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."�
