Carers make a critical and underappreciated contribution not only to loved ones, neighbours and friends, but to the very sustainability of the NHS., However, too often carers do not receive the recognition and support that they need and deserve. Investing in carers to help them provide better care and to stay well themselves contributes to better lives for those needing care and more effective use of NHS resources. For example, effective support for carers may reduce unplanned admissions for carers and the people for whom they care for and may in certain circumstances help save money (Creating new value with patients, carers and communities, KPMG International (2014).

Using the above image as a scale where red is lowest and green is highest. How would you rate the below questions.

• How assured are you that your business case template and criteria for carers’ services focus on commissioning for investment and value?
• How assured are you that that resources for carers have been appropriately allocated as part of the Better Care Fund?
• How assured are that carers are identified by primary and secondary care services you commission?

Ask yourself

• Can you start small then increase investment should this provide value for money?
• Are you aware of duties in the Care Act 2014 and the Children and Families Act 2014 to identify, assess and support carers and co-operate with the local authority?
• Is there an assurance framework in your contracts?

Download this principle to track and measure your progress.  Also available to download as a MS Word document.