As part of Carers week (10-16 June) UK charities asked carers to describe the impact caring had had on their lives. The results were published in the Prepared to Care? report

Key findings

• 7 out of 10 (75%) carers were not prepared for all aspects of caring.
• 8 out 10 (81%) carers were not prepared for the emotional impact of caring.
• 8 out of 10 (78%) carers were not prepared for changes to their lifestyle because of a caring role.
• 7 out of 10 (71%) carers were not prepared for the change in relationship with the person they care for.
• Just under two-thirds (63%) of carers were not prepared for the impact caring had on their career.
• 7 out of 10 (72%) carers were not prepared for the financial impact of their caring role.

Relationships

• 2 out of 5 (42 per cent) carers had had a breakdown in a relationship with a family member.
• 2 out of 5 (43 per cent) carers have seen their relationship improve with the person they care for.
• 6 in 10 (61 per cent) carers have found it difficult to maintain friendships.

Career

• Nearly half (45%) of carers that responded to our survey have given up work because of their caring role.
• 2 out of 5 (42 %) carers have reduced working hours because of their caring role.
• A third (34%) of carers have missed out on the chance of a promotion

Finances

• 6 out of 10 (60 per cent) carers have had a reduction in income because of their caring role.
• A quarter (26%) of carers have taken out a loan or fallen into debt because of their caring role.
• A quarter (26%) of carers have taken out a loan or fallen into debt because of their caring role.
• Half (49%) of carers have used savings to buy essentials such as heating and food.

Health and well-being

• 7 out of 10 (72%) carers have had to reduce the amount of exercise that they take.
• 6 out of 10 (61%) carers have suffered from depression because of their caring role.
• 9out of 10 (92%) carers feel more stressed because of their caring role

Support, advice and information

• 8 out of 10 (81%) carers were not aware of the support available because of the timeit took them to identify themselves as carers.
• A third (35%) of carers were given the wrong advice about support available because ofthe time it took them to identify themselves as carers.
• Half (46%) of carers that responded to our survey had been offered a Carer’s Assessment.