NHS 24 is taking the opportunity to highlight the work thousands of carers do across Scotland, in the run up to Rare Diseases Day. On 28 February, people from across the world will come together to campaign for more research into complex health conditions.
Currently, there are around 760,000 carers aged sixteen and over who care for a family member, friend or relative in Scotland – which is 17 per cent of the population. But it’s not just older people being cared for – many care for those with rare and complex diseases.
Now the 111 service hopes to highlight that all carers, whether they look after an older person or someone with a rare disease – need our support and understanding.
NHS 24’s Medical Director Professor George Crooks said: “Many people forget that it’s not just older people who need cared for, but those with rare diseases as well.
“Rare illnesses such as Huntington’s disease and Cystic Fibrosis require a huge level of care and those who dedicate their lives to caring for someone with these types of complex needs deserve our full support.
“It’s important that people do their bit and look out for carers and help them all they can and this is where the Care Information Scotland website is helpful.
“It has a host of information on respite care and how to receive a care needs assessment. It also provides advice on a range of caring topics, allowing carers to make informed decisions.
“The personalisation tool ‘Info for Me’ also allows people to select relevant content which can be shared, saved or printed, and our translation facility which enables increased access.
“This service will be a useful for a whole range of carer groups from young carers, to those within the care system and those anticipating care and are seeking further information.
“The service can be accessed from 8am to 10pm, 7 days a week via webchat available through the website http://www.careinfoscotland.co.uk or via telephone on 0800 011 3200.”
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