New Study Suggests Informal Carers Aren’t Getting Enough Government Support

Nearly two in five informal carers feel the government are not offering enough financial, educational or emotional support

A new study conducted by WeMa Life reveals some of the financial, emotional and professional impacts being an informal carer can have.

Of the 2,000 adults surveyed across the UK, 15 percent considered themselves to be informal carers, while a further 10 percent reported previously taking on carer duties. Over half felt that their role caring for a loved one had a significant impact on their emotional state, with 30 percent reporting they had fallen out with friends or family over their role as an informal carer.

Spending an average of 13 hours a week cooking, cleaning and performing other duties for their loved one, two in five reported the financial burden of acting in a carer role was preventing them from leading the lifestyle they want.

An overwhelming 77 percent felt that the government aren’t doing enough to offer emotional, financial or educational support for carers.

Co-founder and CEO of WeMa Life, Rohit Patni, commented:

“Today’s research sheds light on a hugely important issue. Many people at some stage in their life take on the responsibility of being an informal carer. However, in doing so they are clearly putting a massive financial and emotional strain on their day-to-day lives.

More support is clearly needed for informal carers.”

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Visit Counselling Directory for more information on Carers and Carer Support, or to find out more about the estimated 700,000 young carers in the UK.