Summary of Key Points:
Summary of role of informal carers:
Informal carers in England and Wales provide a vital, yet under-recognised, contribution. Their unpaid work is estimated to be worth £162 billion annually.
Many informal carers are women, with 10.3% of females in England providing unpaid care compared to 7.6% of males.
There are higher percentages of unpaid carers in deprived areas of England and Wales.
A significant number of young carers (aged 5–17) are also involved, with 120,000 in England and 8,200 in Wales.
Care Trends from the 2021 Census:
There has been a decline in the number of people providing unpaid care from 2011 to 2021, though the hours of care provided have increased, particularly for those offering 20–49 hours or 50+ hours of care per week.
Carers’ Allowance and Financial Impact:
Financial challenges are common among carers, with issues such as overpayment of the Carer’s Allowance creating financial strain.
Many carers are managing their work schedules to stay within the earnings limit while balancing their caregiving responsibilities.
Challenges Faced by Carers:
Carers often suffer from mental health challenges due to the demanding nature of their role, with many reporting long-term stress and lack of support.
The majority of carers prioritise their family member’s needs, often at the expense of their own health and well-being.
Few carers are able to take extended breaks or holidays, adding to the strain.
Virtual Wards and Carers’ Expectations:
The emergence of virtual wards and Hospital@Home schemes is intended to reduce the burden on hospitals, but it places additional pressure on informal carers.
Carers expressed concerns that virtual wards increase their responsibilities, particularly as the health services expect more from them.
There are also concerns that these systems may increase health inequalities due to the reliance on in-home technology.
Care giver Experiences and Support:
Surveys revealed that many carers feel unsupported, particularly when it comes to discharge planning from hospitals, with 60% reporting they were not consulted about their ability or willingness to care.
Some carers have access to support from charities and health professionals, but this is not universal, and many find it difficult to navigate available resources.
Economic and Health Inequality Concerns:
Studies noted that the economic evaluations of virtual wards often underestimate the cost savings and the strain placed on carers. There is also a lack of focus on how these systems might disproportionately impact certain socio-economic and ethnic groups.
Conclusion:
The report underscores the immense value and significant challenges faced by informal carers in the UK. While their contributions are critical, they often go under-recognised and unsupported. The rise of virtual healthcare services, though innovative, risks shifting even more responsibility onto carers without adequate support structures in place. Addressing these gaps is essential to ensuring the well-being of both carers and the individuals they support.
Article written by Alison While and published in the British Journal of Community Nursing, September 2024.
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