The Government recognises the vital role of unpaid carers supporting family members living with dementia, including in Harpenden and Berkhamsted, and is committed to ensuring they receive the support they need.
Under the Care Act 2014, unpaid carers are entitled to a carer’s assessment from their local authority to determine their support needs. Local authorities are responsible for providing a wide range of sustainable, high-quality care and support services, including respite care, peer support, and advice services for unpaid carers.
Through measures in the 10-Year Health Plan which we published in July last year, we are improving support for carers by making them more visible in the health system, strengthening their voice in care planning, joining up services, and streamlining caring responsibilities through a new ‘MyCarer’ section in the NHS App. The Government also increased the Carer’s Allowance weekly earnings limit to £204 net earnings per week for 2026/27.
On dementia specifically, we will deliver the first ever Modern Service Framework for Frailty and Dementia, to improve support for people living with dementia and their carers. Following an interim product in September, the full framework is expected by the end of the year. People with lived experience, carers, and families will be central to the development of the modern service framework.
The Department is also preparing a cross-Government action plan for unpaid carers, to improve how unpaid carers are recognised by those around them, how support is offered, and how they can be helped to reach their own personal potential and live fulfilling lives.
","originalAnswerText":"","comparableAnswerText":"","dateAnswerCorrected":null,"dateHoldingAnswer":null,"attachmentCount":0,"heading":"Dementia: Harpenden and Berkhamsted","attachments":[],"groupedQuestionsDates":[]},"links":[{"rel":"self","href":"/Questions/1908302","method":"GET"}]}