Over 80% of family and friends caring for people with dementia are reaching crisis points and not getting the support they need. According to research conducted by the national charity Dementia Carers Count (DCC), one in five family dementia carers are reaching crisis point on a regular basis. These family carers share that they feel “alone”, “trapped” in a life they have not chosen and “broken”.
Family carers are entitled to a Carer’s Assessment from their local authority. This should be a clear route to support as it should identify a carer’s individual needs and enable them to access a range of services, including respite care and befriending opportunities as well as possible financial assistance. However, many carers do not know to ask for a Carer’s Assessment and it is not always offered.
DCC’s research indicates that nearly 60% of family dementia carers have not had a Carer’s Assessment. Furthermore, 70% of family dementia carers who have completed a Carer’s Assessment say that they have not subsequently received the support they need. Some family carers shared that there was no follow up after the assessment. More than half of those who received a Carer’s Assessment felt that it did not highlight useful options.
Dementia Carers Count Acting CEO Melanie Blanksby said: “Carer’s Assessments should be a straightforward means of connecting carers with support that is right for them. It’s extremely disheartening to learn that these assessments are either not taking place or else are failing to connect family carers with services and information which could make a huge difference to their daily lives. The system isn’t working if one in five family carers are regularly experiencing crisis.
“Family carers must be helped to access what they need to enable them to cope with their caring responsibilities and to look after themselves. There must be better coordination between health and social care services so that Carer’s Assessments are offered to all family carers. The recommendations made at these assessments must then be followed up to make sure that families are receiving support that truly meets their needs.”
Dementia Carers Count offers a range of free services that give family carers the opportunity to understand more about dementia and to connect with others in a similar situation. We offer practical advice on the reality and challenges of being a carer.
A new telephone support service is available from Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 5pm on 0800 652 1102 as well as a text service which can be reached by texting CARE to 85258. Please click the banner below to read the Dementia Carers Count 2022 Survey.
