Ninety-six per cent of carers lack support from social services in
emergencies, according to a survey published this week.
The research by national charity Carers UK finds that many carers
are faced with delays and "red tape" when accessing support in a
crisis.
Problems include shortages in available social workers and
emergency services, as well as low provision for carers who do not
meet eligibility criteria.
The survey examines 1,207 cases where carers do not receive
"adequate" support or replacement care.
Article continues below the advertisement
Carers also report frustrations that social services close case
files too early "if they do not anticipate any further changes",
leaving the carer needing another separate assessment if there is a
further emergency.
The report says: "Carers are not treated as partners in care with
services available to support them through the ups and downs of
life. The social care system is working at full capacity, which
means services are struggling to respond to emergency situations,
leaving carers to deal with the fallout."
Article continues below the advertisement
Andrew Cozens, former president of the Association of Directors of
Social Services, admitted that social services should work more
closely with local carers' groups to improve emergency provision.
He hoped the adult green paper on social care would look at
simplifying access to emergency services without the need for
complex assessments.
Forty-seven MPs have signed an early day motion calling for the
government to urgently look into increasing support for Britain's
six million carers.
