Financial problems caused by caring linked to increased feelings of social isolation

Almost 40 per cent of carers who reported serious financial difficulties also felt socially isolated, a survey has found.

The Personal Social Services Survey of Adult Carers in England 2016-17 was published by NHS Digital and reports on the views of 55,700 carers who are caring for a person aged 18 or older.

For the 54 per cent of carers who reported not having financial problems caused by their caring duties, almost 10 per cent felt socially isolated. Financial difficulties caused by caring responsibilities was the only variable found to have a statistically significant effect on every question analysed in the report.

The report also provides information relating to the carer and their wider experiences of providing care.

The report also found that: 21 per cent of carers surveyed have been providing unpaid care for over 20 years; 71 per cent of carers were extremely, very or quite satisfied with the support or services they received, compared to 13 per cent who were extremely, very or quite dissatisfied; and 90 per cent of carers aged 85 and over (22,100) have caring responsibility for someone aged 75 or older.

Of all carers surveyed, 76 per cent reported ‘feeling tired’ and 64 per cent reported they experienced ‘disturbed sleep’ as a result of their caring role.

The study also found that the average quality of life score for carers in England is 7.7 out of 12; carers who had a quality of life score lower than the national average are more likely to spend 50 hours a week or more on their caring responsibilities.

The national survey takes place every year and is conducted by councils with adult social services responsibilities (CASSRs).