NATIONAL CARERS WEEK

By Dr Julie Taylor

Who cares for the carers?

National Carers Week (5-11 June) is a time for us all to recognise and offer thanks to those unsung heroes – our unpaid carers.

A carer is anyone who looks after a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness, addiction, or who needs extra help as they grow older. There are an estimated 5.7 million carers in the UK and many do not recognise that they are a carer. Compare this to the 1.3 million NHS employees. The value of unpaid care is equivalent to the total funding of the NHS. Caring can be hugely rewarding but can impact on all aspects of life.

Who are the carers?

People aged 46-65 are most likely to become carers. 59% of carers are women and they are more likely to provide more hours of care. Over 376,000 young people are known to be carers. However, some estimates suggest that as many as one in five schoolchildren are young carers and one in eight young carers are under the age of eight. It is not difficult to understand the impact that this would have on their education, social life and wellbeing.

Impact on finances

One in seven carers are juggling their caring responsibilities with work and 75% worry about managing both working and caring. 600 people per day leave work to care. For those who are working, it is worth speaking to your employer about their policies and procedures for those with caring responsibilities, including flexible working and emergency carers leave. Carers charities can advise you about the benefits and other financial support that you may be entitled to.

Health and wellbeing

If you are a carer, it is important to look after your own health and wellbeing. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup. 60% of carers have a long term health problem or disability. They may struggle to access health services due to their caring responsibilities. All GP surgeries have a carers register – please let us know if you are a carer so that we can add you to it. Our social prescribing team and/or care coordinators can provide advice and support, and put you in contact with other agencies that can help to support you as a carer.

Carers may report feeling lonely or isolated. This can contribute to stress and depression. It is important that you recognise if this is happening and seek help. Caring can involve a range of emotions, from feelings of resentment and guilt, to grief and even anticipatory grief, where you grieve for the person your loved one once was. If you are struggling with your feelings, talk to someone about it. This might be a friend or family member, or you could join a carers support group and speak to those who are going through the same. If you are feeling overwhelmed, reach out to your GP practice or other agencies such as the Samaritans or Mind.

Getting a carers assessment

If you are aged 18 or over, and provide regular unpaid care, then you are entitled to a carers assessment. This will look at the support you need as a carer; from equipment and advice on benefits/financial support, through to emotional support and breaks from caring. Your local adult social services department can help arrange this for you. In Dartford, Swanley and Gravesham, Imago (0300 011 1965) undertakes carers assessments.

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all our carers. If you know someone who is a carer, show your support by saying ‘I care…’