Carers 'breaking' due to stress

The survey found one in nine carers in Wales had not had a respite break

Carers in Wales are under such stress that they are suffering breakdowns and in some cases even attempting suicide, a charity's survey has found.

Carers' Week said it had found more than three-quarters of the estimated 340,000 carers in Wales had reached "breaking point" due to their role.

Researchers found 68% had not had a respite break for more than a year and, of these, a third have never had a one.

The charity said carers should be "more visibly supported and appreciated".

The survey found more than a third (39%) of respondents cited "frustration with bureaucracy" as the cause of reaching breaking point.

Other factors listed included not being able to take a break, the deterioration of the person being cared for and lack of sleep.

Respondents said "practical support", followed by "the chance to take a break" and "someone to talk to" as factors that would or could have helped them.

It has been a long arduous and extremely emotional journey Philip Telfer on battling for help for his autistic son, Christopher, 21

Philip and Julie Telfer, of Torfaen, care for their son Christopher, 21 who has severe autism, epilepsy and severe challenging behaviour.

They have had three complaints upheld by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales against Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust, the local health board and social services.

A previous complaint regarding inconsistent respite support was also upheld by the Public Services Ombudsman.

Last year the couple were invited to 10 Downing Street to talk about caring for their autistic son but said they were unable to go because they could not find respite care.

Mr Telfer said: "Having to constantly battle with health and social services to get services in place for our son has been horrendous.

Money

"It has been a long arduous and extremely emotional journey that has distressed us, causes us depression, stress and anxiety and has left us physically and mentally drained."

More than third (35%) said more money would make a difference. The main benefit for carers, Carer's Allowance, is the lowest of its kind at just £53.10 per week.

Carers' Week pointed to research by YouGov which showed 77% of the public in Wales believe this was an unreasonable amount to support carers who were unable to work because of their caring responsibilities.

A total of 1,941 carers took part in the UK-wide survey, both online and by post, earlier this year with 142 respondents from Wales.

Carers Week runs until 15 June and is the 15th year the event has been staged.

It is organised by a range of organisations and charities, ranging from Carers UK, Macmillan Cancer Support to the Parkinson's Disease Society.

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