Most adult carers in North Yorkshire are tired, losing sleep and stressed – NHS figures

Carers Trust says the latest NHS survey results show carers “in crisis”, with a significant increase in the number of those feeling depressed and physical strain.

Every two years, the health service asks thousands of adults in England about their unpaid roles supporting people over the age of 18 who are ill, disabled or elderly.

The latest survey, which covers 2018-19, attracted 50,800 responses.

Of the 515 respondents in North Yorkshire, 77% reported their responsibilities leave them feeling tired – the most common health complaint. This was up from 75% in 2016-17, which the previous survey covered.

Two-thirds of adults (67%) said caring also gave them disturbed sleep, while 59% feel stressed. Only 9.9% of respondents said caring has no impact on their health.

Carers Trust, a charity which supports unpaid carers, urged the Government to help “cash-strapped” councils fund social care.

Chief executive Giles Meyer said: “Once again, we’re hearing from unpaid carers that they are in crisis – they’re not sleeping, they’re worrying about how they’ll make ends meet and some are having to care 100 hours a week or more for a relative.

“And these NHS Digital survey findings echo what we are hearing time and time again from carers supported by Carers Trust local services across England.”

In North Yorkshire, pressures surrounding caring caused “a lot” of financial difficulties for 9% of those surveyed.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “Carers make an invaluable contribution to society by selflessly caring for friends and family, and this must not come at the expense of their own wellbeing.

“Our cross-government Carers Action Plan sets out commitments to improve their lives, and through the Long Term Plan the NHS is working to better identify and support carers in England.”