Carers are facing bleak choices as they struggle to care for their sick and disabled relatives. Nearly half of those surveyed said money worries are affecting their health.
A survey of more than 4,000 carers by Carers UK for Carers Rights Day has found that almost 47 per cent were being made ill by money worries.
Financial toll of caring
The financial toll of caring was stark. Almost half (45 per cent) of carers were cutting back on essentials such as food and heating to make ends meet. And nearly a third (31 per cent) of carers were living on their overdraft.
The survey also found a high percentage had cut back on holidays (78 per cent). A similar proportion cut back on leisure activities (74 per cent), buying clothes (70 per cent) and going out with friends and family (74 per cent). The survey took place between September 2010 and July 2011.
Carers struggle to work and care. An estimated one million have given up work or reduced their hours[1], losing an average of £11,000 a year[2].
Debt looms for carers. More than four in 10 surveyed (45 per cent) said caring had pushed them into the red. On top of lost earnings, illness and disability also bring increased costs. Household bills increased for specialist equipment, foods, medicines, additional care and extra transport.
Money worries cause stress
Money worries cause stress. Almost half of the carers who responded to the survey (47 per cent) said they suffered from anxiety and depression because of concern about finances.
The isolation and stress of caring can cause mental health problems, but debt exacerbates this. Of the 4,250 carers surveyed, 76 per cent said they had suffered mental health problems. That figure rose to 85 per sent when the carers were in debt.
“These figures make shocking reading,” said Emily Holzhausen, Director of Policy for Carers UK. “There are an estimated 6.4 million people in the UK providing unpaid care and they are saving UK economy £119bn every year. That is more than the social care services and private providers combined. It is a scandal that, despite this contribution, carers end up sick with worry about how to make ends meet.
Help carers access support
“We are calling on everyone in society to help carers access support. Many carers are not given the advice and information they need – so if you know someone who cares for an ill or disabled loved one, make sure they get advice. But we need radical reform of carers’ benefits to stop families who care falling into poverty.
“Because the system is so complex, many people struggle to access the benefits they need. Getting people the right advice can be time-consuming, that is why we hold Carers Rights Day to let people know about all the support that is available.”
More than 700 local groups, including GPs surgeries, disability and community groups are running events. This year, Sainsbury’s have sponsored an essential guide to caring which is available free to carers from Carers UK. Guides can be ordered by calling 0808 808 7777 or downloaded from www.carersuk.org
Published: 2 December 2011
