Local Online Information for Carers in England: Content and Complexity

Abstract

This article reports on a study of local online information for carers in England. It sets this in the context of the Care Act 2014 which gave local authorities (LAs) specific responsibility for providing information to carers. The study selected four varied case study LAs and explored the content of their websites to see what carers might find available and accessible. We found the LA websites differed, with some LAs making use of local voluntary sector groups to be the main information resource. Mentions of NHS services for carers appeared often less comprehensive and there was scant mention of private social care providers as being sources of advice and information. The article suggests that social workers should be careful of referring carers to LA websites without checking that they are sufficiently meaningful to the carer and accessible to the individual. Care is also needed in not taking internet accessibility for granted.