Carers ‘are not yet benefiting from government support measures’

The government has been called upon to accelerate its efforts to support UK carers following a new report indicating that the measures implemented so far have not made an impact.

Published by Carers UK, the State of Caring 2016 report shows that one year on from the implementation of the Care Act 2014, many carers in England are still struggling to get the support they need.

Indeed, 54 percent believe their quality of life will get worse over 2016, up from 50 percent last year. Of those who have had an assessment for support in the past year, 29 percent had to wait six months or longer for it, despite efforts to ensure help is offered in a timely manner.

Moreover, 39 percent of those looking after someone at the end of their life had to wait six months or more for an assessment, while 22 percent had to request an assessment instead of having one offered to them, as is legally required.

Further data from the report shows that as a result of this lack of support, many carers have little time to concentrate on their own work and health, often leading them to struggle financially.

Helena Herklots, chief executive of Carers UK, said: "The government must set out a clear expectation of when carers' assessments should be carried out, alongside investment in the care and support services that are desperately needed to backup families."