Carers 'ignore health worries'
Updated on 09 June 2008
Carers are ignoring their own health worries, storing up problems for themselves, the people they look after and the state, a survey has shown.
Six million people in the UK look after a sick, frail or disabled relative, partner or friend. Their unpaid work saves the state an estimated £87 billion according to a Leeds University study, so any long-term sickness could land the Government with an unexpected bill.
The new poll of almost 2,000 people, carried out to mark Carers Week which begins on Monday, found more than three-quarters (77%) believed their own health had suffered as a result of their responsibilities and almost a fifth (19%) ignored feeling ill "all the time".
More than two-thirds (67%) of those who responded said they had put off seeing a doctor on more than one occasion because they had so little time and struggled to leave the house for appointments.
Almost two-thirds (65%) said their own health problems had affected their ability to care and 96% said they were "very concerned" about who would take over their responsibilities as a carer if they fell ill.
The effect caring has on a person's life has been summed up in a spoof job advert released to mark Carers Week. The advert requests applicants with the stamina to work continual long hours, who can be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can deal with stress and isolation.
More than half (55%) of those who responded to the survey said they had been unable to talk to anyone about their health worries, a figure highlighting the isolation which carers often report feeling.
Seven out of 10 (71%) people surveyed said they had not had one week of holiday or free time in the past 12 months when they were free from the responsibility of caring.
More than half (60%) of those who were also in paid employment said they had used part of their annual leave to devote more time to their role as a carer and a fifth (20%) said they had used more than 10 days of their holiday allocation to care for a loved one.
Paul Matz, Carers Week manager, said he was "saddened" but not surprised by the survey results. "It is vital that health professionals on the ground recognise the needs of people who are caring for others and ensure they are receiving the help and attention they deserve," he said.
These news feeds are provided by an independent third party and Channel 4 is not responsible or liable to you for the same.
