Charity warns cost of living crisis is pushing Devon’s unpaid family carers into "financial hardship"
Research from Carers Trust found that almost half have had to give up work because of their caring role
A charity is warning of the effects of the cost of living crisis on Devon's unpaid family carers.
Carers Trust say the consequences have been "severe" and warn that it is pushing thousands of people "even deeper into financial hardship and poverty".
Research from the charity - published earlier this year - found that almost two thirds (62%) of unpaid family carers were spending 50 hours or more per week caring for a family member.
They add that almost half (48%) of all unpaid family carers have had to give up work because of their caring role - having an impact on household finances.
Even before the cost of living crisis, their survey of unpaid carers found:
- 49% had had to use their personal savings
- 27% said they had had to borrow money from a friend
- 24% said they had had to use a credit card to pay for everyday items
- 31%% of survey said they had had to cut back on food
- 42% said they had had to cut back on other household expenditure
- 51% said they had had to give up on hobbies or personal interests
- 45% said they had had to use their own money to pay for things that are essential for their caring role
The Carers Trust say the current Carer's Allowance amounts to £69.70 per week - and are now calling for further support.
Andy Hood, Head of Carers Services of Devon Carers and Westbank says: "The extraordinary rises in everyday costs of living has had a huge impact on Carers, who give huge amounts of their time and energy to look after someone.
"We’re seeing an increase in Carers saying they’re having to make hard financial decisions, such as choosing between eating and buying essentials for the person they care for. Carers save the UK economy billions of pounds every year, they deserve to be supported to do this."
In response to this, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said:
"Carers play a vital role in our communities and we recognise their hard work and the huge contribution they make.
"We are investing up to £25 million to work with the sector to kick start a change in the services provided to support unpaid carers.
"We expect that this funding will identify and test a range of new and existing interventions that support unpaid carers, which could include respite and breaks, peer group and wellbeing support, and new ways to combine these to maximise their impact."