Carers need more support from social services

Ninety-six per cent of carers lack support from social services
in emergencies, according to a survey published today,
writes Maria Ahmed.

 

The research by national charity Carers UK finds that many
carers are faced with delays and “red tape” when
accessing support in crisis situations.

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.

Carers also report frustrations that social services close case
files too early “if they did not anticipate any further
changes”, leaving the carer requiring another separate
assessment in the event of a subsequent emergency.

The report says: “At the root of the problem is that
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.”

Responding to the survey, Association of Directors of Social
Services former president Andrew Cozens admitted social services
should work more closely with local carers’ groups to ensure
better emergency provision.

He added that he hoped the adult green paper on social care
would look at simplifying access to emergency services without the
need for complex assessments.

47 MPs have signed an Early Day Motion tabled this month calling
for the government to look into increasing support for
Britain’s six million carers as a matter of urgency.

Report from http://www.carersuk.org/Home

 

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