OncologyCarers At Breaking Point, UK
Almost three-quarters (74%) of people providing unpaid care for a loved
one who is ill, frail or disabled have reached breaking point due to the
pressures of their caring role, according to new research issued to
launch Carers Week 2009 (8-14 June).*
The results show that the strain of caring is causing carers such
extreme levels of stress and depression that they are suffering
breakdowns and, in some cases, even attempting suicide.
Michelle, from Hampshire, cares for her 19-year-old son who has autism,
epilepsy and learning difficulties. She has struggled for years to
receive basic support from her local social services and housing
department. She says: "The stress and difficulty of caring with no
support has made me feel suicidal and only knowing no-one would care for
my son made me not carry this through."
The most common cause of carers reaching breaking point, cited by well
over a third (41%) of respondents, is "frustration with bureaucracy".
This frustration is often caused by the complex and lengthy procedures
for welfare benefits, healthcare and social services - systems which are
actually intended to support carers and those they care for. Other
factors causing carers to reach breaking point are a deterioration in
the health of the person being cared for, lack of sleep and financial
worries.
Nearly a third (31%) of carers say that more money would make a
difference - the main benefit for carers, Carer"s Allowance, is the
lowest of its kind at just ÷£53.10 per week. Independent research by
YouGov, also issued today, has revealed that three-quarters (76%) of the
public believe that this is an unreasonable amount to support carers who
are unable to work because of their caring responsibilities.**
The YouGov research also revealed that carers rank alongside the
emergency services in terms of their contribution to society. In the
survey of over 2,000 people, six out of seven (86%) believe that carers
make a valuable contribution to society, behind only nurses (91%) and
firefighters (90%). Plumbers are valued by 46% of the public, the Royal
Family receive the support of 27%, with politicians (14%), bankers (12%)
and footballers (5%) bringing up the rear.
Carers Week is a partnership of 10 national charities that campaigns
for greater recognition and support for the UK"s six million carers, and
celebrates the contribution they make to society, which saves the
economy ÷£87 billion a year.*** Carers Week 2009 has over 6,000 events
and activities taking place across the country to ensure that all carers
know that they are not alone, and that help and services are available.
Sir Geoff Hurst, England footballer and World Cup hero, has cared for
his wife and is lending his support to Carers Week. Sir Geoff says:
"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 Carers Week but
for all the weeks of the year.
"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."
*1,941 carers took part in the survey, both online and by post, which
was carried out by Carers Week between 22 January - 25 March 2009.
** Figure from survey of the public is from YouGov Plc. Total sample
size was 2106 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 5th - 7th May
2009. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted
and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
*** Leeds University/Carers UK, 2007
Notes
1. All celebrity quotes are available here.
2. Carers needing support and advice can find out about local
organisations and learn what is happening in their area during Carers
Week by visiting www.carersweek.org or calling 0845 241 2582.
3. Carers Week takes place from 8-14 June and is organised by: Carers
UK, Counsel and Care, Crossroads Caring for Carers, Help the Hospices,
Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Parkinson"s Disease Society, The
Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Vitalise and WRVS.
Carers UK