One in ten people is unpaid carer for vulnerable family member, poll shows

15 August 2023 , 23:01

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One in 10 people provide unpaid care (Image: Getty Images)

Many areas of the country are “care deserts” leaving four out of five in need of care relying primarily on a family member.

Currently one in 10 provide unpaid care and this is set to rise. The lack of formal support has left 24% of carers losing touch with friends while 27% lack frequent social contact with others.

A poll of 1,000 unpaid carers by the Alzheimer’s Society revealed many had to quit work while 47% juggle caring with a job. A fifth spend at least one night a week living with the cared for person. Around 22% spent less time with their partner and a third of parents aged 25-34 had less time with their children.

Poll reveals strain of being unpaid carer (Getty Images/Image Source)

Some 43% said their caring duties put a strain on their relationship. Kate Lee, chief executive of the Society, said: “There are so many family members and friends providing care around-the-clock to keep their loved ones tethered to the world.

“This vital care can be incredibly rewarding but comes at a cost – often coping with changes to behaviour and carrying out daily tasks many of us take for granted.

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Actor Anne-Marie Duff added: "I know first-hand the impact of caring for a loved one with dementia, after my brother Eddie was diagnosed with dementia in his early 40s.

“Unpaid carers exemplify what it means to be kind and compassionate. Quite simply, unpaid carers are heroes.” The Mirror’s Fair Care for All campaign urges better pay and training for care workers.

Martin Bagot