that although most are happy with social services, one in 12 (8.5%) of them are 'dissatisfied' to varying extents with the help and encouragement they are receiving.
Going without sleep
Around 40% of carers are being given some help but not enough for their liking, 16% claim they have received no help at all and 14% say they are not eating well or going without sleep while doing their job.
The Health and Social Care Information Centre is a data, information and technology resource for the health and care system and plays a role in driving better care, better services and better outcomes for patients.
HSCIC chief executive Alan Perkins warns that all too often the needs of carers are not met even though they perform an increasingly vital role in society.
He said the poll underlines the need to support carers and pinpoints where provision can be improved. The HSCIC provides data, information and technology services to improve health and social care outcomes.
Care Bill recognition
Carers' rights will soon to be legally recognised in the Care Bill, according to a Department of Health spokeswoman. She said this would mean the growing numbers of carers would be afforded the same rights as the people they are responsible for.
Assessments will look at the impact of caring duties on the carer to allow them to live as independently as possible, while councils will face the added responsibility of making sure their needs are met, the spokeswoman revealed.
She also said that the Bill will make information and advice more accessible for carers as many do not know about the kind of help and support that is out there for them.
'Carers are hugely important and their numbers are growing. This is why under the Care Bill, the rights of carers will be recognised in law for the very first time,' she said.
Copyright Press Association 2013