Support for Carers

Carers set to receive support
The Telegraph reports that hundreds of thousands of middle-aged women who care for elderly relations will be given rights to state support for the first time. Under laws to be announced in the Queen's Speech, councils will have to assess what support carers need to manage their own lives and provide the services deemed necessary. Although financial assistance will be means-tested, advice and guidance will be offered to all. It is noted that an estimated 1.25m people, mainly women, spend more than 50 hours each week caring for family members who cannot look after themselves.