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Scottish Disability Equality Forum along with thistle logo in purple and green

09/06/08 - Carers can't afford to be ill.

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New survey highlights health risks for the UK's six million carers, with significant problems on the horizon, both for carers and those they care for.

Carers across the country - who tirelessly devote their time, effort and energy to looking after a loved one - could be putting their own health at risk by ignoring symptoms or not finding the time to visit their own GP for help and advice.

Six million carers in the UK look after an ill, frail or disabled family member, partner or friend. Long-term health problems amongst carers will lead to significant problems for:

  • carers themselves
  • those they care for
  • the state (carers save the country �87 billion a year on latest estimates)*

The results of a new UK wide survey of 2,000 carers*�reveal that more than three-quarters of those questioned (77%) feel that their health is worse as a result of the strain of caring (for many, up to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).�

The survey, launched today (9 June 2008) as part of Carers Week 2008 highlights the effect that caring - whether on a long or short term basis - can have on the emotional and physical wellbeing of carers.

To help deliver the impact of a 'day in the life of a carer' a 'spoof' (yet realistic) job description will also be released, spelling out the lack of pay, perks and benefits for those taking on the role of one of today's millions of carers.

Although the survey showed that a large majority of carers admit to feeling ill, anxious or exhausted, a staggering 95% of those questioned said they regularly cover up or disguise the fact that their health was suffering in order to continue with their caring responsibilities. Worryingly, one-fifth (19%) of these carers said they ignored feeling ill "all the time".

Almost 1 in 4 (24%) of carers said they frequently felt unable to cope with their day-to-day duties due to the physical and emotional stresses of their caring role, and a further 64% said they were occasionally unable to cope.

Carers Week supporter, TV presenter and actor, Paul O'Grady (who has personal experience of caring), says; "I was surprised to learn that around 6 in 10 of us - from all walks of life - will become carers at some time in our lives.

"Wanting to look after our loved ones is human nature - but this sometimes comes at a price with many carers having to sacrifice their own health and well-being.

"Taking a break, a holiday or even time out to visit the doctor is just not an option. I have the utmost respect for carers and believe they deserve all the support and recognition as they can get - and more".

Based on the survey results, it is perhaps little wonder that the health of so many carers is suffering, with:

  • 71% said that they hadn't been able to take at least one week of "holiday" or "free" time when they were not having to care for someone
  • 3 out of 5 (60%) carers who are also in paid employment, say they have used part of their annual leave simply to allow them to devote more time to their role as a carer
  • One fifth of those (20%) said they used more than 10 days of their holiday allocation.

Paul Matz, Carers Week manager, comments:

"Whilst we were saddened to see the results of this survey so obviously highlighting the fact that such a great number of carers are "suffering" because of their role and responsibilities, we were not surprised. The health and wellbeing of carers is always there - it is not confined to one week a year when we all stop and think about it. For many, it is 24/7. Who is caring for the carers?

"It is vital that health professionals on the ground recognise the needs of people who are caring for others and ensure they are receiving the help and attention they deserve. With the right support, caring shouldn't have to be a demoralising and stressful experience. It can be rewarding and fulfilling - but only
if carers themselves are feeling mentally and physically well."�

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