Carers UK published a report on unpaid carers and the NHS 10-year plan.
The report highlights that despite providing extraordinary and indispensable support, valued at £152 billion a year in 2021, similar to total NHS spending, carers often feel undervalued, overlooked, and suffer significant personal costs to their health, wellbeing, finances, and employment.
The report stresses that the health and care system would "collapse" without them, and without a step change in how carers are engaged, the pressure will become unsustainable.
Carers UK welcomes many proposals in the NHS 10 Year Health Plan but highlights crucial areas needing improvement and dedicated attention to carers.
1. Hospital to Community:
- Most carers (82%) agree that moving care closer to home could allow the person they care for to receive care in a more comfortable environment. Other benefits include reduced transport costs (80%), more personalised care (75%), and reduced waiting times for appointments (70%).
2. Analogue to Digital:
- Digital solutions must be fit for purpose, with appropriate checks and non-digital alternatives for those who are digitally excluded.
3. Sickness to Prevention:
- Caring significantly impacts carers' health, with 48% reporting a new or worsened mental or physical health condition since caring.
4. NHS Workforce and Integration with Adult Social Care
- It is imperative that adult social care provision is considered alongside NHS reforms. Carers are under huge pressure due to insufficient social care funding, with 76% of Adult Social Care Directors seeing an increase in carers asking for support. Greater investment and integration are crucial to prevent carers from reaching breaking point.
