Over 80 per cent of family carers for people with dementia are reaching crisis point and are not receiving the support they need, shocking new statistics have revealed.
A survey by Dementia Carers Count has revealed the gaps in provision and badly-needed support experienced by carers across the country.
The project heard from 435 family carers who shared their insight into their roles in looking after loved ones – and revealed how the experience is intense and without support.
In addition to the more than 80 per cent who admit to reaching ‘crisis point’, one in five confess to reaching this point on a regular basis, saying they feel “alone” and “trapped” in a life they have not chosen.
The survey revealed:
- 81 per cent of carers had no choice in becoming a carer
- Over two thirds – 69 per cent – have been a carer for more than three years
- Over half – 52 per cent – receive no support – “there was nothing, no advice, no support. We were just given a diagnosis,” said one
- Almost half – 49 per cent – of all carers who were in paid employment when they took on their role have had to give up their job or reduce their hours
- Almost half – 47 per cent – are worried about their financial situation
It also found that nearly 60 per cent of family carers have not had a Carer’s Assessment from their local authority.
Family carers are entitled to receive this and should be a clear route to support through identifying a carer’s individual needs and enabling them to access a range of services, including respite care and befriending opportunities as well as possible financial assistance.
However, the survey found, many carers do not know to ask for a Carer’s Assessment and it is not always offered.
Furthermore, 70 per cent of family dementia carers who have completed a Carer’s Assessment say that they have not subsequently received the support they need.
Some family carers shared that there was no follow up after the assessment. More than half of those who received a Carer’s Assessment felt that it did not highlight useful options.
Dementia Carers Count acting CEO Melanie Blanksby said: “Carer’s Assessments should be a straightforward means of connecting carers with support that is right for them.
“It’s extremely disheartening to learn that these assessments are either not taking place or else are failing to connect family carers with services and information which could make a huge difference to their daily lives.
“The system isn’t working if one in five family carers are regularly experiencing crisis.
“Family carers must be helped to access what they need to enable them to cope with their caring responsibilities and to look after themselves.
“There must be better coordination between health and social care services so that Carer’s Assessments are offered to all family carers. The recommendations made at these assessments must then be followed up to make sure that families are receiving support that truly meets their needs.”
