Money Matters

Unpaid Carers Face Health Decline: A Call for Support from EdenCare Support Services in Bolton

New research by EdenCare Support Services in Bolton sheds light on the challenges faced by 1.2 million unpaid carers aged 50 and over, revealing a concerning deterioration in their health over the past year. As a leading provider of home care agency and domiciliary services, EdenCare recognises the urgency to address the increasing demand for social care and provide essential support for unpaid carers.

The Toll on Unpaid Carers: A Plea for Help

EdenCare Support Services echoes Age UK’s call for immediate action, urging the Chancellor to address the pressing issues faced by unpaid carers in the Autumn Statement. The research exposes the physical and emotional strain on unpaid carers. With many feeling drained, exhausted, and invisible in their crucial roles.

As the demand for social care continues to outstrip supply, unpaid carers find themselves shouldering overwhelming responsibilities without adequate support. EdenCare emphasises the need for a multi-year settlement that reflects the rising demand, inflationary pressures, and the workforce crisis in the care sector.

Key Findings and the Impact on Carers’ Health

Eden Care’s analysis of Age UK’s latest Health & Care polling reveals alarming statistics:

31% of carers aged 50 and over report a decline in their health over the past year.

55% express uncertainty about their health improving in the future.

39% acknowledge that their health condition has worsened, with 43% experiencing increased physical pain.

These figures underscore the immense challenges faced by unpaid carers, who contribute significantly to families and communities across the UK. EdenCare recognises the vital role these individuals play and advocates for increased awareness and support.

The Struggle for Respite and Support

EdenCare shares the concerns highlighted by Age UK, emphasising the need for respite care and additional support for unpaid carers. The lack of proper support not only affects carers’ well-being but also jeopardises the sustainability of informal care arrangements.

Carers, including those in mid-life juggling family responsibilities, and older carers coping with their health conditions, require more than warm words of appreciation. They need tangible assistance to prevent the breakdown of the care system, leading to increased burdens on both carers and the state.

A Call for Government Action

EdenCare Support Services aligns with Age UK’s call for a comprehensive funding settlement in the Autumn Statement. A commitment to addressing the increasing demand for social care and supporting unpaid carers is crucial. Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, highlights the importance of recognising the dedication of unpaid carers and providing them with essential respite.

Supporting Unpaid Carers: EdenCare’s Commitment

EdenCare Support Services stands united with Age UK in championing the cause of unpaid carers. Our commitment goes beyond delivering professional home care. We advocate for policies that acknowledge the vital contributions of unpaid carers and provide the support they desperately need.

As we approach the Autumn Statement, EdenCare urges the government to take meaningful action, offering unpaid carers the recognition and assistance they deserve. Together, we can build a stronger support system for those who selflessly care for their loved ones.

References

[i] Age UK Polling, undertaken by Kantar using a self-completion online survey, 7th-21st September 2023. The total number of people aged 50 years and over polled was 2621. Kantar uses robust methods to ensure that their sample is representative of the UK population aged 50+.

[ii] 15% of the people aged 50 and over who responded to our survey said that they were unpaid carers providing care for someone else Age UK estimate this to be equivalent to around 3.9 million people.

[iii]  https://www.local.gov.uk/about/news/lga-analysis-councils-face-almost-ps3-billion-funding-gap-over-next-two-years

[iv] https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/local-government-funding-england#:~:text=How%20has%20local%20government%20funding,%2F20%2C%20before%20partially%20recovering.

[v] https://www.adass.org.uk/adass-autumn-survey-part-2-final-report-press-release

[vi] https://www.ageuk.org.uk/latest-press/articles/2023/1.2m-unpaid-carers-aged-50-say-their-health-has-deteriorated-over-the-last-12-months/