In the UK, government cuts to the NHS and social care have left many local services struggling to meet demand, leaving families to fill the gaps – often with little support. Caring for loved ones is, of course, often hugely enjoyable and rewarding, but it can also be challenging – physically, psychologically and economically.
Perhaps for you the biggest issue is a lack of adequate financial support. Those who care for someone for 35 hours or more each week are eligible to claim Carer’s Allowance, at a weekly rate of £62.10 – but it’s been estimated that over the next four years carers face a £1bn cut to financial help. What impact have recent cuts had on your quality of life, and do you fear the effect of proposed future cuts?
Perhaps you want the government to do more to help very young or very old carers. Campaigners have already warned of a hidden army of elderly carers looking after relatives at home. Emily Holzhausen, director of policy at Carers UK, has said: “Our ageing population calls for greater investment now, from government, social care services and the NHS to meet the increasing demand for care but also support the rapidly expanding numbers of older people who are themselves providing care.”
Other areas where you might want to see improvements include the quality of respite care and the number of respite homes. Or maybe you feel more mental health and general health support is needed to help carers look after their own wellbeing.
As part of Carers Week, an annual campaign in Britain to highlight the challenges carers face, we want to hear from you about how the government could make your life easier, and help you to provide support to your loved one(s). Tell us by filling in the form below.
