Carers across Lincolnshire and Newark struggling to cope with rising costs

Food and energy bills are the biggest worries

Author: Andy MarshPublished 17th Oct 2022

The cost of living crisis is leaving many carers across Lincolnshire and Newark struggling to cope.

Carers First have found that more than 9 in 10 people who look after a relative on a full time basis are worried about food and energy bills

Damien from Boston cares for his disabled wife, who had an accident at work 18 years ago.

She uses a wheelchair.

He spoke to us about the current financial challenges,

He said: "We've already tried to bring our bills down and have managed to do it quite a bit."

"We've had to take some luxuries out that we would normally have which we don't have anymore"

"We've had to sacrifice a few bits and pieces."

"The wheelchair's electric so she obviously needs to charge that at night."

"We find sometimes because we think we're going to go somewhere and then we say no, we end up going shopping instead and it's just something to do so we end up spending more."

"Our fixed rate finished around 2 months ago and as soon as that finished the next bill came in and it was quite high."

"Obviously I am worried as time goes on and as it gets colder - I'll be honest we're scared of putting the heating on and affording it."