1 in 3 family carers have a diagnosis of depression and almost 2 in 3 carers are now providing more than 100 hours of care per week.
These are just some of the alarming findings in a new research report, titled ‘Paying the Price: The Physical, Mental and Psychological Impact of Caring’.
The report, which is a repeat of a similar study completed in 2009, surveyed 1,102 family carers across Ireland and reveals a severe dis-improvement in the wellbeing of family carers over the past decade. Along with a huge increase in the burden of caring.
Report findings include: Almost 2 in 3 carers are providing more than 100 hours of care per week; 1 in 4 carers providing 50+ hours of care per week do not get Carers Allowance or Carers Benefit; In 2019, 1 in 3 carers surveyed have a diagnosis of depression; In 2019, 4 in 10 carers surveyed have a diagnosis of anxiety; Over two thirds of carers surveyed suffer with physical ill health in 2019 and 2 in 3 carers feel that their health had suffered as a result of caring; Access to routine supports have reduced since 2009; 71% of carers’ loved ones have no access to respite; 72% of family carers surveyed worry about not having enough money in the future.
This report also sets out recommendations and shows that Family Carers and their families often carry the burden of care alone when this should be a shared responsibility between the State and families.
Family Carers Ireland in collaboration with the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland and UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems launched the report in Buswells Hotel, Dublin.
