Key statistic: more than half of carers who provide substantial amounts of care, are likely to be permanently sick or disabled.
Carers play a crucial part in the healthcare of the person they care for, from helping with medication, making sure the person gets to their GP appointment, and providing vital support when they come out of hospital. Yet, often carers’ role in this partnership is misunderstood or ignored by the health service.
"I was told to go by agency nurses who didn’t know or care why I was there." Sarah, a carer in Newcastle.
This can leave carers without a say in decisions that profoundly affect their lives. Left unsupported often force carers have to cope alone, which is bad for the sick or disabled person, and bad for the carer, whose own health may be damaged.
Key statistic: One in four carers caring for 50 hours a more report “physical strain”.
However there are things that the NHS can do to protect carers' health and enable them to carry on caring. Our 3-stage plan summarises how professionals can help carers. more...
Carers can also take action to get health issues promoted in their local communities. more...
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