10.6 million to become carers for loved ones in next five years

New research by the charity Carers UK reveals that 10.6 million people will take on a new unpaid caring role for relatives and friends who are sick or disabled over the next five years, but unless changes are made, will be left under-equipped to deal with the challenges of caring.
 
The analysis, published to coincide with national Carers Rights Day on Friday 28th November, shows that as the population ages, the pressure on families to provide care and support to loved ones will continue to increase.
 
The research estimates that over 2.1 million people will find themselves in a new caring role every year, often trying to juggle work and other family responsibilities with looking after an older, disabled or seriously ill relative or friend. This works out as just under 6,000 people a day or 10.6 million over the next five years. A caring role also comes to an end for 2.1 million people every year.
 
Chief Executive of Carers UK Heléna Herklots said: “Without help and assistance carers can find themselves facing financial hardship, health problems, emotional stress and relationship breakdown. They can be pushed to breaking point. This has serious consequences for individuals and families and for employers and the UK economy as a whole.”

Ms Herklots added that local authorities and the NHS need to reach out to inexperienced carers who are not aware of help and support available. She said: “With the Care Act coming into force in April 2015, it’s an opportunity to make this happen for carers.”

Previous studies have shown that £1.1 billion of Carer’s Allowance goes unclaimed every year and 42% of carers have missed out on financial support as a result of not getting the right information earlier.
 
Carers UK is calling on public bodies to make changes to help carers access the support and services they are entitled to. These include putting a legal obligation on health and education professionals to identify and support carers, improving access to information and advice and fostering better relationships between government departments.