To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) how his Department is supporting carers that are over 60 years of age; and (ii) what information is available for older carers regarding the future care of their loved ones.

(i) In recognising the need to support all carers in their caring role, a carers’ strategy, Caring for Carers, was published in January 2006. The strategy is inter-departmental and inter-agency, dealing with health and personal social services, employment, training, education, availability of information and support services. Since the publication of the strategy, Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts have been working to address the arising recommendations, thereby raising the standard of services for carers. Further, as I have previously advised, HSC Trusts have a statutory duty under the Carers and Direct Payments Act (NI) 2002 to make information regarding a carer’s right to an assessment widely available and to inform individuals of all ages directly of that right, where it appears to the Trust that an individual is carrying out a caring role. Following the completion of a carers assessment, HSC Trusts are required to meet all eligible need identified.

(ii) My Department is committed to carers being acknowledged and recognised as “equal partners in care”. The Carers Strategy makes it very clear that HSC Trusts must ensure that carers are fully informed and involved in the planning of future care of the cared for person so that assumptions are not made about their ability or willingness to care.