In their own right : the Carers Act and carers of people with learning disabilities

This book reports on the first research study to reflect the experiences of carers of people with learning disabilities following the implementation of the 1995 Carers Act.
The research found that very few carers of people with learning disabilities are actually in receipt of their rights under the Carers Act, and the authors look at why this is the case. They also examine the level of satisfaction of those carers who had received a carer's needs assessment. The research follows what actually happens to carers once an assessment has taken place, and carers were re-interviewed approximately one year after their carer's needs assessment, to follow up the outcomes. The report deals clearly with complex issues, and contains many case examples, providing practical recommendations for the development of better service delivery.
The report adds to the understanding of such families, and highlights the mismatch between policy, practice and need in this area. It is important reading for carers and families with a member with a learning disability, carer support officers, social workers, care managers and other professionals who work with people with learning disabilities. It should also be read by policy makers in both local and central government.