06 June 2008
Carers should be given an individual cash budget to help them cope with the strain of looking after older and disabled people, according to a leading think-tank.
The Institute for Public Policy Research argues, in a report published on June 1, that the sharply rising need for care and tighter restrictions on council care services are making life ever more difficult for families with relatives who need full or part-time care.
The think-tank calls on the government to extend personal budgets, already being rolled out for adults with disabilities, to carers. The government is expected to announce new measures next week, which has been designated Carers Week (June 9 to 15).
IPPR associate director James Crabtree said: 'People want to care for loved ones with disabilities, and through dementia and old age at home. But people caring in families need more support to help them through the care crunch. Carers Week is an opportunity for the government to use a “carer's budget” to help hard-pressed carers take control of the services and support they need.'
The report, Just care: a fresh approach to adult services, says the proposal could cost £1.1bn. But it also estimates that last year, those out of work who provided care for 20 or more hours a week lost out on £5bn in potential earnings.
PFjun2008
