Almost half of unpaid carers risking their health, survey shows

Nearly half of unpaid carers in the UK are jeopardising their health due to a lack of support, according to a survey.

Carried out by Carers Week, a group of eight charities including Age UK, Carers UK and Macmillan Cancer Support, the survey found that 40% of carers had put off receiving medical treatment because of the pressures of their role.

In addition, 87% of the 3,400 carers surveyed said caring had been detrimental to their mental health, while 83% said they had suffered physical health problems. Another 36% said they had sustained injuries such as back pain and insomnia while caring for sick or disabled friends or family.

Helen Clarke, Carers Week manager, said the government had to do more to support Britain's 6.4 million carers – both practically and financially. She called for more sustainable social care funding, better signposting for support services and regular health checks for carers.

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