§ Lord Selkirk of Douglasasked Her Majesty's Government:
What would be the estimated total annual cost of introducing a minimum of four weeks' paid respite/short break provision per year for carers who assist disabled persons; and [HL959]
What would be the estimated annual cost to local authorities of setting national respite care standards which included a requirement to have a minimum of four weeks' paid respite/short break provision per year for carers who assist disabled persons. [HL960]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Baroness Hayman)Of the estimated 6 million carers in the United Kingdom, it has been estimated that 60 per cent. look after someone with a physical disability, a further 15 per cent. for someone with a mental and a physical disability and 7 per cent. for someone with a mental disability only. The remainder of carers provide care for someone who needs it because of the results of ageing, although some of this group could also be described as disabled.
73WANot all the 6 million carers are in equal need of a break from their caring responsibilities. Some only provide care for a few hours each week, and many others share responsibility with other members of their family.
The cost would also depend on the type of break provided. The most common break for carers at present is time in a residential care home for the person who needs care (at an approximate average cost of £280 a week before charges are taken into account). This is, however, not appropriate for everyone. Many carers would prefer to have a break of a few hours during the day or in the evening on a regular basis, rather than a longer break just once a year.