The Fife Dementia Strategy: 2010 – 2020 - The Knowledge Network

4.4 Supporting Carers
AIM
Implement the Fife Carers Strategy and the Fife Carers Information
Strategy. Family carers are the experts and the most important resource
available when it comes to caring for their loved one with dementia. Active
work is required to ensure carer have the opportunity to be true partners in
care, and also to ensure that these two Strategies which focus on supporting
carers are implemented across Fife and that carers have access to
appropriate support services.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO ACHIEVE THIS
4.4.1 Ensure that the needs of carers for people with dementia are
included in the Carers Strategies and that these are implemented.
Carers of people with dementia face many challenges and play a very
important role in providing support and care in the community. Each unpaid
carer of a person with dementia saves the UK government on average £9170
per annum 29 , and in 2009 the care and support provided by carers has been
estimated at over £49.8 million per year in Fife alone.
Service providers throughout Fife need to recognise carers as partners in
care, enabling them to fulfil their very important role. In order to ensure people
with dementia and their carers receive the health and social supports
necessary to remain independent for as long as possible, carers must be
empowered to control the support they receive through a range of health,
social care and community services. Creating new, innovative options to
develop community support and networks (4.9.1) as well as improving
transport solutions (4.7.5) will allow carers to develop unique packages of
care. Self-directed support will be an important way for some carers to
develop unique support packages.
In recognition of their contributions, and in order to improve the services and
assistance they receive, there are a number of projects in Fife for carers in the
community. NHS Fife published its Carers Information Strategy in 2008 which
proposes a comprehensive action plan to assist carers in their role. The
Carers Information Strategy will be linked to the Fife Carers Strategy, which is
a joint NHS Fife and Fife Council Strategy currently under review.
Definition of a Carer: A carer is someone who looks after a partner,
relative or friend who cannot manage without help because they are
physically or mentally ill, frail or disabled. The carer and the person they
care for may or may not live together.
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