June 2013
Featured in this insight: Charity & not-for-profit, Medical & healthcare, Conducting market research in Scotland
Charities in Scottish carer support plea following survey findings: Charities are urging GPs, health and social care staff and the Scottish government to ensure more support is given from day one, this follows a survey that suggests three quarters (75%) of carers are unprepared for the impact of being a carer.
The report, entitled “Prepared to Care” found that every day in the UK 6,000 people take on new caring responsibilities, often at a price as this changes their lives in numerous ways. Findings show that caring can impact upon careers, relationships, finances and a person’s health and wellbeing in both positive and negative ways. However, findings also show that four fifths (81%) said they were unaware of the support available, whilst a third (35%) believed they were given the wrong advice about the support.
Survey findings show that three fifths (60%) said they had experienced depression whilst more than nine out of ten (92%) carers felt that they were more stressed because of their role. The study also delved into the hardships that being a carer takes on people’s relationships, with half (52%) of respondents experiencing difficulties in their relationships, three fifths (61%) found it difficult to maintain friendships and with just under a half (45%) of respondents saying they had to give up work.
Managing Director of Carers Scotland, Simon Hodgson, reports:
“Becoming a carer can happen overnight and without information and guidance, carers can be left feeling isolated and alone…the figures clearly show that carers aren't being offered support and if they are, it can often be wrong or not the full information."
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