From April 2016 Wales’ 370,000 carers will have new rights.
Under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, which comes into force from April 2016, carers of any age who provide 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.
For more information go to http://wales.gov.uk/newsroom/healthandsocialcare/2014/140609carers-rights/?lang=en