Only one in five carers of people with autism
have ever received the local authority assessment of their needs to
which they are legally entitled, according to a major survey of carers'
needs.
Of more than 5,500 carers who filled in an online survey for the National Autistic Society
(NAS), 80% said they had never been through the assessment process,
which local authorities are obliged to provide and which helps them
obtain the right assistance. Only 26% of those who responded said they
received any help at all from a council or health authority.
More
widely, campaign groups warn that poor information about support
services coupled with spending cuts and wider economic worries have
caused significant difficulties. "We call it a perfect storm for
carers," said Emily Holzhauser, policy director for Carers UK.
"Those
juggling work and care feel more under pressure at work, benefits are
under review and we also have rising charges and changes to services.
The pressure is really loading up on families, and we see that through
our helpline – we're getting calls from very distressed people."
Full Article on Guardian
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