Health President Stuart Syvret, said a lack of investment had led to a fall in services offered to people who looked after ill relatives.

Senator Syvret is meeting the Jersey Association of Carers (JAC) to discuss calls for more support for its members.

He said he hoped to discuss ways of improving support systems.

Reasonable service

The JAC said there needed to be a better system of support to relieve full-time carers of the burden having to look after those who are ill.

It said it wanted its members to enjoy the everyday things in life other people took for granted, including being able to take holidays and having jobs.

Senator Syvret said: "We do have a reasonably good respite care service at the moment.

"But it is true to say that respite care is improving on a national basis around the British Isles and we are beginning to fall behind the times."