During September Carers UK undertook an on-line survey to better understand how carers have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic over the previous six months. The survey really highlights how carers are providing more care than ever before, with less support services available leading to a negative impact on their own health and wellbeing.
The experiences of Carers in Suffolk mirror that of the national report. Carers tell us that they are unable to take a break from caring with the needs of the person they care for increasing. Carers have seen their own emotional wellbeing impacted with significant increases in stress and anxiety. They are worried about what will happen in an emergency. Two thirds of carers are worried about how they will cope if further lockdowns or local restrictions were introduced.
Caring behind closed doors: six months on – key stats:
- 4 in 5 unpaid carers (81%) are currently providing more care than before lockdown.
- More than three quarters (78%) of carers reported that the needs of the person they care for have increased recently.
- Most carers (64%) have not been able to take any breaks at all in the last six months.
- More than half (58%) of carers have seen their physical health impacted by caring through the pandemic, while 64% said their mental health has worsened.
Preparing For Winter
Under normal circumstances Health services see increased pressure during Winter, but this year we have the additional concerns brought by Covid-19. Suffolk Family Carers will ensure carers are fully supported throughout winter, and are working very closely with health and social care services in Suffolk as a co-ordinated winter response plan is developed.
Suffolk Family Carers have dedicated carer support available please contact us on hello@suffolkfamilycarers.org or 01473 835 477
