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'Carers suffering more illness'
Carers suffer from stress, depression and physical illness
The life of a carer is far harder than it was three years ago and many are suffering health problems, a survey has found.
Research by the St John's Ambulance found higher levels of stress, depression and illness among carers.
The figures show that carers suffering from back problems have increased from one in five in 1997 to almost one in three today. There has been a similar jump in the numbers suffering from stress.
Research by the St John's Ambulance found higher levels of stress, depression and illness among carers.
The figures show that carers suffering from back problems have increased from one in five in 1997 to almost one in three today. There has been a similar jump in the numbers suffering from stress.
Other survey findings |
Over 70% of informal carers provide care every day
Over 50% of informal carers work or look after their family as well as providing care
A third of carers live up to five miles from the person they care for
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The numbers suffering from strains and sprains has spiralled from 4% to 20%.
Half of carers now suffer from chronic fatigue, compared to a third in 1997 - the last time the survey was carried out.
Cases of depression have also increased.
Meanwhile, the percentage of carers experiencing no health problems has dropped from 43% to 30%.
The St John's survey also found that four out of five carers have no training for their role- even though it can be extremely demanding.
Baroness Emerton, Chief Commander of St John Ambulance, which jointly commissioned the survey with BT, said: "These research findings are alarming and have highlighted the importance of training and support for the UK's 'hidden' carers."
Francine Bates, Deputy Chief Executive, Carers National Association (CNA), said: "The results of this survey are not surprising, they back-up research already conducted by CNA on the experiences of our members.
"What carers really need are decent services that assist the user and the carer. Carers also need greater support in the workplace from employers and an adequate income for those who are unable to work."
BT has launched a new telephone system, BT In Touch 2000, which automatically telephones up to three carers for help in the event of an emergency.
The survey was conducted by researchers who telephoned 1,000 people at random and identified 40 carers, whom they then interviewed in depth.
One in four UK adults is a carer - juggling work or family responsibilities with caring for a relative, neighbour or a friend.
Half of carers now suffer from chronic fatigue, compared to a third in 1997 - the last time the survey was carried out.
Cases of depression have also increased.
Meanwhile, the percentage of carers experiencing no health problems has dropped from 43% to 30%.
The St John's survey also found that four out of five carers have no training for their role- even though it can be extremely demanding.
Baroness Emerton, Chief Commander of St John Ambulance, which jointly commissioned the survey with BT, said: "These research findings are alarming and have highlighted the importance of training and support for the UK's 'hidden' carers."
Francine Bates, Deputy Chief Executive, Carers National Association (CNA), said: "The results of this survey are not surprising, they back-up research already conducted by CNA on the experiences of our members.
"What carers really need are decent services that assist the user and the carer. Carers also need greater support in the workplace from employers and an adequate income for those who are unable to work."
BT has launched a new telephone system, BT In Touch 2000, which automatically telephones up to three carers for help in the event of an emergency.
The survey was conducted by researchers who telephoned 1,000 people at random and identified 40 carers, whom they then interviewed in depth.
One in four UK adults is a carer - juggling work or family responsibilities with caring for a relative, neighbour or a friend.
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