Carers need more support to weather the cost of living crisis

Helen Walker

Chief Executive, Carers UK

Caring for a loved one who has dementia can cause financial hardship. However, there is support available that may help.

Managing the current cost of living crisis is especially difficult for unpaid carers supporting loved ones. Carers UK research reveals that one in six unpaid carers are in debt because of caring; the proportion unable to afford their utility bills has doubled in a year. 

Increasing costs of being a carer  

Carers often have heightened expenses as a result of their caring role. For example, increased heating bills to keep a relative with dementia warm and safe or transport costs taking them to medical appointments.  

Those who care for family members with dementia may also face expenses related to nutrition and supporting the person they care for to maintain a healthy weight. Often caring for many hours — sometimes around the clock — some find it difficult to stay in paid work. In the UK, 600 people a day leave the workforce to care. Given the pressures, it’s essential that carers know where to look for support when it’s available.  

While rewarding, caring for a family member with
dementia can be physically and emotionally draining.

Where carers can find support 

Carers Week 2023 research revealed that 73% of those who have provided unpaid care did not identify themselves as carers. This means carers may not be claiming relevant benefits or receiving the right support. 

Carers may be eligible for benefits such as Carer’s Allowance for themselves; Attendance Allowance on behalf of the person they care for; Carer’s Credit to count towards their pension; or other types of support.  

A Carer’s assessment by the local authority could help a family member supporting a relative with dementia identify practical support for them, looking at the impact caring has on their life and what support or services they could benefit from. 

Ways to balance life and caring 

While rewarding, caring for a family member with dementia can be physically and emotionally draining. Breaks are essential to prevent carer burnout and enable carers to be able to fulfil their caring duties safely. It’s also important that carers, where possible, try to dedicate some time to looking after their own wellbeing — whether that’s getting out for some fresh air or reading a book. 

It’s worth carers in employment checking whether their employer has carer-friendly policies in place to help them manage work and care, including flexible working. Employees in the UK are set to benefit from The Carers Leave Act which, when in force, will provide a statutory right to up to five days of unpaid carer’s leave.