Support for carers
In response to the publication of the NHS Digital Personal Social Services Survey of Adult Carers in England 2016-17, Andrew Kaye, Head of Policy at Independent Age, the older people's charity, said:
“These figures highlight the gruelling reality faced by people aged 85 and over who have caring responsibilities, most of whom care for someone aged 75 and over and very often live with a disability or illness of their own. The impact of taking on caring responsibilities is laid bare, with two thirds of carers aged 85 and over saying they don’t feel like they have enough control over their own lives. Loneliness and social isolation can have significant impacts on someone’s health, and more than half of carers aged 85 and over say they feel socially isolated or don’t have enough social contact. Local Authorities have clear duties to identify and assess carers' support needs and put in place information, respite and other practical support where this will help. Today's survey suggests there is a great deal more councils could be doing to lift the burden on the country's oldest carers.”