More than 80% of unpaid carers are worried about cuts to services, according to new research for Carers Week 2011 (13-19 June). Almost half don’t know how they will cope as the axe falls on some of the vital support they rely on.
The cuts to services compound the financial sacrifice people make when they start looking after someone who is ill, frail or disabled. Three quarters of those surveyed say they are worse off financially since taking on their caring responsibilities.
When people are forced onto benefits they find that Carer’s Allowance is the lowest benefit of its kind. The Carers Week research shows that two thirds of carers are surprised at how little help they get from the government.
STATISTICS AND FACTS ABOUT CARERS
