Carers Week 2023 has highlighted the struggles faced by 1.5 million older unpaid carers in the UK, with many feeling under strain. According to a new report, these unpaid carers are providing essential care and support to family members and friends, often at the expense of their own health and wellbeing.
The charity, which organised Carers Week, has called on the Government to provide more support for unpaid carers. The charity highlights the importance of unpaid carers, who provide an estimated 19 million hours of care every week.
Unpaid carers are often family members or friends who provide care and support to loved ones who are ill, disabled, or elderly. They play a vital role in keeping people at home, rather than in care homes, and often do so without any formal training or support.
However, the charity warns that the current system is unsustainable and that unpaid carers are at risk of burnout. The charity is calling for more funding for carer support services and for the Government to implement a national carer strategy.
The charity's demands come as the number of unpaid carers continues to rise. According to the charity, the number of unpaid carers aged 65 and over has increased by 10% in the past year alone.
The charity is urging the Government to take action to support unpaid carers, who are the backbone of the UK's social care system. Without their support, many people would be unable to care for themselves at home.