Sheridan TV dementia drama ‘so true to life’

step towards putting that right, laying the foundation for a new settlement between the state and the carer.

“The rise of the informal care economy is perhaps the most significant yet under-reported demographic shift in recent British history.

“The value of the unpaid care economy is now equivalent to £139billion, almost as large as the overall £144billion health spending in the UK.

“We see in this report the astonishing work carers are doing across the country but we also see that too many of them are struggling as a result of their duties.”

A Government spokesman said: “It’s right that we recognise the vitally important role carers play in our society.

“Since 2010 we’ve increased the rate of Carer’s Allowance, meaning carers can receive an additional £635 a year.” ACTRESS Sheridan Smith’s powerful portrayal of a single mother caring for a dementiastricken mother last night is the reality for countless people at the mercy of “a broken social care system”, campaigners said.

In the BBC One drama Care, Sheridan, 37, played Jenny looking after Mary (Alison Steadman), who has had a stroke, while juggling work and raising children on her own.

For millions of families in Britain their lives are thrown into chaos caring for a seriously ill loved one without support. Alzheimer’s Society chief executive Jeremy Hughes said: “Programmes like Care show the true day-to-day struggles of people affected by dementia.

“Real-life Jennys have been forgotten by our Government. They are making huge financial and emotional sacrifices.

“Unless the Government takes urgent action, the system will completely collapse, abandoning people already desperate.”