The transition from being a family member to becoming an unpaid carer when a loved one falls ill presents many challenges. Loneliness, isolation, a lack of support and money worries are just some of the issues faced by unpaid carers who are devoting their life to looking after someone.
Becoming an informal carer means looking after a loved one who can’t cope without assistance and your relationship will change as you begin to help them with personal care, everyday tasks and emotional support.
Rather than being a son, daughter, grandchild, other relative or friend, you become their support to help them enjoy a good quality of life and in many cases to stay in their own home, rather than moving into care. This type of carer differs from one paid by a company or local authority to look after someone.
Seeing a loved one struggling can impact unpaid carers emotionally, as someone once strong becomes unable to carry out day-to-day tasks unaided.
How many unpaid carers are there in the UK?
There are around 10.6 million unpaid carers in the UK, according to the charity Carers UK. Most are women and the biggest age group of people who provide care for a family member is 46 to 65.
The highest concentration of informal carers lives in the north of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The value of people providing unpaid care in the UK has been described as being, “like a second NHS”, saving the nation an estimated £162 billion per year in healthcare costs.
A poll by YouGov found 62% of people had become a carer because they had “no choice”, as they had unexpectedly stepped into a caregiving role when a loved one fell ill. This became a long-term informal arrangement. Sadly, 40% of caregivers are living “in poverty”.
How much are carers struggling financially?
Sadly, the impact of becoming an unpaid carer is often more negative than positive for many people, as they are struggling financially, which leads to mental stress: polls show caregivers may need to borrow money or use credit cards to pay ordinary household expenses and they also cut back on their own food.
The Carers UK State of Caring study suggests caregivers face “unprecedented pressures” financially due to the ongoing cost of living crisis. A massive 63% are “extremely worried” about paying their own costs and 25% are having to cut back on essentials, such as heating and food, just to survive.
Physical and emotional challenges faced by carers
Unpaid carers face emotional challenges as well as financial hurdles, with a 2023 study by Carers UK finding 49% often experiencing feelings of depression: individuals caring for a loved one for more than 50 hours a week are more likely to feel depressed.
Almost one-third of carers feel lonely “always” or “often” as they’re unable to maintain any kind of life outside the home, while those who have been a volunteer carer for more than 15 years suffer more severe feelings of loneliness.
Three-quarters of caregivers say they always find it difficult to get a good night’s sleep, not only because they help their loved one during the night, but also because anxiety prevents them from sleeping well.
In addition, 79% experience feelings of hopelessness, anxiety and fear, while they struggle to maintain other relationships due to their caring duties taking over their life. They suffer from burnout and often worry about how they can carry on.
The need for proper hygiene supplies is a concern for unpaid carers, especially those who are already struggling financially. They feel this is often overlooked by the state, yet carer supplies are one of the most important things required to keep their loved one safe and in good health.
For example, wearing disposable gloves when changing dressings, treating infected wounds or assisting with toilet needs is a vital part of day-to-day life, both for caregivers and their loved one. When good hygiene isn’t practiced, this can lead to infections and the spread of harmful bacteria.
Carers are also prone to physical injuries, especially if looking after an adult with limited mobility. The most common is back pain from lifting their patient, such as assisting with bathing and dressing, or simply acting as a support to stop someone from falling.
Other injuries can include sprains and strains, often wrists, from offering physical support to an adult. Surveys have shown carers who have arthritis themselves frequently experience worse pain after they have assumed a caring role due to the strain on their joints.
What unpaid carer support is available?
As well as the potential to claim Carer’s Allowance, volunteer carers may also be able to access other financial support, such as help with paying your rent in the form of Housing Benefit. Check with the Department for Work and Pensions and the local council to find out the criteria and check if you may be eligible.
Ask Citizens Advice and charities such as Carers UK and Age Concern for advice on what grants, financial support and access to mobility and other aids may be available in your area. They should also be able to provide a list of support groups locally to help your own emotional needs.
Some local authorities will be able to provide access to respite care in a safe environment while you take a break.
The amount of support varies from area to area, as it’s often supplied by charities and through contacting the local authority or social services.
If you struggle to get out due to your caring duties, Turn2Us is an online platform which offers a one-stop-shop for people in need of help to look for financial and other support, with relevant contact details and application forms available online.
Having a network of fellow carers available online can be a massive benefit for people who feel isolated and depressed, as there’s someone to talk to 24/7 among a community of people in a similar situation who understand your challenges and needs.
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