Supporting Unpaid Carers During Carers Week 2025 - Carer Support
At Simplicity Legal, we are proud to support Carers Week 2025 and to spotlight the critical role that unpaid carers play throughout Scotland and the UK.
Scotland is home to an estimated 1.1 million unpaid carers, of whom up to 90,000 are responsible for the care of an individual with dementia. Many carers are unaware of their rights under the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 or how to access the advice and services available to support them, despite their critical role.
Caring for a loved one, whether they are a family member, friend or spouse, can be profoundly rewarding. Nevertheless, it can also be emotionally challenging and overwhelming. The constraints that carers encounter across the UK have been further exacerbated by the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The theme of Carers Week 2025 is “Caring About Equality,” which emphasises the inequalities experienced by unpaid carers. These include an increased likelihood of destitution, social isolation and poor mental and physical health. Carers of all ages frequently may have to pass up opportunities in their personal lives, professions or education due to their caring responsibilities.
Carers’ Rights in Scotland - Unpaid Carer Support and Employment Rights
The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 was enacted to enhance the health and well-being of carers and ensure that they receive the necessary support. Key provisions include:
- Recognition: Regardless of the number of hours you provide, you are a carer if you provide care for another person.
- Support Plans: Carers are entitled to request an Adult Carer Support Plan or a Young Carer Statement to ascertain their unique requirements and desired outcomes.
- Involvement: Carers are entitled to participate in the planning of services and in the event of the discharge of the individual they care for from hospital.
- Local Support: Carers must be provided with accessible information and advice services by local authorities.
Furthermore, the Carer’s Leave Act 2023 grants employees the right to five days of unpaid leave annually to account for their caregiving responsibilities. This flexibility is a significant advancement in the recognition and assistance of carers in the workplace.
Why Power of Attorney Matters for Carers - Support Plans
Accidents and illnesses such as strokes or dementia result in the loss of capacity for thousands of individuals in Scotland each year. In the event of a health crisis even close family members are unable to make decisions on your behalf in the absence of legal authority.
A Power of Attorney guarantees that an individual you trust can act on your behalf in the event that you are no longer capable of doing so. It would include critical information including:
- Financial support and matters (including the management of accounts and the payment of bills)
- Personal welfare, including healthcare and living arrangements
Without a Power of Attorney, even your next of kin cannot automatically step in to make decisions for you. Planning in advance provides you with a sense of peace of mind, safeguards your wishes and simplifies processes for your loved ones during a potentially distressing period.
How We Can Help - Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Beyond
At Simplicity Legal, we are capable of providing you with a straightforward and compassionate approach to the establishment of a Power of Attorney. Our Private Client Team is available to assist you, whether you are planning for a loved one or seeking to organise your own affairs.
Take a moment to contemplate your future plans during Carers Week. A Power of Attorney is a simple procedure that can have a profound impact.
For further information or to arrange an appointment, please contact a member of our Private Client Team on 0141 433 2626 who will be happy to assist.