Carers key to people living independently – Poots

Health Minister Edwin Poots has told carers that they are a key part of his vision of supporting people to live more independently in their own homes, and in their own communities, for longer.
~ Wednesday, 1 February 2012

Honouring carers at the Me Unltd New Year Carers’ Hoopla Part II Event in Omagh the Minister said: “Carers make an enormous contribution towards helping family members and friends to remain in their own homes, and live more independent, fulfilling lives.

“It is very clear that the efforts and personal sacrifices of individual carers result in dramatically improved outcomes for the health and wellbeing of those who need care most.

“Supporting individuals to live at home for longer also offers benefits in terms of sustaining close personal relationships and maintaining social networks in the wider community.

“It is important that carers are afforded equal status with other providers of care, and recognised as true expert partners with the opportunity to contribute to the commissioning, planning, design, delivery and review of services to support the caring role in relation to the people they care for.”

The Health and Social Care System is experiencing a shift from residential, institutional and crisis care to community care, early intervention and preventative care.

The Minister continued: “In July last year, I told the Health Committee of my intention to begin the process of reviewing adult social care in Northern Ireland.

“I have asked my officials to prepare a consultation document which will seek both to raise awareness and understanding of the current system, the challenges we face and also seek the views of service users and carers about how we can improve.

“I expect this document will be issued in spring this year and I would encourage everyone to share their views in due course so that we can develop a sustainable, effective and fit for purpose system of care and support for service users and carers.

Notes to editiors:

1. Me Unltd is a community interest company concerned with meeting the personal development and socio-economic needs of unpaid carers. The company seeks to inspire carers to realise their true potential and offers a range of personal development programmes to support them to do so. More than 230 male, female and young carers have participated in company’s programmes, funded by the WHSCT, over the last three years.

2. Media enquiries about this press release to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0505, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.