Carers have always been integral to the general health of our society, but until recently they have remained largely invisible. Only with the recognition of a rapidly aging population, and the acknowledged economic consequence of a large part of the workforce involved in the long term welfare of others, has caring come to the attention of government, says Judith Cameron.
Today is Carers' Rights Day, which aims to promote the needs of carers and their entitlement to a reasonable standard of living. It is estimated that without the nation's 6 million carers, the NHS bill would more than double: the latest research puts the value of unpaid support at £87billion a year, 52% higher than in 2002.
Without carers our health and social welfare system would collapse, but the £87billion figure is in sharp contrast to carers' incomes. Looking after a loved one comes at a high price to the carer who needs to stop paid work to do the job effectively. And yet it is estimated that 60-80% of the financial support available remains unclaimed.
People don't claim benefits for many reasons, although the sheer complexity of our social welfare system and the feeling among carers that no-one is interested doesn't help. Plus, there are many anomalies in the structure's intricate composition. For example, you can request a care assessment of your vulnerable relative's needs from social services, but where they live may have as much impact on what help is available as their health problems.
When my daughter fell ill, I obtained a comprehensive package of care, but I know of parents elsewhere who receive scant support for their disabled adult child. And the main benefit of carer's allowance - £48.65 for a minimum 35 hours per week - is derisory. It is lower than any other comparable benefit and drives a much-needed group of people toward poverty. Its paucity also underlines the discrimination that carers experience, exacerbating their sense of low self-esteem and high incidence of depression and illness.
The amount of care that needs to be provided is set to increase dramatically with a growing population that is expected to live in poorer health for longer. Within 30 years, the number of carers may increase by around 60% and the risks to the economy will be significant. The wider economic impact of caring can no longer be ignored.
The Standing Commission on Caring is due to assemble shortly. Perhaps it will recognise that many carers would like paid employment, and have the social contact, status and financial rewards that a job bestows. It may even decide that with adequate support services and access to flexible working, carers could also pay tax.
Providing adequate help for carers which enables them to care, as well as to have what others take for granted - access to work, income, education, leisure and participation in everyday life is in everyone's best interest. With rapidly increasing care needs, we can no longer afford for carers to be marginalised.
Judith Cameron is a former SocietyGuardian columnist
