Carers and Health: The Research

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 2022, we carried out a survey with carers registered with us about the state of caring in Hertfordshire. A total of 2,077 carers and former carers responded to our survey for adult carers and 345 young carers aged up to 19 completed our Young Carers’ Survey. One of the areas of focus was carers’ health and wellbeing and you can read the report of the survey findings at Carers’ Health and Wellbeing Report After the 2022 State of Caring in Hertfordshire Survey.

We found that:

• One in five carers and former carers said their physical and mental health was bad or very bad. Only 36% said it was good or very good.
• One in five carers had missed a health appointment.
• 45% of adult carers said they weren’t getting enough sleep compared to 33% of young carers.

Other research has highlighted:

• 60% of carers reported feeling stressed and over half of carers (52%) feel anxious.
• 20% of carers reported experiencing depression.
• 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.