The social care system would crumble without its army of unpaid carers, equal to more than four million jobs.
But parents of severely disabled loved ones are quickly becoming the “forgotten families on the brink of collapse”. They warn that they urgently need support as they are at the point of burnout.
Research seen by the Daily Express reveals family members spend more than 40 hours a week providing care.
As a result, nearly two-thirds (65%) say they are exhausted and burnt out, with one in five unable to remember the last time they had a break.
Some 60% say that without proper respite support, they become isolated and lonely, and 65% become anxious and stressed.
Richard Kramer, of disability charity Sense, said: “Caring for someone with complex disabilities is often demanding, non-stop work, and takes its toll physically and mentally. Yet sadly, family carers across the country are missing out on being able to take a meaningful break from these responsibilities.”
They were “denied the opportunity to rest and recuperate, reconnect with family and friends, or take part in other activities”, said Mr Kramer.
He blamed the pandemic, but the cost-of-living crisis has made the situation “even worse”, with carers taking on even greater responsibilities and receiving less support.
Sense wants long-term Government funding for respite care, consistent information, and support from local authorities.
Una Summerson, of disability charity Contact, said: “As support services have been cut back, parent carers have been filling the gaps and are left to do more, often complex care in the home themselves.”
A simple measure ahead of the autumn statement next month would be to increase Carer’s Allowance earning limits to £200.”
Helen Walker, of Carers UK, said: “The Government urgently needs to provide significant investment in our care system as a matter of priority.”
A Government spokesman said: “Since 2010 we have increased the Carer’s Allowance by almost £1,200. This year, £327million from the Better Care Fund has been earmarked to provide short breaks and respite services for carers.” It was finalising plans for an extra £25million support.
