Financial problems for carers linked to isolation

The survey of more than 55,000 carers, published by NHS Digital, has revealed that almost 40 per cent of carers who reported the most serious financial difficulties also admitted they felt isolated.

Charities say it comes as no surprise that those who give the most to society can often find themselves struggling as a result.

“Often, those looking after loved ones have no choice but to give up activities which would make caring less lonely when it becomes hard to make ends meet,” said Carers UK director of policy and public affairs Emily Holzhausen.

“Our own research shows that 42 per cent of carers who were struggling financially had to make up for the shortfall by cutting back on seeing friends and family.

“Around two million people have given up work at some point in their working lives to care, unpaid, for someone with a disability or illness. This can have a catastrophic impact on their finances.”

The Personal Social Services Survey of Adult Carers in England 2016-17 reports on the views of more than 55,000 who are caring for a person aged 18 or over.

A fifth had been providing unpaid care for more than 20 years, it found, while 64 per cent had difficulty sleeping as a result of their role.

In Yorkshire, more than one in 10 – 12 per cent – said they felt they were neglecting themselves, not eating well or getting enough sleep, while 11 per cent admitted they had little contact with other people. Nearly half, 42 per cent, said they had experienced financial difficulties caused by caring for others.

The Yorkshire Post has been campaigning since 2014 to raise awareness of the issue of loneliness, as studies show it can be as damaging to health as smoking and obesity.

Sian Cartwright, health development manager at Carers Leeds, said many carers find themselves lonely.

“Keeping up with such a life can become very difficult if the demands of caring mean you perhaps can’t leave the person you care for,” she said.

“A lot of carers become very isolated as a result of caring, and also because people stop inviting them out. People find that their relationships begin to suffer.

“Caring can certainly have a financial impact. There are carers who feel unable to work, carers who have given up work, or reduced their hours. Also, sometimes caring can be expensive, if people are reliant on things like taxis because it’s difficult to use public transport.

“It’s really vital that carers are supported to maintain social interaction, and they don’t become isolated.

“We all benefit from having good contacts with family and friends, with interacting with people outside our home environment.

“It enriches our every day life, and makes us who we are.”

The Yorkshire Post has been campaigning since 2014 to raise awareness of the issue of loneliness.

Research has shown loneliness can as be as impactful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, while other studies have warned it could cost up to £12,000 per person over the next 15 years in increased use of public services.

Emily Holzhausen of Carers UK said: “It is perhaps unsurprising that carers who face financial hardship feel particularly isolated.

“The main carer’s benefit, Carer’s Allowance, is only £62.70 per week and is the lowest benefit of its kind. It is crucial that an increase in financial support is part of any cross-governmental plan to support carers better.”