Financial support for carers looking after loved ones must be increased as cuts to support services are leaving many near breaking point, a leading charity warns.

Charity Carers Scotland is calling on government to introduce a Carers’ Wellbeing Fund – similar to the £5m Student Fund set up in response to the pandemic – and increase Carers’ Allowance to stop families getting into greater financial hardship.

Nearly 80% of people responding to a survey carried out by charity Carers Scotland said they were having to provide more care for sick, older or disabled relatives following the outbreak of covid-19.

Two in five say they are having to provide more care because their normal support services had either reduced or disappeared completely.

More than half of carers told the charity they feel overwhelmed managing their caring responsibilities during the outbreak and are worried about burning out in the coming weeks.

Many are concerned about care workers having contact with the person they care for and the potential for them to catch coronavirus.

Simon Hodgson, Director of Carers Scotland, said: “Unpaid carers are vital in the national effort to keep vulnerable people safe during the coronavirus outbreak yet many fear that continuing to care around the clock will lead to them burning out.

“Many are overwhelmed and incredibly anxious about how they will manage in the weeks ahead.

“Both the Scottish and UK governments must acknowledge the huge efforts of Scotland’s 700,000 unpaid carers during this pandemic and provide the support unpaid carers so desperately need.

On average, carers are picking up an additional ten hours of unpaid care per week, helping loved ones with personal care, practical tasks and emotional support.

Nearly nine in ten worry about what will happen to the people they care for if they have to self-isolate or become ill.

Mr Hodgson added: “The Scottish Government must ensure that the impact of reduced services on carers and their families are closely monitored in terms of carers’ health and well-being and ability to care, to avoid burn-out. Support must be reinstated and restored as soon as possible.

“Financial support is also vital and as well seeking an increase in Carer’s Allowance, we want the Scottish Government to establish a Carer Wellbeing Fund equivalent to the Student Fund of £5m.

“This could be provided directly to carers centres and young carers services to enable them to help carers facing financial hardship as a consequence of covid-19.”

The Scottish Government said it has undertaken a number of actions to help unpaid carers, including provision of PPE equipment from next week and a £500,000 fund to assist services to support them.

A spokesperson said: ““We absolutely value the support provided by Scotland’s unpaid carers and are working with partner organisations to ensure carers have the advice they need to help protect themselves and their loved ones.”

 

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