Carers Trust responds to House of Lords' Adult Social Care Committee report
Today the House of Lords’ Adult Social Care Committee released its report 'A “gloriously ordinary life”: spotlight on adult social care'.
Responding to the report, Carers Trust’s CEO Kirsty McHugh said:
“Today’s report is yet another wake up call to government to reform and properly fund adult social care. It highlights all too starkly how the health and social care system would simply ‘collapse’ without the millions of unpaid family carers who care for sick and disabled relatives.
“We are pleased to see that the Committee, to which Carers Trust gave evidence, has recognised the huge impact their caring role can have on unpaid carers, including on household finances. Our own recent research showed nearly two-thirds have had to give up work or reduce their hours, while one in seven are now using a food bank. For that reason it is vital the Government reviews and reforms Carer’s Allowance and makes it easier for carers to stay in employment.
"In our oral evidence to the Committee we were invited to talk about the Triangle of Care quality improvement scheme which enhances the visibility of unpaid carers and recognises them as partners in care. Originally developed for mental health providers, the Triangle of Care describes a therapeutic relationship between the patient, staff member and carer that promotes safety, supports communication and sustains wellbeing. We welcome the Committee’s recommendation that the Government should require that more support from health and social care professionals is given to identify unpaid carers, signpost support, and ensure that they get it - and we stand ready to support this recommendation including through Triangle of Care.
"We were also pleased that the Committee has picked up our call for ring-fenced funding for breaks for carers and has recognised the vital role of local carer organisations."
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For further information, please contact:
Mark Chandler, mchandler@carers.org and 07712 427808
About Carers Trust
Carers Trust is the UK charity working to transform the lives of unpaid carers across the UK. It partners with its network of local carer organisations to provide funding and support, deliver innovative and evidence-based programmes and raise awareness and influence policy. In 2021/22 Carers Trust supported 917,000 unpaid carers across the UK.