Carers' rights legislation now in force

Rights improving support and recognition for unpaid cares have come into force, with the commencement of the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016.

There are an estimated 788,000 carers in Scotland, including 44,000 who are under 18. Under the Act, all those who provide unpaid care for friends, family, and neighbours now have the right to a personalised plan to identify their needs and help them access information, advice and support.

Local authorities and health boards have a duty to 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.

The Act extends the definition of a carer, removing the requirement for "substantial caring on a regular basis", so that more people will be able to access this support.

Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell commented: "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.

"Our reforms will significantly boost the rights of carers and ensure that health boards, local authorities and others are doing all they can to identify and support the carers in their area.

"Crucially, that means having their own needs identified and addressed, and being involved in decisions about their own support as well as the needs of the person they care for."

Guidance for authorities has been published (click here for news item), as has a carers' charter (click here to access).