Three quarters of UK carers at breaking point

Almost three quarters of carers feel they have reached breaking point due to the stress and strain of looking after a loved one, according to the results of a new survey released today to highlight Carers Week 2009 (8-14 June).

In addition to this, some carers reported suffering breakdowns whilst others have even attempted suicide.

The survey of 1,941 unpaid carers by YouGov found the most common cause of carers reaching breaking point to be ‘frustration with bureaucracy,’ when trying to access NHS care and welfare benefits designed to help them.

When asked what would have helped them most when at breaking point, more than half said ‘practical support’ followed by ‘having someone to talk to’.

Seventy percent also felt their role as a carer was either overlooked or ignored by family and friends, leaving them feeling isolated, and over a third (34%) of carers had never had a break of any kind since they started caring for someone.

Almost a third (31%) of those surveyed thought that extra money would have helped make a difference in looking after someone ill, frail or disabled. The Carer’s Allowance is currently set at £53.10 per week.

Sir Geoff Hurst, former England footballer and World Cup hero, has cared for his wife and is a supporter of Carers week. He explained:

“ Those who care for family and friends mostly do so under the radar, without pay or acknowledgement, and deserve to be recognised for their dedication to the people they care for, not just during Carer’s Week but for all the weeks of the year.”

He also added:

“Carers face physical and mental challenges every day and should be more visibly supported and appreciated for the generous and loving hard work that they do.”

Carers Week is being organised by ten charities who are campaigning for greater recognition and support for the UK’s six million carers, and also to celebrate their contribution to society.

More information:

Carers Week 2009 www.carersweek.org

This article was published on Mon 8 June 2009