§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures(a) have been and (b) will be introduced to help carers who look after those with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. [1179]
§ Jacqui SmithWe fully recognise the vital role played by carers and are doing much to improve the support and services available to help them in their caring role.
Our approach to support carers is outlined in "Caring About Carers", the report of the National Carers Strategy which highlighted the need for better information for carers, better support for carers and better care for carers. Two of the objectives of the strategy were to ensure more breaks are available to carers and to provide services direct to carers and to support them in their caring role through the carers grants.
31WWe will increase the amount of money put aside specifically to support carers in England through the carers grant from £50 million last year to £70 million this year, £85 million in 2002–03 and £100 million in 2003–04; this will be an important step towards ensuring that up to 75,000 more carers receive a break from their caring duties.
In addition to this, The National Service Framework for Older People was published on 27 March 2001. The NSF builds the needs and appropriate support of carers into all the standards it sets.
Standard 7 of the NSF relates to mental health and will ensure that older people with dementia and depression have access to integrated health services to ensure effective diagnosis, treatment and support for them and their carers.
Importantly, this standard will also ensure that carers receive the information, advice and practical help such as counselling services or short-term breaks to support them in caring for the older person.