Nearly two-thirds of unpaid carers said they had no choice but to take on an unpaid caring role due to a lack of alternative care options, a new study has found.
Carers UK’s Carers Week 2024 report says that 62% of current and former unpaid carers said they had no choice but to look after a disabled, older, or ill relative or friend citing the lack of care options in their area as the reason.
The research also found that 29% of current and former unpaid carers said that other care options were available, but they chose to undertake the unpaid carer role.
It is estimated that around 16.1 million people have been or are currently an unpaid carer. Around 1.5 million people in England and Wales now caring for over 50 hours every week.
Responding to the report, Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Community Wellbeing Board, said: ‘Councils recognise the enormous contribution of unpaid carers who provide vital support for thousands of people every day. Helping councils to better support unpaid carers should be a crucial part of a long-term and sustainable funding solution for social care.
‘Our Local Government White Paper calls for more support for unpaid carers and a renewed focus on prevention and it is crucial that whoever forms the next government should work to support them to continue their vital role. Investing more in early action is fundamental to ensuring someone can continue living independently in the home and community they love.’
