Research: The State of Caregiving (UK) 2013

Supporting Others

StateofCaring2013This research from Carers UK indicates that one in three full-time carers get no practical support. Launched to coincide with its landmark policy conference, the State of Caring 2013 report examines carers’ health and family finances, experiences of juggling work and care, and of NHS and care services. It also sets out five key challenges from carers.

More than 3,000 carers filled in the State of Caring survey, answering a wide range of questions about their experiences of caring. Of carers responding to the survey:

  • Almost a third (31%) of those caring for 35 hours or more per week receive no practical support with caring.

  • Over half (56%) of carers who gave up work to care spent or have spent over 5 years out of work as a result.

  • More than 4 in 10 (44%) of carers surveyed have been in debt as a result of caring.

  • 84% of carers surveyed said that caring has a negative impact on health, up from 74% in 2011-12.

  • Almost half (46%) of carers surveyed have raised concerns about poor quality care services.

  • Over half (54%) of those caring for someone discharged from hospital in the last year had either not been consulted about their discharge or had only been consulted at the last minute.

Download the State of Caring 2013 research report here. You can also find other information and research papers at the website of Carers UK.

StateofCaring2013