Carers who provide the most intensive care often end up with health problems themselves
Date Posted: 18.06.2012
Feedback from 3,400 UK carers showed those providing the most intensive care often ended up with health problems themselves. Eight leading charities, including Age UK and Carers UK, have joined together to highlight the plight they face under the umbrella of Carers Week.It is estimated that one in six carers either give up work or reduce their hours to look after elderly friends and relatives or younger adults with disabilities.It asked carers what impact caring and the lack of support had on their health. Most of the responses to the self-selected poll were from those heavily involved in caring for someone, often providing support on a daily basis.Eight in 10 said their responsibilities had caused them health problems, including everything from back pain to insomnia. And two fifths said they had delayed seeking medical help with some reporting that had had serious consequences, such as delayed cancer diagnoses and damage to lungs. The coalition said carers should be offered regular health checks and there needed to be better information and support available.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-18456546