Caring during Covid -19: the experiences of unpaid carers in Hampshire
Download (PDF 1.23 MB)Summary of report content
In May 2020, Healthwatch Hampshire worked in partnership with three local Healthwatch organisations (Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight) to find out if people had been able to access the information, services and support they needed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The survey ran until July 2020 and collected people’s experiences of using health and social care services. They spoke to 179 adult carers and 10 young carers’ groups
The main challenges facing carers included:
- Not being able to have a break
- Problems getting essential supplies
- The closure of day services and schools
- An increase in the time spent caring
- Difficulty in explaining the pandemic to vulnerable people
- A lack of recognition and respect
- Problems accessing health and social care services
- Not aware of help and support for carers
The pandemic had an impact on carers in the following ways:
- On their family life and relationships
- On their mental health
- On their ability to work
- On their finances
Young carers had the following problems:
- Problems engaging with schoolwork
- Digital exclusion
- An increase in their caring responsibilities
- Financial pressures on their family
- Breakdown in support networks
- Changes in family relationships and home live
- Negative impact on their mental health
They found the following helpful:
- Getting a break
- Keeping connected with friends, family and peers
- Support and advice readily available when needed
- Regular “check in” calls
- Help getting essentials like food and medication
- Local community schemes
- Being able to use technology
What they needed for the future
- Access to respite and day services
- Being recognised as a carer by GP surgeries
- More mental health support
- Financial recognition for caring roles
- Joined up services
- Easy, quick ways to get advice
- Being aware of what services there are for carers
- More support before a crisis
The report contains 5 recommendations about access to information, carers assessments, access to community schemes, raising awareness of carers and financial recognition of carers.