Family Carers – The invisible front line

The ongoing Coronavirus pandemic has certainly highlighted the hugely important work being done by the NHS, domiciliary carers and frontline workers, drawing high levels of deserved praise. However, in homes up and down the country, a worrying and silent crisis has been developing, with those in need and their family carers.

Many support services, such as day care centres and therapy facilities, that provide an important level of respite for family carers, have been forced to heavily reduce services or close their doors during the lockdown.

Two studies have now found that due to this, many primary and family carers are overwhelmed with the care required from them, in some instances around the clock, looking after loved ones with potentially complex needs.

One of these studies, in the form of a survey of nearly 5,000 family carers, conducted by charity Carers UK, found that unpaid carers are picking up an average of 10 more hours per week than they were before lockdown.

55% of those surveyed were left feeling overwhelmed with their increased responsibilities and worried about ‘burnout’ as lockdown looks set to continue over the coming weeks. As a result of their survey, Carers UK has called for the Government to increase the carer’s allowance for those doing 35 hours or more of care per week, something which Radfield Home Care Wycombe, Beaconsfield & South Bucks fully supports.

Katy Cresswell, registered care manager of Radfield Home Care Wycombe, Beaconsfield & South Bucks said:

“Unpaid family carers really are the invisible front line during this time and an increase to their allowance would be so helpful as a short term measure. A little extra income could help families in this situation pay for their increased costs and potentially towards a professional carer from a care provider to come in once or twice a week to provide desperately needed breaks.”

In addition, Radfield Home Care Wycombe, Beaconsfield & South Bucks is working with families in the South Bucks area to provide discounted rates where feasible, to aid those in need and help provide important respite during this difficult time.

If you are an unpaid carer and would like to discuss the services that can be provided, please call Radfield Home Care on 01494 614 516 or contact [email protected]