Millions of carers near exhaustion
Updated on 07 December 2007
Up to four million people aged over 50 look after an older relative or partner but just 12% receive any carers' benefits, a survey has shown.
Around 39% of carers are also still trying to work the same hours they were before they became responsible for looking after someone else, according to Saga, which provides services for the over 50s.
The group said the findings suggested many older people with caring responsibilities were severely overworked, underpaid and on the brink of exhaustion.
Nine out of 10 people admitted that the lack of time they had to themselves as a result of their caring responsibilities was having a major impact on their lives.
Two fifths of carers said they were able to turn to friends or other relatives for help when they needed a break, but around one in 10 admitted they never got a rest from their responsibilities.
At the same time nearly a quarter of those questioned had to combine the role of looking after a relative over 60 with a younger person, usually a child or grandchild.
Around 83% of carers said they had expected to receive some financial help from the Government, but just 12% said they were actually receiving carers' benefits, while 84% of people admitted they did not know what benefits were available.
Eight out of 10 people also said they would use support services if they were available, with better day care provision and some additional income the two main factors carers said would ease the pressure on them.
Saga estimates that carers lose out on an average of £11,000 a year because of their caring responsibilities.
Emma Soames, editor of Saga Magazine, said: "These results are not only shocking, they're heartbreaking. Carers not only provide essential support for their loved ones, they also give a valuable service that saves the taxpayer billions every year. It's vital they get the support they deserve."
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