To ask the Minister of Health whether there is any policy or guidance in place to assist carers in planning for the future care of dependants with complex needs, particularly in the event of illness or death.

A range of relevant Health and Social Care (HSC) support mechanisms and guidance are in place to support planning for the long-term care of people with complex needs and including the needs of their carers.

Carers’ Assessments are provided under the Carers and Direct Payments Act (Northern Ireland) 2002 and, which enable carers to discuss their own needs future and long care arrangements, and contingency planning in the event an emergency.

The HSC ‘Care management, provision of Services and Charging Guidance’ Circular (2010) provides Trusts with guidance on the care management process of assessment and case management for short or long-term needs, including for people with complex needs. For those individuals who, due to the complexity of their needs require a varying range of supports, the provision of services will be planned and co-ordinated by an identified HSC professional within an individual case management approach. This guidance is currently being reviewed and updated by my Department.

The Learning Disability Service Model (LDSM) in Northern Ireland has completed public consultation and is currently in the analysis and finalisation phase. The LDSM sets out ambitions for people with complex needs to receive lifelong, coordinated support involving their families and carers, that is tailored to individual needs and enables choice and control across their lives.

The Department will continue to work with HSC Trusts and key stakeholders to ensure carers of people with complex needs are supported and are able to access appropriate advice and assistance.