Dementia: Respite Care
(asked on 1st June 2026) - View Source
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of availability of respite care for unpaid carers of people living with dementia; and what steps he is taking to improve access to those services.
The Government recognises the vital role that unpaid carers play in supporting people living with dementia and is committed to ensuring that carers can access appropriate support, including respite services.
Responsibility for commissioning respite services rests with local authorities based on the needs of their local populations. Through the Better Care Fund, integrated care boards and local authorities are encouraged to work together to identify and support unpaid carers, including through the provision of respite and short-break services where appropriate.
The 2026/27 Better Care Fund framework specifically highlights the need for local areas to consider how pooled funding can support carers' assessments and respite provision, with further information available at the following link:
On dementia specifically, we will deliver the first ever Modern Service Framework for Frailty and Dementia, to improve support for people living with dementia and their carers. We are committed to an interim product in September this year and will aim to publish the full framework by the end of this calendar year as recommended by Baroness Casey. People with lived experience, carers, and families will be central to the development of the modern service framework.
The Department is also preparing a cross-Government action plan for unpaid carers, to improve how unpaid carers are recognised, how support is offered, and how they can be helped to reach their full potential and live fulfilling lives.