Older carers hit by health problems

A study by The Princess Royal Trust for Carers found that nearly 70 per cent of over-60s looking after loved ones said being a carer had damaged their health.

One in three said they had cancelled a medical treatment or operation because of their duties, and nearly half said their health had got worse in the past year. In total 639 carers aged 60 to 94 were surveyed, two-thirds of whom said they had health problems or a disability themselves and only half of whom felt confident lifting the person they cared for.

There was also a toll on mental health, with 68.8 per cent of those polled saying being a carer had damaged their psychological well being, and 42.9 per cent reporting that their mental health had deteriorated in the past year.

The Trust wants GPs to give health checks and depression screening to carers once a year, and home visits should they need them because of their responsibilities.

It recommends that carers should be provided with training and equipment for lifting if required and that their breaks should be funded by the health service and local council.