News

NHS Western Isles is working with Comhairle nan Eileen Siar to prepare for the implementation of the Carers Act from April 2018.

Implementation Groups have been established by the Integrated Joint Board to co-ordinate the delivery of the key elements of the Act.

What does this mean?

The intention of the Act is to ensure that Scotland‘s estimated 745,000 adult carers and 44,000 young carers are better supported on a more consistent basis, so that they can continue to care, if they so wish, in good health and to have a life alongside caring.

Moreover, in relation to young carers, the intention is that young carers should have a childhood similar to their non-carer peers.

The Act includes, amongst other things:▪ a duty on Local Authorities and NHS Boardsto involve carers in the delivery and planning of services including hospital discharge▪ a duty on Local Authorities and NHS Boards Involve carers in the development of Local Carer Strategies setting out how they will deliver the requirements of the Carers Act over a three year period.▪ a duty on Local Authorities to provide support to carers, based on the carer’s identified needs which meet local eligibility criteria.▪ a specific Adult Carer Support Plan and Young Carer Statement to identify carers’ needs and personal outcomes.▪ a requirement for each Local Authority to have its own information and advice service for carers which must provide information and advice on, amongst other things, emergency and future care planning, advocacy, income maximisation and carers’ rights.

What is happening at Government level?

The Scottish Government has completed a number of pilots and produced guidance and regulations to support the delivery of the CarersAct.  For further information you can access the website at http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Health/Support-Social-Care/Unpaid-Carers/Implementation

What are Partners Doing Across the Western Isles

Developing the following:

• Review and update the Carers Strategy
• Producing an Adult Carer Support Plan
• Producing a Young Carer Statement template
• Producing local eligibility criteria
• Producing a short-breaks statement▪ Involving carers, young carer’s, and carerorganisations in all of the above.