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Almost half of unpaid carers are not getting the support they need as caring hours soar

  • Area of Work: Policy and Research
  • Type: News Item
  • Published: 25th September 2023
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The Carers Trust survey finds the broken social care system means carers spend more time caring for relatives.

“The great majority of those who care do so because support, in practical and financial terms, doesn’t exist. They see no alternative, and a lack of action by the UK Government ensures this crisis continues.” – unpaid carer Karen

The Carers Trust survey of 3,430 unpaid carers from across the UK lays bare how an under-funded and broken social care system is placing unsustainable pressure on unpaid carers who are experiencing significant increases in the amount of time they need to care for sick and disabled relatives.

One in eight carers (12%) said that, over the last year, the average amount of time they spend caring each week had risen by more than 50 hours. An additional one third (36%) of carers said they had experienced an equivalent rise of 20-49 hours per week in their caring role.

Here are some headline findings:

  • Over half (52%) in Scotland say that the amount of time they spend caring has increased in the past 12 months.
  • Only 61% of all unpaid carers in Scotland get the support they need to be an unpaid carer.
  • Unpaid carers are exhausted but three quarters (75%) in Scotland are unable to get a break from their caring role when needed.
  • Almost a quarter (23%) in Scotland say they are the sole providers of care and they didn’t receive help to care from anyone else.
  • 70% in Scotland said Carer’s Allowance was not enough to make a meaningful difference to them.

While stark, none of the findings are surprising. Unpaid carers are exhausted, the time they spend on caring has soared, many are not getting the support they need and three-quarters cannot get a break when they need it.

Carers Trust CEO, Kirsty McHugh said:

“These shocking findings show how some of the most vulnerable people in our society are being left alone to shoulder the burden of unpaid care. It’s vital that support becomes more inclusive and accessible, recognising the diverse experience of the UK’s seven million unpaid carers.

Find out more about the survey here.

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