Honouring carers at an event hosted by Me Unltd in Omagh the Minister said:
"Carers make an enormous contribution towards helping family members and friends to remain in their own homes, and live more independent, fulfilling lives. It is very clear that the efforts and personal sacrifices of individual carers result in dramatically improved outcomes for the health and wellbeing of those who need care most. Supporting individuals to live at home for longer also offers benefits in terms of sustaining close personal relationships and maintaining social networks in the wider community.
"It is important that carers are afforded equal status with other providers of care, and recognised as true expert partners with the opportunity to contribute to the commissioning, planning, design, delivery and review of services to support the caring role in relation to the people they care for."
His comments reflect the shift for The Health and Social Care System from residential, institutional and crisis care to community care, early intervention and preventative care.
He also mentioned that there will be a review of adult social care provision, with a report out for consultation soon. We look forward to more recognition and support for carers in the consultation document.
