Unpaid carers action plan

The cornerstone of the plan is rightly the commitment to making sure that people providing care are recognised as unpaid carers.

This is vital, as many people do not see themselves as ‘a carer’, but rather as a husband, a wife, a partner, a daughter, a son. However, without this recognition, it’s hard to access any support.

It’s great that existing systems and technologies will be used to improve identification of people who are taking on caring responsibilities.

The plan also contains a commitment to ensuring that unpaid carers:

• can access financial support and benefits
• receive clear and accessible information
• are fully involved in the important processes for the people they care for

At the moment, it’s very complicated to navigate through all that you are entitled to as an unpaid carer. It’s extremely welcome that there are cross-departmental plans underway to simplify how and where people can find what they need to know.

One of the findings of our recent survey of dementia carers was that 80% told us that a single point of contact would have made a difference to them.

The government has also committed to supporting carers “with their health and wellbeing, while helping them learn, work and lead fulfilling lives”.  The plan sets out ways in which the government will:

• remove barriers to opportunity
• improve workplace support
• ensure access to timely health and care services for all carers

We know from our research that dementia carers give up work to care and that far too many people caring are unable to access healthcare for themselves when they need it – not least as most have no alternative care plans in place.

This ambitious plan sets out a number of milestones and initiatives. We’ll be tracking progress towards these and continuing to ensure that dementia carers’ voices are heard.