Big majority want Government help to encourage live-in carers

More than seven in ten people believe that the Government should provide financial assistance to help people become live-in carers.

With the Government currently undertaking a consultation on the funding of social care and admitting that the system needs fundamental reform, a survey issued on the eve of National Carers Week reveals that people would prefer to be cared for in their own homes in old age. They also want funding to be made available to encourage more people to become carers.

The survey, conducted for Consultus Care and Nursing Agency, one of Britain’s leading Home Care management services, also showed that almost a quarter of those questioned would consider becoming paid live-in carers.

Celia Hoare, of Consultus Care, said: “This Government knows that with an ageing population some major decisions need to be made regarding the future of care in this country. Live-in care at home is one option that is often not considered because people are unaware that it is available.

“Our survey shows that having a carer living with them at home is far preferable for most people than the prospect of going into a care home. People also realise that expecting family members to care for them in old age can be unrealistic and so would like to see more support for live-in caring as a profession.”

The survey illustrated the importance of a live-in option, with just over half of those questioned saying they would like to use such services, while forty-seven per cent admitted they would not like to burden relatives with the task of looking after them.

Sixty per cent of respondents wanted to see greater awareness of live-in caring as a profession, with more than half of those questioned also wanting education and training courses, plus tax advantages for carers.

Celia Hoare added: “This survey has revealed that most people would be happiest at home, and they should have that option available. As a leading agency, we need more people to take up live-in caring as a profession – it is very rewarding, and we can offer advice on the training and skills they would need to be able to provide the best quality care”.