Benefits

Discusses how lack of awareness of carers' rights among professionals, the public and carers themselves has stalled progress on carers claiming carers allowances.

The government once called carers unsung heroes and promised to legislate to improve their lives. Reports on how many of the measures it has taken have been welcomed but extra cash to ease the acute financial difficulties many endure is still in short supply.

For sufferers of dementia and their carers, there are many questions to be answered; not only about what the long term will bring, but also simply how to cope with the unfolding of everyday living. In our first article, Graham Stokes looks at some of the practicalities of coping with the illness and offers useful tips and advice that will hopefully provide some reassurance and pointers for managing day‐to‐day tasks more easily.

The Carer's Allowance provides minimal financial support for many of the nation's caring community.  This article reports on how after a lifetime of caring, many reaching retirement age face losing their Carer's Allowance entitlement.

This updated briefing looks at benefit changes that can make it easier for service users and carers to get involved in paid participation for social care consultations and events. It includes details of changes to simplify the process secured through legislation in 2009 and further legislative changes in 2013 and 2014.