Legislation extends rights of carers
New rights improving support for Scotland’s unpaid carers have come into force.
All those who provide unpaid care for friends, family, and neighbours will now have the right to a personalised plan, under the Carers (Scotland) Act.
This will identify their needs and help them access information, advice and support, before reaching a crisis point.
There are an estimated 788,000 carers in Scotland, including 44,000 who are under 18. The value of care they provide is estimated at over £10 billion a year.
Local authorities and health boards will work together to prepare local carer strategies, setting out their plans for identifying and supporting carers in their community.
The act also ensures carers will be involved in individual decisions about their own support and what happens when the person they look after is discharged from hospital.
Under the new rights, the definition of a carer will be extended, with the removal of the requirement for "substantial caring on a regular basis", meaning more people will be able to access this support.
Public health minister Aileen Campbell said: “Carers play a vital role in Scottish society, providing millions of hours of unpaid care a week for friends, family and neighbours. We owe them an enormous debt of gratitude.
“It is vital that all carers receive the support they need to look after their own health and wellbeing, and have a life alongside caring. That is what the Carers Act will deliver.”
Karen Armstrong of North Ayrshire Carers Forum welcomed the act but said carers would carefully monitor its progress.
“Increased recognition for carers can only be good. However carers are still facing massive challenges not least of which are financial.
“As previous legislation has largely forgotten carers, this is at least a step in the right direction.”
