Hampshire's unpaid carers say their mental health has suffered
Healthwatch Hampshire say interim results from a survey of people caring for friends and relatives shows more than three-quarters of them have suffered with their mental well-being during the pandemic.
Last updated 19th Oct 2020
People in Hampshire caring for relatives and family members at home (unpaid carers) have been telling Healthwatch Hampshire their experiences of caring during Covid-19.
82% have said that it has had a negative impact on their mental health, and that more mental health support is needed for the future.
Within a week of launching a survey of unpaid carers (those caring for loved ones or family members) Healthwatch Hampshire say they were being told about issues faced, including isolation, lack of support and mental health issues for both themselves and the person they are caring for.
“Having Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory loss, my husband has been cared for at home by myself. Having to isolate for five months, the lack of stimulation has caused him to deteriorate considerably and his mood is now very low, unmotivated and his cognitive abilities are much worse.” Survey respondent.
The initial results of the survey reveal common issues facing carers across the county, although many have said online meetings and virtual contact has been a life saver throughout lockdown, as a vital piece of human contact.
So far in the survey of unpaid carers:
65% said the number of hours spent caring has increased during Covid 19 pandemic
79% were unable to access regular breaks from their caring responsibilities
61% said caring during the pandemic had a negative impact on their physical health
82% said caring during the pandemic had a negative impact on their mental health
48% said caring during the pandemic had a negative impact on the family’s wellbeing
81% could not access any respite services during the pandemic
66% said family and friends had been helpful or very helpful at offering support during the pandemic
“I was put in touch with a carers group via Zoom which has helped in as much as there are many people like me out there all on their own, struggling. This group has been invaluable. They not only hear, but they listen.” Survey respondent.
Healthwatch Hampshire are running the survey until mid-November and they say they really want to hear from as many unpaid carers as possible so they can raise awareness of the issues unpaid carers are facing. The organisation will be publishing a final report at the end of November, which will be shared with all relevant organisations.
What unpaid carers said they want to see for the future:
Unpaid carers have also been saying what they want to see improve for the future, with a real emphasis on re-opening services which offer some respite and help, rather than just a blanket closure which has put pressure on everyone. Mental health support and help with isolation was also a big request to help unpaid carers and their families cope with any future lockdown issues that might arise over the winter months, with an emphasis on more online help, and more flexibility for visiting those who are isolated.
To take part in the survey you can:
Complete the survey online: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Healthwatchcarers/
Call to go through the survey over the phone: 01962 440262
Email: carers@healthwatchhampshire.co.uk
Visit their website to complete the survey and find other resources: www.healthwatchhampshire.co.uk
Write to them at:
Healthwatch Hampshire
Unit 12
Winnall Valley Road
Winchester
SO23 0LD