Calls have come for “significant investment and support” for Scotland’s carers, as Carers Scotland reveals that almost half adults in Scotland say their health has been impacted since they began caring with many reporting new or worsening health and mental health conditions.

Conducted by Opinium, the research heard from 2,000 people, including Scots who are currently providing unpaid care.

Over half of those surveyed reported facing disadvantages in looking after their own health, with almost 1 in 4 current carers saying they had postponed or cancelled a medical appointment, test, scan, treatment or therapy because of their caring roles.

Richard Meade, Director of Carers Scotland, says this has long-term implications not just for the unpaid carers’ health, but for Scotland’s health and social care services, adding:

“Despite saving Scotland £15.9bn each year through the care they provide, caring for someone often comes at great personal cost.

“Unpaid carers face significant inequalities. Unpaid carers are more likely to experience poorer health, isolation and loneliness, live in poverty, and struggle with employment and educational opportunities.

“Many carers who experience worsening physical or mental health are unable to take a break to look after themselves.

“Alongside this, a lack of accessible healthcare services means that too many have to cancel or postpone the support they need to sustain their own health.”

The most reported impact of caring from those surveyed was in relation to their social life, with current and former carers saying caring responsibilities reduced their social connections.

Meanwhile, 41% of current or former carers in Scotland have had a mental or physical health condition develop or become worse since taking on caring responsibilities.

However, Carers Scotland’s Richard Meade told healthandcare.scot that with the right support, things can get better for carers:

“Change is possible, we must see significant investment and support from governments in practical and financial support for carers and young carers.

“Alongside this, we need to be delivering improved rights at work, rights to support and access health services and rights to education opportunities.”

Last month Carers Scotland’s annual conference heard that both the government and employers across Scotland must do more to help carers access and stay in employment.

Around half of the current and former carers surveyed felt they faced disadvantages in taking breaks, with 33% experiencing disadvantages in staying in work compared to non-carers in Scotland.

With Scotland’s 2022 census also reporting unpaid carers were 16% more likely to describe their health as bad or very bad compared to non-carers, Carers Scotland says improved support is long overdue.

Those surveyed were also asked what support would help most, with the top priorities being better identification of their caring role and support from healthcare professionals and having more caring breaks.

Other common changes that current and former carers said would help included having more access to social care and having higher levels of financial support from the government.

The research also emphasised that there is strong evidence that paid Carer’s Leave would help unpaid carers juggle paid work and care.

Scotland’s social care minister recognised that the five days of unpaid leave for caring responsibilities is a stepping stone towards wider improvements for carers.

The Coalition of Carers in Scotland says carers leave should be regarded as a right in the same way as employees have had the right to holidays for over 80 years.

Now Trustee Savings Bank has joined charities in campaigning for better support for carers this Carers’ Week, after offering 2.9 days of paid carers leave a year to TSB employees since 2025.

Ariam Enraght-Moony, Chief People Officer, TSB said:

“As the number of carers increase, so must our commitment to support them.

“In light of this growing need and its impact on our economy, it’s time that paid carer’s leave was more widely available across the UK.”

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