A report published by Age UK indicates that 23 million hours of unpaid care is provided by people over 80. This is equivalent to 1.2 billion hours of care a year at a saving of £23 million to the healthcare system.
Unfortunately this comes at a personal cost to the health of the carers, who are often living with long-term health and mobility problems and who are unable to get any breaks or respite from their duties.
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Community First Yorkshire states that ‘a carer is someone who, without payment, provides help and support to a friend, neighbour or relative who could not manage otherwise because of frailty, illness or disability. They may even be juggling paid work with caring responsibilities at home’.
Following Carers’ Week, it is important to ensure that carers are aware of the resources available to them. Carers’ Resource has gathered some quick information about each allowance and benefit. Also, Carers UK has an online tool to guide you to information about benefits and other entitlements.
Carers UK carries out an annual survey of carers to understand the state of caring in the UK each year. This year a total of 7,397 people shared their experience of what it’s like to be a carer and is the largest State of Caring survey carried out by Carers UK to date. Follow this link to read he report.
There are new projects to enhance the wellbeing of those with dementia and their carers. To find out how their quality of life can be improved, visit our ‘New Ventures’ section on the ‘Events’ page.
A new standard of care for those with dementia is being launched. The ‘Triangle of Care’ promotes the involvement of the patient, carer and healthcare professionals in providing improved care. The importance of the carer, as the person who knows the patient best, is emphasised. The Triangle of Care highlights six key standards, which have been identified by people with dementia, their carers and healthcare professionals. Click Triangle of care for details.