Britons who care for both children and older adults – are left out of pocket by an average of £279 a month – a total of £3,357 each year – even with additional benefits, new research shows.
The care crisis has reached a critical point, as new data released by the ONS (Office for National Statistics) has revealed the minimum time spent every day providing unpaid care to adults across the UK.
1.7 million people admitted that they cared for a loved one and spent an average of one hour and 36 minutes each day providing support, with women spending more time than men doing unpaid household work and care.
This equates to a minimum of 584 hours each year, placing unpaid carers at a greater risk of financial and emotional worries.
The cost of living has skyrocketed in recent months, placing an enormous burden on families and caregivers across the UK.
As a result, there are more unpaid carers in the UK than ever before, who have stepped up to support their loved ones.
Their support, coupled with the responsibilities of often working full-time and juggling additional commitments, is taking its toll on sandwich carers, who are now facing a significant financial burden- coupled with mental health worries.
Seniorcare By Lottie, an eldercare benefit solution, are calling for greater support and recognition for unpaid carers who are providing continuous care for their loved one.
Chris Donnelly, Co-Founder at Seniorcare By Lottie, said: “All too often, the work of informal carers across the country goes unnoticed and unrewarded, as seen by the latest ONS release.
Carers – whether paid or unpaid – make an enormous contribution to society, and provide invaluable support for their loved ones, giving up almost 600 hours of their lives each year.
“These hours of providing unpaid care every day should serve as a resounding wake-up call to the government and employers to recognize the immense value of working carers and provide them with the support they desperately need.
“Employers also have a crucial role to play in supporting working carers. From flexible working hours and paid time off for caregiving leave, it is time for employers to step up and recognise the care crisis that’s facing their workforce.”
Carer’s Allowance claimants receive £76.75 per week to provide 35 hours or more of care.
The person being cared for must receive certain benefits, including:
- Personal Independence Payment – daily living component
- Disability Living Allowance – the middle or highest care rate
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Constant Attendance Allowance at the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
Nearly three million UK carers are missing out on saving £2,262 a year on food shopping, petrol and holidays.
Despite carers being entitled to major savings, discount providers are only seeing 17,000 registrations a month.
Discounts for Carers, in partnership with Sodexo Engage, has calculated that 2.8 million UK carers are missing out as they aren’t aware.
Discounts for Carers members get exclusive access to the ODE Cashback Card, provided by Sodexo Engage, with the top users earning on average £269.68 cashback (highest £730.40 – lowest £188.89), cashback that could make an incredible difference to UK carers.
Despite Government efforts to provide financial help, cashback and discount schemes for carers can be easily adopted and can have a transformative effect on their finances.
