Longer shifts for older carers
Older carers in Sunderland are putting in some of the longest hours in the UK.
National figures compiled by Sunderland Carers Centre show that in excess of 6,500 carers over the age of 50 are caring for others for more than 50 hours a week.
At 34.9%, that is over 8% higher than the national average of 26.5%.
The stats, based on census data, also demonstrated that, in Sunderland, there are 18,650 carers over the age of 50 - 18.2% of the 50-plus city population as a whole. The UK average is 17.2%.
Sunderland Carers Centre chief executive, Graham Burt, said the figures reflected the ageing population and demonstrated how support is vital for people looking after others as they age.
“When some people may be considering early retirement and maybe waving goodbye as their children leave the nest, we have thousands of people in the city who work incredibly hard to ensure the people they are looking after have a lifeline to the outside world,” he said.
“People may think being a carer is about ensuring a family member takes the correct medication or manages to get out to do the shopping, and while it is those things, it is also so much more, especially as the carer gets older.
“We make a great deal of effort to connect with our older carers, to ensure they’re accessing the full suite of support available to them. It’s really about making sure they have all of the help and guidance they need to carry on with their own life while supporting their loved one.
“Carers’ priorities are of- ten those of the person they care for and they forget to look after themselves. Our work is vital to remind carers that they too are individuals and need help, support and space like everyone else.”
Sunderland Carers Centre has a ‘whole family approach’, ensuring “no carer feels alone or unsupported”.
As well as advice, information and support, older carers can also access support and social groups at the centre and across the city.
Sunderland Carers Centre also works with organisations across the North East, to provide everything from access guidance on what benefits and support they may be entitled to, to practical advice about caring for their loved one.