Last Updated on August 17, 2017
New research from Carers UK with the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness shines a light on the loneliness of caring. Headline figures are that 8 in 10 people caring for loved ones 'have felt lonely or socially isolated'.
The research shows more action is needed to support unpaid carers who feel isolated and lonely. Greater understanding from friends, colleagues, and the public, as well as more opportunities for breaks and social activities, are all needed to combat a ‘silent epidemic’ of loneliness affecting those providing support to ill, older or disabled loved ones.
More than 8 in 10 (81%) surveyed unpaid carers described themselves as 'lonely or socially isolated' due to their caring responsibilities, with those affected facing a potentially damaging impact on their mental and physical wellbeing.
The report suggests that current carers who have not felt lonely were less likely to suffer mental (42%) and physical (35%) ill-health compared to those who did. Carers who had felt lonely or isolated were almost twice as likely to report worsened mental (77%) and physical (67%) health.
Amongst carers, an unwillingness to talk to others about care responsibilities was a key barrier to inclusion at work, home and in the community. One third (32%) felt 'uncomfortable' talking to friends about caring, as did those who felt 'isolated' at work due to care responsibilities (32%). Alongside a lack of understanding from others, carers most frequently ascribed loneliness or social isolation to a lack of time or money to socialise and the difficulty of leaving the house due to caring commitments. Carers UK published its State of Caring report in July highlighting that carers are at breaking point and this new report shows the loneliness of caring and its impact on quality of life.
According to carers, the following would make the biggest difference in combatting loneliness:
- Regular breaks from caring (54%).
- More understanding from society (52%).
- Being able to take part in leisure activities (40%).
- Support paying for social activities (31%).
- More understanding at work (30%).
- Being in touch with other carers (29%).
- Feeling more able to talk to friends and family (23%).
- Being able to take part in education or training (21%).
The research reveals that certain caring circumstances are linked to lonelier care experiences, such as younger carers under 24 years old (89%), carers of disabled children (93%), people who care for 50 hours or more per week (86%) or ‘sandwich carers’ who look after loved ones alongside parenting responsibilities (86%).
The findings are released as part of the charity’s work with the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness. The Commission aims to ‘Start a Conversation’ around loneliness, mobilising the public to combat the ‘silent epidemic’ by destigmatising a prevalent but often unaddressed issue.
As a founding partner of the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness, Carers UK is joining forces with other charities, including Age UK and Carers Trust to shine a spotlight on loneliness in caring, along with ways to break isolation.
On 16th September, Carers UK will remember Jo Cox when they announce the winner of the Jo Cox Poetry Prize as part of Carers UK’s Creative Writing and Photography Competition which includes a category for images and written pieces which address loneliness.