The impact of caring on unpaid carers

Healthwatch Southwark undertook research on the impact of caring on unpaid carers. They received 55 survey responses from unpaid carers, carried out four focus groups with 19 adult and young carers, and conducted four additional interviews. Most respondents were caring for a parent, child or partner, often for many hours each week, with the average reported caring commitment being 69 hours per week. 

The report found that caring had a substantial impact on carers’ physical health, mental health, finances, relationships, employment and personal time. Common issues included exhaustion, poor sleep, stress, anxiety, depression, financial pressures and social isolation. Many carers felt unsupported and described difficulties balancing caring responsibilities with work, maintaining friendships and looking after their own wellbeing. Young carers also reported reduced time for schoolwork and social activities, although many viewed caring as a normal part of their daily lives.

Communication with health and social care services was a major concern. Many carers reported poor communication from social care services, a lack of follow-up, difficulty accessing information and feeling that their needs were not recognised. Three quarters of respondents had not received a Carer Assessment, and those who had often felt the process did not lead to meaningful support. Carers particularly valued support from voluntary organisations, peer groups, counselling, trusted professionals and informal support networks, but many said they struggled to find information about available help. 

Healthwatch Southwark recommended improving communication with carers, refreshing the Carer Assessment process, increasing awareness of available support, developing more flexible respite services, improving care coordination and investing in emotional, practical and peer support. The report concluded that unpaid carers make a vital contribution to the health and social care system but often feel overlooked, unsupported and left to navigate complex services on their own.