Stephen has written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care asking him to commit to an urgent review of carers’ assessments, highlighting a lack of support for many carers of people with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Research by the MND Association found many carers are physically and mentally exhausted. A carer’s assessment is usually the first step to a carer gaining additional support. Yet only 25% of carers of people with MND have received or are in the process of having an assessment and 40% are unaware that they have a statutory right to an assessment. Stephen’s letter urges the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to launch a review of carers’ assessments to ensure carers get the support they need.
“People caring for loved ones suffering MND should not be left exhausted, poorer, or unable to juggle the demands of work and parenting due to their selfless act,” Stephen said. “A carer’s assessment is a statutory right. The government must act to ensure carers are offered suitable support that understands the needs of MND patients.”
MND is a fatal disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It leaves people unable to move, talk, and eventually breathe. The family of those suffering MND often take on the majority of the caring responsibilities.