Almost half of unpaid carers risking their health, survey shows
By Jo Adetunji and agencies, guardian.co.uk, June 18th 2012
Carers Week study found 40% of carers had put off receiving medical treatment because of the pressure of role
Nearly half of unpaid carers in the UK are jeopardising their health due to a lack of support, according to a survey.
Carried out by Carers Week, a group of eight charities including Age UK, Carers UK and Macmillan Cancer Support, the survey found that 40% of carers had put off receiving medical treatment because of the pressures of their role.
In addition, 87% of the 3,400 carers surveyed said caring had been detrimental to their mental health, while 83% said they had suffered physical health problems. Another 36% said they had sustained injuries such as back pain and insomnia while caring for sick or disabled friends or family.
