Many frail older people rely on care provided by relatives or friends. This report looks at the nature and extent of help that is currently available to carers and makes suggestions about how it can be strengthened.
Over the last 20 years, successive governments have increasingly recognised the importance of carers, introducing legislation and guidance to support them. The UK is the only country covered by our literature review to give this kind of official recognition to carers.
In March 2001, the Government made its policies in relation to carers of older people more explicit in the National Service Framework for Older People. This set out more detailed requirements for informing, assessing and supporting people who care for older people.
This study has looked at the extent to which these 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.
Included in this report:
- Progress with identification of carers
- Progress with information available to carers
- Progress with support and services available to cares
- Progress with assessment of carers
- Progress with management arrangements
- The way forward