LONDON – A recent survey of over 12,000 carers across the UK has highlighted a concerning decline in carers’ mental health, with more than half of respondents reporting they “often” or “always” feel overwhelmed. The findings, released by the charity Carers UK, underscore the growing strain on individuals who provide care for disabled, elderly, or sick family members, revealing that insufficient opportunities for respite are a major contributing factor.
The survey, conducted last summer, found that 57% of carers feel overwhelmed on a regular basis, with 35% of those reporting “bad” or “very bad” mental health—an increase from 27% the previous year.
Top Support Need: Health and Wellbeing
The survey showed a clear demand for more support in managing health and wellbeing, with 66% of carers citing it as their primary need—up from 61% in 2022.
The lack of access to regular breaks was the most common reason given for carers feeling overwhelmed, with 65% of respondents attributing their stress to this issue. Nearly half (49%) said they need more breaks from their caregiving duties, and 54% expressed concern that taking regular breaks would be increasingly difficult in the coming year.
Demand for Respite Services
In response to the findings, Helen Walker, CEO of Carers UK, emphasized that the increasing demand for social care services and inadequate funding have left many carers without access to essential respite services. “Unpaid carers are under immense pressure. Many tell us that their world has shrunk, and they feel isolated and alone in their role. Breaks are crucial for carers to focus on their own health, needs, and interests,” she said.
Walker also pointed out that despite carers’ ongoing struggles, the availability of replacement care and respite services remains limited. “The lack of adequate funding and rising demand means carers are often left without the support they urgently need, resulting in burnout and poor mental health.”
Support and Recognition from Local Authorities
The survey also highlighted a gap in support from local councils. More than half of carers (51%) said they need better recognition of their needs from local authorities, a rise from 46% last year. However, the number of carers who had received an assessment under the Care Act 2014 remained unchanged, with only 23% reporting that they had been assessed in the past 12 months. Of those assessed, 42% said they had not received any follow-up support, citing staff shortages and a lack of practical assistance.
Calls for Sustainable Funding
Both David Fothergill, chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, and Helen Walker called for more long-term, sustainable funding for social care. Fothergill stressed that councils must receive better support to help unpaid carers. “Helping councils to better support unpaid carers should be a crucial part of a long-term and sustainable funding solution for social care,” he said.
Government Response
A Government spokesperson acknowledged the critical role carers play, saying, “We recognise the immense contribution of carers who selflessly dedicate their time to supporting others.” They pointed to measures such as an increase in the carer’s allowance earnings threshold, which will rise by £2,000 annually—the largest increase since 1976.
The spokesperson also highlighted the Better Care Fund, which includes £9 billion for unpaid carer support, such as short breaks and respite services. Additionally, the government plans to provide up to £3.7 billion extra to local authorities in 2025-26, including an £880 million increase in the social care grant to improve support for carers and ensure they can access the services they need.
The survey’s results serve as a stark reminder of the pressures faced by the UK’s unpaid carers, urging both government and local authorities to prioritize long-term, accessible support and respite services.
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