New research by the charity Carers UK reveals that 10.6 million people will take on a new unpaid caring role for relatives and friends who are sick or disabled over the next five years, but unless changes are made, will be left under-equipped to deal with the challenges of caring.
- That’s just under 6,000 people in a new caring role every day
- £1.1 billion of Carer’s Allowance goes unclaimed every year
- 42 per cent of carers miss out on financial support
The analysis, published to coincide with national Carers Rights Day on Friday 28 November, shows that as our population ages, the pressure on families to provide care and support to loved ones will continue to increase.
The research estimates that over 2.1 million people will find themselves in a new caring role every year, facing new challenges and often trying to juggle work and other family responsibilities with looking after an older, disabled or seriously ill relative or friend. This works out as just under 6,000 people a day or 10.6 million over the next five years. A caring role also comes to an end for 2.1 million people every year.
Chief Executive of Carers UK Heléna Herklots said:
“Taking on a new caring role can happen quite suddenly and people can be thrown into a situation which turns their lives upside down. It could be because a partner has a stroke, a parent has a fall or a child is born with a disability. It’s vital that anyone caring for a loved one seeks advice to ensure they are getting the services and support they are entitled to.
“Without help and assistance carers can find themselves facing financial hardship, health problems, emotional stress and relationship breakdown. They can be pushed to breaking point. This has serious consequences for individuals and families and for employers and the UK economy as a whole.
“A third of people caring at any one time will be new to that role. This presents a big challenge for services, local authorities and the NHS as they need to identify and reach out to new carers who are not accessing essential help and support. With the Care Act coming into force in April 2015, it’s an opportunity to make this happen for carers.”
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