There are currently 6 million unpaid carers helping those in need in the UK. A recent Carers week survey shows that two in five unpaid carers are sacrificing their own health by putting off medical treatment to care for an ill, frail or disabled loved one.
The survey, completed by 3,400 carers, also showed that caring had a negative impact on 83 per cent of carers’ physical health, with 36 per cent of carers sustaining a physical injury (such as back pain) through caring.
In line with these findings, the theme of this year’s Carers Week is ‘In Sickness and in Health’. The week calls for greater support for unpaid carers, so that they may continue their work without financial worry or illness
The partnership of 8 charities supporting Carers Week was first formed in 2001 and now collectively holds over 5,000 events across the UK throughout Carers Week each year!
NCC Home Learning have a vast selection of distance learning health and social care courses, suitable for both health care professionals and home carers. Click here to view the full range of courses available in our Health Care Faculty.
Nick Cooper
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