A recent report indicates a significant rise in the number of individuals providing full-time care for disabled family members, leading to the characterization of our society as a “nation of carers.” The surge in unpaid care hours, particularly among middle-aged women, is attributed to a lack of formal social care services, prompting many to leave their jobs to fulfill caregiving responsibilities.
Research conducted by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation highlights a notable increase in the population of full-time unpaid carers in England, growing from 1.1 million in 2003/04 to 1.9 million in 2023/24. Meanwhile, while there has been a 15% rise in applications for formal social care support for the elderly, the actual recipients have only seen a 2.5% increase.
Dr. Parth Patel, associate director at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), emphasized the pressing need for more care providers in our society, stressing the importance of addressing the challenges of caregiving not just in financial terms but also in terms of respect and mutual responsibility.
The Mirror has launched the Fair Care for All campaign, advocating for adequate staffing and funding in social care. The government’s proposal to establish a “National Care Service” has been postponed pending a comprehensive review. Sir Ed Davey of the Liberal Democrats endorsed the report, highlighting the essential role of unpaid carers in providing care within families.
The IPPR recommends increased state funding for care services, with an emphasis on affordability for all. Abby Jitendra, principal policy adviser at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, emphasized the necessity of reforming the care system to ensure universal, affordable, and fair support for all individuals in need of care.
The Labour government initiated the Casey Review to address the challenges in adult social care, with the first phase expected to be completed by 2026. However, concerns have been raised about the delay in fundamental social care reform, potentially dependent on the outcome of the next election.
The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the vital role of unpaid carers and outlined efforts to enhance support through increased allowances and reviews of carer’s leave. The government’s commitment to establishing a National Care Service was reinforced, with the first recommendations for reform scheduled for the following year.
Individuals seeking support for daily care tasks can undergo a needs assessment by contacting their local council’s social services department. Following the assessment, the council may recommend various forms of social care support based on the individual’s needs and circumstances, with financial assessments conducted to determine eligibility for council support.
For guidance on the assessment process and financial considerations, Age UK provides a free helpline at 0800 678 1602.