New rights for Wales’ 370,000 carers in April 2016, Gwenda Thomas announces
9 Jun 2014 03:54 PM
Carers in Wales will
have equal legal rights to those they look after when a landmark Welsh law
comes into force in April 2016, the Deputy Minister for Social Services, Gwenda
Thomas said to mark the beginning of Carers
Week
There are estimated to be more
than 370,000 carers in Wales, 90,000 of whom look after family and friends for
at least 50 hours a week. Between 70% and 95% of the care provided to people in
communities across Wales is given freely by family and
friends.
The Deputy Minister made the
announcement during a visit to Neath Port Talbot Carers Service to celebrate
their 5th Anniversary. Neath Port Talbot has the highest number of carers
anywhere in Wales - 20,365 (2011 Census).
The Social Services and
Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, which gained Royal Assent in May, will transform
the way in which social services are delivered through a focus on achieving
results that are necessary to promote the welfare of the person - as an
individual, as a family and as part of a community.
Under the Act, carers –
who is someone, of any age, who provides unpaid care and support to a relative,
friend or neighbour who needs care and support – will no longer need to
be providing ‘a substantial amount of care on a regular basis’ to
be able to have an assessment. The local authority will have a duty under
the Act to undertake a carer’s assessment where it appears they have
needs for support.
The Act
provides:
- A wider definition of carers
than that which exists in current legislation to include those who provide, or
intend to provide, care.
- Consultation with, and the
involvement of, carers will be required as an integral part of the assessment
process for the person cared for subject to the views of the
individual.
- That the person conducting the
assessment must have regard to the individual carer’s views, wishes and
feelings. This assessment must take into account the ability and willingness of
the carer to continue caring as well as their employment, education, training
or leisure needs (for adults) and development needs (for
children).
- A duty on local authorities to
meet the needs of carers who themselves have eligible needs. Where the carer
has eligible needs they will be entitled to have a statutory support plan which
the local authority must regularly review.
- A new duty on local authorities
and Health Boards to secure the provision of an Information, Advice and
Assistance service, to provide people with information and advice relating to
care and support, and with assistance in accessing it.
The Welsh Government’s
Carers Strategy for Wales, which was refreshed in 2013, sets out a coherent
framework so that agencies across Wales can continue to work together to
deliver services and support to carers.
Gwenda Thomas
said:
“My commitment to carers
and their needs is unwavering. They provide an invaluable service to those that
they care for. Without their commitment, our health and social care services
would collapse.
“I’m delighted to be
able to announce during carers’ week that these measures will come into
force in 2016. The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act addresses real
life issues which matter to carers. It ensures that carers receive the help
they need, in the ways they need it.”
“I am committed to
ensuring I do everything I can to support carers across Wales and thank them
for the invaluable work they do day in, day out.”