Don Jones a carer.

Devastating impact

"My sister Sheila was born with a learning disability and my parents cared for her their whole lives. When they died my sister was all I had left. I knew I would step in and take care of her. Although I’d seen what caring had done to my parents, I only thought it would be temporary and didn’t realise quite what a devastating impact being a carer would have on my life."

• Facts :  1.25 million people care for over 50 hours per week
• What carers told Carers UK : Three in four carers are worse off since becoming a carer

Insulting…

"Within a couple of months I knew I had no option but to give up work. I’d had a good wage as an engineer for Aerospace and suddenly I was living on benefits. I knew carers could claim an allowance but I had no idea it would be just £48 per week. Frankly it’s insulting."

• Facts : Carer’s Allowance is worth £48 per week. The amount is the same whether you’re caring for 35 hours or 120 hours
• What carers told Carers UK : More than half of carers are forced to give up work to care

Struggling to get by…

"When I became a carer everyday was a struggle – people have no idea how hard it is to look after someone round the clock. It is especially hard at the beginning, when you get no help or support. Money is always a worry. I ended up £8000 in debt just so I could pay for the things my sister needed. I’ve had to make some tough choices and cut right back, even on things like food shopping. Things I used to take for granted like holidays and clothes are now an unaffordable luxury."

• Facts : Government says that carers should not have to cover the costs of disability, as these are covered by disabled people’s benefits.
• What carers told Carers UK : Over half of carers pay for the extra costs of disability from their own pocket

Worth more than £48…

"It would cost thousands to keep my sister in residential care. Don’t get me wrong I want her to have her own life and I want to help her achieve that for as long as possible.

But all the same surely as a carer I’m worth more than £48 per week?"