What's it like being a carer in Lincolnshire?
Download (PDF 13.69 MB)Summary of report content
As part of Healthwatch Lincolnshire's 2025 social care project, 153 adult carers shared their experiences of accessing services, the challenges they face and what is working well.
78% (117) of carers had struggled over the past 12 months. Challenges included loneliness and social isolation, difficulties in navigating the care system and difficulties getting help.
72% did not feel supported as a carer.
Carers often felt people did not understand what it was like being a carer:
- The impact it has on mental and physical health
- How hard it is to find support
- Financial struggles and the impact of the rising costs
- Guilt
- Loneliness.
46% (47) of the individuals respondents care for were receiving social care (either short or long term support). However, an additional 54% (56) had either tried unsuccessfully to access support or were unaware of what was available for the person they care for.
69% (44) had experienced difficulties accessing or arranging social care for the person they care for. Challenges they experienced included:
- Long and confusing assessment processes
- Being unaware of the support available
- Poor communication
- Eligibility issues
- Not feeling involved
52% (30) said services sometimes work well together.