Carers organisations across Cumbria are reporting a growing number of people taking on caring roles and existing Carers taking on more responsibilities since the COVID pandemic hit the country almost 12 months ago.
With day care and respite provision closed or reduced, and cases of Long Term COVID increasing, these findings are backed up by the latest CQC State of Care report. Care Quality Commission looked at the quality of health and care both before the Covid-19 outbreak, and during the pandemic.
Research into Long Term COVID led by Dr Claire Steves and Prof Tim Spector at King’s College London estimate one-in-20 people are likely to suffer from the condition which causes shortness of breath, heart symptoms, fatigue and headaches. And their COVID Symptom Study says this long-term illness is frustrating and debilitating for those who are affected, with the potential to have a significant impact on wider society.
Carers Support South Lakes CEO, Mike Seaton said: “The latest figures from Carers UK show 81 per cent – that’s four in five unpaid Carers are providing more care than before the first lockdown.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on the lives of carers and those they are caring for. A majority have had to provide extraordinary hours of care for loved ones with increasing needs during the crisis, often without the usual help from family and friends, and with limited or no support from local services.”
West Cumbria Carers CEO, Sue Whitehead has also seen the impact of the lockdown on unpaid Carers in West Cumbria. She said: “Many people providing care have been left exhausted, socially isolated and close to burnout. Adding to these considerable pressures, carers have also taken a financial hit, and seen their health and wellbeing decline.
“This is reflected nationally, in the findings by Carers UK research, where more than three quarters, 78% of Carers reported that the needs of the person they care for have increased recently.
Furness Carers CEO, Craig Backhouse has anecdotal evidence of the detrimental impact of continual caring, with no respite is having on Carers’ health. He said: “What we are seeing in our part of Cumbria is most carers have had to provide more care throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Now almost a year on, it has left many exhausted and close to burning out.
“Carers UK findings show, 64% of unpaid Carers have not been able to take any breaks at all during the pandemic. This has resulted in more than half, 58% of carers seeing their physical health impacted by caring through the pandemic, while 64% said their mental health has worsened.”
Eden Carers CEO, Dani Leslie added: “In pre-pandemic times, unpaid Carers struggled to get what they needed from the health and care systems – in many cases going years without getting a significant break from their caring role. Now during the pandemic, Carers are being placed under even more pressure, with 70 % providing many hours of additional care for their relatives through lockdown – a third doing so because crucial care services are closed around them.
“And with many younger people now living with Long Term COVID, more people will be taking on unpaid Carer roles, many whilst having young families to care for and jobs.
“Across Cumbria unpaid Carers are not alone. Our organisations work together to provide support and advice as part of Carers Support Cumbria. If you are an unpaid Carer please contact your local support group for more information.”
If you are an unpaid Carer, you can contact your local Carer organisation by emailing or calling their office:
Carer Support South Lakes, Email: admin@carersupportsouthlakes.org.uk Tel: 01539 815970
Carlisle Carers Email: admin@carlislecarers.co.uk Tel: 01228 542156
Eden Carers Email: enquiries@edencarers.co.uk Tel: 01768 890280
Furness Carers Email: admin@furnesscarers.co.uk Tel: 01229 822822
West Cumbria Carers Email: general@westcumbriacarers.co.uk, Tel 01900 821976
