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Support for carers of older people: independence and well-being 5
- Author:
- AUDIT COMMISSION
- Publisher:
- Audit Commission
- Publication year:
- 2004
- Pagination:
- 71p.
- Place of publication:
- London
This study looked at the extent to which carers’ expectations are being realised. It has involved consultations with a range of national organisations, including Carers UK and the King’s Fund, about issues currently facing carers and current policy developments. It went on to look at the support and services for carers of older people in six different areas of England, covered by county councils, unitary authorities and inner and outer London boroughs. Carers could expect primary care staff to identify them as carers and make suitable reference in their notes (and that of the person they care for), saying that they are a ‘carer’. They should also expect councils to identify them as carers when a referral has been made to them, from whatever source. They should be able to expect clear, concise, relevant information about their rights and the benefits and support they can get, without asking for it, or at the very least, to be able to find it without looking too hard – from both local and national sources. With the introduction of the Carers Grant, they would be provided with breaks. Carers who are working or who want to return to work should expect to receive some help. Carers should expect that any assessments of the person they care for would be done in consultation with them as the carer. They should then be offered an assessment of their needs on top of this. As a result, they could expect to ‘become real partners in the provision of care to the person they are looking after…’ as the national strategy clearly sets out. As partners, carers should be able to expect that they are not only included in consultations with social services whenever any contact is made with the person they care for, but in consultations at the hospital discharge process and at the GP practice – provided the person they care for has given permission.