Does anyone care about our carers?
My partner and I are fulltime carers and there should be a lot more help considering how much carers save the taxpayer by doing the things they should do. We wouldn’t manage without the help of our local carers service, whose volunteer help is invaluable. It’s not about the money when it comes to loved ones, but a bit of help goes a long way. I wonder how MPs would feel if it was one of theirs?
Jade Ferguson, Liverpool
I couldn’t get anything at all when I had to give up my job of 24 years to look after my mum. Not a penny! It’s a good job my husband was working. And we carers also save the government £1,000 a week in some areas by keeping loved ones out of residential homes.
My mum didn’t want to go in a home and, as she ended up in a wheelchair, she needed 24hr care. So the only solution was for me to give up my job as a careers adviser – one which I loved. But my mum’s wishes
were more important
Julie Lee, Barnsley South Yorkshire
I’ve been a carer for my mum since she had a stroke last year. I live and work in London and my mum lives in Maidstone, Kent. The train fares are crippling.
Trisso Bo, London
More recognition of the huge sacrifices made by young carers is needed. This government undervalues the vital role they play in society. Well done for raising awareness of an issue that needs action.
Julie Ann Allen, Milton Keynes, Beds
The sad thing is that Amanda would have saved the government a lot of money by caring for her mum. It’s hard enough having a loved one with this cruel illness.
LisaAnn Evans, Manchester
It’s very tough financially caring for others and when it’s family you are supposed to just get on with it. Your income takes a huge dip, but outgoings rise out of control. With medicines, treats to cheer them up, travel and food, you end up trying to live two people’s lives on one reduced income.
Rebecca Drozd Kidderminster Worcestershire
To care for her mum in a home would have cost the government on average £700 a week, so a travelcard to help visit her mum in hospital isn’t much to ask!
Julie Hall Dawson Penzance, Cornwall
Dementia is going to cause a health crisis. If the government paid a living carer wage, then more people could afford to look after their relatives and we wouldn’t be forking out for as many expensive care homes.
Nursing care would then be more accessible as a last resort. It’s hard to imagine that this young lady had to struggle through this. Even with
some support it is hard.
Sarah Dawson, Liverpool
I have three children who need help with even basic tasks. One is losing his ability to walk but you still only get one lot of carer’s allowance.
Chloe Smith Worcester
Carers have been undervalued and treated disgustingly for years and years. It’s never been any different, way before this Tory government. It’s a failure of successive governments, including Labour.