ALLIANCE Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry evidence – Impact on unpaid carers
- Area of Work: Policy and Research
- Type: News Item
- Published: 9th May 2024
Our Chief Officer, Sara Redmond, gave an evidence briefing to the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry on unpaid carers.
The ALLIANCE’s Chief Officer, Sara Redmond, was invited by the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry to give evidence on the impact of the pandemic on unpaid carers on 8 May 2024.
Throughout the pandemic, unpaid carers and carer organisations the ALLIANCE that they felt that they were overlooked in decisions being made. Carers were having to move to full time caring roles without acknowledgment or warning, there was a lack of clarity and confusion in information and communication, fear and isolation compounding negative impacts on mental health and wellbeing, an impact on relationships, a lack of recognition of trauma and provision of impractical support and advice.
The ALLIANCE knows that the virus and the impacts of the resulting restrictions have disempowered many unpaid carers in their ability to access health services and negatively impacted their health and human rights.
When unpaid carers find it difficult accessing health care and support, it does not solely impact them but also the people they provide care and support for. At the Living with COVID-19 Carers Parliament event, participants outlined their concerns about carers becoming unwell, and the implications that this would have on their caring responsibilities and for the people they support, particularly where there is a lack of contingency planning and support from social care services.
Exacerbating this is the stark impact the pandemic had on the third sector: many third sector health and social care organisations closed at the outset of the pandemic, faced loss of fundraised income and volunteers, and employment cuts. This meant that vital services were not being delivered in some areas, with an ensuing impact on social care packages. The third sector continues to be undervalued and under resourced.
For future learning we recommend that:
- Unpaid carers can access social and community care when needed.
- Person centred support and care is embedded across services.
- Inclusive and accessible communications and guidance is provided.
- Co-production with unpaid carers is prioritised.
- Fair funding for the third sector is delivered.
- Accountability mechanisms are sustained.
You can watch the clip of Sara giving evidence to the Scottish COVID-19 here. or you can read the evidence briefing in full via the link below.
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