Over a third of unpaid carers suffering from loneliness, research suggests
More than a third of unpaid carers suffer from loneliness, according to new research.
Some 35% of those looking after elderly people or those with an illness, disability or mental health condition say they are always or often lonely, the report from charity Carers UK suggests.
The figure is seven times higher than the general population, according to the research from a survey of 8,096 carers and former carers, most of whom provide more than 50 hours of care a week.
Released at the start of Carers Week on Monday, it says loneliness is caused by a lack of time or money for leisure activities, along with the stigma of being a carer.
The report also estimates there could be up to 8.8 million unpaid adult carers in the UK – up from 6.3 million estimated in the 2011 census.
Helen Walker, Carers UK chief executive, said: “With as many as one in six adults in the UK now taking on an unpaid caring role it is high time our society recognises and values the crucial support they provide.
“Many unpaid carers struggle alone without support. If we are to combat the loneliness epidemic facing them it is imperative that everyone – Government, employers, health and care professionals, schools and universities, and each of us individually – plays a role putting carers in touch with practical and financial help.
“Carers need to feel they are valued, understood and connected to their community.”
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