A CARER in Ilkley has joined a regional charity in welcoming long-awaited legal reforms which recognise the important role carers play – and their right to support.

The new Care Act 2014 came into force on April 1, recognising adult carers’ needs on an equal footing with the needs of the adults they look after, for the first time.

Carers’ Resource, which has offices in Harrogate and Ripon, Skipton and Shipley, supporting more than 12,000 carers across Yorkshire, said the rights and recognition of unpaid carers are now ‘strengthened and embodied’ in the Act.

Among the carers whose work was highlighted by the charity was 66-year-old Ilkley resident, Joyce Hardaker.

She cares for her husband John, 72, who had a stroke three years ago.

The stroke affected John’s mobility, especially in his legs, and his speech at times. John, a retired joiner, has had to re-learn how to walk.

Mrs Hardaker Joyce, a former technician with the National Blood Service in Bradford, said: “It’s wonderful that carers are being given some form of recognition at last – it’s been a long time coming.

“We are forgotten all too often and anything to help us to have a break, to do the things we enjoy to help us to stay happy, healthy and positive, has to be a good thing.”

Mrs Hardaker also cares for her 48-year-old daughter, Jane, who has a brain tumour. Jane, a single mum of two, lives in Queensbury, Bradford, and she needs 24/7 care.

The new law places a duty on local authorities, and those they choose to work with, to consider ‘wellbeing’ principles – for example the impact a caring role can have on an individual’s health, day-to-day life, relationships and ability to work or pursue hobbies.

Services could now also be delivered to the adult being cared for to help meet the health and wellbeing needs of the carer – an important example of this being respite.

Director of the Carers’ Resource, Anne Smyth OBE, said: “If a carer is struggling to balance their own needs, such as staying in work or enjoying family time, with their caring role, they should come and talk to us about the new rights the Act brings in and how this could help them.

“A lot of carers we speak to and support say they are overwhelmed, feel isolated and are struggling to find any time for themselves. – even to have their hair cut – This Act will help to address this and gives a greater importance to the basic needs and wishes of the carer.

“The act defines a carer as ‘an adult who provides or intends to provide care for someone’ meaning carers who provide any level of care, and someone providing care short-term to an adult will also be covered.”

Carers can find Information about support on offer in Bradford can be found at by visiting carersresource.org or from telephoning the Bradford office on (01274) 449660, Skipton office on (01756) 700888, or Harrogate on (01423) 500555.