Government urged to increase Carer's Allowance during pandemic

Carers UK is calling on the government to increase Carer’s Allowance in the wake of findings that unpaid carers are feeling "overwhelmed" and at risk of "burning out" during the coronavirus outbreak.

The charity is urging the government to increase the Carer’s Allowance which is currently £67.25 for 35 hours a week for people to care for their loved ones.

’Unlike our frontline workers they are unable to clock off from their responsibilities’

However, nearly 5,000 unpaid carers revealed that, on average, they are picking up an additional 10 hours of unpaid care per week helping loved ones with personal care, practical tasks and emotional support.

Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK, said: “Unpaid carers are fighting the same battle as care staff and many of our NHS workers: yet they do it behind closed doors and with far less recognition.

“Unlike our fantastic frontline workers they are unable to clock off from their caring responsibilities. Many are overwhelmed and incredibly anxious about how they will manage in the weeks ahead.

“Unpaid carers are just as vital in the national effort to keep vulnerable people safe yet many fear that continuing to care around the clock will lead to them burning out."

’Now I am on duty all the time psychologically and it is absolutely draining’

The survey stated 70 per cent of unpaid carers are having to provide more care to their loved ones during the coronavirus outbreak.

Mike, 59, from Devon who cares for his wife Lynda who has multiple sclerosis, said: “Despite the complexity of my wife’s condition we’ve mostly managed ourselves, but Lynda would have hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Exeter and physiotherapy in Barnstaple.

“I used to look forward to those few hours a week as they allowed me to recharge my batteries, have some time to myself knowing she was in the hands of professionals. Now I am on duty all the time psychologically and it is absolutely draining.”

Over 55 per cent of unpaid carers told the charity they feel overwhelmed managing their caring responsibilities during the outbreak and are worried about burning out in the coming weeks while 87 per cent of carers said they are worried about what will happen to the people they care for if they have to self-isolate or become ill.

The research also shows one in 10 are spending more on equipment for the person they care for and a further 81 per cent of carers said they are having to spend more money during the outbreak.

Ms Walker added: “The financial penalty of caring for someone is so much bigger at the moment, with the vast majority of unpaid carers spending more on food and household bills on top of what they already contribute towards care costs, installing adaptions in the home and increased fuel bills.

“It is simply unacceptable that Carer’s Allowance is the lowest benefit of its kind when unpaid carers contribute so much and at a significant cost to their own finances. The government should raise it."

To read the report click here