THE Islander at the centre of the JEP’s #TimetoCare coverage has said improvements to the services and support for unpaid carers and those receiving care have made the campaign “worth it” – despite falling short of the outcome he has been pushing for.
Mark Jones said he was “obviously disappointed” that Social Security Minister Lyndsay Feltham would not be altering the rule preventing a home carer’s allowance from being claimed alongside an old-age pension.
But he said he was “very pleased that there will be more support for carers in general”, after Deputy Feltham announced a range of actions intended to bolster the practical support, advice and resources available.
The JEP launched the #TimetoCare campaign in October, highlighting the 69-year-old’s calls for the government to scrap the Social Security (Overlapping of Benefits) (Jersey) Order 1975.
Mr Jones lost his wife to cancer 14 years ago and is a full-time carer for his son Ryan, who has Down’s syndrome, and his daughter Megan, who has severe autism.
The 1975 Order means he cannot receive his old-age pension at the same time as his home carer’s allowance which he claims for his role looking after Megan, whose needs are greater.
Deputy Feltham, who initiated an “urgent review” of the range of support available to unpaid carers and those receiving care in the wake of the #TimetoCare campaign, announced on Thursday that she would not be changing the legislation to allow a full home carers’ allowance and a pension to be claimed at the same time.
She explained that doing so would “require a significant increase in funding” and “change a fundamental principle of the Social Security system”.
Additionally, Deputy Feltham stated that it would “also not benefit carers of working age, would not target financial support where it is needed most, and is not the type of support that carers have been asking for more generally”.
Instead, the minister committed to improving how Long-Term Care Scheme payments can be made, increased “flexibility” on what approved care packages can include, more detailed advice on the support available to help with respite costs and the introduction of a dedicated care support advisor, among other changes.
A ‘Connect Me’ event will also be held on 17 March specifically for carers and the organisations supporting them.
Mr Jones said: “I’m obviously disappointed that the review has not resulted in the outcome I and others wanted, however, I’m very pleased that there will be more support for carers in general, so the campaign has been worth it in that respect.”
He thanked those who had got “fully behind” the campaign, citing the “amazing” public support.
But Mr Jones reiterated that his “core argument” had not been addressed and noted he would soon be meeting a government officer to discuss the report.
“One aspect I would have liked to clarify from the review was when the minister stated the carers did not consider the overlap of benefits a priority,” he said. “I would question how many of the carers interviewed were in a similar position to mine?”
Meanwhile, Carers Jersey was “delighted that much work has been undertaken in a short space of time”.
A statement from the support network said: “The minister’s commitment goes some way to acknowledging and recognising the existence of unpaid carers and the plight which a vast number of them face. This is, indeed, a step in the right direction.
“Many carers have advised us that they were unsure where to start looking for advice and
information and were frequently directed to different departments for various matters.
“This has been especially confusing and particularly frustrating, leaving many struggling and feeling vulnerable and abandoned whilst already facing a stressful situation.”
The statement continued: “We are delighted that a dedicated advisor has been appointed to be a central point of contact for all unpaid carers to offer individual advice.
“This role will undoubtedly evolve over time and we look forward to contact details by phone, email and hopefully, in person to be announced in the short term.
“Although a single point of contact will assist, a new dedicated web page on the government website bringing together all information on support for carers is also welcomed.”
It also stated that Carers Jersey was “acutely aware that not everyone has access to a computer” and that “the Social Security Department has committed to assembling all comprehensive information together in user-friendly written form”.
“Carers Jersey has also recommended that information be held in each of the parishes for those unable to access St Helier,” it added.
“We also support the initiatives with regard to funding, including the explanation of home
carer’s allowance and pension payments. However, we recognise that there is still more
work to be undertaken in this important area.
“We take this opportunity of encouraging all unpaid carers who can manage to attend the
Carers Connect Me event on 17 March.”
