Healthy living
Mind matters
A nation of carers on the brink
A Saga survey reveals that up to four million people over 50 care for an older relative or partner, but only 12 per cent of these receive any carers' benefits
Not only that, but half also go out to work and ten per cent never get a break. No wonder Britain's army of carers sometimes feel like they are buckling under the load. However, unpaid carers also save the taxpayer £87 billion a year.
Emma Soames, Editor of Saga Magazine, said: "These results are not only shocking, they're heartbreaking. They show just how much pressure today's carers are under, not just financially but emotionally and physically - they need help and support which is either not forthcoming at all, or is so elusive they don't know where to find it.
"Carers not only provide essential support for their loved ones, they also give a valuable service that saves the taxpayer billions every year it's vital they get the support they deserve."
The Saga Populus poll, the largest regular opinion poll of Britons over 50, also found that more than one in three (39 per cent) of these carers still work the same hours they did before they took on a caring role, suggesting they could be severely overworked, underpaid and on the brink of exhaustion.
The study shows that there is a silent army of carers in the UK, sacrificing their own independence and coping with the burden of caring alone.
Almost nine in ten carers (87 per cent) said the lack of time to themselves was having a major impact on their lives.
Two fifths (40 per cent) said they turned to friends or other relatives for help when they needed a break.
Unlike most employees who can expect weekends off, and a minimum of four weeks holiday per year plus bank holidays, an estimated 400,000 carers never get a break, despite having to carry out a role seven days a week, 365 days a year. This raises serious concerns about the physical and mental burdens they have to endure.
Almost one in four carers has to shoulder the dual burden of caring for a relative over 60 as well as looking after younger people. In most cases, this is a child or grandchild. The findings echo an earlier report from Saga which suggested that the number of "Supercarers" - those combining a dual caring role - is set to rise by 50 per cent by 2020.
Saga's research revealed widespread confusion over the financial and practical support available. Eighty-three per cent expect financial help, yet only 12 per cent receive any. A further 84 per cent don't know what benefits are available to them.
The need for better practical support is also clear with 80 per cent of respondents saying they would use a support service were it available. Better day care provision and additional income were the top two factors identified by carers as the measures that would ease the pressure on them.
The huge importance of the role fulfilled by carers is further illustrated by the fact that 84 per cent of respondents would, if needed, rather receive care in their own home than anywhere else, and 71 per of carers think it’s important their relatives receive care in their own home.
Imelda Redmond, Chief Executive of Carers UK said: "This extensive survey by Saga backs up our work with carers over the years: that many still find the benefits and entitlements system a complex and bewildering maze, many don't actually receive their entitlements, and too few get the vital support they need.
"In fact, our research, 'Out of Pocket', launched to coincide with our Carers Rights Day campaign, shows working carers lose an average of £11,000 a year as a result of caring responsibilities."
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