Publication of ‘Carers Statistics for Northern Ireland (Quarter ending 30 June 2011)’

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has today published ‘Carers Statistics for Northern Ireland (Quarter ending 30 June 2011)’.
~ Friday, 10 February 2012

This is the first reporting and publication of official statistics about carers in Northern Ireland. These statistics derive from quarterly community information returns CA1 and CA1b relating to completed assessments, declined assessments and re-assessments, reviews and reasons assessments and re-assessments were declined by carers. Figures are detailed both regionally and by Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland.

Key Facts and Figures:

• During quarter ending 30 June 2011, 1,206 carers assessments were completed and 1,244 carers assessments were declined;
• Over half (51%) carers assessments offered during the quarter were declined. This compares with 8% declined in England during 2009/10;
• Of the 1,206 completed assessments, 99% (1,198) related to adult carers, and 1% (8) to young carers (aged 16-17);
• Of those cared for by carers with completed assessments, 44% were in the Elderly POC, 19% were in Physical and Sensory Disability, and 10% were in Mental Health and 9% were in Family and Child Care;
• Almost all carers declining an assessment were adult carers (99%), whilst the remaining 1% (8) were young carers;
• When carers were asked about the main reason for declining a reassessment; 43% (537) reported they already had adequate informal support, 16% (202) that it was not a suitable time for assessment, 9% (110) that an assessment would not be beneficial, 8% (92) did not view themselves as a carer, 4% (52) wanted their issues as a carer to remain private, 2% (25) had ‘Other’ reasons and 18% (219) gave no reason for declining an assessment;
• During quarter ending 30 June 2011, 275 carers reviews were completed, 97% (267) for adult carers and 3% (8) for young carers;
• During the same quarter 102 carers reassessments were completed and 84 reassessments were declined.

Notes to editors:

1. This information was collated by Community Information Branch within the DHSSPS.

2. This Bulletin is the first quarterly reporting of Carers Statistics for Northern Ireland.

3. Statistics detailed within the bulletin include assessments, declined assessments and re-assessments, reviews and reasons assessments and re-assessments were declined by carers. Analyses are presented regionally and by HSC Trusts.

4. Similar statistics for the quarter ending 30th September 2011 are due for publication on 13 April 2012.

This publication is available online http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/stats_research/stats-cib/statistics_and_research-cib-pub/adult_statistics/carers_statistics.htm

Further information is available from:

Community Information Branch
Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Room 11, Annexe 2,
Castle Buildings,
Stormont Belfast BT4 3SP
Tel: (028) 90 520599
Fax: (028) 90 523288
E-mail: cib@dhsspsni.gov.uk
Internet: Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

5. Media enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 2841. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number on 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.