Census Shows Rise of 600,000 Carers Since 2001
The number of people providing unpaid care for disabled, sick or elderly loved ones has risen by 11 per cent since 2001, with the biggest rise in those caring round the clock (50 hours a week or more).
Released last week, the new Office for National Statistics comparisons between the 2001 and 2011 Census data show that the number of carers in England and Wales has risen from 5.2 to 5.8 million since 2001. This means that 1 in 10 of the population is caring for older or disabled loved ones.
The greatest rise has been among those providing over 50 hours care a week, which has seen a 25 per cent increase of 270,000 people since 2001.
Across England and Wales this means that there are now a staggering 1.4 million people providing round the clock care.
Heléna Herklots, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said: “Family life is changing as a result of our ageing population and the fact that people are living longer with disability and long-term ill-health.
“Too often the costs and pressures of caring for older or disabled loved ones can force families to give up work to care and lead to debt, poor health and isolation.
“In addition, as more families need help to care, social care support and disability benefits are being cut. This risks putting even more pressure on families, many of whom are already struggling to cope.”
The 2011 Census reveals Wales still has the highest percentage of residents who are providing care compared with any region in England.
Heléna added: “Society needs to come to terms with this demographic shift.
“As caring for older or disabled loved ones becomes a fact of life for more and more families, services, communities and workplaces need to adapt to enable carers to care healthily, live their own lives and work alongside caring.”
Recent research by Carers UK showed that the care provided by friends and family to ill, frail or disabled relatives saves the state £119 billion per year.
The main carers’ benefit, Carer’s Allowance, is £58.45 for a minimum of 35 hours, equivalent to £1.67 an hour, and is currently received by 600,000 people.
For more information, go to www.carersuk.org/
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