Nearly three-quarters of unpaid carers have had no break from caring during pandemic

Nearly three-quarters of unpaid carers have had no breaks from caring during the pandemic and over a third of those caring for family members or friends feel they are unable to manage their caring role.

The research by Carers UK found unpaid carers lost, on average, 25 hours of support a month they previously had from services or family and friends before the pandemic.

The study which was released for Carers Week (7-15 June) also revealed that of those who got a break, a third (33 per cent) used the time to complete practical tasks or housework, and a quarter (26 per cent) to attend their own medical appointments.

Three quarters (74 per cent) reported being exhausted as a result of caring during the pandemic.

Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK, said: “Carers have sacrificed their physical and mental health caring for loved ones over the course of this pandemic. They are exhausted having cared around the clock, and do not know how they can continue without a break.

“Many are looking to support services to be able to take that time for themselves but are desperately worried that they will not continue in the future.”

She added: “Without the right support, the stress and challenges of the last year could lead to far more carers breaking down. It is essential that the government ensures that carers can take breaks and that those providing upwards of 50 hours of care each week get a funded break.”

The six charities supporting Carers Week - Carers UK, Age UK, Carers Trust, Motor Neurone Disease Association, Oxfam GB and Rethink Mental Illness, are calling on the UK government to provide £1.2bn funding for unpaid carers’ breaks, so that those providing upwards of 50 hours of care are able to take time off for their own health and wellbeing.

Sixty-nine per cent of carers responding to the Carers Week survey reported poor mental health, while 64 per cent said their physical health had deteriorated.