The hidden impact of Covid-19 on carers

Healthwatch Sandwell undertook research between June and September 2021 to understand the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on unpaid carers across Sandwell. The project involved 102 survey responses and 50 in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with carers from a wide range of backgrounds, including young carers, carers of people with mental ill health, learning disabilities, autism, dementia, and carers from minority ethnic communities.

The report found that carers had experienced significant increases in caring responsibilities during the pandemic while simultaneously losing access to many of the support services they previously relied upon. Respite care, day services, face-to-face support groups and routine health and social care services were reduced, suspended or moved online, placing additional pressure on carers. Many carers reported taking on significantly more support for relatives whose independence, confidence and wellbeing had deteriorated during lockdowns and periods of shielding. 

The pandemic had substantial negative effects on carers' mental health, physical health and financial wellbeing. Many reported increased anxiety, stress, depression, exhaustion and social isolation. Eighty per cent of carers said they had insufficient time or opportunity to look after their own health and wellbeing, while many described worsening physical fitness, reduced morale and deteriorating mental health. Financial pressures were also common, with some carers reducing working hours or giving up employment entirely to meet caring responsibilities. 

The report highlighted that support services struggled to maintain provision during the pandemic. Although many voluntary and community sector organisations adapted by offering telephone, online and befriending services, carers reported inconsistent access to information and support. Only 40% of carers said they had received information about services available to support carers during Covid-19, and almost two-thirds were not connected to a carers' support group. 

Access to respite care and day opportunities emerged as a particular concern. Many carers reported that respite services had been cancelled or severely limited, leaving them without breaks from their caring roles. Transport difficulties and reduced capacity in support services also delayed the return of some support offers after restrictions eased. 

Many carers felt that health and social care systems did not adequately recognise or support their needs. Only half of respondents were registered as carers with their GP surgery, and very few had received health checks during the pandemic. The report also found inconsistency in carers' assessments and support planning, with some carers unaware of available support or struggling to navigate services.

The experiences of carers varied across different groups but common themes included increased isolation, emotional strain and reduced access to services. Carers of people with mental ill health, learning disabilities or autism reported heightened stress, interruptions to therapies and support services, and frustration with mental health provision. Minority ethnic carers described financial pressures, social isolation and limited awareness of available support. Older carers and those supporting people with dementia reported loss of respite services, worsening dementia symptoms, increased loneliness and difficulties accessing face-to-face healthcare.

Young carers experienced particularly significant challenges. Many took on additional caring and household responsibilities while managing remote education. They reported increased stress, anxiety, isolation and concerns about protecting vulnerable relatives from Covid-19. Some described feeling trapped at home and struggling to balance education with caring duties. Support organisations noted increased concerns around mental health, self-harm and social isolation among young carers. 

The report concluded that the impact of Covid-19 on carers had been profound, long lasting and often hidden. Many carers felt unsupported during a period when their caring responsibilities increased significantly. Healthwatch found that support services for carers were inconsistent, and many carers remained disconnected from available help. 

Healthwatch recommended a comprehensive review of information, support and services for carers in Sandwell. Key recommendations included improving awareness of support services, strengthening carers' assessments and wellbeing checks, increasing GP registration of carers, providing more mental health and respite support, improving transport and community facilities, supporting young carers more effectively, and ensuring carers' voices are central to the development of the Joint Carers Strategy. The report also called for greater partnership working across health, social care and voluntary sector organisations to support carers' recovery from the pandemic's impacts.