Carers twice as likely to suffer poor health and disabilities
Published Date:
25 June 2008
THERE are almost six million carers in the UK – with 518,211 registered in Yorkshire and Humber.
One in 10 adults is a carer with three million of them juggling work with their responsibilities caring for a disabled, ill or frail relative or friend.
The main benefit is the Carers' Allowance, which is £50.55 for a minimum of 35 hours – equivalent to £1.34 per hour.
People providing high levels of care are twice as likely to be permanently sick or disabled themselves. Every year two million people take on new responsibilities with 1.25 million people providing over 50 hours of care a week. More than half of carers (58 per cent) are women and 1.3 million carers are over 65.
The value of carers' contribution to the nation is £87 billion each year, yet the decision to care can mean a commitment to future poverty. Many give up an income, future employment and pension rights to become a carer.
The full article contains 173 words and appears in Evening Courier newspaper.
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Last Updated:
25 June 2008 3:48 PM
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Source:
Evening Courier
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Location:
Halifax
