Caring can have a major impact on your health. The latest Census shows that people providing high levels of care are twice as likely to suffer from poor health as non-carers.  This means that one in every five carers is in poor health.

Caring itself can lead to long term ill health. Census figures show that carers are twice as likely to become permanently sick or disabled.  Common problems include back problems, depression, disturbed sleep, exhaustion.  Causes of ill health among carers include

• lack of breaks.
• constantly on call, with disrupted sleep, no time for themselves.
• isolation.
• low incomes.  Money worries affects the health of six out of ten carers.
• lifting and moving without proper assistance.

Despite clear evidence of carers being at increased risk of ill health, carers tell us that their own health needs are often overlooked by the health service and local authorities.  Carers UK has found that carers with health problems are not getting the extra support that would make it easier to care, even after a carer's assessment.

Making progress.

Carers UK has

• secured financial incentives for GPs to identify and support carers.
• ensured that carers are at the heart of government guidelines for when patients come out of hospital.
• support for carers is included in new measures to prevent unnecessary stays in hospital.
• pushed for specific funding for carers' breaks which resulted in the Carers Grant worth £185 million in 2005/6.

Carers UK is calling for...

• health professionals to provide regular health checks for carers.
• incentives for Primary Care Trusts to make carers' health a priority.
• better awareness among health professionals of the stresses and strains carers face when they are left without support.
• health and social services to ensure carers are given the right equipment and services, including training so that caring is safe and their health is protected.
• funding for carers' breaks must remain a priority and continue beyond 2006.