Carers and Health: The Research

Key facts about carers and how we support them.

Here are some of the key stats showing the effect of caring on carers’ health.

  • Carers caring for over 50 hours per week in Hertfordshire are more than twice as likely to report that they are in poor health than non-carers in the population.
  • 83% of carers reported negative impact on their physical health
  • 87% of carers reported negative impact on their mental health
  • 39% had put off treatment for themselves due to caring
  • 61% thought regular breaks from caring would improve their health.
  • Up to 40% of carers experience psychological distress or depression
  • Carers have an increased rate of physical health problems, for example providing high levels of care is associated with a 23% higher risk of stroke.
  • Carers are at increased risk of premature mortality.

Our own research

In early 2018, we carried out a survey with carers registered with us about the state of caring in Hertfordshire. Some 1,434 carers responded to the survey and among the areas of focus was Carers’ Health and Wellbeing. You can read the report of the survey findings at Carers’ Health and Wellbeing Report Following 2018 State of Caring in Hertfordshire Survey.

We found that:

  • Two in five carers have neglected their own health because of caring responsibilities.
  • One in five carers had missed a health appointment.

Other research we’ve carried out previously highlighted:

  • 88% of carers reported stress and anxiety
  • 63% of carers reported disturbed sleep
  • 47% reported depressions
  • 36% reported weight or eating issues
  • 14% reported physical injury/assault or threat of it.

How our work helps

Carers referred to Carers in Hertfordshire by their GP experience considerable benefits compared to carers identified by their GP Surgery and not referred.

  • Carers are twice as likely to report that they were better informed.
  • Almost three times as likely to know who to contact in a care crisis.
  • More than three times more likely to know about their right to a carer’s assessment.
  • More likely to have received a carer’s assessment in the past two years.
  • More than five times more likely to have had a benefits check.
  • More likely to have had a significant break in caring in the last 12 months.
  • More likely to be using alternative care services.
  • More confident about access.