Health chiefs aim to give carers more help

Published on Friday 20 February 2009 08:55

A STRATEGY to provide more assistance for the thousands of carers in the Lothians has been announced.

A document has been developed to tell those who care for loved ones exactly what their rights are and ways to access funding.

Health chiefs see voluntary carers as increasingly important. Not only do they save the health service millions of pounds but with an increasing elderly population most estimates suggest they will become more pivotal and plentiful in future.

Gordon Gray, NHS Lothian's assistant programme manager for older people, said carers should be seen as key partners in care. He said: "Research has shown how carers contribute to society by caring for people in their own homes, often giving up the personal advantages of working and enjoying a full social life.

"The care they provide is an integral part of the overall healthcare we deliver. While our healthcare professionals may see people for a few hours each session, carers provide care every hour of the day.

"That's why we must ensure that carers are treated as key partners in care provisions."