Carers must be cared for too.

A carer commited suicide, his inquest was last week. He could no longer cope with the stress of caring. I ask who cares for carers?

Unpaid carers, usually family members provide support for elderly and disabled people, they save public money because often it cuts the amount of formal support the person they care for needs. They themselves may have health issues, be disabled or elderly but are they properly supported?

Carers allowance if they qualify, perhaps topped 12up with means-tested benefits, often not. Carers Allowance is around £62  per week, not enough to live on, to qualify among, other conditions carers must care for at least 35 hours a week, many are doing far more, many are on hand and care much of 24/7. Some are called for Work focused interviews to 'prepare' for work, its planning what they could do to go back to work  It totally ignores the fact that another person relies on them, and adds to the stress of their role. For most working is neither practical or possible. Some work alongside being a carer.

They may be offered respite, a break from caring, this could be a few hours, or the person they support may have an overnight stay somewhere, one or several nights at a time. Carers are entitled to a social services 11 assessment of their own needs, and a support plan. Cuts mean most don't get enough provision, if any, and it usually isn't flexible enough to give real choice about when they get a break.  In addition not enough funded support  for the person needing care adds to a carers responsibilities. 

Many areas have support groups or other provision for carers, often provided by charities but lack of funds has forced many to close or reduce what they offer.

Carers are a valuable resource but their value is not respected by this Government. If carers didn't carry out their role it would cost much more to provide the replacement services. If carers are themselves in crisis then they cannot continue and emergency provision often costs more than standard care, and may not meet all of someone's needs. It is short sighted and reckless not to provide a proper income, flexible resipite and emotional support to carers because it puts them and vulnerable people at serious risk of harm.

Story source Huffpost