Many people become carers overnight, with no training and little idea where to turn. A new survey has revealed a majority of people expect to find themselves in a similar situation
One in three Britons anticipate becoming an unpaid carer within the next decade on average, yet nearly half confess they wouldn’t know where to seek support when that moment arrives.
A survey of 2,000 adults revealed 62 per cent fear they’ll need to provide increasing levels of care for ageing parents or relatives as their health deteriorates. However, 46 per cent remain oblivious to the services on offer for those unable to leave their homes.
The study was commissioned by Specsavers Home Visits as part of its Most Valuable Portrait campaign, which honours the hidden role of unpaid carers through a portrait by renowned artist Colin Davidson.
Showcasing carer Jaycee Le Bouche, the portrait seeks to highlight carers’ selflessness and commitment, and has been symbolically ‘priced’ at £184 billion – matching the value of the invisible care system in the UK – by auction house Roseberys.
Chris Smith, director of Specsavers Home Visits, said: “When a loved one becomes ill, it can turn your life on its head – both practically and emotionally.
“Many people become carers overnight, with no training and little idea where to turn, which can be overwhelming, especially while juggling work and a personal life in tandem.”
A study has revealed that two thirds of people believe unpaid carers don’t get the recognition or support they deserve, despite their contribution being worth an estimated £184 billion a year to the UK economy, according to Carers UK. Despite this significant figure, almost half underestimate the contribution of unpaid carers by billions.
When asked what they associated most with being an unpaid carer, seven in ten pointed to cooking, cleaning and other household tasks. A further 67 per cent said helping with washing, dressing and mobility is a key responsibility, while 62 per cent believe managing medical appointments – including eye tests and hearing checks – plays a major part.
The research also revealed two in three regularly think about whether they may one day need care themselves, and 43 per cent said a major life event would be the trigger to begin such conversations with loved ones.
A third would feel more comfortable discussing future care if they knew what options were available, according to the survey, conducted via OnePoll. While 29 per cent would be more open if they had a clearer understanding of the financial impact of not planning ahead.
Chris Smith added: “Unpaid carers shouldn’t have to do it alone. That’s why we’re doing our bit through our Home Visits service – delivering essential eye and ear care at home to help ease the load and support both carers and those they look after.”