Carers need to feel that they are valued

In her weekly column for Wirral News, MP for Wirral South Alison McGovern writes about the vital work of carers

Alison McGovern, Labour MP for Wirral South and Shadow Minister for International Development

To be responsible for meeting the physical and mental needs of another human being is a huge responsibility and a job we should value.

That’s why, this week, I am looking forward to work shadowing care workers at a nursing home to get a real hands-on insight into the work and also find out what the challenges faced are at the moment.

Carers need to feel that they are valued in what they do as being a good carer is a role that is not easy and requires much skill.

A carer’s work can be challenging so it is all the more important that they get a fair deal in their working conditions.

Whilst looking after another person can feel personally rewarding, carers still need to feel that they are receiving the right treatment in their job.

This is not only beneficial for carers doing vital work but also for those being cared for.

It is straightforward enough that if the carers have good working conditions, their clients will receive better care as a result.

Zero hour contracts, for example, can be detrimental to the carer and cared for.

People living longer is of course a good thing but it means that care is even more of a bigger issue than it has been previously and that comes with challenges.

With all this in mind I am, therefore, very pleased that Wirral Council was one of the first local authorities in the country to become a Living Wage employer and they have also committed to following the Ethical Care Charter. This is despite the massive cuts in funding our local authority has faced.

Both of these are positive steps in tackling the issues facing the care industry. But do let me know your experiences by calling me on 645 6590 or emailing at Alison.mcgovern.mp@parliament.uk

http://www.wirralnews.co.uk/news/local-news/