Care in the Community

An estimated 700,000 to 800,000 people across Scotland provide unpaid care for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, a mental health condition or addiction cannot cope without their support. It is estimated that they save the economy the equivalent of a second NHS every year. Yet, many carers feel their role is forgotten and invisible. A staggering 82% of carers surveyed by Carers UK admitted the impact of caring on their physical and mental health would be a challenge over the coming year, with nearly 60% adding that being valued as a carer would improve their wellbeing.

There is help out there for unpaid carers of all ages, from local support groups who can lend a listening ear to financial grants. Here, we explore how you can access those resources if you are an unpaid carer yourself.

Who is a carer? A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health problem or who needs extra help, as they grow older. The amount and type of support that carers provide varies considerably, ranging from a few hours a week, such as picking up prescriptions and preparing meals, to providing round the clock care.

For some, taking on a caring role can be sudden. Maybe someone in your family has an accident or your child is born with a disability. For others, caring creeps up unnoticed. Perhaps your parents can’t manage by themselves any longer, or your partner’s health gradually worsens. Caring will touch many of us in our lifetime, whether we become a carer or need care ourselves. Whilst caring can be a rewarding experience, it can also have a damaging impact on a person’s health, finances and relationships.

As the old saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty glass, and this is especially true for unpaid carers. It’s important to prioritise your own well being to prevent exhaustion and overwhelm as an unpaid caregiver. Find solace in local caregiver communities for support and