Millions of unpaid carers ‘suffer with mental health’

THE stress of caring for elderly relatives has left millions of unpaid carers with mental health problems, the Local Government Association has said.

Councils warned that the majority of England’s 5.7 million informal carers have suffered under the strain of their responsibilities.

Survey data show that 72per cent of carers in England have endured mental ill health including stress and depression, and more than 60 per cent have seen their physical wellbeing deteriorate.

Carers’ assessments allow them to discuss their needs, such as respite care, with the council, but one in five carers has not received one in the past year.

The LGA said there needed to be sufficient government funding to make sure services such as respite breaks were available.

There has been an increase in elderly carers, including a 128per cent rise in the number of carers in England aged 85 and over.

Emily Holzhausen, the director of policy and public affairs at Carers UK, said they were “exhausted, demoralised and have lost vital community connections” because they could not have a break.

“Everyone needs a break and time to recharge their batteries. Not only is this a basic right, but the health impacts for carers are significant. It’s a false economy in the long term not to invest in breaks,” she said.

A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “We are already looking at how to improve carers’ access to breaks and respite care and our forthcoming Green Paper will look at long-term sustainable solutions for the social care system.”