A looks at carers’ experiences during the coronavirus pandemic

IN 2020/ 2021, we asked residents who provide care for family and loved ones for their stories about caring during the Covid pandemic and asked, ‘What could we learn?’

It is safe to say that the worries, sadness, and restrictions of the past years have been difficult for everyone, but carers are likely to have faced additional challenges during the pandemic.

78% said the number of hours of care they provide had increased

70% hadn’t been able to get regular breaks

84% said their mental health had been negatively affected

73% said that their family wellbeing had suffered

62% said their physical health had been negatively affected.

What were the challenges?

We asked carers to tell us what life had been like for them, but one of the most common responses was to describe the impact on the person they look after.

Decline in physical health has long-term consequences for both the carer and the cared for.

“There has been a noticeable impact on the progress of dementia with regard to my cared for, due to a lack of external contact/ stimulation with others,” one said.

The Covid period has also brought a new or increased responsibility for maintaining their loved one’s mental wellbeing.

Many carers can’t take a break unless someone else looks after their friend or family member.

Our carers’ stories highlighted the impact the pandemic had had on both formal and informal respite care.

It is important not to underestimate how hard reduced services affected carers, particularly those looking after people with the highest support needs, often 24/7.

For many, organised services, or groups for their loved one had been the only opportunity for them to get a break.

Twenty per cent of carers used the words ‘pressure’ or ‘stress’ in describing their Covid caring experience.

“Stressful. Caring for two adults both living alone and refusing paid carers and having an autistic child has taken its toll”.

Others spoke about fear or worry that they were more vulnerable to Covid.

Exhaustion was felt by many: “Feel like we’re swimming through treacle even more than ever”. Over 20% of respondents used the term isolated, lonely, or alone.

A few carers spoke only positively of their caring experience. They were able to voice some of positive aspects of the experience.

What helped carers?

Services which remained open or re-opened, were highly valued by carers. Community and voluntary groups have been particularly good at reacting and adapting to the covid crisis quickly and flexibly.

Wokingham Borough

Community Response, an umbrella effort coordinated by WBC helped carers to access vital support. This was accessed via One Front Door – run by Citizens Advice Wokingham in partnership with Wokingham Borough Council and local voluntary sector organisations.

Although its limitations were noted, video conferencing was generally welcomed when face-toface contact was not possible. The exception was young carers (under 18s) who expressed dissatisfaction.

When asked what had helped them, common responses were family, friends, fresh air, and exercise.

So what next?

Next Month we will update you on our recommendations and responses from service providers.

You can read our full report by visiting our website. www. healthwatchwokingham.co.uk