An estimated three in five people will become carers at some point in their lives.

Most of the time, these are people who have had no training or preparation for the role and, for many, it can be an isolating and lonely experience – albeit, one that most would not wish to hand over to strangers.

The Government acknowledges that the estimated 745,000 adult carers and 44,000 young carers in Scotland need to be better supported so that they can continue to care without having to sacrifice their life to their caring role and so that they and the person they are caring for do not need to take up a hospital bed when the situation becomes critical.

The Carers (Scotland) Bill, which was introduced in the Scottish Parliament in March, aims to change the present Carer’s Assessment to the Carer Support Plan, which aims to extend and enhance the rights of adults and young carers in Scotland by empowering carers to exercise their rights and enabling professionals to make this happen.

It is a subject close to our hearts at Leuchie House. We offer accommodation for carers who wish to stay while their loved one comes for a respite break, or even if they just want to stay a couple of nights to ensure their family member is settled in before going off to enjoy some much-needed time away from the stresses and strains of being a full-time carer.

We have seen carers at various stages, from those just coming to terms with the changes in lifestyle their new role entails, to those who feel they would have reached breaking point if it were not for the prospect of respite care. We have also looked after carers when the caring has stopped and they have to readjust back to another life.

Which is why this Bill now out for consultation is so important. Some of the main points of the Bill include replacing the current carer’s assessment with a new adult carer support plan (ACSP); providing an information and advice service for carers in each local authority area which must include a short breaks service statement; and to involve carers in the planning and shaping of local carer services.

All of these moves rely on co-operation and forward planning by the individual local authorities but, whatever the long-term outcome, I am so glad that there are efforts afoot to try and improve the experience of so many people in our country who are doing their very best for those closest to them.