47% of UK unpaid carers have never had a break
The new study from mobilise also found a further one in five who are looking after their loved ones last took a holiday over six months ago.
A new report from a community of carers was published this morning which demonstrates just how hard it is to take care of yourself whilst working as an unpaid carer. To conduct the research, experts surveyed 183 unpaid carers on when they were last able to take a break – this could include a holiday or simply extended time away from their role.
The results are devastating. They survey found:
- 47% of unpaid carers haven’t taken a break since their responsibilities began
- 19% haven’t had a holiday in over six months
- 29% have had a break within the last three months
Some of the unpaid carers involved in the study cited lack of support and poor disability access as reasons as to why they haven’t taken a holiday.
Case study
Carole Hogan is 61 and lives in North Northumberland. She currently cares for her husband and hasn’t been able to take a holiday for nine years.
‘Since my husband’s diagnosis nine years ago, taking a break has been virtually impossible. I am very lucky to have an incredible support network, but when you’re caring for someone, there are so many obstacles to going away or even taking small periods of time for yourself,’ Carole said.
‘In the past decade, I have managed to go on holiday just twice. The first time, my sister, who lives 400 miles away, travelled up to take care of my husband so that I could spend a few days away in Mallorca. It wasn’t until I got to the airport that it hit me just how much I had needed that break. For the first time in nine years, I was able to focus on myself, knowing that my husband was being supported and that I didn’t need to worry. I spent just a few days away, but it was genuinely transformational. I felt like myself again and came back feeling properly refreshed and re-energised.
‘I am incredibly grateful to have the support from my sister that has enabled me to take a break, but not everyone in the same position as me is as lucky. So many of us end up caring for or supporting a loved one at some point in our lives and we need more support to be able to do this while taking the breaks we need and having time to also focus on ourselves.’
What’s next?
The findings from Mobilise come as the new government faces fresh calls to deliver urgent change and increased support for the group. In the UK, there are an estimated 10.6 million people who are looking after a loved one or family member.
According to Mobilise, ‘taking a break’ should be a top priority for unpaid carers. When asked what topic is their number one concern is right now, 38% of respondents chose findings time to go on holiday.
This was followed by:
- Getting paid support (17.5%)
- Balancing work and care (15.3%)
- Benefits (11.5%)
- NHS waiting times (9.3%)
Commenting on the findings, James Townsend, CEO of unpaid carer community Mobilise, said: ‘These findings highlight a critically overlooked need for the millions of people providing unpaid care across the UK. Financial support, benefits and access to health services are of course essential – and should be a central concern for policy makers. But we cannot turn a blind eye to the ‘respite gap’ that is leaving too many people shouldering the responsibility of caring alone, unable to take the breaks they need to protect their own wellbeing.
‘Urgent action is needed to make respite a reality for unpaid carers. Whether it’s going on holiday with their loved one, taking a few days away to see friends and family, or simply building regular breaks into their weekly routines. We must step up the support available and make it easier for those caring to take the breaks they need and deserve.’
Image: Alexander Schimmeck
Quarter of Scottish care staff leave their jobs within three months
Case study: The harsh reality of balancing work and unpaid care
