TIME TO CARE
AN urgent government review launched after the JEP’s #TimetoCare campaign will set out proposals next month to improve support for unpaid carers in Jersey, it has been confirmed.
But the Islander whose story prompted the campaign – Mark Jones – has said he is concerned it will fail to address “the main issue”, regarding decades-old legislation that prevents a home carer’s allowance from being received alongside an old-age pension.
Mr Jones, who lost his wife to cancer 13 years ago, is a full-time carer for his son Ryan (33), who has Down’s syndrome, and his daughter Megan (28), who has severe autism.
He claims the home carer’s allowance for his role looking after Megan, whose needs are greater.
But this means that the 69-year-old is unable to receive his old-age pension, because the Social Security (Overlapping of Benefits) (Jersey) Order 1975 prevents the home carer’s allowance from being issued alongside other benefits.
Currently, when someone receiving HCA reaches pension age they have to choose between continuing with that benefit or switching to their old-age pension.
The JEP highlighted Mr Jones’s call for the “unjust” rule to be scrapped, through the #TimetoCare campaign launched in October.
In response, Social Security Minister Lyndsay Feltham said she had “directed officers to undertake an urgent review of the range of support available”, while also considering “increased support and, if required, legislative change”.
In an update yesterday [THURSDAY], the government said “good progress has been made to ensure there is practical, fair, and sustainable assistance” following discussions with carers and carers’ organisations.
So far, they said work had been undertaken to create a “comprehensive” directory of existing government and community support”, alongside a communications campaign, leaflet and website to promote relevant networks, guidance, key contacts and resources.
The statement also said plans are in progress for a ‘Connect Me’ carers’ event to launch new resources and “bring carers together with support providers”.
Additionally, the possibility of a having a “dedicated government officer” to provide carers with direct advice and signposting to support services – via face-to-face meetings, telephone, and email – is also being explored.
“As part of the review, the government has assessed the financial support currently available to carers and sought advice from the Disability and Inclusion Advisory Group to ensure any future changes reflect the needs of those being cared for and their carers,” the statement continued.
“It is agreed that a range of financial assistance is already in place, however an opportunity to strengthen the wrap-around support that helps both carers and those they care for on a day-to-day basis has been identified and is being reviewed.”
It added that a summary document “outlining the findings and the options under consideration” would be published in January.
They added that: “The individual case that prompted this review has been considered and the overall support package provided to the family has been checked to ensure all the relevant benefits are included.
“In addition, a meeting with an officer has been offered to discuss the individual circumstances in detail.”
Deputy Feltham said: “Carers make an extraordinary contribution to our Island.
“We are committed to ensuring they have the information, resources, and support they need.”
The minister continued: “These steps mark the beginning of a stronger, more connected system for carers in Jersey.
“We are working closely with carers and their families as well as States Members and community organisations to make sure we are listening and developing plans that directly address the needs of carers that are fair, effective and sustainable.”
She added that the work would “continue to expand over the coming months”.
“I want to reassure carers and their families that I am committed to making sure they have the right support in place focussing on where it’s needed the most.”
Mr Jones told the JEP he had “always been grateful” for the support his family received.
But he added that he was concerned the review would not address “the main issue”.
“I’ve never once said that we aren’t grateful for the support we do receive – the campaign is solely about not being able to access your pension if you’re receiving the home carer’s allowance,” he explained.
