7 out of 10 of carers suffer from mental health decline
SEVEN in 10 carers have suffered mental health problems because of the demands of their role, a report reveals.
Yet nearly two-thirds of councils charge carers for breaks, figures unearthed by Labour reveal.
And a study to mark Carers’ Week points out that the UK’s 6.5 million unpaid volunteers looking after relatives are risking their own health. It shows 72% have suffered mental ill health while 61% said their physical health had worsened. Almost 70% find it difficult to get a good night’s sleep.
And two in five fear providing less care or no care as their own health starts to fail.
Carers UK head Helena Herklots said: “Without the unpaid care provided by family and friends, our health and care services would collapse.”