Adult unpaid carers in Oxfordshire: are they getting the right support when needed?

Healthwatch Oxfordshire conducted an online and paper survey and had telephone conversations with adult unpaid carers between August and November 2020 to listen to their experiences of caring, accessing support services, and the impact that COVID-19 has had on their lives.

Healthwatch Oxfordshire analysed the survey responses of 160 adult unpaid carers across Oxfordshire. Of these, 82% were female and 16% male, reflecting a gender bias in caregiving whereby women make up a greater proportion of carers across most age groups. Most survey respondents were in the middle to older age groups (45-84), with much lower representation from younger carers. Although Healthwatch Oxfordshire reached out to black and minority ethnic and other seldom heard communities, few responded and around 92% of respondents identified as white British.

The findings of the report reflect the challenges that unpaid carers face in Oxfordshire and nationally. The diverse impact that caring can have on carers is highlighted, as is the burden that many carry beyond caring itself. Also highlighted are the problems carers face in getting the right type of help at the right time.

The report recommends greater coordination of support, improving public awareness of carer’s assessments and the Carer’s Passport scheme, and creating a ‘one-stop shop for information, advice and support.