Carer friendly communities

Healthwatch Bolton undertook research on what makes a carer-friendly community and how caring responsibilities affect different areas of daily life. They spoke to 117 current and former carers through surveys and engagement events across Bolton. The research explored carers’ experiences of housing, education, employment, transport, community life, health and support services, technology and respite care.

Many carers described significant impacts on their physical and mental wellbeing, particularly where caring responsibilities had continued for many years. Social isolation was a common theme, with carers reporting reduced opportunities to socialise, participate in community activities or pursue education and employment. While some carers praised supportive employers, community groups and healthcare professionals, others described difficulties accessing housing adaptations, flexible employment, transport, training and information about available support.

Health and support services received mixed feedback. Some carers valued carers’ health checks, support groups and community services, but many reported having to search for information themselves, long waits for support, limited awareness of carers’ rights and poor communication between services. Respite care was identified as a particular challenge, with many carers saying they had not been offered respite, found services inflexible or unsuitable, or experienced difficulties arranging reliable support. Technology was helping some carers through services such as Careline, online appointments and assistive devices, although a lack of confidence, digital skills and cost created barriers for others. 

The report concluded that carers need better access to information, support and opportunities for respite. Healthwatch Bolton recommended improving awareness of training and support opportunities, helping carers develop digital skills, ensuring carers are routinely connected to community support and entitlements, and exploring inequalities in access to housing adaptations. It also identified social isolation and respite care as priorities for further investigation.