Carer Tracy and husband Frank get the coastal break they need
NINE out of ten carers are unable to take proper breaks, a national charity study has shown. The study is being held up as evidence that much more needs to be done to support unpaid family carers — especially in terms of regular, good-quality respite from caring, both for themselves and those they care for. Tracy is a full-time carer for husband Frank. ‘Frank had a stroke in 2013. In July 2017, he was taken to hospital with a blood clot. By this point, I was totally exhausted.’ She is not alone in feeling this way. The study shows that seven out of ten carers are always tired, and six out of ten are mentally exhausted. A similar number said they had trouble sleeping and more than a third said they were in chronic or persistent pain. Yet the 6.8 million carers in the UK save the economy billions. The study highlights the need for greater access to respite holidays, which provide opportunities to socialise with others and an appropriate range of accessible, stimulating activities, allowing both the carer and their loved one to reap the benefits of a break. Tracy and Frank (pictured) recently received financial support towards a coastal respite holiday together. ‘From the moment we arrived, I felt as if a weight had been lifted,’ says Tracy. ‘At home, I’m constantly washing, ironing, cooking, cleaning and administering Frank’s medicine. ‘During our holiday, I was able to pop to the shops and enjoy a waterside walk while the kind and caring staff kept Frank company. ‘I can truly say that Frank and I thoroughly enjoyed our relaxing week there and we will be going back again this year!’ A proper break can make a real difference, and it can mean a chance to be husband and wife or parent and offspring again, not just carer and cared-for.