Monthly Archives: May 2013
Carers tell what it is really like
‘I was in tears’: Carers tell their stories
An estimated seven million people in the UK currently provide unpaid care to a sick or disabled child or an adult who could not otherwise live independently.
Many of them are already known to GPs, but the Royal College of General Practitioners says that carers should be routinely screened by their doctors for signs of depression.
A number of carers have told the BBC News website about their experiences.
Care Bill
Government publishes Care Bill
The Care Bill will modernise the law to put people’s wellbeing at the heart of the care and support system
Published today, the Care Bill introduces legislation to provide protection and support to the people who need it most and to take forward elements of the government’s initial response to the Francis Inquiry.
The Care Bill will give people peace of mind that they will be treated with compassion when in hospital, care homes or their own home.
The Bill is split into 3 parts.
Carers should be routinely screened for depression
Carers ‘facing depression risk’
Saturday 11th May 2013, 8:40AM BST.
Carers should be routinely screened for depression and mental health problems, doctors’ leaders say.
The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) warned that carers often “neglect” their own healthcare, and found that around 40% experience depression or psychological problems.
Holding routine appointments and maintaining a carers’ register within GP practices could solve the “hidden” problem and prevent the £119 billion carers save the public purse being lost, the RCGP added.
Dr Clare Gerada, RCGP chairman, said: “Carers often neglect their own healthcare needs and in many cases it is only a matter of time before they themselves become ill.
