More support urged as carers struggle

A study of more than 2,100 carers shows 75 per cent were unprepared for all aspects of the role; 81 per cent were not aware of the available help; 61 per cent experienced depression; 35 per cent believed they were given the wrong advice about support on offer and 92 per cent said they felt stressed.

The report, Prepared to Care? produced by the organisers of Carers Week, also outlines the huge emotional, physical and financial impact. With around 6.5 million carers in the UK – and 6,000 people taking on a new role every day – charities within the Carers Week partnership are calling for the Government, GPs and health and care professionals to ensure that more support is given.

Helen Clarke, Carers Week manager, said: “The impact of caring for a loved one or friend is an issue that we simply cannot ignore.

“Every day across the country, 6,000 people take on new caring responsibilities and too often they face the challenges of caring without support.

“Becoming a carer can happen overnight and without information and guidance, carers can be left feeling isolated and alone.

“The figures clearly show that carers aren’t being offered support and if they are, it can often be wrong or not the full information.

“The consequences for carers are huge, so it’s vital that GPs, health and social care professionals and the Government all play a role to ensure that carers are offered the support they deserve from day one.”

The survey shows that carers often struggle to balance work and caring, with 45 per cent of carers saying they had to give up work.

A Department of Health spokesman said: “Carers make an invaluable contribution to society, and we want to do all we can to support them.”