Carers Pushed To Breaking Point

Six in ten carers admit they're suffering from exhaustion, depression and anxiety.

A report by Carers UK says people are being pushed to the brink as a result of looking after an older or disabled loved one on a constant basis.

More than 70% of those surveyed admitted they suffer from anxiety.

Carers UK's Carers at breaking point research, based on a survey of over 5,000 carers, shows:
 
· 6 in 10 caring for an older, disabled or seriously ill loved one have reached breaking point.

· A quarter needing medical treatment as a result.

· 63% suffered depression.

Heléna Herklots, Chief Executive, Carers UK said: 

"For millions of families, caring for older or disabled loves ones means a daily battle with exhaustion, stress and anxiety. Carers reported exhaustion, suffering physical injury and collapsing from stress and anxiety as they struggled to care for ageing parents with conditions like dementia, severely disabled children or seriously ill partners. A fifth of carers were receiving no practical help at all, leaving them unable to take a break from caring or even get a good night's sleep."
 
The report out today also reveals:
 
· For 1 in 9 carers who had suffered a breakdown, the person cared for had to be rushed to hospital or needed emergency social care while the carer recovered.

· 46% in crisis had fallen ill but had no choice but to carry on caring – unable to access additional help from social care services or the NHS.

We've been speaking to Cindy Souter from Carers Fife.