A lack of support and recognition from health and care services is damaging unpaid carers’ mental health, research from Carers UK shows.
People caring around-the-clock for older, disabled or seriously ill relatives do not have adequate support from statutory services that are in place to help them.
More than a quarter of unpaid carers are in bad or very bad mental health, rising to 31 per cent of those caring for more than 50 hours a week, or over 10 years.
Most carers with bad or very bad mental health (68 per cent) are living with a sense of fear or dread.
Despite feeling they are at breaking point, nearly three-quarters of these carers are continuing to provide care.
Not getting support is taking its toll on unpaid carers, who are having to wait long periods for health treatment or are putting it off because of the demands they face.
Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “This research is incredibly concerning.
“Unpaid carers provide vital support for thousands of people every day, which councils fully recognise and want to help in any way they can.
“If we are to achieve our aspirations for all unpaid carers – who are needed in increasing numbers to address the rise in those needing care – and ensure caring doesn’t impact on their health and wellbeing, we must tackle wider issues within adult social care services.”